What are Natura 2000 areas?

This is the European Union's network of protected areas, covering the majority of Europe's protected areas. This network includes the EU's most sensitive and valuable natural habitats and species, which are of particular importance for the biodiversity of the whole of Europe.

The legal basis for Natura 2000 is two EU nature conservation directives, the Birds and Habitats Directives. Based on the provisions of the Birds and Habitats Directives, the EU ensures that all countries comply with the same legal obligations when protecting Natura 2000 sites.

In order to ensure a favourable conservation status of protected values, it is necessary to properly protect and manage the Natura 2000 network territories by applying balanced legal, administrative, nature management planning, contractual and other active measures.