This year, SPAR Slovenia has partnered with the Bled Underwater Activities Association and Slovenian Diving Association to support with the 33rd traditional cleaning campaign of Lake Bled and its banks.

Removing waste from Lake Bled

This is the 9th time which SPAR Slovenia has provided support for the project. The project took place this year, led by the Bled Underwater Activities Association (DPD Bled), in cooperation with the Bled Fishing Club, the Municipality of Bled and the Bled Infrastructure, under the guidance of the Slovenian Diving Association. In total, 150kg of waste was removed from across Lake Bled by 90 divers, with the help of local volunteers.

The traditional clean up of Lake Bled, which has been running for the 33rd consecutive year, is considered the oldest ecological initiative in the country. The aim of the campaign is not only to reduce the amount of waste, but also to limit the spread of the invasive zebra mussel, which causes economic and environmental damage.

Long standing support for healthy waters

For SPAR Slovenia, supporting the health of local waterways in Slovenia has been a key objective. In 2025, the retail organisation teamed up with the YouSea Institute for four marine cleanups, removing over 1,000kg of litter from seagrass meadows, vital habitats for marine biodiversity. The campaign also raises awareness about the importance of preserving these ecosystems.

Additionally, SPAR Slovenia took part in the ninth annual Lake Sobo cleanup, organised by the Murska Sobota Diving Association, under the auspices of the Slovenian Diving Association. Students from three primary schools helped collect 120kg of waste. Since 2017, SPAR Slovenia has worked with the Slovenian Diving Association to clean more than fourteen rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, including the Ljubljanica, Mura, Drava, Krka, Sava, Ščavnica, Lake Bled, Lake Sobosko, and the Fiesa coast.

Through these ongoing initiatives, SPAR Slovenia, was recognised with the prestigious European Commerce Award 2025 for its long-term water-cleaning initiatives in partnership with the Slovenian Diving Association. Such recognition reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

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 the SPAR brand in 1991. ASPIAG is a subsidiary of SPAR Austria AG. 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.