Strasbourg, 7 October 2009 T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 [Inf14e_2009.doc]

CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS

Standing Committee 29th meeting

Bern, 23-26 November 2009

______

Report

on the implementation of the Bern Convention in

Document prepared by Ms Aleksandra Maji ć Skrbinšek

This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. Ce document ne sera plus distribué en réunion. Prière de vous munir de cet exemplaire. T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 2 –

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword ...... 3 Nature conservation in Slovenia ...... 4 Biophysical context...... 4 Legal framework ...... 5 Institutional framework...... 6 Civil society ...... 7 Integration of nature conservation across sectors ...... 7 Forestry...... 7 Hunting ...... 8 Fishery ...... 8 Agriculture...... 8 Water Management...... 8 Conservation of species...... 8 Protected animal species ...... 9 Protected plant species ...... 10 Protected wild fungi ...... 10 Game species management ...... 10 Invasive species...... 10 Conservation of natural areas and habitats ...... 11 Protected areas ...... 11 Transboundary co-operation ...... 14 Valuable natural features ...... 14 Ecologically important areas (EIA)...... 15 Natura 2000 network...... 15 Conclusions and recommendations ...... 15 Litterature and other written or electronic sources ...... 16 Annex A – A list of the most important national laws and regulations pertaining to the nature conservation ...... 17 Annexe B – More visible non-governmental organisations involved in nature conservation ...... 20 - 3 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

FOREWORD The report was prepared through a desk study of legislation, management plans, strategies, reports and other available documents, and through a series of interviews with government officials, nature conservation experts and NGO representatives. The interviews were carried out in Ljubljana in June and September of 2009. The author would like to thank to the following who generously and patiently shared their knowledge and opinions with the author (alphabetic order): Alenka Gaberš čik, Hubert Poto čnik, Ivan Kos, Jana Kus Veenvliet, Janez Kastelic, Miha Krofel, Nejc Jogan, Peter Skoberne, Tomaž Jan čar, Tomaž Skrbinšek. Also, many thanks go to Carolina Lasen Diaz for organizing and otherwise supporting the mission. T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 4 –

NATURE CONSERVATION IN SLOVENIA Biophysical context Slovenia is a small Central European country, with the total area of 20,273 km 2 and approximately 2 million residents (Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia). It is bordered by Italy to the west, Austria and Hungary to the north, Croatia to the east and the Mediterranean to the south. It joined the EU in 2004, and in 2007 became the first new member stated to adopt the Euro. With the highest per capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the Balkans and Western Europe (CIA World Factbook). It is increasingly becoming a service economy. The importance of the service sector is growing, and has created 63.5% of added value in 2008. Relatively important is also the industrial sector (26% of added value in 2008), the most important being manufacturing (22.7%). Agriculture and forestry declined significantly from 4.2% of added value in 1995 to 2.4% in 2008 (data: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia). Despite its small size, Slovenia is an extremely diverse country. It lies at the meeting point of four major European geographic regions, with their specific geographic, geological, climatic and biological characteristics. Mountain peaks of the Eastern Alps that stretch over the country's northwestern border meet the Pannonian plains to the East. The vast forests of the Dinaric Mountains extend from the southeast, and meet the Mediterranean landscapes to the south. The continental climate to the north turns into Alpine climate in the high mountain ranges to the west, and stops abruptly at the mountain peaks of the Dinaric Mountains to be exchanged by the gentler Mediterranean climate to the south. While the geological foundation is also very diverse, the most remarkable are the large expanses of carbonate rock that lie under 44% of the landscape, giving rise to karstic phenomena like caves, dolines and sinkholes that produce a diverse, rugged relief. Hydrology of Slovenia is also diverse, with some rivers belonging to the Mediterranean and some to the watershed. Table 1: Species richness in Slovenia (after Mrši ć 1997). Taxonomic Num. of Taxonomic Num. of Taxonomic Num. of group Species group Species group Species Funghi 3000 Nemertina 2 Arachnida 975 Lichens 600 Mollusca 815 Acari 0 Algae 1228 Sipuculida 3 Crustacea 605 Bryophytes 755 Annelida 650 Tunicata 55 Vascular plants 75 Tardigrada 50 Chaetognatha 7 Protozoa 54 Crustacea 605 Amphibians 20 Porifera 59 Myriapoda 240 Reptiles 25 Cnidaria 89 Echinodermata 35 Fishes 200 Kamptozoa 3 Bryozoa 8 Birds 360 Platihelminthes 310 Insects 10130 Mammals 79 Nemathelminthes 175

Such landscape diversity gave rise to a level of biodiversity that is very high for the temperate zone. Since Slovenian landscapes were part of the Balkan refuge during the glaciations and were spared the extensive ice cover, many species that became extinct to the north survived in Slovenia. The high biodiversity on a relatively small area made some authors call Slovenia a biodiversity “hot spot”. While many large vertebrate species that became extinct or are critically endangered in most of Western Europe, like for example the large carnivores, still exist in Slovenia, the species richness becomes even greater when we look into invertebrate and plant diversity (Table 1). There is also a high level of endemism, with - 5 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

