Slovenia
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
This NBSAP was submitted before the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (December 2022). Target mappings are inferred and were not part of the document's original scope.
1. Overview
Slovenia's biodiversity commitments are set out in the National Environmental Action Programme 2020–2030 (NEAP 2020–2030), adopted by the Government of Slovenia. Rather than a standalone national biodiversity strategy and action plan, Slovenia embeds its nature commitments within an omnibus environmental programme that also covers water, soil, air, climate, and biotechnology. The National Nature Protection Programme (NNPP) is the formally designated biodiversity component of the NEAP; biodiversity commitments are operationalised through the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Conservation in Slovenia, which constitutes Chapter 10 of the NEAP [§3, §16].
The Strategic Plan establishes twelve national commitments* under four overall national goals (A–D),† each with time-bound targets running to 2025 or 2030. These national commitments address the full range of biodiversity governance: conservation status of species and habitats, sectoral integration, knowledge and awareness, cross-sectoral mainstreaming, and financing. The NNPP is implemented alongside two sub-programmes — the Programme for the Protection of Plant and Animal Species and their Habitats and Ecosystems and the Programme for the Establishment of Protected Areas and the Restoration of Valuable Natural Features — and the Natura 2000 Area Management Programme (PUN) [§16].
*Slovenia's Strategic Plan calls these "national objectives." This page uses "national commitment" to align with NBSAP Explorer platform convention.
†Slovenia's four overall national goals are labelled A–D and provide thematic clusters for the national commitments. They are country-level constructs and should not be conflated with the GBF Goals A–D.
The NEAP does not contain a dedicated marine biodiversity chapter, and no business sector biodiversity disclosure requirements are described. The document pre-dates the Kunming-Montreal GBF; target mappings are inferred.
Slovenia's biodiversity commitments are structurally distinct: the NNPP is a chapter within a multi-sector environmental programme rather than a standalone NBSAP, distributing biodiversity governance across at least five ministries under MOP's lead. The Strategic Plan sets twelve national commitments to 2030, supported by an estimated €47–53 million in annual funding from state, EU, and extra-budgetary sources. Protected area coverage stands at 14% of territory, with a commitment to add at least two percentage points by 2030.
Sources:
- §3 — 1 INTRODUCTION > 2 PURPOSE
- §16 — 5.1 Biodiversity and valuable natural features — National Nature Protection Programme
2. Ecological Context
Slovenia's landscape is structurally mosaic: small-scale features — hedgerows, dry stone walls, tree lines, individual trees, watercourses — intersperse with meadows, pastures, and sustainably managed forest. The country's geographic diversity underpins ecological richness that the NEAP characterises as approximately 1% of global biodiversity [§21].
Biodiversity is declining despite conservation measures, principally due to habitat loss from non-sustainable spatial management [§17]. Agricultural intensification — defined in the programme as "the use of a farming technique or a change to this technique in a way that adversely affects biodiversity" — is identified as a major driver, particularly affecting species whose habitat is agricultural land. Water-related habitats, including wetlands, are in poor conservation status due to anthropogenic alteration of aquatic ecosystems. Forest condition is described as good overall, including populations of wolf and bear, with the exception of specialist habitats such as lowland floodplain forests [§17].
Slovenia records more than 900 non-native species of animals, plants, and fungi. Populations of approximately 30 plant species and 30 animal species are classified as invasive and affect biodiversity [§19]. At the time of the NEAP's adoption, Slovenia lacked "a system of protection against invasive non-native species … that would act preventively while also providing early detection and rapid removal" — a governance gap the programme explicitly acknowledges [§19].
Recorded pressures at the European level include construction from urbanisation, industrialisation, and transport; agricultural intensification and consequent habitat fragmentation; and poorly conceived watercourse regulation. Energy production, particularly certain renewable forms, exerts localised pressures, compounded by climate change [§17]. Landscape simplification — the loss of natural structures and cultural elements reducing mosaic character — is identified as a specific pressure accelerating biodiversity loss in areas of agricultural intensification [§18].
Of 10,725 underground caves recorded in Slovenia's cave cadastre, 153 are characterised as destroyed and 385 as contaminated with waste; the estimated number of contaminated caves is approximately 1,000 [§20].
