BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPEThe Soča basin is composed of numerous heterogeneous landscapes with very diverse characteristics.

TRANSNATIONAL RIVERThe Soča River flows from an alpine valley through dinaridic plateau, the sub-Mediterranean area and enters the Adriatic Sea in the Gulf of Trieste.

TURQUOISE WATERThe Soča River is marketed as the

“Emerald Beauty” thanks to its emerald green coloured water. It is one of the rare examples in the world of a river retaining its colour throughout the

entire length.

TORRENTIAL RIVERThe Soča River is a torrential river with steep slopes, rocky substrates and numerous mountain tributaries in the upper part. The lower part is characterised by strong sediment transport and terrestrial alluvial deposits.

HYDROPOWERDue to its high potential for

hydropower, large structures are located in the lower part of the Soča and smaller plants are spread all over

the basin.

SUSTAINABLE USEAquaculture and recreational fishing are traditional uses in the upper part of the Soča river basin. They are well harmonised with other uses.

WATER SPORTSDifferent recreational uses – especially

water sports (canoeing, kayaking, rafting, bathing, canyoning, etc.), have

become economically significant in the last decades in the upper Soča Valley.

TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE

While traditional (non-extensive) uses are still defining the landscape in upper

part of Soča, intensive agriculture is present in Vipava Valley and Goriška

Brda (mostly fruit and wine production).

RIVER CONFLICTS

Although many water uses are well harmonised, many new recreational

uses are being introduced that are often in conflict with existing water and

land uses.

MULTIPLE RISKSIn parts of Soča river basin are seismic and land slide prone areas. They are defined by high precipitation, which often results in floods and debris flow. Where land is intensively used, these hazards come with devastating consequences.

SPARE

INFO & CONTACTSUroš ROBIČInstitute for Water of the Republic of Sloveniauros.robic@izvrs.si

Susanne MUHARBOKU University susanne.muhar@boku.ac.at

Copyright © IZVRS

Photos by: Aleš Bizjak, Aleš Brecelj, Andrej Bašelj, Laurens Bubendorfer, Luka Hojnik, Manca Magjar, Matej Kurinčič, Matevž Jus, Peter Valič, project CAMIS, SENG d.o.o., Simone Sozzi, Urška Kocijančič.