850 species endemic to Slovenia (3.45 % of all currently registered species). Peculiar to Slovenia, a large proportion of these endemic species, 368, are hypogean. There are 9264 currently recorded caves, and around 150 new ones are discovered each year (Speleological Association of Slovenia), providing diverse and abundant habitats. Legal framework Slovenia ratified the Bern Convention on June 23, 1999. The Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia states that the national legislation must be harmonized with ratified international treaties and conventions. Nature conservation is already implied in the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia , which states that the country should preserve its natural and cultural heritage. It also states that ownership rights can be obtained and taken advantage of in a manner that guarantees the economic, social and ecological function of the property. The ownership rights can be revoked or limited for public benefit if certain legal conditions are met. Natural resources can be harvested only when this harvesting meets the conditions prescribed by laws. The Constitution also states that everyone must, in accordance with the law, protect natural monuments and valuable natural features, and that the country as well as the local communities must take care of conservation of natural heritage. The Environment Protection Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 39/06 – official consolidated version, 49/06 – ZmetD, 66/06 – judicial decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, and 33/07 – ZPNa črt; hereinafter: ZVO-1) provides a systematic framework for nature conservation, of which biodiversity conservation is a fundamental part. ZVO-1 thus regulates the protection of the environment from overburdening as a fundamental condition for sustainable development, and within this framework it provides basic principles of environmental protection, environmental protection measures, monitoring of the state of the environment and information on the environment, economic and financial instruments for environmental protection, public environmental protection services, and other issues related to environmental protection. The purpose of environmental protection is to promote and guide the kind of social development that will ensure long-term conditions for human health, well-being and quality of life, as well as the preservation of biodiversity. Nature conservation remains inextricably embedded into the system of environmental protection, through joint planning and programming, joint environmental assessment procedures, joint environmental monitoring, environmental data publicity, access to environmental data, environmental taxes on the use of natural resources, nongovernmental organisations for environmental protection acting in the public interest, and the regulation of concessions on natural resources. ZVO-1 thus provides for a joint national environmental protection programme, which also encompasses a national programme on nature protection. The National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the programme jointly with the Resolution on the National Environmental Action Plan 2005–2012. 1 The legislative foundation for biodiversity conservation in Slovenia is provided by the Nature Conservation Act (Official Gazette RS, No. 96/04 – official consolidated version and 61/06 – ZDru-1; hereinafter: ZON). It establishes an integrated system of nature conservation, the purpose of which is protection of valuable natural features and conservation of elements of biological diversity. It identifies subjects of protection, methods and measures for their protection, organisation, financing, programming and planning of nature protection, and other content necessary for effective nature protection. Subjects of protection in biodiversity conservation which are identified or identifiable by area include habitat types whose maintenance at a favourable status shall be given priority, as well as habitats of nationally and internationally protected species, ecologically critical areas and special protected areas. Subjects of protection also include threatened, protected and internationally protected wild plant or animal species. All subjects of protection are defined under the relevant implementing regulation, act by the minister responsible for nature protection, and Government decree. 1

1 Adapted after Bibi č, A: Natura 2000 site management programme : 2007-2013 : operational programme. Ljubljana, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, 2007. T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 6 –

The Resolution on the National Environmental Action Plan 2005–2012 (ReNPVO) (Official Gazette RS, No. 2/06) stipulates long-term objectives, policies and tasks in environmental protection, including nature conservation. It is the basic strategic document for protection of the environment, defining goals in various areas of environmental protection for specific time periods, as well as the priority tasks and measures for reaching these goals. It forms a basis for operational programmes. The protection and use of underground caves is regulated by the Cave Protection Act (Official Gazette RS, Nos. 2/04, 61/06-ZDru-1; hereinafter: ZVPJ). It also regulates protection arrangements, protection measures and other codes of conduct, including the rehabilitation of polluted or damaged caves. This act is important for conservation of biodiversity as many endemic species (368 of 850 currently recorded endemites) in Slovenia are hypogean. Underground caves are natural resources of national importance and are owned by the state. The overview of the legislature relevant for nature conservation is presented in Annex A. Institutional framework The main responsibilities of governmental bodies and organizations in nature conservation are defined in the Nature Conservation Act. The main governmental body responsible for nature conservation is the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia . It is responsible for preparation, interpretation and implementation of environmental legislation. Its competencies are also forming and implementation of policies, decision making and representation of nature protection interests at the international level. Responsible for nature conservation within the ministry is the Environment Directorate. It handles Slovenia’s obligations regarding biodiversity conservation, including the Bern Convention. The responsible body under the Ministry performing expert, analytical, regulatory and administrative tasks related to the environment at the national level, is the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia . The body responsible for nature conservation within the Agency is the Nature Conservation Section. The body under the Ministry performing the inspection oversight over implementation of environmental legislature is the Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia for the Environment and Spatial Planning . The main body responsible for monitoring of nature conservation and biodiversity is the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation (IRSNC) . It was formally established by the Nature Conservation Act, and started operating in January 2002. It consists of seven regional units and a central unit located in Ljubljana. The institute collects data about plant and animal species and their habitats, registers and valuates natural assets, monitors status of nature conservation and biodiversity, manages red lists, and manages databases about biodiversity and natural assets. It also provides expert opinions regarding nature conservation, produces and participates in production of nature conservation and protected area management guidelines, offers expert help to owners of natural assets and landowners in protected areas, and cares for rising of public awareness about nature conservation. Slovenia Forest Service (SFS) has an important role in managing of forest assets, including all aspects of forestry, but also management of forest wildlife. It was established in 1993 by the Republic of Slovenia with the Act on Forests. Among its tasks are production of forest management plans and hunting management plans, giving of consents for interventions in forests and forest space, and keeping of databases on state and development of forests. It also has some competencies that could otherwise be considered under competency of IRSNC in that it monitors the state of the large carnivore populations (wolves, bears and lynx), and assesses damages done by protected animal species. Apart from that, SFS manages 10 special purpose hunting reserves that cover large areas of conserved nature in various eco regions of Slovenia. - 7 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia is a public service in the area of freshwater and marine fisheries, business services in the area of sport and recreational fishing and fish farming, including various research and expert activities in the field of ichthiology and fish biology. The Council for Environmental Protection was established in 1993 by the Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia. It should monitor the quality and the protection of the environment in Slovenia, assure the connection and inclusion of Slovenia in global environmental actions elsewhere, and influence the events in Slovenia through its statements, recommendations and suggestions. Its members are experts and researchers in various fields of science, which enables comprehensive estimations of phenomena and conditions of the environment - from the viewpoint of protection of national natural wealth and its sustainable management. The council operates independently, providing expert views and evaluation and expecting constructive co-operation from everybody involved in environmental issues. The protected areas that are actively managed can be managed by public institutes. There is also an option for the body establishing a protected area to entrust the management of the area to a concessionaire. Civil society There is a long lasting tradition of nature conservation NGOs in Slovenia that goes back to the end of the 19 th century. There are more than 30 NGOs in the country that are, at least to some extent, involved or interested in nature conservation. However, many of these are either oriented to a specific group of organisms (e.g. birds, bats, reptiles...), specific eco regions (e.g. the Alps), specific activities (e.g. Speleological Association of Slovenia, Slovenian Hunting Association…), or are of a very local nature. There is currently no NGO that would be active in all areas of nature conservation with large membership and visible results. Most NGOs also have to deal with serious funding problems. Large EU funding instruments (e.g. Life+, Interreg…) are too financially demanding for most NGOs to tackle, while the government funding of suitable projects is almost negligible. In many cases this narrows the role of the NGOs down to educational, promotional and inventory activities. While these are important, most NGOs are not able to muster the resources needed to challenge governmental decisions, limiting the important role of an environmental “watchdog” such organizations have in many other countries. There are, however, exceptions. A serious challenge has been posed by the Slovenian Society for Bird Watching and Research (DOPPS) to a government decision to facilitate building of a large wind power plant on Volovja reber, an area of high importance for birds and of high conservation value. According to many experts this would seriously degrade the area and possibly cause high mortality in many rare or endangered bird species. The legal battle is not over, but the construction of the power plant has been put on hold for the time being, and the case seems to be leaning towards the termination of the project. This (possible) victory may incite other NGOs to take firmer stand in future environmental disputes. Another example is the Dinaricum Society that managed to get Interreg funding for research and conservation of lynx in Slovenia and Croatia, and facilitated creation of a first transboundary management plan for a large carnivore between these two countries. The plan has not yet been accepted by either government, but is an important first step towards much needed international cooperation in management of these species. Integration of nature conservation across sectors Forestry Slovenia has a long tradition of sustainable use of forests. Clear cuts are prohibited and most of the forests are rejuvenating by natural growth and have a natural species composition. The framework for the measures is the forestry legislation, namely Act on Forests (Official Gazette 30/1993, last change in 110/2007) which provides provision for the planning and implementation of all necessary measures for ensuring the favourable status of forests and species bound to forest ecosystems. All forests are covered with forest management plans (10-year plans) which must include nature conservation guidelines. A public service (Slovenian Forest Service) is responsible for their implementation. Measures of modified use of forests which are serving to attain nature conservation T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 8 –