Sources:
- §17 — 5.1 Biodiversity and valuable natural features > Current situation and challenges
- §18 — Conserving landscape features important for biodiversity
- §19 — Influence of non-native species and use of genetic resources
- §20 — Current situation and challenges in the protection of valuable natural features
- §21 — Goals in biodiversity conservation and protection of valuable natural features
Slovenia's Biodiversity Governance Architecture: NEAP, NNPP, and the Strategic Plan
Slovenia's biodiversity governance operates across three formally nested instruments. The NEAP 2020–2030 is the parent document: an omnibus government programme covering water, soil, air, climate, biotechnology, and nature. Within it, the NNPP is the designated biodiversity chapter, defining the scope of public interest in nature conservation and protection of valuable natural features [§16]. The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Conservation in Slovenia (Chapter 10 of the NEAP) is the operational layer, containing the twelve national commitments, their implementing measures, responsible institutions, and monitoring indicators [§100].
Two NNPP sub-programmes sit beneath this structure: the Programme for the Protection of Plant and Animal Species and their Habitats and Ecosystems, and the Programme for the Establishment of Protected Areas and the Restoration of Valuable Natural Features. The PUN (Natura 2000 Area Management Programme), adopted under the Nature Conservation Act, governs conservation of EU-listed species and habitats and management strategies for brown bear, wolf, and lynx [§16].
The integrated architecture has governance consequences. Biodiversity responsibility is distributed across at least five ministries: MOP (Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning) as lead, MKGP (agriculture, forestry), MZI (infrastructure), MIZŠ (education), and others. Biodiversity funding competes within the same budget envelope as water, climate, and soil programmes. The NNPP's priority areas for increased funding — Natura 2000, species not covered by Natura 2000, protected area management, INNS prevention, monitoring, ecosystem services — are all bids within a multi-sector allocation process [§41].
The Natura 2000 network functions as the backbone: it covers more than 50% of Slovenian forests, defines the spatial frame for species and habitat management, and is designated as priority green infrastructure under the NEAP [§16, §41].
Sources:
- §16 — 5.1 Biodiversity and valuable natural features — National Nature Protection Programme
- §41 — Guideline: > Fulfilment of international obligations > Funding of NNPP
- §100 — Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Conservation in Slovenia
3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment
The Strategic Plan's twelve national commitments are organised under four overall national goals. Each national commitment specifies direction and a target year; none states a quantitative threshold against which achievement can be unambiguously verified. All twelve are therefore classified as directional aspirations. Where the programme provides specific numerical sub-measures, these are noted as measurable commitments within that national commitment's delivery architecture.
Overall National Goal A: Improve the conservation status of species and their habitats
National Commitment 1 — "The status of habitat types and species, including genetic diversity, will be improved and/or conserved by 2030."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 4 (species recovery), Target 3 (protected areas), Target 10 (agriculture/forestry)
This commitment covers habitat type mapping in Natura 2000 sites and protected areas, Red List species protection, preservation of local breeds and varieties, and maintenance of the biosafety system including an explicit commitment to maintain the prohibition on growing genetically modified organisms [§100]. Delivery instruments include the updated Regulation on the Red List of Endangered Species (by 2022), the Regulation on Ecologically Important Areas (by 2023), and action plans for the most endangered species groups. Wild pollinator protection is addressed through an active interdepartmental cooperation framework implementing the EU Pollinator Strategy [§41].
Measurability: Directional aspiration. The commitment specifies direction (improve/conserve) and a deadline (2030) without quantitative thresholds. Sub-measure: updating the Red List regulation by 2022 — measurable commitment.
Indicators: Conservation status of habitat types and species at European level; Red List status; local breed and variety coverage.
National Commitment 2 — "By 2030, agriculture, forestry, water management and aquacultures will increase the inclusion of the protection of species and habitats of Slovenian and European importance in their programmes and plans."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 10 (agriculture/forestry), Target 14 (mainstreaming), Target 5 (sustainable harvest)
Measures are sector-specific. In agriculture: protecting the agricultural landscape through policy mechanisms, managing grassland habitats adapted to geographical units, promoting extensive pasturing where abandoned, and conserving margin habitats (hedges, hedgerows) [§100]. In forestry: determining eco-cells for forest biodiversity, implementing conservation as a priority in state-owned forests, and declaring forest reserves. The NEAP notes that sustainable forest management in Slovenia has more than a century of tradition built into forest management planning [§100]. In fisheries and aquaculture: assessing ecosystem capacity, increasing biodiversity content in fish management programmes, and establishing monitoring of fish species distribution. In water management: ensuring watercourse continuity for free movement of aquatic organisms [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration.
Indicators: Share of sectoral programmes and plans including biodiversity conservation goals; number of forest reserves declared.
