Natura 2000 is the centrepiece of EU nature's biodiversity policy. More than 27,000 places across Europe, with an area of almost one million square kilometres form the largest network of protected areas in the world. The protection of these areas ensures the preservation of the grand European natural heritage. Search your closest Natura 2000 site here: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu

BUT... WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?

Besides being a heaven for many animal and plant species like the brown bear and the iberian lynx, large raptors and vultures, delicate orchids or butterflies, Natura 2000 network is the result of cultural and historical interaction between human beings and nature.

The are not only are nature sanctuaries, they are places where activities as agriculture and livestock farming, hunting and tourism take place, guaranteing the conservation of values for which Natura 2000 sites were declared.

WHAT ARE THE VALUES THAT MAKE A SITE NATURA 2000 AREA?

Protection of these sites aims at ensuring the longterm survival of the most valuable and threatened European species and habitats.

Natura 2000 network was born in 1992 and includes sites designated under two main European legislations:

• Habitat Directive, defining SCI, Site of Community Importance, sites hosting natural habitat types or species of unique value that must be preserved. SCI become SAC, Special Areas of Conservation, when their management plans or instrumets got approved.
• Birds Directive, establishing SPA, Special Protected Areas, are home to wild birds to be preserved in the framework of the European Union.

BENEFITS OF NATURA 2000 NETWORK

The whole society benefits from the values of these areas. According to European Commission's studies, Natura 2000 sites provide to European citizens vital services such as carbon storage, maintenance of air and water quality or protection against floods or droughts, valued between 200,000 and 300,000 millions of euro per year.

More information on benefits and Natura 2000 network:

www.activarednatura2000.org