objectives defined by Natura 2000 Site Management Programme are gradually being integrated in the forest management plans (as the old plans expire). It is expected that this process will be completed by 2011. Hunting The game management plans are produced by Slovenia Forest Service, implementing nature conservation measures, as specified by the hunting and nature conservation legislation. Hunting organizations are required to follow the plans and evaluations are made on a yearly basis. For culling of protected species, such as brown bear, wolf or lynx, special permission by the nature conservation authority is required. Fishery Fishery activities comprise freshwater and marine fishery. Commercial fishing for the market is carried out exclusively in marine waters and in aquaculture, within the EU Common Fisheries Policy. Fishery (i.e. sports fishery) is carried out in the majority of watercourses in protected areas or in Natura 2000 sites. It is governed by the freshwater fishery regulations (Freshwater Fisheries Act, Official Gazette 25/1976, last change in 61/2006), which among other things require the adoption of a programme and a management plan for fish and fishery resources. Management plans are developed by the Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia, while the implementation is carried out by the concessionaires. Sports fishery is important for tourism; the yearly catch is 220 to 250 tons of fish. Agriculture Currently the use of agricultural lands is not regulated or planned through adoption of appropriate management plans. The most important method for adjusting the agricultural activities to the nature conservation requirements is the use of financial incentives of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. The financial incentives provided by the measures of Axis 2 from the 2007-2013 Rural Development Plan of the Republic of Slovenia have been allocated in accordance with the farmer’s voluntary decision to accept a commitment to fulfil the requirements of a measure on the eligible land for five years. Within the context of nature protection, measures include modified agricultural use which ensures favourable conservation status of species and habitats. These measures are subject to integration into appropriate agri- environmental measures designed for specific areas (i.e. a Natura 2000 site). The 2007-2013 Rural Development Plan operationalizes objective of the National Environmental Action Programme: “The integration of as large a zone as possible of areas relevant for the conservation of biodiversity into the implementation of (from the viewpoint of maintaining the favourable status of species and habitat types) appropriate agri-environmental programmes.” Water Management The Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia has adopted a National Water Management Programme. For the implementation of the programme, the Government is expected to adopt a Water Management Plan for the Danube and Adriatic watersheds as well as a programme of measures. So far the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning has prepared a “Temporary Water Management Plan” (Official Gazette 4/09), which evaluates the status of water bodies and defines the water quality monitoring systems. CONSERVATION OF SPECIES According to current knowledge, the species richness in Slovenia is very high, although it is estimated that only a part of all species are currently registered. There were 22 000 species documented by 2001, while the total number of species is estimated to be between 50 000 and 120 000. The Nature Conservation Act (Official Gazette 56/1999, last change in 32/2008) specifies general provisions concerning conservation of species. Specific measures and conditions are defined in the Decree on protected wild animal species (Official Gazette 46/2004, last change 36/2009) for animal species, in the Decree on protected wild plant species (Official Gazette 46/2004, last change 36/2009) for plant species and in Decree on the protection of wild fungi (Official Gazette, 57/1998) for fungi. - 9 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