National Commitment 3 — "Invasive non-native species (INNS) and their pathways will be identified by 2020, and controlled by 2025."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 6 (invasive alien species)
This commitment is structured as a six-component system building from a near-zero base. At adoption, Slovenia lacked any operative INNS protection framework [§19]. Measures include: dedicated INNS legislation (target: 2020); an information system and clearing-house mechanism for cross-border communication; a national INNS list and central database; an early detection and rapid response system with emphasis on key introduction points; control programmes; and ecosystem restoration measures for INNS-affected areas [§100]. Monitoring and early detection systems were targeted for establishment by 2022 [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration. Phased deadlines (identification by 2020, control by 2025) provide structure but no quantitative threshold.
Indicators: INNS legislation adopted; information system operational; national INNS list status.
Overall National Goal B: Improve knowledge, understanding, and awareness of biodiversity
National Commitment 4 — "The research and monitoring of biodiversity status will improve by 2030."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 21 (data and information)
Measures include upgrading internationally comparable monitoring with emphasis on species trend indicators, building institutional and individual capacities including citizen science, and establishing a public central database for all publicly funded biodiversity surveys and research — an upgraded Nature Conservation Atlas with a public data-entry tier [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration. Sub-measure: geo-referenced biodiversity data linked to land use data by 2025 — measurable commitment [§41].
Indicators: Number of monitoring programmes implemented; share of species with population trend data; database coverage.
National Commitment 5 — "By 2030, biodiversity will be better incorporated in the compulsory content of formal education, and non-formal education will improve."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 20 (capacity and technology)
Measures address training teaching personnel, ensuring environmental protection and nature conservation are mandatory components of relevant subjects, and emphasising local environment knowledge. Supplementing primary and secondary school programmes is targeted for 2020–2025 [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration.
Indicators: Share of school curricula including biodiversity content; number of trained personnel.
National Commitment 6 — "By 2030, adequate information on the importance of biodiversity will be provided to the public."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 21 (data and information)
Measures include updating the clearing-house mechanism, training non-school personnel, monitoring public opinion on biodiversity, using tourism for biodiversity promotion, and supporting cooperation with companies and NGOs [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration.
Indicators: Public awareness polling results; clearing-house mechanism update status.
National Commitment 7 — "The promotion of biodiversity and recognition of good practices supporting it will increase by 2030."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 14 (mainstreaming)
Measures address developing trademarks contributing to biodiversity conservation and recognising companies and individuals for achievements in biodiversity conservation [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration.
Overall National Goal C: Improve interdisciplinary cooperation, cross-sectoral integration, and mainstreaming
National Commitment 8 — "Biodiversity content will be included in key national and local strategies and decision-making processes by 2030 at the latest."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 14 (mainstreaming), Target 1 (spatial planning)
Measures include biodiversity in programming and strategic documents, biodiversity commitments in sectoral action plans, comprehensive environmental impact assessments and acceptability assessments for Natura 2000 areas, improving the quality of environmental reports through a system of reviews and authorised persons, and preserving the mosaic nature of the landscape within spatial planning [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration.
Indicators: Share of national and local strategies and plans including biodiversity content.
National Commitment 9 — "By 2030, existing Natura 2000 areas and protected areas will be maintained through effective management and a well-integrated system."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 3 (protected areas)
Measures include establishing a central register of interventions in Natura 2000 areas and protected areas, enhancing management group staffing and competences, adopting missing management plans, and improving state land management for biodiversity conservation [§100]. A unified management system with common criteria and shared general services for finance, human resources, and supervision is committed by 2030 [§41].
Measurability: Directional aspiration. Sub-measures: unified management system established by 2030; at least three new areas with international protection status entered in the register by 2030 — measurable commitments [§41].
Indicators: Number of Natura 2000 and protected areas with management plans; staffing levels.
National Commitment 10 — "By 2025, traditional knowledge, innovation, scientific bases and technologies will be integrated into the preservation of biodiversity."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 20 (capacity and technology)
Measures include training farmers for biodiversity activities in Natura 2000 areas and promoting biodiversity research linked to climate change and ecosystem services [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration.
Overall National Goal D: Provide financial incentives for biodiversity conservation
National Commitment 11 — "By 2025 at the latest, incentives and subsidies with adverse effects for biodiversity will be identified and eliminated."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 18 (harmful subsidies)
Measures address abolishing or transforming harmful incentives, increasing incentives for private owners implementing conservation measures in Natura 2000 areas and protected areas, and ensuring incentives for the preservation of local breeds and varieties [§100]. A Government Strategic Development Project has already reviewed individual ministry incentives for their environmental effects [§94].
Measurability: Directional aspiration with a deadline (2025). The indicator — amount of financial resources for incentives adverse to biodiversity — provides the measurement basis.
Indicators: Amount of financial resources allocated to biodiversity-adverse incentives; number of incentives abolished or transformed.
