Slovenia
Pomurje, Slovenia – Regional ZeroNET Food System for Green Tourism
Janja Viher
Regional ZeroNET System for Sustainable Tourism and Local Food, ITC – Innovation Technology Cluster
“In Pomurje, a region rich in agricultural heritage and diverse gastronomy, we co-create innovative solutions for sustainabletourism together with local stakeholders. The 0FLW platform and zero-emission food distribution help reduce waste, improve logistics, and promote a circular approach that benefits both residents and visitors.”
Tomaz Zadravec
Regional ZeroNET Food system for Green Tourism
“At ITC – Innovation Technology Cluster, our aim is to contribute to transformation of tourism and food systems in Pomurje region through the VERNE project. Our pilot focuses on digital innovation, reducing food waste with the Zero Food Loss & Waste (0FLW) Platform, and testing electric vehicles for zero-emission food distribution. By optimizing logistics and engaging local stakeholders, we’re setting new standards for sustainable tourism and circular economy”.
Andrej Dover
Project Manager and Communication Coordinator, ITC – Innovation Technology Cluster
“In the VERNE project, I coordinate pilot activities and stakeholder collaboration related to the development of circular food systems and sustainable tourism solutions in the Pomurje region. My work combines project management, communication, and operational coordination, with a focus on connecting local producers, tourism stakeholders, public institutions, and support organisations within the ZeroNET and 0FLW initiatives. I am also involved in dissemination and stakeholder engagement activities that support the visibility and implementation of the project at regional level.“
Introduction
Within the VERNE pilot, we address these challenges through two key innovations: the Zero Food Loss & Waste (0FLW) platform and a zero-emission local food distribution model. These solutions serve as practical tools to reduce waste, optimize logistics, and promote a circular economy.
In my work, I draw on my experience in tourism and the smart village concept. I believe that connecting digital innovation, rural sustainability, and tourism development enables the creation of resilience and value for both local communities and visitors.
Collaboration with local farmers, hospitality providers, communities, and other stakeholders allows us to co-create practical and sustainable solutions that contribute to a greener, more efficient, and visitor-friendly tourism environment in Pomurje. The VERNE pilot thus represents a concrete transformation of the regional food system into a circular and sustainable model, which can also be adapted to other regions.
Circular Economy Solutions
The VERNE pilot in Slovenia will implement systemic circular solutions focused on three key areas:
Zero Food Loss and Waste Platform: Reinventing Surplus Food Management
A core component of the pilot is the Zero Food Loss and Waste (0FLW) Platform, designed to integrate surplus food back into the supply chain. Through a digital marketplace, farmers, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and public organizations will be able to share and redistribute excess food, ensuring that it is either upscaled into high-quality processed products, redirected to animal feed, or utilized for biogas production. This initiative aims to recover and repurpose surplus food in the regional food supply chain, significantly reducing food waste while supporting local economies. The introduction of this circular model strengthens Pomurje’s reputation as a sustainable food tourism destination, where visitors can actively engage in responsible consumption.
Zero-Emission Food Distribution: Sustainable and Efficient Logistics
The pilot also emphasises the zero-emission distribution of local food, replacing diesel-powered transport with electric delivery vehicles. By optimizing logistics and supply routes, the initiative aims to reduce the fuel consumption currently used to transport 900 tons of products annually, cutting carbon emissions while ensuring sustainable food mobility. Tourists will also benefit from a green logistics system, allowing them to conveniently order locally sourced food via an upgraded digital marketplace with eco-friendly delivery options. Building on the success of previous short food supply chain projects, this initiative will enhance the accessibility of fresh, local produce for visitors while promoting low-carbon tourism experiences.
Green Point Living Lab: A Blueprint for Sustainable Food Systems
By embedding circular economy principles into Pomurje’s tourism and food sector, the project will create a model for other regions looking to transition toward sustainable food systems. The Green Point Living Lab will serve as a testing ground for these solutions, ensuring that local food operators, businesses, and stakeholders collaborate to develop best practices in waste reduction, sustainable logistics, and digital food distribution.
Stakeholders
The success of this initiative depends on the strong collaboration between key actors in the regional food and tourism ecosystem:
- Public Administrations & Destination Management
- Private Sector & Food Industry
- NGOs & Research Institutions
- Local Citizens & Tourists
- Green Point – short food supply chain
HUDO DOBRO – regional SME, responsible for upscaling the surplus food into new products
By actively involving citizens and tourists in the Zero Food Loss and Waste platform, the project aims to create a culture of sustainable consumption, where visitors can experience responsible tourism firsthand by choosing zero-waste food options, supporting local producers, and engaging with eco-friendly food services.
Conclusion
The VERNE project in Pomurje represents a significant step toward creating a zero-waste, low-emission regional food system that supports both sustainable tourism and circular economy principles. By recovering surplus food, minimizing environmental impact, and digitizing food logistics, the initiative will enhance the sustainability of Pomurje’s tourism sector while ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits for the region.
Through the ZeroNET Food System, Pomurje will serve as a model for other regions looking to reduce food waste, lower carbon emissions, and promote responsible food consumption in the tourism industry. The project is expected to significantly cut fuel consumption, optimize food logistics, and enhance the accessibility of sustainable local products. All developed and tested solutions will be made available in the VERNE one-stop shop, ensuring that Pomurje’s innovations can be replicated and scaled to benefit other tourism destinations committed to circular and green food systems.