Rules on the inclusion of endangered plant and animal species in the Red List (Official Gazette 82/2002) list protected plant and animal species in line with the IUCN Red List criteria and are the basic reference for species protection. Trade and commercial use of animal and plant species is regulated by the Decree on the management and protection methods in trade in animal and plant species (Official Gazette 104/2003 and 52/2004) Protected animal species Decree on protected wild animal species (Official Gazette 46/2004, last change 36/2009) lays down detailed provisions on protection of animal species and their natural environment. It prohibits all deliberate taking, destruction, collecting, disturbance, habitat damage, trade, transport, possession, display, etc. of the protected animal species. Annex 1 of the Decree lists protected animal species; Annex 2 lists animal species habitats of which are protected. The main threat to conservation of animal species in Slovenia is loss of their habitats through pollution, urbanization and changes in land use. Conservation status of Vertebrata is best known and among 635 known species, 238 are endangered. Amphibia are recognized as the most endangered group. Although the decree prohibits all deliberate killing of the protected animal species, there are exceptions that closely follow the Article 16 of the Habitats Directive. Slovenia has reservations for the Bern Convention regarding the bear and the wolf, but it is nevertheless important to mention these exceptions as they are the basis for the often controversial cull of large carnivores, most notably the bear, which is regularly used to regulate the population size and minimize conflicts with humans. Setting of the quota and rules for the bear (and other large carnivores) cull is carried out on basis of a technical proposal submitted to a special Commission responsible for large carnivore management within the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. The proposal in prepared by the expert services of the Slovenia Forest Service which is, according to the Decree on protected wild animal species, responsible for integral planning (setting of quotas and rules for harvest/cull of free-ranging animal species and interventions in their habitat). The Commission consists of independent experts, representatives of various interested parties and state officials. The Commission is an advisory body to the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning. The final decision on the cull of bears (as well as that of other large carnivores) is made by the minister and usually follows the Commission’s recommendation, although the minister retains a discretionary right to decide independently. The Department for Wildlife of the Slovenia Forest Service prepares cull proposals at the end of each calendar year for the following year. These proposals for the brown bear are based on the Brown Bear Management Strategy and the results of the integral monitoring. There has been quite some controversy regarding the sustainability of the cull quotas over the recent years, prompting the government to finance several studies that contributed greatly towards improvement of the bear population monitoring (i.e. use of cutting edge genetic methods for population size estimates, large scale telemetry studies of bear-human conflicts). In September 2009 the Government also adopted a Wolf Management Strategy. Based on the Nature Conservation Act (Official Gazette 56/1999, last change in 32/2008) and Wild Game and Hunting Act (16/2004, last change in 17/2008), Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia pays compensations for damages caused on private property by protected species. The owners are obliged to undertake all appropriate measures to try to protect their property from such damages. The compensation claims are paid according to the price list which is updated yearly by the Minister. The Decree on the rescue centre for animals of wild species (98/2002, 46/2004 and 39/2008) lays down detailed provisions for organization and functioning of wildlife rescue centers. Currently, there is one such certified center in Slovenia, and its purpose is taking care of wild animals that need veterinarian or other temporary help to survive (wounded animals, abandoned young animals, etc.). The animal can Comment [TS1]: Kaj pa druge stay in the rescue center up to three months. vrste?? T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 10 –

