Natura 2000

Natura 2000 is the European Union’s network of protected areas, designated under two directives to conserve threatened habitats and species while allowing compatible human activities.

Habitats Directive: An EU directive requiring conservation of natural habitats and wild species, including designation of Special Areas of Conservation. It provides the legal basis for protecting habitat types and species through Natura 2000.
Habitat: The natural or semi-natural environment in which an organism or ecological community lives. Natura 2000 protects specified habitat types as well as species.
Site management plan: A document setting conservation objectives and measures for managing a protected site. Management plans translate Natura 2000 objectives into actions suited to individual sites.
European Green Deal: The European Union’s policy programme for climate neutrality and environmental sustainability. Its biodiversity commitments include strengthening and expanding protected-area conservation.
Birds Directive: An EU directive requiring protection of wild birds, their eggs, nests, and habitats. It establishes Special Protection Areas that form part of Natura 2000.
Species: A fundamental biological classification comprising organisms that share defining traits and form a distinct lineage. Listed species are a central target of the network’s conservation measures.
Environmental impact assessment: A process for identifying and evaluating the environmental effects of a proposed project before approval. It can identify project effects that also require Natura 2000 assessment.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: An EU strategy to protect nature, restore ecosystems, and address biodiversity loss by 2030. It builds on protected areas such as Natura 2000 to pursue wider conservation targets.
Special Area of Conservation: A protected site designated under the Habitats Directive to conserve listed habitats and species. These sites are the network’s Habitats Directive component.
Biogeographical region: A broad area defined by characteristic climate, geology, and ecological communities. EU conservation assessments evaluate habitats and species across these regions.

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