There are 17.431 parts of nature designated as valuable nature feature, among them 12.148 caves. Any construction or activity in a valuable natural feature area is allowed only if there is no other spatial or tehnical possibility.

Areas of protected nature are a measure of the state to preserve natural values and biodiversity in situ. They cover more than 13% of Slovenia’s territory. The largest and the oldest protected area is Triglav National Park, covering almost 84,000 hectares. In recent years, the total surface area of protected areas has expanded largely due to the designation of three landscape parks.

Slovenian Environmental Agency (ARSO) is responsible for providing monetary compensation for damage caused by protected animal species. The amount of damages fluctuates depending on the available food in nature, according to spring cold or summer drought, there’s more damage expected. The year 2019 was like this, with 1.301 reported damage cases caused by protected animal species (76 % more than the year before), out of which, 1.173 received the compensation. A total of 570.580,39 EUR was paid in compensation, for damage caused by 28 different protected animal species.

Natura 2000 areas were designated in 2004. Acording to the conclusions of bilateral meeting with European Comission in 2014 the Natura 2000 network was expanded in 2016. Natura 2000 area cover 7681 km² or 37,50% of the total area and 7676 km² or 37,87 % of the terrestrial area of the country.

Nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, are important for the growth of algae and higher plants, but in high concentrations can cause undesirable changes in aquatic organisms and seawater quality. Long-term measurements of selected nutrients in the Slovenian sea show that their concentrations have decreased significantly. Therefore, the ecological status of the Slovenian Sea is assessed as good to very good based on nutrients in recent years.