
Memorial address
On the 140th anniversary of the birth of the distinguished international pharmacist, Prof. Franc Minařik, who was born in the glassworks of Novi Benediktov Dol, in the heart of the 400 million-year-old golden rapids of Lobnica and the Pohorje ecosystem, we continue his legacy with a commitment to sustainable development, nature protection and ecological responsibility. We were guided by his slogan “Work is the vitamin of life”, with the philosophy of Gnothi seauton guiding us towards self-knowledge, responsible treatment of nature and sustainable development, based on the values of virtue ethics and ecological awareness.
The goal
To achieve sustainable development and preservation of natural heritage with renewable resources (wood, stone, water) and promote ecological responsibility within the framework of the Natura 2020 boutique tourism development strategy, based on unique natural and cultural experiences. We achieve this through the worldview orientation of the Gnothi seauton philosophy within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 3: Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
In media res
Purpose
Promoting sustainable practices, innovations and cooperation in the field of environmental protection and renewable resources, including the Tale Up application, which allows a virtual tour of the natural beauty of Pohorje.
A vision
To create a globally connected community I LOVE NATURA 2020: WOOD. STONE. WATER, which establishes Slovenia and the Natura 2020 association as leading actors in the field of nature protection and development of sustainable green solutions, including the Gnothi seauton philosophy. The vision is connected to the EXPO 2027 world exhibition, as Ruše is known as “Little Belgrade”.
Mission
Preserving natural resources, promoting ecological responsibility and sustainable development through green innovations and education, with an emphasis on the Pohorje-Drava-Kozjak ecosystem.
Program
The Gnothi seauton philosophy is implemented through nature conservation strategies and sustainable projects based on the use of natural resources and promoting unique boutique tourism experiences connected to natural and cultural heritage based on virtue ethics.
Key activities
- Connecting diplomats, business people and artists for a sustainable future
- Supporting innovative sustainable business models
- Launching NFT Natura 2020 as an innovative sustainability initiative
- Charitable fundraising to support the Natura 2020 Association
- Keynote speeches
- Realistic forest escape and conversation with the author of the book Gnothi seauton
- Presentation of cultural projects
- Panoramic commemorative rides with the tourist train Jurček
- Gastronomic experiences with Pohorski lonec
- Networking for a sustainable future



Charitable sustainability initiative
The initiative combines nature, art and diplomacy and supports innovative projects for the preservation of the heritage of the Pohorje–Drava–Kozjak ecosystem, including the Black Lake – Black Sea water cycle.
With the permanent photographic exhibition Minařik’s Silk Rapids, created in collaboration with the Maribor Photo Club and with the donor support of the ECOM company, set up as Minařik’s memorial corner in the lobby of the new sports gym of the Janko Glazer Ruše Elementary School and now also online, we pay tribute to the greatness of Prof. Franc Minařik on his 140th anniversary.
With a festival of panoramic rides on a tourist train, walks, cycling and running, we visit the birthplace and former administrative building of the Novi Benediktov Dol glassworks next to the 400 million-year-old golden rapids of Lobnica.
Join the ESG Natura 2020 charity initiative!
By co-financing a non-profit activity that includes development and innovation to promote boutique tourism I LOVE Natura 2020: Wood. Stone. Water., co-create a future that strengthens quality education, health and well-being for all.
Together for a better tomorrow!