National Commitment 12 — "By 2030, funding sources will be provided for research and programmes and projects that support the conservation and restoration of biodiversity."
GBF alignment: GBF Target 19 (finance mobilisation)
Measures include providing sources for financing biodiversity research, securing funding partially replenished with profits from natural resource exploitation, enhancing national service capacities, earmarking funds for contractual protection and custodianship mechanisms, and improving capacities of project applicants [§100].
Measurability: Directional aspiration.
Indicators: Volume of funding secured for biodiversity research and programmes.
Sources:
- §41 — Guideline: > Fulfilment of international obligations > Funding of NNPP
- §94 — 8.9 Economic and financial instruments for environmental protection
- §100 — Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Conservation in Slovenia
4. Delivery Architecture
The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning (MOP) leads implementation, appearing as the responsible or co-responsible body for virtually every NNPP measure [§41]. The Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation (ZRSVN) is the primary technical and implementing body, responsible for nature protection guidelines, species and habitat inventories, database maintenance, and support to protected area managers. Protected area managers carry delegated responsibilities for on-the-ground management.
Sectoral delivery is distributed: MKGP holds co-responsibility for Natura 2000 management, INNS programmes, genetic resources, pollinator protection, and harmful subsidies reform. MZI is responsible for green infrastructure on motorways and state roads. MIZŠ leads on integrating biodiversity content into formal education [§41]. Enforcement involves MOP, MKGP, the Inspectorate for the Environment and Spatial Planning (IRSOP), the Financial Administration (FURS), and the police (MNZ) [§41].
Key legislation includes the Nature Conservation Act, the basis for the Natura 2000 Area Management Programme (PUN) and the regulatory instruments for protected species and areas. The programme commits to transposing updated amendments to CITES, the Bonn Convention, and the AEWA into domestic legal order, and to ratification of the Nagoya Protocol and the BBNJ Agreement [§41].
Dedicated finance mechanisms include the Eco Fund, the Climate Change Fund, and the Water Fund. Extra-budgetary sources include SKZG (Farmland and Forest Fund of the Republic of Slovenia) and SiDG (Slovenski državni gozdovi), both of which hold and manage state-owned land relevant to protected areas and Natura 2000 implementation [§41].
State land is an active delivery instrument. A targeted land acquisition programme covers state-owned lands that significantly contribute to PUN implementation, are essential to valuable natural feature protection, or are required for protected area management, with purchases coordinated among SKZG, SiDG, and protected area managers [§41].
The green budget reform — a Government Strategic Development Project — reviewed existing subsidies and incentives for environmental effects and recommended re-updating incentive lists, trialling a green test for government materials, and examining possibilities for greening existing incentives. The reform is to be "conceived so as to support the transition to a green economy in a long-term fiscally neutral manner" [§94].
Sources:
- §41 — Guideline: > Fulfilment of international obligations > Funding of NNPP
- §94 — 8.9 Economic and financial instruments for environmental protection
Biodiversity in Slovenia's Sector Policies: Agriculture, Forestry, Water, and Fisheries
The NEAP identifies integrating biodiversity conservation goals in the policies of key sectors as "one of the most important challenges" [§41]. This produces an operationalised mainstreaming strand — not a general aspiration but a set of named commitments with assigned ministries, time-bound measures, and monitoring indicators.
Agriculture is addressed through National Commitment 2 and its implementing measures: protecting the agricultural landscape through policy instruments and awareness-raising (Measure 2.1.1); managing grassland habitat types adapted to geographical units (2.1.2); promoting extensive pasturing where abandoned (2.1.3); conserving and maintaining margin habitats including hedges (2.1.4); and consistent supervision of the ploughing ban (2.1.5). The rural development programme post-2020 is to include additional biodiversity guidelines for habitat type protection [§100]. Responsible bodies include MKGP and ZRSVN.
Forestry is positioned as the most mature sector. Sustainable forest management has "more than a century of tradition" built into forest management planning [§100]. The Natura 2000 network covers more than 50% of Slovenian forests. Sectoral measures include determining valuable habitats and eco-cells for forest biodiversity (2.2.1), implementing biodiversity conservation as a priority in state-owned forests (2.2.2), and declaring forest reserves (2.2.3). Responsible bodies include ZGS (Slovenia Forest Service) and ZRSVN.
Water management measures include ensuring watercourse continuity for the free movement of aquatic organisms, consistent supervision of water taking and use, and professional support for watercourse regulation and riparian vegetation management [§100]. ARSO and DRSV are co-responsible. The NEAP identifies anthropogenic alteration of aquatic ecosystems as a strong threat to water-related habitat types, including wetlands [§17].
