Acta geographica Slovenica

The impacts of tourism on shifting mountain climbing ritual tradition in geopark Rinjani, Indonesia

2025-07-07T11:11:06+02:00

This article aims to explore the tourism influence on the transformation of mountain climbing rituals. This study is a phenomenography centered on a mountain climbing ritual procession conducted by a guide named Mangku. Twenty participants, including Mangku, community leaders, mountain climbing guides, and local community, were interviewed, and their results were corroborated through the research of documentary materials and pertinent literature. Thematic data from Braun & Clark Framework were utilized to ascertain the tourism influence on spiritual value shifts, mountain climbing, and community engagement. It indicates that tourism diminishes the spiritual significance of indigenous mountain climbing rituals and reduces the societal role of the Mangku. The study advocates rules for preserving traditions, cultural education to uphold spiritual values, and sustainable environmental conservation.

Soils of the Dinaric karst in Slovenia: properties, pedogenesis and land use

2025-10-27T09:25:55+01:00

The study evaluates the physical and chemical properties of soils developed on limestones and dolomites in the Dinaric karst of Slovenia. Statistical analysis of 257 soil profiles was performed to compare the properties of different soil types and to assess the impact of land use on soil characteristics. The predominant soil types in the area are Leptosols and Phaeozems, followed by Eutric Cambisols and Luvisols. Although these soils are chemically fertile, their agricultural potential is limited due to their variable depth, rocky surface, and lack of surface water. As a result, forests are the predominant type of land use. Land use influences soil processes and properties, as evidenced by the differences in soil pH, base saturation, cation exchange capacity and organic matter content.

Hierarchical cluster classification and analysis of cirques in Slovenian Alps

2025-12-08T07:59:18+01:00

This paper presents a morphometry-based classification of cirques in Slovenia in the southeast European Alps. The classification was performed using a hierarchical cluster analysis and verified using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Watson’s U² and Chi-square tests. 86 Slovenian cirques were categorized into five cirque types. Type 1, 2, 3 and 5 cirques indicate a formation by high-altitude (1800–2000 m) glaciers under varying conditions and on varied aspects (NNW, W, SE, E). Type 4 cirques indicate a formation by low-altitude (1500–1800 m) glaciers in areas of marginal glaciation on northeast aspects. This classification provides a rapid and consistent method of partitioning new cirque populations and offers a preliminary insight into the cirque population and palaeoclimate properties of Slovenia.

Land-use dynamics and grassland succession challenges in the Natura 2000 site Kras: The socioeconomic perspective

2025-08-27T15:24:52+02:00

Grasslands in the Natura 2000 site Kras are biodiversity hotspots with ecological, cultural and socioeconomic importance. However, the region faces challenges due to grassland loss and encroachment of forests and shrubs. This study examines land-use changes from 2002 to 2024 and the socioeconomic factors influencing these dynamics. Spatial analysis revealed substantial declines in grasslands, predominantly replaced by overgrown areas and forests. Socioeconomic factors such as farm holder age, livestock density and proximity to forests and roads showed complex interactions affecting grassland persistence, loss and gain. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation measures integrating adaptive grazing, sustainable forestry and enhanced policy support to balance grassland conservation with economic viability.

Mapping and assessing forest fire severity using remote sensing indices: A case study of Tizi Ouzou, Algeria

2025-10-10T10:45:10+02:00

In Mediterranean regions, wildfires are exacerbated by rising temperatures and drought, stressing the need for rapid post-fire evaluation. This study employs Landsat‐8 imagery to evaluate the effects of forest fires during summer 2021 in Tizi Ouzou region, Algeria. We calculated the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and its difference (dNBR) from pre- and post‐fire images, and analyzed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) to evaluate vegetation loss and thermal response. Results indicate 24,700 hectares (~6.7%) with high severity, 55,200 ha (14.9%) with moderate–high and 94,500 ha (25.5%) with moderate–low. These findings highlight the value of combining spectral and thermal indices for wildfire assessment, offering guidance for restoration and management.

National-scale water balance in Slovenia (1972–2024): Long-term trends and variability in water balance components

2026-03-26T14:37:25+01:00

Climate change is altering hydrological processes and water availability, requiring robust long-term analyses based on consistent data and models. In the article, the main components of the hydrological water balance––precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff––in Slovenia for the period 1972–2024 are analysed. The analysis is based on results from a verified national-scale mGROWA water balance model. The objective of study is to identify trends that could be relevant for water resources management in a changing climate. A key finding is that evapotranspiration has increased significantly in large parts of the country. However, above-average precipitation in recent years has so far compensated for this increase, preventing a country-wide decline in average runoff. Finally, a hydro-climatological trend indicator is proposed as a future element for monitoring the water balance components in Slovenia.