"Slow Living", a full day gathering with workshops took place in the picturesque village of Brest pod Učkom on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, organised by MF Istria members and collaborators.
The event is organized within the framework of the EU Interreg project “Slow Living – Preserve the Natural and Cultural Heritage of Northern Istria and the Slovenian Karst”, in which the Slovenian partner Fair Legacy Hub and Model Forest Istria are working together to connect the people of Istria and the border regions of Slovenia through joint events that foster trust and cooperation among local communities.
Brest, a village in the municipality of Lupoglav, proved to be a perfect backdrop for the “Slow Living” event. On the plateau along the southern edge of the Ćićarija mountain, far from the urban hustle and bustle, within the Učka Nature Park, this picturesque village seems to exist in a bygone era - just as it did in the past, when, in addition to farming and livestock breeding, the locals’ main occupation was charcoal production in karbunicas - traditional charcoal kilns.
The area is also known for the indigenous Istrian sheep breed - pramenka (brown sheep), whose flocks graze freely across the pastures. From their milk, shepherds produce cheese and whey cheese (skuta) using traditional methods.
A Return to Old Traditions: Citizens Participate in Workshops Dedicated to Nature and Sustainability
In the scenic setting of Brest pod Učkom, engaging workshops were prepared to promote the idea of sustainable and mindful living across six thematic areas: slow food, slow beauty and health, slow teamwork, slow creativity, slow awareness, and slow playfulness.
With these meaningful topics, the goal was to revive traditional, sustainable practices of the “slow life” once lived by grandparents - and to inspire residents and young people to remain in their homeland and embrace a slower, more meaningful life.
The workshops were led by talented artisans and experts from Northern Istria and the Slovenian Karst, each bringing their unique knowledge of traditional skills and sustainable practices:
- Forest Mindfulness (Martina Meštrović)
- Ancient Enfleurage Method and Basics of Botanical Perfumery (Martina Godnič)
- The Art of Homemade Jam Making (Jurij Clemenz)
- Making Toys and Decorations from Felted Wool (Lodrica Association)
- Natural Fabric Dyeing (Gaja Hanzel)
- Basket Weaving with Wicker (Mile Lončar)
- Circles of Friendship – Closing of the event and shared vision (MF Istria)
The culinary offering was based on local resources and the “slow” preparation of a hunter’s and mushroom vegetarian stew, provided by the Lupoglav Hunting Association and members of Model Forest Istria.
A Wiser Way of Living and Return to Nature
Ana Fornažar, president of Model Forest Istria, stated that the event aimed to encourage a “slower,” wiser way of life, to deepen the relationship with natural and cultural heritage, and to foster better human connections. The goal is to raise awareness that progress doesn't lie in fast, unthinking consumer-driven development, but in returning to our roots and the traditional skills and crafts of our ancestors.
The project ‘Slow Down Life in Istria and the Karst’, which will be implemented over seven months in 2025, explores the concept of slow living - something we all need and value today, says a representative of the lead partner, Fair Legacy Hub from Slovenia. In the fall, a similar event will be held in Slovenia, where members and collaborators of Model Forest Istria will travel and take part.
The Sunday gathering at the territory of the MF Istria was attended by a group of visitors from the Slovenian Karst, who signed up for a free trip organized through the Interreg project, as well as visitors from Istria and Rijeka.