Fisheries and aquaculture measures include assessing ecosystem capacity for aquacultures (2.3.1), increasing biodiversity content in Programmes for Fish Management in Inland Waters (2.4.1), establishing monitoring of fish species distribution and status in watercourses (2.4.2), and including scientific participation to support sustainable yield (2.4.3) [§100]. Responsible bodies include ZZRS (Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia).
Sources:
- §17 — Current situation and challenges in biodiversity conservation
- §41 — Guideline: > Fulfilment of international obligations
- §100 — Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Conservation in Slovenia
5. Monitoring and Accountability
The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning (MOP) oversees NEAP implementation monitoring at two levels: a biannual review of implementation progress and goal achievement, and two formal progress reports during the programming period, scheduled for 2023 and 2027, submitted to the Government of Slovenia [§99]. If reports reveal "deviations from the planned implementation of the NEAP 2020–2030 or it is likely that the goals will not be achieved", MOP is to propose appropriate NEAP amendments or other measures [§99].
Progress is tracked through a system of over 180 environmental indicators organised by topic group across environmental components, environmental issues, and cross-sectoral integration [§98]. Biodiversity-specific indicators include: populations of certain bird species; endangered species; conservation status of game populations; underground biodiversity; plant species diversity and endangerment; brown bear population; compensation for animal damage; invasive plant species; species of European importance; habitat types of European importance; farmland birds; nature areas under protection; protected areas; Natura 2000; and valuable natural features [§98].
Beyond the environmental indicator system, monitoring draws on assessments of the status of nationally important species and habitat types, the status of invasive species, and "an overview of the implementation of the PUN measures" [§98]. The Strategic Plan assigns measure-level indicators for each action — including adoption of legislation, share of mapped areas, number of monitoring programmes implemented, number of action plans adopted, and scope of financial incentives — with responsible institutions identified for each [§100].
Monitoring of valuable natural features includes field verification of status at a rate of 5–10% annually [§41]. Biodiversity monitoring is to be gradually increased "to a level that enables the satisfactory management of Natura 2000 and protected areas and reporting to international institutions" [§41].
The programme establishes a biodiversity database and data viewer covering biodiversity, valuable natural features, and landscape characteristics, with spatial data defined for at least half of protected areas [§41]. Geo-referenced data on spatial use and activities are to be linked with species and habitat type status data by 2025 [§41]. A central register of interventions in Natura 2000 areas and protected areas is to enable cumulative effect identification [§100].
Sources:
- §41 — Guideline: > Fulfilment of international obligations > Funding of NNPP
- §98 — Monitoring the achievement of the NEAP 2020–2030 goals
- §99 — Monitoring of the NEAP 2020–2030 implementation
- §100 — Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Conservation in Slovenia
6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation
The NEAP 2020–2030 estimates the annual cost of measures for biodiversity conservation and protection of valuable natural features at €47 to €53 million per year [§41]. This estimate covers the full scope of NNPP implementation; no mechanism for auditing actual expenditure against the estimate is described in the source material.
Envisaged funding sources are: the state budget — described as "a permanent and reliable source of funding" — together with the Eco Fund, Climate Change Fund, and Water Fund; the Water Fund; agricultural, forestry, and fisheries policy budgets; municipal budgets; EU programmes and financial instruments; and extra-budgetary sources including SKZG and SiDG [§41, §96]. Priority areas for increased allocation include the Natura 2000 network, species not covered by Natura 2000, protected area management, INNS prevention, monitoring, ecosystem services mapping, and green infrastructure outside protected areas [§41].
The NEAP calls for ensuring the transfer of part of environmental tax revenue to the Environmental and Climate Fund. Environmental tax revenues are substantial: CO2 emission charges generated approximately €133–139 million annually in 2016–2018, with additional revenue from charges on lubricant oil, waste disposal, electronic equipment, packaging, tyres, and volatile organic compounds. Municipal wastewater discharge charges contributed a further €23–27 million annually [§94].
At the international level, the NEAP commits Slovenia to implementing its official development aid commitment of 0.33% of GDP, including contributions to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and programmes of ratified international agreements [§41].
The Strategic Plan's National Commitment 12 specifies that funding for biodiversity research and public service capacities should include provisions for extra-budgetary funds "at least partially replenished with profits from the exploitation of natural resources" [§100].
