On the national level, a spatial plan is one of the most important mechanisms for nature resource management and for setting priorities - guidelines for plans in various other sectors. The basic guidelines of the national spatial plan are the obligatory starting point of the spatial plans.

Planning and management of natural resources is based on legislation on spatial planning and building, which is currently being adapted to modern principles.

Particular sectors form their own policies and programs. They are based on sectoral legislation which manages natural resources. Some of them were adopted in recent years (Forests Act) or are in the process of preparation (Farming Land Act, Water Act, Mining Act, etc.)

1. Decision-Making Structure: No information

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

The Program ensures sustainable management and protection of Slovenia's forests in the following way: Although forest area has been increasing incessantly and has reached 54% of the surface area of the country, it is only possible to clear forest on the basis of a permit issued by forestry authorities. Decisions concerning forest area and forest land are based on land-use plans that are for forested landscape made by the Slovenian Forest Service (SFS) and adopted in a procedure where all parties interested can express their opinion.

The current volume of the growing stock of 208 cubic meters per hectare is not low in comparison to many other European countries; however, it is the long-term goal of the Program that it should reach at least 300 cubic meters. At the same time the proportion of large-diameter trees should increase as well. Accumulation of the growing stock will improve the general protection functions of forests and their resilience to disturbances. Together with the restrictions of litter gathering, it will have an impact on carbon storage as well.

Disturbances that diminish forest ecosystem health and vitality are a serious problem. Twenty to thirty percent of the timber removals in Slovenia is caused by effects of air pollutants or by biotic and abiotic agents. Besides the investments in desulphurisation plants, the main strategy to stabilize forests is to enhance their resilience making them structurally more diverse. The main task of forest management in this sense is to mimic natural structures and species composition.

Since all forests in Slovenia are managed according to management plans and guidelines, the appropriate balance between growth and removals is ensured. For the decade 1991-2000 it is envisaged that only 57 % of growth will be cut. In order to improve the quality of forests, silvicultural activities are subsidized by the state after prior planning of the SFS. Among the non-wood forest products mushrooms and game are most important. A decree that limits mushroom picking was adopted recently, while hunting is also strictly controlled.

To ensure the overall biological diversity in forests it is most important that close-to-nature forestry is promoted. It is based on natural regeneration and moderate, small scale interventions. A network of strictly protected forest reserves, many of them remaining untouched for more than one-hundred years, was established. In accordance with the new methodology of evaluation of forest functions, the existing protection forests will be reconsidered, and then a law on protection forests will be issued.

In addition to the protection of threatened species, so-called eco-cells are being established. These are small and unique habitats, preserved and managed for enhancement of biological diversity.

Clearly, the endeavor towards the protection of forests is not only oriented towards forests but also towards people. In this sense the SFS provides information on the structure and functioning of forest ecosystems for schoolchildren, public organizations and other groups of the general public. Besides mass media, forest nature trails are used to inform public about forests and forest management principles.

1. Decision-Making Structure: No information

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification

Particularly in Africa

Convention

No information

The latest report to the Secretariat of the Convention was prepared in 19--.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter: Desertification and drought are presently not issues of major concern for Slovenia. However, the process of this problem and the activity of the international community is being followed by the authorities and the professional public of Slovenia.

The main working areas are:

population and culture

physical planning

preservation of fresh air

soil conservation

water management

nature conservation and landscape planning

mountain farming

mountain forest

tourism and free-time activities

traffic

energy

waste management

The signed protocols:

Physical Planning and Sustainable Development

Nature Protection and the Conservation of Landscape

Mountain Farming

Mountain Forest

are dealing also with sustainable mountain development.

Sustainable mountain development as an activity shall take part in preparing measures for the realization of protocols dealing with mountain farming and mountain forest. It refers also to the other fields of the Alpine Convention like soil, air and Water.

1. Decision-Making Structure: Parliament is responsible for decision-making in national frames. Among the parties to the Alpine Convention, the Ministerial "Alpine" Conference is the main decision-making structure.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Up to 3 persons within the Ministry of the Environment and Physical Planning deal permanently with work on the Alpine Convention. The employees from other Ministries cooperate on specific working subjects/sectors.

3. Major Groups:

Permanent Committee

Working Groups on Protocols

Alpine Observation and Information System (SOIA)

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Cooperation takes place within the parties/signatories of the Convention as well as several participating observers (NGOs, transnational associations of regions etc.)

The quality of ground water is deteriorating, mostly because of increased pesticide and nitrate concentration which come from intensive agricultural activity. Intensive livestock farming in small areas, high concentrations of cattle and pigs and lack of storage of animal manure contribute to contamination of soils and ground water. The new legislation is under construction at the moment in order to regulate the input of fertilizers (both mineral and organic: manure or slurry) in soil particularly in areas with shallow ground water. The decree is trying to narrow the imbalance between fertilizers input and crop uptake with the following measures: limit input values for nutrients (fertilizers) regarding crop uptake, application of fertilizers at the proper time (in the growing season), sowing winter crops to minimize leaching losses, etc. The decree will also control the use of sewage sludge in agriculture and set limit values for concentrations of heavy metals in sludge.

Regarding pesticides, at the moment Slovenia is preparing the positive list of pesticides which can be used on the areas with ground water that is also used for water supply. The maximum and critical allowed values in soil will also be revised and set up in the new act of soil protection. This is particularly important for those soils, used to produce foodstuffs. Concentrations of seven classes of pollutants will be determined: heavy metals, inorganic pollutants, aromatic compounds, polycyclic hydrocarbons, chlorinated organic, pesticides and others (mineral oils). Values below the maximum allowed represents the uncontaminated soils, and values over critical concentrations means that a clean-up is necessary. Values between maximum allowed and critical value indicates that further investigation is required.

1. Decision-Making Structure: No information

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

Convention on Biological Diversity

Parties are to develop national strategies, plans and programmes for sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity and integrate them into general development plans.

Parties shall identify, monitor and maintain data on components of biodiversity.

Parties shall introduce appropriate procedures requiring EIAs for projects likely to have significant adverse effects on biological diversity.

Parties shall submit reports on measures which it has taken for the implementation of the Convention, at intervals to be determined.

Convention

Signed in 1992; and ratified in 1996

Latest report submitted in 19--.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Parties to take appropriate measures to enforce regulatory provisions and prohibit trade in specimens in violation thereof. Convention also governs treatment of animals in shipment.

Each party to prepare periodic reports on its implementation of the convention and to prepare: (a) an annual report listing export permits issued and species involved, and (b) a biennial report on legislative, regulatory and administrative measures taken.

Convention signed in 19--.

Latest report submitted in 19--.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

No information

The law will regulate the use of genetically modified organisms in a liberal way, not to obstruct development in this area. At the same time, the law will prevent the performance of experiments (genetic diagnostic, genetic manipulation with various materials, both plants, animals), because of potential danger for humans and the environment. The draft law is prepared in accordance with Directives and Standards set by the EU and the OECD.

1. Decision-Making Structure: No information

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: Ratified in 1995

See also the attached tables on the next pages.

Slovenia is planning a national policy on oceans which will be integrated into the National Sustainable Development Plan. A programme for integrated management and sustainable development of coastal and marine areas is being planned. Existing coastal zone or area management plans do not encompass all marine activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to 220 naut. miles. All activities under this programme area are rated "very important" or "important" but are poorly or not covered. Only preparation and implementation of land, water and siting policies, conservation and restoration of altered critical habitats, human resources development, training and development and simultaneous implementation of environmental quality criteria are well covered and gaps are being addressed. The preparation of coastal profiles identifying critical areas, including eroded zones, physical processes, development patterns, user conflicts and specific priorities for management is in process. Regarding marine environmental protection, the National Report mentions that the Barcelona and Marpol Conventions have been difficult to implement. Required by the Environment Protection Act of the Republic of Slovenia, prior assessment of major activities with potentially significant adverse impact is a mandatory requirement for any proposed new development. In order to strengthen marine environmental protection, charges for water pollution have been introduced. All activities under the programme area "marine environmental protection" are rated "important" but are mostly poorly covered. The programme areas of guaranteed prior assessment of activities that may have significant adverse impacts upon the marine environment and improvement of living standards of coastal population are well covered and gaps are being addressed. The National Report also mentions that the preparation of operative regional and national plans for coastal and marine areas is required, in order to solve future problems. To identify major types of pollution of the marine environment from land-based sources, the Slovenian Government has appointed inspectors for the environment dealing with chemical and biological analysis of water. But, nevertheless, there are constraints regarding the access to technology that serve to identify major types of pollution. The National Report mentions unfinished (under construction) sewage treatment facilities due to a lack of funds, efforts in the preparation of missing programmes and getting funds and the settlement of a sewage treatment system in old municipals (Koper, Izola, Piran). Slovenia receives external funding for the regional coastal water supply (Rizana Waterworks). All sewage related issues are rated "important" but have been poorly covered. Government promotes the primary treatment of municipal sewage discharged to rivers, government's support of the establishment and the improvement of regulatory and monitoring programmes to control effluent discharge, and the promoted assessment and cooperation at regional levels are well covered and gaps are being addressed. Under programme area addressing critical uncertainties for the management of the marine environment and climate change activities are rated "very important" and "important", are well covered and gaps are being addressed. The programme areas of coordinating national and regional observation programmes and providing improved forecasts of marine conditions are poorly covered. The Slovenian Government participates in and develops socio-economic and environmental indicators, systematic observation systems and mussel watch programmes. For integrated coastal management purposes, the GIS - Municipality of Koper is administrating planned land use, protected areas and infrastructure. These existing databases are rated "poor", they are not updated regularly but they are covering the areas of resources, cultural and socio economic characteristics, activities, uses, habitats, protected areas and sea grass beds in coastal zones. Marine degradation caused by land- and sea-based activities, estuaries, wetlands including mangroves and spawning and nursery areas are not covered. Due to a lack of finance, only limited but regular assessments are made of the state of the environment of coastal and marine areas. The National Report also mentions that Slovenia is able to measure improvements and changes in the coastal and marine environment.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning has primary responsibility for ensuring integrated planning and implementation but there is no national structure or body responsible for Sustainable Development.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: For the operative activities, a Project Implementation Unit in the Slovenian coastal area was established. We participate actively in various international workshops and training, especially within the framework of the Barcelona Convention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. Integrated Coastal Area Management (ICAM) is under implementation.

3. Major Groups: Major Groups are ad hoc participants in national processes at national and local levels, in the private sector and with small-scale artisanal fishermen.

4. Finance: The World Bank Group is financing Primoska Regional Water Supply with 30% participation

5. Regional/International Cooperation: The transboundary effects (pollution) of the river "Po" for the North Adriatic Sea requires cooperation between Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. To handle transboundary effects of North Adriatic Ports and Navigation Lines, dealing with the regular takeover of waste from ships in the port of Koper and the regular control of the Slovenian coast by an ecological boat require international cooperation. The Code of Conduct of Responsible Fishing will be incorporated to the ICZM Programme of Slovenian coastal region. A sea fishing law is in preparation. Slovenia also participates in the UNEP Regional Seas Programme - MEDPOL, the Fourth Framework Programme of the European Union - "Environment" and in the Alps Adria Programme - The Observation of the Northern Adriatic. The Slovenian National Report also mentions that there are policies to promote and support the integration of projects planned and implemented with UN system organizations. But the Slovenian Government does not participate in the Global Ocean Observing System.