News

In early December, the spirit of restoration was in full swing in Ižakovci, Slovenia, where volunteers came together for a hands-on tree-planting event organised by Slovenian State Forests (SiDG) as part of the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project. Despite the chilly weather, there was a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere as participants planted new floodplain trees along the Mura River.

A dedicated group of contributors gathered for the event: SiDG employees, representatives of the Slovenian Forest Service (ZGS), partners from the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation (IRSNC), and eager young volunteers from Bakovci Primary School and Rakičan Secondary School of Biotechnology.

Before the first saplings were planted, participants learned the proper planting technique to maximise the trees’ long-term survival chances — a key part of ecological restoration.

Planting the trees was not just a symbolic gesture; it was a practical step towards restoring the health of floodplain forests, which are among the most valuable ecosystems in Europe. These forests filter water, prevent erosion, store carbon and provide critical habitats for countless species.

As one of the first major public planting events under the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project in Slovenia, the day reflected a growing movement to reconnect people — especially the next generation — with nature through active participation.