Ljubljana, 3 June 2025 – The Director of the Water Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, Neža Kodre, MA, addressed the participants at the 1st Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, held as part of the preparations for the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Sava River Basin. The event is being organised by the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia.
The Director’s opening address focused on highlighting the important role of women in shaping sustainable tourism in the region. She emphasised that development in this area is not based on large corporations or global tourist flows, but on dedicated individuals and small teams who understand local potential, care for the community and know how to value nature, culture and cooperation.
“In Slovenia, we have a State Secretary, the Director-General of the Water Directorate, the Director of the Water Administration and myself – all women who lead key water management bodies at national level. This is not just a sign of change, but a clear message that we trust women with leadership roles,” emphasised the director.
She also drew attention to the symbolism of Slovenian rivers, whose names – Sava, Drava, Krka, Soča – are feminine, and compared their strength, patience and ability to bring people together with the role of women in society. In this context, she highlighted the challenges faced by women in small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly regarding access to funding, visibility and networking.
“All too often, their efforts are scattered – like individual raindrops, rather than flowing together as a river. That is why today’s forum is important. We are beginning to build something bigger – a network of women’s initiatives that will shape stronger and more coordinated joint actions at the level of the Sava River Basin.”
The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs is taking place as part of the 1st Stakeholder Forum of the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Sava River Basin, supported by the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The main objective is to increase women’s participation in sustainable tourism and to strengthen networking and the coordination of activities among businesses that operate locally, in an environmentally responsible manner and in close connection with natural assets such as Ramsar sites, UNESCO heritage sites, cycle routes, and water-based and cultural experiences.
About the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Sava River Basin
The Master Plan provides a long-term strategic framework for the responsible growth of tourism in the five participating countries of the Sava River Basin. It focuses on the development of ecotourism, water-based tourism and cycle tourism, whilst also providing for the establishment of appropriate infrastructure. Key priorities of the plan include the protection of ecosystems, the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, the promotion of cross-border cooperation, capacity building for local stakeholders, and greater community involvement. The plan also includes promoting the use of digital technologies to enhance the visitor experience and attract sustainable investment.
About the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC)
The International Sava River Basin Commission was established to implement the Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB), which is a unique international agreement on the sustainable use of water resources. The FASRB integrates water management and navigation and promotes cross-border cooperation in the field of protection against water-related hazards. The contracting parties to the agreement are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, whilst Montenegro participates at a technical level. The Commission and its secretariat are based in Zagreb, Republic of Croatia.
Director of the Slovenian Water Institute addresses forum participants on the challenges facing women in the development of sustainable tourism in the Sava river basin
The Director of the Slovenian Water Institute addressed forum participants on the challenges women face in developing sustainable tourism in the Sava river basin.
📍 The Great Tower, Museum of Architecture and Design, Fužine Castle, Ljubljana
