The Public Institute of Kozjansko Park in Podsreda (Slovenia) was awarded the 2021 edition of the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize or the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes.
The exceptional area of Podsreda includes a total of 314 listed and protected cultural heritage sites and monuments. The varied landscape is characterized by pre-Alpine wooded hills that merge into wine-growing hills, which in turn merge into a fertile plain along the river Sotla. The most remarkable elements of this cultural landscape are the meadow orchards and fruit gardens, which in many countries of the world are threatened by agribusiness. The diversity of the geological base of the Podsreda site and its shifting relief have ensured the exceptional biodiversity and landscape diversity of the area. The quality of production, especially of old varieties, ensures the sustainability of the landscape through the agricultural network and cultural events such as festivals.
UNESCO celebrated the laureate at an official award ceremony on the sidelines of the 41st session of its General Conference, in the presence of Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture and Sport of Greece, and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