Protected plant species Conservation of wild plant species is regulated with the Decree on protected wild plant species (Official Gazette 46/2004, last change 36/2009). Main threats to the numerous wild plant species in Slovenia are changes in the quality of the species habitat and commercial overexploitation. Annex 1 of the Rules on the inclusion of endangered plant and animal species in the Red List (Official Gazette 82/2002) lists endangered Pteridophyta and Spermatophyta while Annex 2 lists endangered Bryophyta species. All deliberate taking, destruction, collecting, picking, cutting, disturbance, habitat damage, trade, transport, possession and display of the species from list A (species native to the Republic of Slovenia) of the Annexes is forbidden. In some cases conditional harvesting from nature is allowed. Possession, transport and trade of species listed in list A and list B (species not native to Slovenia, but of Community interest) is prohibited unless specifically allowed by the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia. Protected wild fungi Decree on the protection of wild fungi (Official Gazette, 57/1998) lays down provisions for conservation of wild fungi species. The Decree prohibits picking of protected fungi species listed in Annex 1 of the Decree (Rare and/or endangered species). For all other wild fungi species, it is forbidden to intentionally damage or harm the specimens. Picking of fungi is forbidden in the central areas of national and regional parks, and in nature reserves. A person is allowed to pick up to two kilograms of mushrooms per day (or one mushroom over two kilograms). Game species management Wild Game and Hunting Act (Official Gazette 16/2004, 120/2006 and 17/2008) states that “game management facilitates ecological and socio-economic functions of the game animals and their habitats, especially: conservation and protection of game animals as natural heritage; conservation and improvement of biotic and landscape diversity and stability of ecosystems; prevention and compensation of damages caused by and on the game animals; sustainable use of game animals”. Wild animals are public property and conservation of all native wild animal species is a matter of national interest. Currently, there are 408 hunting grounds and 12 special purpose hunting reserves in Slovenia. Hunting grounds are managed by the hunting clubs while special purpose hunting reserves are managed by Slovenia Forest Service, Triglav National Park, and State Protocol Services of the Republic of Slovenia. All hunting areas are organized into larger Game Management Areas for which 10 year Management plans and yearly Action plans are prepared by the Slovenia Forest Service. Since 2008, Game Management Plans and Forest Management Plans can be unified into a single document. Invasive species In Slovenia, the focus is on invasive plant species and invasive fresh water fish species. Largest density of invasive plant species is found in highly degraded habitats, such as along railways, roads, waste disposal sites, or on forest clearings and near water bodies. Over the last 100 years, 14 allochthonous fresh water fish species have been introduced to Slovenia, mostly from Asia and America. Out of the 14 introduced species, seven breed successfully and pose a threat to the native fish species. The Nature Conservation Act (Official Gazette 56/1999, last change in 32/2008) includes provisions which forbid introductions of allochthonous plant or animal species. Exceptionally, allochthonous species to be used in agriculture and forestry can be imported. At the moment, there are no provisions on how to deal with already present invasive species. The government is currently working on a national invasive species strategy. - 11 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL AREAS AND HABITATS Protected areas Protected areas are among Slovenia’s most important instruments for conservation of biotic diversity. The objective of designation and management of any protected area is not only conservation of nature and ecosystem goods and services, but also conservation of cultural values. Consequently the protected areas in Slovenia, especially larger parks, don’t limit their activities to nature conservation – they also contribute towards preservation of cultural heritage and implement development projects, especially in the fields of tourism and education. The Resolution on the National Environmental Action Plan 2005-2012 (Official gazette 2/2006) among other things also states a goal that the size of the protected areas in Slovenia should double in size from close to 10% of the total country area in 2004 to almost 20% by 2014. The programme highlights the importance of improving the management of the protected areas, and for this purpose foresees the establishment of a central unit for protected areas management. The Nature Conservation Act defines the following categories of protected areas: • National park (NP) – a larger area with numerous natural values and high biotic diversity. Original elements of nature with preserved ecosystems and natural processes are present in the larger part of the park. Human influence is present in smaller parts of the park, however the activities of humans are in harmony with nature. In Slovenia, there is one national park (IUCN: II/V). • Regional park (RP) – a large area of regionally specific ecosystems and landscapes with large parts of preserved original elements of nature and areas in which there are signs of more intensive human influence, however these are in balance with nature. There are 3 regional parks in Slovenia (IUCN: V/II). • Landscape park (LP) – is an area where emphasis is on the long-term intertwining of human activities with nature and has a significant ecological, biotic or landscape value. In Slovenia, there are 44 landscape parks (IUCN: V). • Strict nature reserve (SNR) – is an area of naturally preserved geotopes, habitats of endangered, rare or endemic flora or fauna species, or an area which is important for conservation of biotic diversity where natural processes occur without human influence. There is one strict nature reserve in Slovenia (IUCN: Ia). • Nature reserve (NR) – is an area of geotopes, habitats of endangered, rare or endemic flora or fauna species, or an area which is important for conservation of biotic diversity and is maintained through balanced human activities in the area. There are 56 nature reserves in Slovenia (IUCN: IV and I). • Nature monument (NM) – is an area with one or more natural values, which have exceptional characteristics or are very rare examples of natural values. In Slovenia, there are 1191 natural monuments (IUCN: III). In February 2009, Slovenia had 1296 protected areas, covering 12.63% of Slovenian territory. Most of the protected areas have been recently established by local communities, however in most cases neither management nor management authorities for these protected areas have been established. Currently, only eleven protected areas have a management authority. This authorities can be either state public institutes or concessionaires. T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 12 –

Table 2: List of larger protected areas (National Parks, Regional Parks and Landscape Parks). Slovenian name of the English name of the Area (ha) Year of protected area protected area designation National parks Triglavski narodni park Triglav National Park 83808 1981 (1924) Regional Parks Regijski park Škocjanske jame The Škocjan Caves Park 401 1980 Kozjanski park Kozjanski Park 20760 1981 Notranjski regijski park Notranjska Regional Park 22282 2002 Landscape Parks Rakova kotlina pri Rakeku Landcape Park Rakov Škocjan 401 1980 (Rakov Škocjan) Robanov Robanov Kot 1447 1987 (1950) Štanjel Štanjel 29 1992 (1951) Topla Topla 1529 1966 Krajinski park Negova in Landscape Park Negova and 177 1967 Negovsko jezero Negova lake Mašun Mašun 87 1969 Zaj čja dobrava Zaj čja dobrava 66 1973 Polhograjski dolomiti Polhograjski dolomiti 11608 1974 Krajinski park Ljutomerski Landscape Park Ljutomer ponds 1346 1976 ribniki in Jeruzalemske gorice and Jeruzalem vineyards Krajinski park kopališ ča Landscape Park Banovci baths border not 1976 Banovci defined Krajinski park vrtine in Landscape Park of the well and border not 1976 kopališ ča v Moravcih the baths in Moravci defined Krajinski park Šturmovec Landscape Park Šturmovec 215 1979 Tivoli, Rožnik in Šišenski hrib Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski hrib 509 1984 Spominski park Memorial Park of the 446 1984 revolucionarnih tradicij ob čine revolutionary traditions Domžale Domžale municipality Planina-obmo čje, Planinsko Planina-area, Planinsko polje, 668 1984 polje, Planinska jama, Planina cave, Marko’s cave in Markova jama v Nartu, Nart, Škratovka, Springs in Škratovka, Izviri v Malnih, Malni, Unka koliševka Unka koliševka Nanos – južna in zahodna Nanos – southern and western 1008 1984 pobo čja z vrhovi Pleše, slopes with the peaks Pleša, - 13 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

