Natura 2000 protected area

Natura 2000 is a cornerstone of EU nature & biodiversity policy comprising Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated respectively under the Habitats Directive and Birds Directive. Covering over 18% of EU land and a substantial part of its seas, it aims to ensure long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. The network is not a system of strict nature reserves, where all human activities are excluded. It aims to assure the sustainable management of natural areas and biodiversity, allowing humans to coexist with nature. The areas under Natura 2000 can include forests, wetlands, mountains, grasslands, coastal and marine regions, and urban parks. The initiative is supported by comprehensive scientific evidence, meticulous planning, cooperation with landowners and local communities to balance nature conservation with human activity, traditional land use, agriculture, and urban development.