On 20 October 2011, the directors of Slovenian Natural Parks signed an accord on mutual co-operation.

The accord was signed by the directors of Nature park Ljubljansko barje, Triglav National Park, Škocjan Caves Park, Kozjanski Park, Notranska Regional Park, Logar Valley Landscape Park, Strunjan Landscape Park, Sečovlje Saltpans Landscape Park, Goričko Landscape Park, Kolpa Landscape Park and Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve.

Closer co-operation and mutual assistance between parks should make a contribution to increased visibility and management effectiveness of all protected areas in Slovenia, to standardised working methods and management rationalisation. This undoubtedly necessary and practical act will help the exchange of experience and good practice, the preparation of common projects, joint promotion and co-ordinated work within international organisations.

Slovenian parks’ management and staff, who gathered at Ljubljana Marshes for their first official meeting, also highlighted the opportunity to shape a common standpoint to topical and important issues in nature conservation, thus also leading to increased visibility and strength in the exercise of professional viewpoints.

Protected areas of nature cover around 13% of Slovenian territory, while at this time only 11 protected areas have their own management in which a total of around 160 people are employed. There are still a great many natural parks set up at local level that do not have management and also lack serious possibilities to apply to the protected area the principles of nature conservation and sustainable development.

The Natural Parks Association would like to strengthen and improve co-operation in raising public awareness about protected areas, and enhance respect for the natural environment. By signing the accord, public institutes and concession holders who have been entrusted with the task of implementing the public interest of conservation of nature and cultural areas and biodiversity, have taken a firm step forward so that, in times of economic crisis and the avidity of capital, the natural world is not overlooked. Closer co-operation between staff in park management only reinforces the mission to which most park staff swear allegiance that working in them is not just a job but also a life mission.