Grmade in Ture Grmada and Tura Južni obronki Trnovskega Southern foothills of Trnovski 989 1985 gozda gozd Južni obronki Trnovskega Southern foothills of Trnovski 3381 1987 gozda gozd Spominski park Udin Boršt Memorial Park Udin Boršt 1754 1985 Golte Golte 1132 1987 Južni in zahodni obronki Southern and western foothils of 2158 1987 Nanosa Nanos Logarska dolina Landscape Park Logarska dolina 2431 1987 Krajinski park Lahinja Landscape Park Lahinja 259 1988 Bo č, Plešivec Bo č, Plešivec 886 1990 Se čoveljske soline Landscape Park Se čovlje Salina 721 2001 Krajinski park Landscape Park Drava 2175 1992 Krajinski park Kamenš čak- Landscape Park Kamenš čak- 848 1992 Hrastovec Hrastovec Krajinski park Jeruzalemsko – Landscape Park Jeruzalem – 1911 1992 Ormoške gorice Ormož vinyards Krajinski park Jareninski dol Landscape Park Jareninski dol 469 1992 Krajinski park Mariborsko Landscape Park Maribor Lake 200 1992 jezero Krajinski park Bo č-Dona čka Landscape Park Bo č-Dona čka 2151 1992 gora gora Beka – soteska Glinš čice z Beka – Glinš čica gorge with 244 1992 dolino Griža, ponornimi Griža valley, sinkholes and jamami in arheološkimi archeological sites Lorenc and lokalitetami Lorencom in Grad nad Bota čem Grad nad Bota čem Krajinski park Žabljek Landscape Park Žabljek 175 1992 Krajinski park Štatenberg Landscape Park Štatenberg 285 1992 Krajinski park Ra čki ribniki – Landscape Park Ra če Ponds – 459 1992 Požeg Požeg Zgornja Zgornja Idrijca 4474 1993 Krajinski park Kum Landscape Park Kum 2232 1996 Krajinski park Mrzlica Landscape Park Mrzlica 149 1996 Krajinski park Kolpa Landscape Park Kolpa 4332 2006 Krajinski park Ponikovski Landscape Park Ponikovski kras 1769 1998 kras T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 14 –

Krajinski park Gori čko Landscape Park Gori čko 46268 2003 Krajinski park Strunjan Landscape Park Strunjan 429 2004 Krajinski park Ljubljansko Landscape Park Ljubljana Moor 13505 2008 barje Ribnik Vrbje z zaledjem Pond Vrbje with sorroundings 66 2008

A recent analysis of the Slovenian system of protected areas which was done using RAPPAM (Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Areas) methodology and included 78% of the surface of Slovenian protected areas (nine largest protected areas), the following threats were identified as the most important: illegal waste disposal, tourism and recreation, intensive grazing and mowing, changes of planned use and invasive alien species. Transboundary cooperation In September 2009 Triglav National Park has been certified together with Prealpi Guilie Natural Park from Italy as a transboundary park under EUROPARC programme “Transboundary Parks – Following Nature’s design” for the period of 5 years. The two parks have formed successful collaboration in different fields: wildlife management, Natura 2000, ecological farming, environmental education, etc. Another park with intensive transboundary cooperation is Gori čko Landscape Park. The park collaborates through joint projects with Raab Nature Park from Austria and Őrségi Nemzeti Park from Hungary. VALUABLE NATURAL FEATURES Valuable natural features include the entire natural heritage in the Republic of Slovenia. Valuable natural features are rare, valuable or famous natural phenomena, but also other valuable features, parts of living or nonliving nature, natural areas or parts of natural areas, and ecosystems or landscapes. Valuable natural features are geological phenomena, minerals, fossils and the sites where they are found, different karst phenomena, river sources, waterfalls, lakes, marshlands, rivers and streams, sea coast, flora and fauna and their habitats, ecosystems and landscapes. By The Rules on the designation and protection of valuable natural features (Official gazette RS 111/2004, 70/2006 and 58/2009), 14 901 sites or phenomena were designated a valuable natural feature of national (32.09%) or local (67.91%) importance. All valuable natural features in protected areas established by the state as well as all caves are declared valuable natural features of national importance. Valuable natural features are protected by strict control of all activities which must respect nature conservation and must not damage or harm the protected natural feature. Ecologically important areas (EIA) As defined by the Nature Conservation Act (Official Gazette 56/1999, last change in 32/2008), and Decree on ecologically important areas (Official Gazette 48/2004), EIAs are areas which include habitat types, parts of habitat types or larger ecosystem units which are important for conservation of biotic diversity. Ecologically important areas are one of the starting points for preparation of nature conservation guidelines and represent an obligatory starting point in physical planning and use of natural resources. However, if an EIA is not at the same time a Natura 2000 area, protected area or a valuable natural feature, it is not required to obtain the Consent and the Nature Protection Conditions documentation for construction projects in the EIA in question. - 15 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

Natura 2000 network Decree on special protection areas (Natura 2000 areas) (Official Gazette 49/2004, 110/2004, 59/2007 and 43/2008) defines Slovenia’s contribution to the EU Natura 2000 Ecological Network. The governing legislation for designation of Natura 2000 areas in Slovenia is the Nature Conservation Act which closely follows provisions of the relevant EU Directives. In Slovenia, Natura 2000 covers 720 287.82 ha, or 35.53% of the total country’s surface. The network consists of 260 Sites of Community Interest - SCI (31.55% of the country’s surface) and 26 Special Protected Areas - SPA sites (22.78% of the country’s surface). Approximately one quarter (26.31%) of the Natura 2000 network is already designated as protected areas. A notable feature of Slovenia is its great diversity of animal and plant species in a relatively small area, and its well preserved nature. The Natura 2000 sites are home to 111 threatened plant and animal species and 61 habitat types protected by the Habitats Directive, as well as 105 species protected by the Wild Birds Directive. Two thirds of the sites are forested, a substantial part consists of areas with little vegetation (i.e. rock walls), five percent are areas above the tree line, and there are also notable areas of grasslands. Slovenian Natura 2000 sites fall into Alpine biogeographic region and Continental biogeographic region. Based on the Alpine biogeographic seminar from May 2005 and Continental biogeographic seminar from April 2006, European Commission approved Slovenian proposed sites (Decision was published on 15/01/2008 and 19/03/2008 in the Official Journal of the European Union). In 2007, Slovenian government adopted Natura 2000 Site Management Programme: 2007-2013: Operational Programme. Considerable differences in the knowledge available for different taxonomic groups were observed during the preparation of the programme. As a consequence, the objectives and measures for the better known groups (e.g. bats, birds, forest habitat types) are more detailed, while for the less known groups they are only indicative. The document also stresses the importance of monitoring as a key step towards establishment of efficient species and habitat types conservation. The Operational Programme specifies the conservation measures. These are divided by sectors: nature protection measures, measures of modified use of natural resources (forestry, hunting, fisheries), measures of modified agricultural practice, and measures of water management. The proposed measures are being gradually included in the respective sectoral plans (i.e. Plans of forest management units). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS • The system of protected areas in Slovenia is still being developed. In the future, more attention should be given to strengthening of management capacities in the protected areas. • Cross-sectoral collaboration of the nature conservation sector should be strengthened, especially with agriculture and water management sectors. The current system of management planning in these sectors makes implementation of nature conservation measures demanding. The effectiveness of the agri-environmental measures should be evaluated, and the measures fine-tuned. • Slovenia’s nature conservation sector has seen rapid legal and institutional change. While legislative and institutional frames have adjusted well to the requirements of the Bern Convention and other international and EU policies, institutional capacity for the effective implementation and enforcement of the nature conservation legislation remained underfed. Strengthening of the implementation capacities should continue through increases of the number of people, their expertise and equipment. • Species-based policies should be strengthened by a revision of the Brown Bear Management Strategy and by development of a national management strategy for the lynx. T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 16 –

