Slovenia: Stewards of tradition, Jezerca’s fight for a sustainable future – European Commons and OECMsArticle by Diana Neacsu in dialogue with Tomaž Bregant
Photo: Jezeca’s Pastures. Courtesy of Štefan Kuhar
Nestled on the southern slopes of Krvavec, high in the Slovenian Alps, lies a small yet resilient community that has stood the test of time. The Agrarian Community of Jezerca, known to exist since 1849, stretches across 161 hectares of partly wooded alpine pasture. For centuries, this common land has been the heart of life for five farming families (which turned into ten after the 1st world war), who graze their livestock on its slopes. Today, it remains a symbol of collective resilience, as the farmers not only battle the elements but also face a modern challenge: the fight to reclaim ownership of the land they have managed for generations.
The community is more than just a patch of pasture. It represents a way of life that’s deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of Slovenia’s mountainous regions. Here, around 150 head of cattle graze from June to September, making the most of the 105-day grazing season. High above the Alpine valleys of Korošica and Kokra, life moves in rhythm with the land, as farmers tend to the livestock and maintain the vital infrastructure—water troughs, access roads, and even electricity for the shepherd huts—that keeps the pasture functional. But behind this picturesque scene of bucolic harmony lies a story of struggle.
Denationalisation: an ongoing story
Photo: Old Pastures of Jezeca. Courtesy of Štefan Kuhar
At the heart of Jezerca’s present challenges is the issue of ownership. In 1958, the common was nationalized under the Agrarian Communities Act, a move that was deeply flawed. The law was not applicable to Jezerca’s case, as the land had been collectively managed by co-owners, not as a shared resource under common law. Despite this legal oversight, the state never formally returned the land to the community, leaving its future in limbo.
Yet, the farmers of Jezerca never gave up. Through sheer persistence, they have continued to manage the land, sticking to traditional rules and ensuring its continuity. In 1992, they filed for the land’s return through denationalization—a process that, over three decades later, remains unresolved. For the farmers, this uncertainty looms large. “We’ve worked this land for generations, but without the full legal return of ownership, the future is always uncertain,” says one member of the community. It’s a situation that would unnerve any farmer, but here, it is met with stoic determination.
Photo: Old Pastures of Jezeca. Courtesy of Štefan Kuhar
Once upon a time, in a not too distant past...
Photo: Old Pastures of Jezeca. Courtesy of Štefan Kuhar
The farmers of Jezerca are not only stewards of their land; they are also guardians of its history and folklore. The pasture’s name comes from a legend of three lakes that were said to have existed here long ago but vanished when a man poured mercury into them, leaving behind mysterious sinkholes.
The legend goes on to say why the ancestors didn’t divide the land, but organized themselves to manage it as a common instead. Why? Because water was a valuable resource, and there were only two natural catchment areas where the livestock could get water. If the land were divided, the water couldn’t reach all those who needed it: people and livestock alike.
Photo: Courtesy of Tomaž Bregant
Today, this same land faces another kind of pressure: tourism. Krvavec is a well-known ski resort, drawing visitors year-round. While tourism can bring economic benefits, it also poses risks to the delicate balance of agricultural life in Jezerca.
Balancing this dual identity—agricultural land and tourist destination—is a daily challenge for the community. The farmers have been working closely with local ski centers and tourist organizations to ensure that visitors respect the land. “Tourism is welcomed,” one farmer notes, “but we must raise awareness that this is not just a place for recreation. It’s our livelihood.
Making the most of the old and the new
Photo: Embracing the modern times. Courtesy of Štefan Kuhar
Despite the challenges they face, the community of Jezerca has continued to modernize their practices while staying true to their traditions. Steep areas have been fenced off to prevent accidents, and the community has collaborated with local stakeholders to maintain a careful balance between tourism and agriculture.
A typical day during the grazing season showcases the commitment to the common, as all members come together for “tlaka” days—communal workdays where labor is shared proportionally, based on land ownership. These days strengthen community bonds and ensure the upkeeping of the pasture. Everyone—from the young to the old—participate in essential tasks like fence repairs and pathway clearing. The practical benefits of the common system are significant, offering shared resources and reducing individual costs.
Although the revenue from the community barely compares to traditional salaries, the financial returns are reinvested to maintain Jezerca: preserving the collective way of life prevails over personal profit.
Yet, as climate change and tourism pressures mount, the common’s success in sustaining the land depends not only on their resourcefulness but also on the resolution of their denationalization case.
Sustaining the heritage
Jezerca’s future depends on the dedication of its members, especially the younger generation, who are motivated by a profound sense of purpose. For them, working on the common land is more than just a livelihood; it’s a commitment to sustaining their community’s shared heritage. As one farmer put it, “We’re not just managing land; we’re managing our history and our future.”
In a world where individual ownership often overshadows collective effort, Jezerca’s story is a reminder of the strength that lies in community. The pasture’s future may be uncertain, but the commitment of its members is unwavering. They are not just commoners—they are the custodians of a legacy, determined to preserve a way of life for future generations.