A new mandate but the same vision

Janez Poklukar has been re-elected as president of the Tourist Society of Gorj, continuing his leadership with the same vision despite challenges surrounding the future of the Vintgar canyon. The new mandate comes amid ongoing legal changes and efforts to balance nature conservation with visitor expectations and local interests. Poklukar emphasized that maintaining trust among stakeholders was the greatest achievement of his previous term, ensuring the sustainability of one of Slovenia's most cherished natural landmarks. The mandate Poklukar led was described as one of the most demanding in the history of the Tourist Society of Gorj. During a difficult period marked by the final stages of privatization, including the management of natural values, the society remained committed to public interest and became a model for sustainable management of natural assets in the Julian Alps and beyond. New legislation opened fundamental questions regarding the governance of natural values, and different stakeholders had varying perspectives on the future of the Vintgar canyon. At times, the existing model seemed under threat, built over more than 130 years by predecessors and current generations alike. Poklukar will continue as president alongside his team, focusing on securing a sustainable future for the Vintgar canyon. He expressed pride in keeping the canyon open and accessible to visitors while ensuring its story includes the role of locals. In a time when many doubted this possibility, dialogue, patience, and mutual respect helped find common ground. He stressed that a leader’s role is not to deepen divisions but to connect people around shared goals, preserving Vintgar as one of Slovenia’s most precious natural landmarks while respecting those who discovered, organized, and maintained it through generations. Looking back, Poklukar measured the success of his mandate not primarily by projects completed but by the trust maintained. The society demonstrated that it is possible to protect nature, collaborate with the state, respect the local community, and seek solutions rather than conflicts even in challenging circumstances. He expressed genuine pride in these achievements. Among the key accomplishments, visitors who visited Vintgar four years ago and returned today would notice a significantly improved experience. The canyon has become synonymous with a top-tier visit to a natural asset, offering enhanced organization, access, safety, hospitality, and infrastructure. Most of the goals set at the beginning of the mandate were achieved and exceeded. The biggest challenge was maintaining trust during a time when it was most tested. Differing views on Vintgar’s future caused considerable uncertainty. At the start of his new mandate, Poklukar emphasized that the key task ahead will be ensuring long-term and stable management of the Vintgar canyon. He believes the future must be shaped by connecting tradition, knowledge, experiences, and youth, as this heritage must be preserved for future generations. As president, he could not allow differences to overshadow the common goal. His responsibility was to connect, state, Trboveljski National Park, municipality, members of the society, and locals. This was not always easy, but he believed that dialogue is stronger than conflict and that solutions can be found together for the benefit of both Vintgar and Gorj. Perhaps his life mission as a doctor helped him here. In medicine, one learns that in the toughest moments, losing calm should not happen. One must believe, search for solutions, and persevere even when it seems there is no way out. An approach he brought into his work as well.