Sources:
- §21 — Goals in biodiversity conservation and protection of valuable natural features
- §41 — Guideline: > Fulfilment of international obligations > Funding of NNPP
- §94 — 8.9 Economic and financial instruments for environmental protection
- §96 — Assessment and source of funds
- §100 — Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Conservation in Slovenia
7. GBF Target Coverage
GBF Target 1 — Spatial planning Tier 1 — Addressed
The NEAP addresses spatial planning for biodiversity through two principal channels. The soil protection chapter sets an explicit goal of "gradual reduction in net annual growth of built-up land with the aim of zero growth from 2050 onwards" — a measurable commitment — and commits to returning unbuilt land intended for construction to agricultural and forestry use [§41]. The biodiversity chapter identifies non-sustainable spatial management as a primary driver of habitat loss and, through National Commitment 8, commits to including biodiversity content in key national and local strategies and decision-making processes by 2030. Measure 8.2.1 commits to comprehensive environmental impact assessment and acceptability assessments for Natura 2000 areas; Measure 8.3.2 commits to preserving the mosaic nature of the landscape within spatial planning and identifying landscape elements contributing to biodiversity. MOP and municipalities are responsible across measures, with a 2030 deadline.
GBF Target 2 — Ecosystem restoration Tier 2 — Mentioned
The NEAP does not set a broad ecosystem restoration target. Restoration-related content covers rehabilitation of past pollution sites — including named commitments to continue rehabilitation of the Celje Basin and complete rehabilitation of the Mežica Valley by 2022 — and the Strategic Plan's Measure 3.6.1 on restoring ecosystems affected by invasive non-native species. Measure 1.2 commits to identifying Natura 2000 habitat types needing improvement or re-establishment and determining suitable areas. Restoration is framed primarily as remediation and INNS recovery rather than broad habitat restoration.
GBF Target 3 — Protected areas (30x30) Tier 1 — Addressed
Protected areas cover 14% of Slovenia's territory, comprising 49 broader protected areas (1 national park, 3 regional parks, 45 landscape parks) and 1,335 narrower protected areas. The NEAP commits to increasing the share of protected areas by at least 2 percentage points by 2030 — a measurable commitment — with priority given to valuable natural features of national or international importance that are directly endangered [§41]. No additional Natura 2000 expansion is planned; expansion of wider protected areas is envisaged. The programme explicitly notes that the predecessor NEAP 2005–2012 target of 10% coverage was not formally achieved, though the 14% threshold was subsequently surpassed. At least three new areas with international protection status are to be entered in the register by 2030. A unified management system with common criteria and shared general services is committed by 2030. The NEAP pre-dates the GBF 30x30 target; the programme does not address alignment with that threshold.
GBF Target 4 — Species recovery Tier 1 — Addressed
National Commitment 1 commits to improving and/or conserving the status of habitat types and species, including genetic diversity, by 2030. Key delivery instruments include regular habitat type mapping in Natura 2000 sites and protected areas, the updated Regulation on the Red List of Endangered Species (by 2022), action plans for the most endangered species groups, and management strategies for brown bear, wolf, and lynx under the PUN. The programme addresses genetic diversity through expansion of local breeds and varieties in agriculture. Wild pollinator protection is addressed through an interdepartmental cooperation framework implementing the EU Pollinator Strategy, targeted for 2020. The NEAP acknowledges ongoing biodiversity decline despite existing conservation measures, identifying agricultural intensification and spatial management as primary drivers.
GBF Target 5 — Sustainable harvest Tier 1 — Addressed
The NEAP addresses sustainable harvest through two measures in Table 1: Measure 27 commits to raising awareness and enforcement to prevent illegal trafficking in endangered and protected species, with regulated and monitored trade as the indicator; Measure 43 commits to analysing current treatment of wild animals taken from the wild and amending protection regimes to prevent adverse population effects. National Commitment 2 addresses sustainable management in fisheries through measures on ecosystem capacity assessment for aquacultures, biodiversity content in fish management programmes, monitoring of fish species distribution, and watercourse continuity for aquatic organism movement. CITES transposition is listed among international obligations.
GBF Target 6 — Invasive alien species Tier 1 — Addressed
National Commitment 3 sets phased targets: INNS and their pathways to be identified by 2020, controlled by 2025. At adoption, Slovenia explicitly acknowledged the absence of any operative INNS protection system. More than 900 non-native species have been recorded; approximately 60 are classified as invasive. The programme establishes a six-component system: INNS legislation (targeted 2020), information system and clearing-house mechanism, national list and central database, early detection and rapid response with emphasis on key introduction points, control programmes, and ecosystem restoration for affected areas. Monitoring and early detection systems were targeted for establishment by 2022. MKGP, ZRSVN, ZZRS, and ZGS share implementation responsibilities alongside MOP.
