Nature areas under protection include the Natura 2000 network and protected areas such as parks, reserves and natural monuments. Types of land use in protected areas are presented in this indicator. The role of agriculture in biodiversity preservation is presented by the share of agricultural land in the total surface area of protected areas. The indicator thus presents land use in protected areas, but does not provide direct information on the attainment of a favourable state of wild plant and animal species, their habitats and habitat types within these areas.

Nature protection areas include those within the Natura 2000 network and those under protection (national parks, regional parks, landscape parks, strict nature reserves, nature reserves and natural monuments). A large percentage of protected areas in relation to territory is a consequence of unfavourable conditions for agriculture, the great natural diversity of Slovenia and relatively environmentally friendly land use, which is reflected in large forest cover, mosaic distribution of agricultural habitats and a large share of meadows and pastures in the agricultural land structure.

In 2024, the surface area of agricultural land within protected areas was 153,698 hectares, similar to 2022. On the national level, the share of agricultural land included in various types of protection is currently 26.3%. In 2024, agricultural land covered 18.8% of nature protection areas, which were mostly covered by forest (69.8%). Semi-natural habitats have an important role in the Habitats Directive. These are agricultural habitats that were created over the past centuries by traditional farming or from the impacts of agricultural land use on the environment. It enabled the development and existence of semi-natural plant and consequently animal communities, thus contributing to greater biodiversity. For example, such habitats can be found on dry karst plateaus where regular mowing once per year prevents the land from becoming overgrown by shrubs and trees and supports biologically diverse meadow communities. Recently, the existence of such habitats has been threatened by the expansion of natural vegetation and urbanisation. Traditional or organic methods of farming are thus a condition for the preservation of such meadows. In Slovenia, semi-natural habitats interspersed with other land under cultivation largely create a unique cultural landscape. As a map of habitat types has not yet been fully prepared for Slovenia and since it is a very important (basic) sub-indicator, a comprehensive, overview and mapping of agricultural habitats of special importance should be carried out.