Natura 2000: Europe protects its natural beauty
Natura 2000 is a European network of nature conservation areas situated on the territory of the Member States of the European Union. This network is the cornerstone of the European policy for the preservation and restoration of biodiversity. Natura 2000 is not intended just for the conservation of habitats, but also contributes to the protection of species.
Restoring biodiversity
For years now, biodiversity is being lost across Europe. For this reason the protection of existing fauna and flora has become a priority for many Member States. However, plants and animals tend to ignore national borders; it is, therefore, important to deal with nature protection at the European level. With its biodiversity measures, the European Union intends to prevent nature from becoming increasingly uniform. The chief aim is to call a halt to species loss and not only stop the deterioration of ecosystems but even restore them to the extent possible.
The protection of habitats and species
The Natura 2000 network comprises all areas that are protected on the basis of the EU Birds (1979) and Habitats (1992) Directives. Both European directives specify which plant and animal species and which types of natural areas or habitats must be protected by the Member States. Thus, the Birds Directive includes a list of 187 rare or threatened bird species. The Habitats Directive focuses on the protection of natural habitats. In addition to some 200 habitats, it also specifies 500 plant species and 200 animal species.
European Commission support
By means of grants and subsidies, the European Commission supports essential protective measures within the framework of Natura 2000. This support is channelled through the LIFE fund – the environmental aid fund of the EU. For the period from 2007 to 2013 and for the European Union as a whole, the LIFE Fund has a budget of over 800 million euros to support nature and biodiversity projects.
A developing network
Now, in the year 2010, the Natura 2000 network already stretches across all 27 Member States of the European Union. Yet its development continues; not all Member States have completed the designation of all areas concerned. So far, no less than 26,000 areas have already been marked for conservation. The total surface area of the network already exceeds 850,000 km² (328,000 sq. miles) and covers approximately 18% of the territory of the Member States.
