Natura 2000

Natura 2000 is the EU network of protected areas established in 1992 under the Birds Directive and Habitats Directive. It combines Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the Birds Directive for bird species and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) for listed habitats and species. In 2023 the network held over 27,000 sites covering about 18.6 percent of EU land area and 10.5 percent of its marine territory, the largest coordinated protected-area network worldwide. Member states must maintain or restore favourable conservation status and assess plans affecting sites under Habitats Directive Article 6.