Dolina Soče Company Project Approved by LAS Alpske Reke

Dolina Soče successfully applied for a LAS Alpske Reke-funded project. Project is focusing on fishing and water-related topics. In 2025, the company will conduct three pilot workshops to develop a commercial guided tour. Product will calle Zakladi Reke / River Treasures. LAS (Local Action Groups) is a Slovenian acronym for Community-Led Local Development projects, funded by EU LEADER/CLLD programs. These initiatives aim to promote balanced local development through a bottom-up approach. Support for LEADER/CLLD projects is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Is is co-financed also by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Fund is assisting with project management, monitoring, evaluation, and community engagement.

Dolina Soče’s Zakladi Reke / River Treasures project will introduce a new guided tour. The tour will start in the town of Tolmin and following the Tolminka River down to its confluence with the Soča River. The tour emphasizes the critical role water plays for all living organisms. This is including species that thrive in and around the river ecosystem. Historically, proximity to water has been essential for human settlements, and Tolmin’s location between the Soča and Tolminka rivers is a prime example.

Water is a vital resource for life on Earth. Despite the planet being mostly covered in water, only 1% is easily accessible for essential uses, such as drinking and agriculture. This guided tour underscores the importance of preserving this limited resource, along with the ecosystems it supports.The tour will also highlight the economic significance of river species, particularly fish. In areas like Tolmin, fishing—whether for food or sport (e.g., fly-fishing)—is a key factor in the local economy and a vital aspect of sustainable development in riverine areas.

A key aspect of the new tour product development is the creation of a digital platform to streamline the commercialization of future guided tours. This platform will allow interested participants to seamlessly book tours online with just a few clicks. I will be eliminating the need for paperwork and administrative processes, which are still required for most activities in the Soča Valley today. On Soča valley web page you will be able to follow more news regarding this LAS project development.