In the process of Močivec Dam Removal in Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Introduction

In the early 1950s, the Močivec Dam was built for hydropower use, but this plan was never realised. The obsolete and damaged Močivec Dam is located in the Julian Alps at an elevation of 1,686 m, near the Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih hut in the heart of Triglav National Park.

The Močivec stream, the only permanent spring in the valley, plays a critical ecological role by connecting multiple water bodies in the watershed. Hydrological studies, including colour tracing, have confirmed that the Močivec spring is linked with Dvojno Jezero Lake and Lake Ledvice. Although the Močivec stream itself is just 180 metres long, dam removal would enable continuous flow between the upper and lower lakes, creating a 668-metre natural flow path.

The removal of the Močivec Dam will restore natural water flow and benefit oligotrophic alpine streams, wetlands, and lake habitats – key areas for rare species in this alpine environment.

Project context and opportunity

The Močivec Dam is located in a pristine alpine environment, characterised by extreme conditions and impacted by tourism. The removal of the dam would enhance resilience by restoring water connectivity, benefiting the entire lake system and supporting ORP’s biodiversity and ecological goals. Though the length of the reconnection is limited, restoring the natural flow of this oligotrophic stream is significant, as every element in the lake system contributes to overall ecological health.

Scientific studies indicate that the ecological quality of Močivec and Dvojno Jezero has been degraded due to the presence of alien fish, nutrient runoff, changes in precipitation, and microplastics. Additionally, re-establishing the natural water flow of the Močivec stream will promote a broader dam removal initiative in Slovenia.

This project follows the work carried out under a previous barrier identification and prioritisation grant from the programme.

Project aims

The goal of the project is to ensure the safe removal of the Močivec Dam, with all stakeholders involved in the process and given the opportunity to express their concerns, for which we will work together to find suitable solutions.

The outcome will be a step-by-step plan developed collaboratively by all partners, outlining how to approach the removal, plan the costs, organise construction works, secure additional funding, and raise awareness of why this method of revitalisation is the most appropriate for the Močivec stream, as well as what the expected results will be.

During the project, Institute REVIVO aims to involve not only key stakeholders but also the general public and wider communities, thereby initiating a broader movement for dam removal in Slovenia.

Project achievements

The project completed the pre-demolition phase for the future removal of the obsolete Močivec Dam in Triglav National Park, Slovenia. Built in 1948 for a small hydropower scheme that was never completed, the dam remains in the first protection zone of the park and alters natural hydrological and sediment processes in the Močivec stream.

Institute REVIVO and the Triglav National Park Public Institution completed the detailed Project for Implementation documentation, coordinated the review process with the competent authorities, obtained key expert opinions and Water Consent, and assessed the technical, logistical and financial requirements of future demolition. The project strengthened cooperation among public authorities, expert institutions, nature conservation actors and mountaineering stakeholders.

A documentary film, two podcasts, stakeholder events, media coverage and social media communication also helped explain the importance of removing obsolete barriers in sensitive protected landscapes.

The results provide a strong basis for a future Open Rivers Programme demolition application for the physical removal of the Močivec Dam.