GBF Target 7 — Pollution reduction Tier 1 — Addressed
The NEAP sets quantified air pollutant reduction targets by 2030 relative to 2005: NOx –65%, NMVOC –53%, SO₂ –92%, NH₃ –15%, and PM2.5 –60%, in accordance with the Gothenburg Protocol and the NEC Directive — all measurable commitments. The NEAP's own projections indicate additional measures will be needed to achieve the PM2.5 and NMVOC targets. Soil pollution measures include a national monitoring network for soil contamination to be established by 2021, and named site rehabilitation commitments (Celje Basin, Mežica Valley). Light pollution is addressed through a specific regulatory reform measure requiring a multi-stage approach including switching off road and advertising lighting (targeted 2023).
GBF Target 8 — Climate and biodiversity Tier 2 — Mentioned
The NEAP acknowledges climate change as a threat aggravating biodiversity loss and includes awareness-raising on climate change and biodiversity connections in the Strategic Plan (Measure 6.7.1). Climate adaptation is addressed in a dedicated NEAP section, with municipal vulnerability assessments, adaptation strategies, and action plans targeted for 2020–2022. However, the climate–biodiversity nexus is not treated as a standalone policy priority; climate mitigation measures are delegated to the National Energy and Climate Plan and the long-term climate strategy as separate instruments.
GBF Target 9 — Wild species use Tier 2 — Mentioned
Wild species use is addressed primarily through National Commitment 2's fisheries and aquaculture measures — ecosystem capacity assessment, fish management programmes, and monitoring of fish species distribution and status. Measure 43 addresses handling of wild animals taken from the wild. The programme does not include provisions specifically addressing benefits for local or vulnerable populations from wild species use.
GBF Target 10 — Agriculture and forestry Tier 1 — Addressed
National Commitment 2 directly addresses sectoral integration in agriculture, forestry, water, and aquaculture. Agriculture measures include grassland management adapted to geographical units, promotion of extensive pasturing, conservation of margin habitats, ploughing ban enforcement, and post-2020 rural development programme biodiversity guidelines. Forestry measures include eco-cell determination, priority conservation in state-owned forests, and forest reserve declarations; the NEAP explicitly cites Slovenia's century-long tradition of sustainable forest management as a structural foundation. The Natura 2000 network covers more than 50% of Slovenian forests. Soil-use measures address environmentally sustainable use of plant protection products, fertilisers, and machinery in forests.
GBF Target 11 — Ecosystem services (NbS) Tier 1 — Addressed
The NEAP frames ecosystem services as central to its natural capital approach, adopting the European Environment Agency's ecosystem-based development model. Slovenia commits to mapping ecosystem services on existing data, assessing ecosystem status, and evaluating ecosystem services at the national level from 2022 onwards. The Natura 2000 network is designated as priority green infrastructure. Specific, countable green infrastructure commitments include: up to two new wildlife bridges in the existing motorway network by 2030; amphibian passages at state road sections with the most adverse impact on amphibian populations; and at least nine new demonstration plots of at least 50 hectares each on state land, three each on agricultural, forest, and water land [§41]. Establishment of green infrastructure outside protected areas and Natura 2000 is listed as a priority for increased funding.
GBF Target 12 — Urban biodiversity Tier 2 — Mentioned
The NEAP references urban biodiversity once, noting that spatial development should ensure biodiversity conservation "in the planning of the green system of urban areas and green infrastructure at the level of the state, regions and municipalities." No dedicated measures for urban green or blue spaces are specified in the programme's action tables.
GBF Target 13 — Genetic resources and ABS Tier 1 — Addressed
The NEAP acknowledges that Slovenia lacks a unified system for access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing under the EU Nagoya Protocol compliance regulation, and that the extent of genetic resource use in Slovenia is not fully known. The programme commits to a comprehensive study on interest in genetic resources, methods and scope of utilisation, ex situ keeping, and benefit-sharing by 2022, with legal regulation of access to follow "if necessary" based on study results — an explicitly conditional approach. Capacity-building measures include improving supervision, establishing a Nagoya Protocol clearing-house mechanism, and promoting diligent user behaviour. Ratification of the Nagoya Protocol is listed as an international obligation.
GBF Target 14 — Mainstreaming Tier 1 — Addressed
The NEAP identifies integrating biodiversity into key sector policies as "one of the most important challenges." National Commitment 8 commits to including biodiversity content in key national and local strategies and decision-making processes by 2030, with specific measures for environmental impact assessment, acceptability assessments for Natura 2000 areas, and landscape mosaic preservation in spatial planning. National Commitment 2 operationalises mainstreaming into agriculture, forestry, water, and aquaculture with named measures and responsible ministries. The monitoring section explicitly links biodiversity data to administrative environmental impact assessment procedures.
