Natura 2000

 

NATURA 2000 is an Europe-wide network consisting of protected areas for endangered wild native plant and animal species. The aim of the network is to preserve the biological diversity of these habitats. The species of the “Habitats Directive” and the “Birds Directive” are of special importance on the European level due to their endangerment, distribution or due to their function as key species, and therefore their protection should be improved. Areas which are particularly suitable for species to be preserved or which have the highest potential for a habitat to be maintained are designated as protected areas in order to safeguard species and habitats in the long term. Within the European Union, very different habitats and species are protected in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. An ecosystem can comprise different habitats and species. Currently, NATURA 2000 sites cover about 18.5% of the land area of the European Union.