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3. Natura 2000

Natura 2000 is a 30-year network of sites selected to ensure the long-term survival of Europe's
most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Today, the Network stretches over 18% of
the EU's land area and more than 9% of its marine territory and protects our unique natural
heritage. On land, this represents a territory as big as Spain and Romania together, while on sea,
an area as big as Sweden. Thanks to Natura 2000, the EU protects around 1400 species of wild
animals and plants and 460 species of birds.

Natura 2000 sites have been designated specifically to protect core areas for a sub-set of species
or habitat types listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives. They are deemed to be of European
importance because they are endangered, vulnerable, rare, endemic or present outstanding
examples of typical characteristics of one or more of Europe’s nine biogeographical regions.

Nature reserves, national parks or other nationally or regionally protected sites are, on the other
hand, established exclusively under national or regional law, which can vary from country to
country. Sites may be designated for a range of different purposes and may also concern species/
habitats other than those targeted by the Natura 2000 network.

They do not have the same status as Natura 2000 sites. Nevertheless, it may be that some
nationally or regionally protected sites are also designated as Natura 2000 sites because they are
important areas for species and habitats of EU importance as well. In such cases, the provisions
of the EU directives apply, unless stricter rules are in place under national law.

Natura 2000 FAQS
(Available in all EU languages)

Natura 2000 Viewer
(Online platform to view Natura 2000 sites and their information)

4. Bibliography and references

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Land_use_statistics

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2530064421000286

https://humanorigins.si.edu/education/fun-facts

https://www.piie.com/microsites/globalization/what-is-globalization

https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/PIN-WP-001.pdf

Mapas Agencia Europeia Ambiente

https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/natura-2000-birds-and-habitat-
directives-12

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the

information contained therein.