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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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Good

In 2022, agricultural land covered 18.8% of nature protection areas of various types in Slovenia. 26.3% of all agricultural land is included in nature protection areas. In the past, agriculture in Slovenia has contributed to high diversity of species and habitats and played a key role in the shaping of cultural landscape. Creation of protected areas is only the first step towards the preservation of traditional agricultural habitats; these habitats will only be preserved if the farmers have an economic interest in maintaining them.

Good
Air

Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and total nitrogen oxides in ambient air do not exceed the prescribed limit values. Consequently, they are not harmful for human health and vegetation.

Bad
Air

The level of air pollution with ozone has exceeded the target value for protecting human health in recent years at some urban background monitoring stations (Koper, Nova Gorica Grčna) and at the higher-altitude monitoring station Otlica. The long-term health protection goals have been exceeded at all monitoring stations. The warning value has also been exceeded in recent years only in the Primorska region and at higher altitudes, such as Otlica.

Good

In 2022, 75% of energy supply in Slovenia was available to end-users, marking the highest level observed in the period. This percentage is largely influenced by the efficiency of electricity and heat production. In thermoelectric power plants and combined heat and power plants, almost half of the input energy was lost in 2022. Compared to the EU-27 countries, Slovenia ranked in the lower third. Electricity production from combined heat and power plants accounted for just over 6% of total production in Slovenia in 2021, with this share declining in recent years.

Bad

Foodborne infections remain a significant public health concern in Slovenia and globally. In 2023, the incidence of these infections in Slovenia decreased by 7% compared to 2022, with viral intestinal infections being the most common. Among bacterial pathogens, Campylobacter, Clostridioides difficile, Salmonella, and pathogenic E. coli are predominant. The World Health Organization estimates that at least one in ten people worldwide contracts a foodborne infection each year, representing a substantial burden on public health.

Neutral

In 2022, drinking water monitoring was carried out for 93.8% of Slovenia's population across 863 supply zones that serve 50 or more people. Large and medium-sized zones, serving more than 500 inhabitants, generally maintain a good water quality. The greatest issues are found in smaller zones (50-500 inhabitants) with a higher percentage of fecally contaminated samples. Chemical contamination was detected in two zones, mainly due to exceeded levels of lead and the pesticide desethyl-atrazine.