SPAR Slovenia, in partnership with the YouSea Institute, launched a series of clean-up initiatives to preserve the Slovenian Sea. The first of four planned clean-ups took place in November 2024 in the municipality of Piran. Those clean-ups focus on protecting vital sea meadows, which are crucial for biodiversity. The initiative also raises people's awareness of the importance of these natural habitats, home to many marine organisms.

Cleaning Slovenian sea meadows

The initial clean-up stretched from Cape Seča to Lucija Beach. Professional divers and volunteers removed 380kg of waste, including plastic bottles and cans. Special care taken ensured that marine organisms using the waste as temporary homes were safely returned to their natural habitats.

This is the first of four clean-ups planned, with the remaining campaigns scheduled by next spring. Each will align with the natural cycles of the marine meadows to minimise disruption.

Raising public awareness

Beyond waste removal, the initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventing pollution.

“We are aware that cleaning is just part of the solution and that we need to prevent pollution in the long term,” explained SPAR Slovenia’s Head of Sustainable Development Maša Šprajcar-Rančić. “We want to create a shift in mentality. People mustn’t see the sea and coasts as something that can be exploited, but as a natural treasure that we must protect for future generations. Preserving sea grasslands is not only an ecological necessity but also vital for economic stability, and quality of life.”

SPAR Slovenia will also communicate its commitment to the conservation of marine biodiversity with the official ‘We care about the sea’ label, awarded by the YouSea Institute.

A history of commitment

SPAR Slovenia has been actively involved in water clean-up efforts since 2017 through its “Together for a Better Tomorrow” initiative. Past efforts include cleaning Lake Bled, Lake Soboško, and several rivers, including the Drava, Mura, and Ljubljanica. In July 2024, SPAR Slovenia partnered with YouSea Institute to focus on protecting the Slovenian coast and its biodiversity, with a long-term goal of preserving marine life.

Source: SPAR Slovenia

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About SPAR Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia, operated by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG), was granted a licence by SPAR International to operate under the brand in 1991. ASPIAG is a subsidiary of SPAR Austria AG. SPAR has become a key employer in the country, both through its corporate businesses as well as through licenses being granted to independent retailers to expand the brand further.