• Enlargement of the protected area coverage should continue, and a priority should be given to valuable but currently underrepresented Dinaric ecosystems. Development and support of transboundary cooperation in bordering protected areas and Natura 2000 sites should be continued. • A national Strategy on Invasive Alien Species should be developed, and mechanisms for controlling of unintentional spreading of invasive alien species should be put in place. • Transboundary cooperation, especially in invasive alien species control, migratory species conservation and conservation of species with large territories, such as the large carnivores, should be strengthened or developed if it doesn’t exist. • As a good understanding of status of rare or endangered species or habitats is the key component of successful conservation, monitoring of species and habitats should be further improved and extended. • Building of partnerships with the civil society should be continued and enhanced through transparent and participative decision making, information sharing and supporting of NGO-led nature conservation initiatives. Literature and other written or electronic sources Bibi č, A., 2007. Natura 2000 site management programme: 2007-2013: operational programme. Ljubljana. Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning. Central Inteligence Agency: The world factbook. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world- factbook/index.html. Accessed: 28 Sep 2009. EUROPARC Federation’s web page: www.europarc.org . Hlad, B., Skoberne, P. 2001. Pregled stanja biotske raznovrstnosti in krajinske pestrosti v Sloveniji. Ljubljana. Ministrstvo za okolje in prostor Republike Slovenije. Agencija RS za okolje. Jogan, N. 2007. Poro čilo o stanju ogroženih rastlinskih vrst, stanju invazivnih vrst ter vrstnega bogastva s komentariji. Ministrstvo za okolje in prostor. Agencija RS za okolje. Ljubljana Kus Veenvliet, J. & A. Sovinc, 2009. Protected areamanagement effectiveness in Slovenia, Final report of the RAPPAM analysis. Commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia. Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning web page: www.mop.gov.si Mrši ć, N., 1997: Biotska raznovrstnost v Sloveniji. Slovenija – “vro ča to čka” Evrope. MOP, Uprava RS za varstvo narave, Ljubljana. Natura 2000 in Slovenia: www.natura2000.gov.si Register predpisov Slovenije: http://zakonodaja.gov.si Skoberne, P. 2009. Varstvo narave v Sloveniji 2009. Ministrstvo za okolje in prostor. Republika Slovenija. Delovno gradivo. The Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia web page: www.arso.gov.si Triglav National Park web page: www.tnp.si . UNEP-WCMC 2001: Global Biodiversity Outlook. Montreal. Williams, P., Humphries, C. & Araujo, M., 1998: Mapping Europe's Biodiversity. V: Delbaert B.C.W. Facts & Figures on Europe's Biodiversity – State and Trends 1998–1999. Wageningen. - 17 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

Annex A – A list of the most important national laws and regulations pertaining to the nature conservation Legislative foundation Environment Protection Act (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 39/06 – official consolidated version, 49/06 – ZmetD, 66/06 – judicial decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, and 33/07 – ZPNa črt ). Provides systemic framework for nature conservation. It replaces the Environment Protection Act of 1993. Nature Conservation Act ( Official Gazette of the RS, No. 39/06 – official consolidated version, 49/06 – ZmetD, 66/06 – judicial decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, and 33/07 – ZPNa črt ). Provides a systematic framework for nature conservation, of which biodiversity conservation is a fundamental part. Implementing regulations Plant and animal species, fungi

 Rules on the inclusion of endangered plant and animal species in the Red List (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 82/2002). The ministerial regulation providing a legal status for endangered plant and animal species. The basis for species protection.  Decree on protected wild plant species (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 45/2004, 110/2004, 115/2007, 36/2009) . The governmental decree protecting plant species (species protection).  Decree on protected wild animal species (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 46/2004, 109/2004, 84/2005, 115/2007, 96/2008, 36/2009). The governmental decree protecting animal species (species protection).  Decree on the protection of wild fungi (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 57/1998, 56/1999 (31/2000 – correction)). The governmental decree protecting wild fungi. It includes harvesting limitations and a list of species.  Rules on taking of brown bear ( Ursus arctos ) from the wild (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 87/2005, 17/2006, 21/2007, 23/2008). The rules regulating the yearly removal of bears from the population. Habitat types  Decree on habitat types (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 112/2003, 36/2009) The governmental decree listing the habitat types for which certain measures apply.

