LIFE-IP NATURA.SI

Nature in Slovenia is among the richest in the European Union. Natura 2000 sites cover about 37% of the country's territory therefore we hold the first place in European Union as regards the proportion of territory. Nature in Slovenia is in a slightly better state than the European average. However, the conservation status of many species, their habitats and habitat types has deteriorated in a relatively short period time - a similar trend is being detected in other parts of European Union.

Natura 2000 in Slovenia was established in 2004. Based on the Environmental Protection Act, National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the first National Environmental Action plan for the period 2005-2012, which among other foresees an operational programme for the management of Natura 2000 sites.

The management of Natura 2000 is subject to the legislation of various sectors that also have a tradition in sustainable use and management of natural resources. In 2005 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning prepared the first Natura 2000 Management Programme 2007-2013, adopted by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. Later the Ministry led the preparation and adoption of the comprehensive and intergovernmentally consultated Natura 2000 Management Programme for Slovenia for the period 2014-2020. The Government adopted it in 2015. The Programme establishes measures to achieve favourable conservation status of Natura 2000 species and habitat types, financed by European Union through different EU funding instruments and implemented through work programmes of public institutions. 

LIFE Integrated Project for Enhanced Management of Natura 2000 in Slovenia (LIFE-IP NATURA.SI) is managed by Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning in cooperation with 14 partners. The project predominantly aims at enhancing the management of Natura 2000 in Slovenia in cooperation with various sectors and stakeholders. Additionally to the improvements at state level, partners of the project are also going to carry out concrete operations in the field in 8 Natura 2000 sites. The activities are going to include preventing the overgrowth of land, eradication of invasive alien species, restoration and maintenance of a favourable status of water bodies etc. LIFE-IP NATURA.SI project is co-financed by European Union from the LIFE Programme funds, by Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning and by partners.

In order to enhance the management of the Natura 2000 network, cross-sectoral cooperation is going to be strengthened and stakeholders are going to be included. Within the scope of the project, Natura 2000 Management Programme (PUN 2022-2028) is going to be updated, the basis for the national monitoring system established and cooperation among nature conservation, forestry, agriculture, and water services strengthened.

8 Natura 2000 sites, where actions are going to be carried out in the field: