KAZALCI OKOLJA

Environmental indicators in Slovenia


Environmental indicators are based on graphs, maps and assessments and as such present environmental trends in Slovenia. The indicators represent one of the four pillars of our environmental reporting, and are prepared in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act. The Environmental Indicators in Slovenia website enables users to browse among 180 indicators. They are based on numerical data and they indicate the state, characteristics and trends of environmental development in Slovenia. They are prepared using a systematic approach based on data and monitoring, as shown in the information pyramid.

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Bad

Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are the most common vector-borne diseases transmitted by ticks. Between 2014 and 2023, Slovenia reported annually slightly less than 3,000 to over 7,000 cases of LB and an average of 105 TBE cases (the highest in 2020 - 187 cases, the lowest in 2015 and 2021 - 62 cases). Due to climate change, which influences the expansion of tick habitats and extends their activity season, the risk of infection may increase in the future. Increased awareness and individual prevention are key factors in reducing the burden of both diseases.

Good

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to land-use change generally show a declining trend. In 2021, GHG emissions from deforestation decreased by 0.5% compared to the previous year, with more than half, i.e. 62%, of these emissions coming from the establishment of agricultural land. GHG emissions due to land conversion to built-up and related land decreased by 2.8% compared to the previous year. The largest share of emissions (66%) is due to the conversion of agricultural land to built-up and related land.

Bad

Slovenian forests are over-mature, the current ratio of forest development phases is unfavourable, forest regeneration is too slow, or the areas of forests under restoration are too small to significantly change the share of forest development phases and thus ensure sustainable forest development. The role of forests as a carbon sink is at risk.

Neutral

After 2005, the gross nitrogen budget ranged between 32 and 69 kg per hectare of agricultural land with an indistinct downward trend. On average over the last five-year period, the target value (less than 50.4 kg per ha) was achieved. In 2022, the nitrogen balance surplus rose sharply compared to the previous year (from 46.2 to 69.1 kg per ha). The target value (less than 49.4 kg per ha) was therefore not achieved. The increase in the surplus is attributed to the drought, which caused a decrease in the nitrogen uptake by agricultural plants.

Neutral

Areas of fields and gardens in measures that require fertilization based on rapid soil or plant tests have significantly exceeded the target value set by the 2014–2020 Rural Development Programme.

Good

In the period after 2000, nitrogen consumption from mineral fertilisers initially declined. After 2009, consumption more or less stabilised at around 27,500 tonnes, with annual values ranging from 26,300 to 29,143 tonnes. With the exception of 2021, the target value (< 28,000 t) has been achieved in recent years. The increase in 2021 was probably the result of purchases of mineral fertilizers for stock, which were made due to expected price increases and supply disruptions.