Ecologically important areas  Decree on Ecologically Important Areas (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 48/2004) The decree specifies ecologically important areas and some measures. Caves  Cave protection act (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 2/2004) . Regulates protection of caves, access, concessions, conservation of geomorphologic characteristics and cave fauna. Valuable natural features  Decree on the categories of valuable natural features (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 52/2002, amended 67/2003). T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14 - 18 –

 Rules on the designation and protection of valuable natural features (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 111/2004, 70/2006) . These rules specify valuable natural features and list them in an extensive supplement. The addendum to the rules declares caves as valuable natural features and classifies them with regard to access into open caves with free or controlled access, and closed caves. Special protected areas (Natura 2000)

 Decree on special protection areas (Natura 2000 areas) (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 49/2004, 110/2004). The decree specifies the NATURA 2000 areas according to the Bird Directive and the proposed areas according to the Habitats Directive)  Decree amending the Decree on special protection areas (Natura 2000 areas) (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 59/2007) Amendments to the Decree with regard to the notification of the European Commission about incomplete transposition of the Habitats Directive.  Rules on the assessment of acceptability of impacts caused by the execution of plans and activities affecting nature in protected areas (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 130/2004, 53/2006) Animals in captivity, trade

 Decree on the rescue centre for animals of wild species (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 98/2002, 46/2004) . The decree regulates the rescue centres for wild animals.  Decree on zoos and similar facilities ( Official Gazette of the RS, No. 37/2003 ). The decree regulates conditions for zoos.  Order on living conditions for and care of wild animals kept in captivity (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 90/2001). The order regulates the conditions for keeping animals in captivity.  Rules on the marking of animals kept in captivity (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 58/2004) .  Decree on the management and protection methods in trade in animal and plant species (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 52/2004) . The decree regulating trade with endangered plant and animal species that harmonizes legislature with acquis communautire after Slovenia’s accession to the EU.  Rules on wild animal species not requiring a permit for captive breeding (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 62/2007) . Use of vehicles in natural environment  Decree on the prohibition of use of vehicles in natural environment (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 16/1995, 28/1995, 35/2001) . The decree regulates off-road driving. Nature protection control  Decree on the training programme for the implementation of direct control in nature (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 43/2002)  Rules on the official badge, card and uniform of nature protection wardens (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 37/2003). Environmental impact assesment  Rules on the carrying-out of the assessment of risk to nature and on the obtaining of authorisation (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 43/2002). Marking  Rules on the marking of protected areas of valuable natural features (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 117/2002, 53/2004). - 19 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

Legislation of other sectors important for nature conservation  Act on Forests (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 30/1993, 13/1998, judicial decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia U-I-53/95, 24/1999, judicial decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia U-I-51/95, 96/1999 (31/2000 – amended), 61/1999). The law regulates protection, management and exploitation of forests with the goal to ensure close to nature and multi-purpose management in accordance with the principles of protection of environment and valuable natural features, long-term optimal functioning of forests as ecosystems and fulfilling of their functions.  Wild Game and Hunting Act (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 16/2004). The act regulates management of game species, including planning, conservation, sustainable use and monitoring of status, in a manner that ensures ecological, social and economic functions of the game species and their habitat.  Marine Fisheries Act (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 115/2006).  Freshwater Fisheries Act (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 16/2004) Selected legislation about protected areas  Decree on the Gori čko Landscape Park (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 101/2003).  Decree on the Se čoveljske soline Landscape Park (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 29/2001).  Decree on the Strunjan Landscape Park (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 107/2004, amended 114/2004).  Decree on Škocjanske jame Regional park (Official Gazette of the RS, No.57/1996).  Triglav National Park Act (Official Gazette of the SRS, No. 17/1981 (amended 18/1981), 42/1986, Oficcial Gazette of the RS, No. 8/1990, 35/2001).  Decree on the Kolpa Landscape Park (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 85/2006)  Decision establishing the Kolpa Landscape Park as a public institute (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 98/2006)  Decree on the Ljubljansko barje Landscape Park (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 112/2008)

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Annex B: More visibel non-governmental organizations involved in nature conservation Alpine Association of Slovenia URL: www.pzs.si e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Bird Watching and Bird Study Society of Slovenia URL: www.ptice.org e-mail: [email protected]

Botanical Society of Slovenia URL: bds.biologija.org e-mail: [email protected]

Cipra Slovenia - International Commission for the Protection of the Alps URL: www.cipra.org e-mail: [email protected]

Dinaricum - Society for Conservation, Research and Sustainable Development of the Dinaric Mountains URL: www.dinaricum.si e-mail: [email protected]

Fishing Association of Slovenia URL: www.ribiska-zveza.si e-mail: [email protected]

Hunters Association of Slovenia URL: www.lovska-zveza.si e-mail: [email protected]

Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society URL: www.morigenos.org e-mail: [email protected]

Mountain Wilderness Slovenije URL: www.mountainwilderness.si/ e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Radoživ Environmental Protection Society, Žalec URL: www.zalec.si/radoziv/ogmteh e-mail: [email protected]

Slovenian Association for Bat Research and Conservation URL: www.sdpvn-drustvo.si e-mail: [email protected]

Slovenian Association for Conservation of Natural Heritage URL: www.naravnadediscina.org/ e-mail: [email protected]

Slovenian Dragonfly Society URL: www.odonatolosko-drustvo.si e-mail: [email protected] - 21 - T-PVS/Inf (2009) 14

Slovenian Micological Association URL: www.gobe-zveza.si e-mail: [email protected]

Slovenian Natural History Society URL: www.proteus.si/ e-mail: [email protected]

Societas Herpetologica Slovenica - Society for the study of Amphibians and Reptiles URL: pina.soros.si/~shs/ e-mail: [email protected]

Society for Bird Research and Nature Protection URL: www.dppvn.eu e-mail: [email protected]

Society for Environmental Education in Europe-Slovenia URL: www.drustvo-doves.si e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Speleological Association of Slovenia URL: www.jamarska-zveza.si/prva.html e-mail: [email protected]

Tabrih - Society for Conservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage URL: www.drustvo-tabrih.si/ e-mail: [email protected]