Almost 20% of EU landmass is now under Natura 2000 bigger than the size of Germany!
17 December 2008, Brussels. Additional 769 new sites have been included in the EU-wide network of protected areas – Natura 2000. This latest addition marks a substantial enlargement of the network especially in Eastern Europe. Most of the new sites are located in Romania, Bulgaria and Poland. In total, an additional 95,522 km2 is recognised as “Sites of Community Importance”.
As European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas stated: “Each new site added to the network means greater protection for Europe’s species and habitats […] Natura 2000 is ensuring that future generations will enjoy Europe’s rich natural legacy.”
The Habitats Directive’s Natura 2000 network, which is the largest coherent network of protected areas in the world – is the main tool the European Union which directly contributes to halting biodiversity loss, as pledged in the 2010 biodiversity target. The proper implementation of the Directive and the strengthening of the Natura 2000 by adequate management of sites is key to ensure enhanced protection of species throughout the EU territory, particularly in the light of pressure from climate change, invasive species and many other human pressures.
