Natura 2000

Natura 2000 is an ecological European network of protected areas which stand as areas of

the highest value for natural habitats and types of rare and endangered animals and plants. It was

named Natura 2000 from the 1992 EC habitats directive. Basically it stands for conservation of

precious natural resources from the year 2000 until what we call now the 21st century. This

ecological network has two types of areas. The first type is special areas of conservation in which

natural habitats which are rare and endangered are supported. And the second type is special

protection areas which support significant numbers of wild birds and their habitats. Moreover, the

first type" CSPA's" (as an abbreviation) are classified under the habitats directive, and the second

type "SPA's" are classified under the birds directive. These so called directives have such provisions

like measures for the protection of habitats and species in Natura 2000.

The Natura 2000 program is held in 15 different European countries, and it protects 18% of

land in these countries. The European union is responsible for providing 6 milliard euro yearly in

order for Natura 2000 to exist. Moreover, it represents and shows the huge variety of European

landscapes such as the forests of eastern Poland, the extensive cork‐oak pastures located in Spain;

and the peaceful Mediterranean islands to the busy part of Antwerp. Natura 2000 sites are selected

on a scientific basis when it comes to animal and plant species; And each EU member state must

collect a list of the best wildlife areas containing the habitats and species given in the habitats

directive and the birds directive. After gathering this list, it should be submitted to the European

commission; afterwards, the list will be evaluated and a selection process on European level will

take place in order to become an Natura 2000 site.

Natura 2000 is considered as a safety‐net for our future. Natura 2000 areas happen to store

carbon which makes it reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The Natura

2000 program helps us against climate change, and us humans need a green network to defend us

against the impacts of climate change. It also protects us from extreme weather events such as

floods or droughts. The EU is still working on completing the Natura 2000 network which carries

about 20% of europes territory. Nevertheless, the countries in the EU have achieved great process

in the Natura 2000 site selection, but in some countries, governments or local authorities delay the

process due to short economic interest. And such a thing puts nature sites at risk and gradually

delays economic investments. Morever, marine Natura 2000 still awaits designation which will

cause eventually a huge dilemma like for example when investors seek planning security for offshore

wind farms. In order to increase the success of Natura 2000, it is very essential that