VARGO

Mission:

• To identify and record economically harmful biotic and abiotic factors in Slovenian forests, to monitor their occurrence and create a collection of samples
• To assess the rules regarding the dynamics of harmful organisms and their populations, to prognosticate their occurrence, as well as to develop and apply ecological modelling
• To study the possibilities of managing the most significant diseases and pests (prevention and treatment) in a manner that will cause no harm to the forests, to give advice on the most suitable damage prevention techniques
• To study the factors harmful for trees in the urban environment and the most suitable ways to keep trees healthy, and to transfer knowledge in this sphere
• To recognize the diversity of organisms, notably fungi, animals and plants in the forest – to study their habitats, life cycles and the possibilities to conserve rare and endangered species (their species structure, distribution, significance, ecology, biology)
• To develop mycoremediation techniques
• To organize an authorized laboratory for forest conservation according to quality regulations
• To carry out public service by providing information, , diagnoses and prognoses of factors harmful forests

Vision:

• To provide qualified personnel for all spheres of forest conservation for the needs of Slovenian forestry
• To regularly achieve internationally comparable research findings, to introduce new research techniques and methods of work
• To guide work in forests so as to improve the stability and health of the forest
• To create a high quality reference collection of fungi and insects from Slovenian forests

For the successful realization of our mission and in order to fulfil our vision, we shall continue to develop team work, support professional advancement of our personnel and cultivate cooperation with related domestic and foreign institutions. We shall participate in international research in the sphere of forest conservation, apply innovative ways of transferring scientific achievements, as well as fulfil, through high quality work, the expectations of those who request research to be carried out on their behalf.