SPAR Slovenia, as part of SPAR Austria Group, was recognised with the prestigious European Commerce Award 2025 for its long-term water-cleaning initiatives in partnership with the Slovenian Diving Association, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Furthermore, the latest partnership with the YouSea Institute, launched two years ago, has led to the removal of two tons of litter from seagrass meadows in the Slovenian sea.

SPAR Slovenia wins European Commerce Award

At the beginning of December, SPAR Slovenia, part of the SPAR Austria Group, received the European Commerce Award 2025 for its long-term water-cleaning initiatives in partnership with the Slovenian Diving Federation.

The European Commerce Awards celebrate outstanding projects in European retail and wholesale, focusing on sustainability, digitalisation, community engagement, and skills. Each year, they highlight innovative initiatives that transform the sector and strengthen ties with local communities.

Since 2017, SPAR Slovenia has worked with the Slovenian Diving Federation to protect and restore lakes, rivers, and coastal areas across the country. This ongoing programme brings together volunteers, schools, and local organisations for nationwide clean-up days and educational activities that raise environmental awareness and improve aquatic ecosystems.

To date, SPAR Slovenia has supported 30 clean-up days in lakes, rivers, and the Slovenian sea. Over the past eight years, several hundred volunteers have helped clean more than 10 water bodies.

Each clean-up day is organised by local branches of the Slovenian Diving Federation, along with fishing clubs, firefighters, municipalities, rescuers, and other volunteers. In some cases, local schools also take part.

SPAR Slovenia and YouSea Institute remove two tons of waste to protect seagrass meadows

This autumn, SPAR Slovenia and YouSea Institute joined forces again and carried out four marine clean-ups that play an essential role in protecting marine biodiversity. The campaign also raises awareness about the importance of preserving seagrass ecosystems. These underwater meadows support biodiversity and perform vital ecological functions: they produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, purify seawater, stabilise the seabed and help prevent sea warming.

As part of this year’s autumn activities, four cleanups were conducted in Izola and Koper, collecting more than 1 ton of waste. The cleanups were carried out after the tourist season, when seagrasses begin to shed their leaves and the waste becomes easier to spot. The most common items found include bottles, plastic containers and cans, as well as batteries, accumulators and cigarette butts. YouSea Institute, with volunteers and professional divers, also removed carpets, tyres, tarpaulins, and towels, objects that are especially harmful because they cover large areas and hinder seagrass growth. Using careful, mostly manual methods and specialised equipment, the teams examined each object, checked for organisms living on or within it, and returned them to their natural habitat whenever possible.

Together for the future of seagrass meadows

SPAR Slovenia and the YouSea Institute want people to see seagrasses as a natural treasure, not an obstacle when visiting the coast. “Cleaning up is only a temporary solution. What truly matters is stopping waste from reaching the sea in the first place,” said a SPAR Slovenia spokesperson. “Our goal is to change how we think about the coast: it’s not a resource to exploit, but a natural heritage we must protect. Protecting seagrass meadows is not only vital for the environment, but it also supports economic stability, safety, and quality of life.”

Source: SPAR Slovenia, Eurocommerce.eu

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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 the SPAR brand in 1991. SPAR Slovenia has become a key employer in the country, both through its corporate business as well as through licenses being granted to independent retailers to expand the brand’s presence across the country further.