GBF Target 15 — Business disclosure
Content addressing GBF Target 15 was not identified in this NBSAP.
GBF Target 16 — Sustainable consumption Tier 2 — Mentioned
The NEAP references Slovenia's ecological footprint at 5.1 global hectares per person in 2016, exceeding the EU average and more than double the country's biocapacity of 2.2 gha. The Development Strategy of Slovenia commits to reducing the ecological footprint by 20% by 2030. Circular economy monitoring is incorporated from the European Commission's framework. Resource efficiency measures are described as guidelines for departmental operations; a resource efficiency/circular economy hub is envisaged but its form had not been determined at programme adoption.
GBF Target 17 — Biosafety Tier 1 — Addressed
The NEAP contains a dedicated biosafety chapter grounded in the precautionary principle, transparency, and case-by-case risk assessment. The programme commits to maintaining and updating the biosafety system, implementing control measures and monitoring, and drafting an Action Plan for biotechnology by 2025. The Strategic Plan's Measure 1.5 makes an affirmative policy commitment to maintaining the prohibition on growing genetically modified organisms. The estimated annual cost of biosafety measures is €150,000 from the national budget. Activities in modern biotechnology are described as concentrated in contained-use research, with negligible deliberate environmental release.
GBF Target 18 — Harmful subsidies Tier 1 — Addressed
National Commitment 11 commits to identifying and eliminating incentives and subsidies with adverse effects for biodiversity by 2025. Measure 11.1.1 targets abolishing or transforming adverse incentives, with the amount of biodiversity-adverse financial resources as the indicator. A parallel strand under Measure 11.2 promotes increasing incentives for private owners implementing conservation measures in Natura 2000 areas and protected areas, and ensuring incentives for local breeds and varieties. A Government Strategic Development Project has already conducted a baseline review of ministry-level incentives for environmental effects. From 2025, the NNPP commits to monitoring subsidy effects on biodiversity and landscape diversity and transforming or eliminating them where appropriate.
GBF Target 19 — Finance mobilisation Tier 1 — Addressed
National Commitment 12 commits to providing funding sources for biodiversity research, programmes, and projects by 2030. Annual biodiversity funding needs are estimated at €47–53 million, sourced from the state budget, dedicated environmental funds, EU instruments, and extra-budgetary sources including SKZG and SiDG. The programme calls for budget increases in areas with a "significant deficit in the past", with biodiversity and natural values as a stated priority. Provisions include funding partially replenished with profits from natural resource exploitation, earmarked funds for contractual protection, and enhanced national service capacities. Slovenia's ODA commitment of 0.33% of GDP includes GEF contributions, with an explicit commitment to increase GEF contributions and voluntary fund contributions.
GBF Target 20 — Capacity and technology Tier 2 — Mentioned
National Commitment 10 commits to integrating traditional knowledge, innovation, scientific bases, and technologies into biodiversity preservation by 2025. National Commitment 4 addresses monitoring capacity, institutional capacity building, and citizen science. Education measures include supplementing primary and secondary school curricula with nature protection content (2020–2025) and training employees in jobs involving interventions with nature (from 2025). Capacity building is domestically oriented; the programme does not contain measures for international technology transfer or South-South cooperation.
GBF Target 21 — Data and information Tier 1 — Addressed
The NEAP establishes a monitoring system of over 180 environmental indicators organised by topic group, with biodiversity-specific indicators covering bird populations, endangered species, habitat types, invasive species, protected areas, and Natura 2000. Progress is reported through biannual reviews and two formal Government reports due in 2023 and 2027. The Strategic Plan commits to a public central biodiversity database — an upgraded Nature Conservation Atlas — with a public data-entry tier. Geo-referenced data on spatial use and activities are to be linked with species and habitat type status by 2025. A central register of interventions in Natura 2000 areas and protected areas is to enable identification of cumulative effects. Valuable natural feature status is to be verified at 5–10% of sites annually.
GBF Target 22 — Inclusive participation Tier 2 — Mentioned
The NEAP addresses stakeholder and public participation through awareness-raising activities involving local stakeholders, volunteer network development, cooperation with NGOs and companies, and structured meetings bringing together media, ministries, public services, companies, and NGOs. The establishment of new protected areas is to take into account the interests of key stakeholders including NGOs and municipalities. The programme does not address the participation of indigenous peoples, local communities, women, youth, or other marginalised groups as distinct categories.
GBF Target 23 — Gender equality
Content addressing GBF Target 23 was not identified in this NBSAP.