Characterisation of Natura 2000 sites

The Natura 2000 network is at the heart of EU nature conservation policy and is a key element of the objective of halting biodiversity loss.
This network, set up under the 1979 Birds Directive and the 1992 Habitats Directive, aims to ensure the long-term survival of particularly threatened species and habitats with high conservation challenges in Europe. It consists of a set of natural, terrestrial and marine sites, identified for the rarity or fragility of the species of flora and fauna and the natural environments they support.

The structuring of this network includes:

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the conservation of wild bird species listed in Annex I to the Birds Directive or which serve as breeding, moulting, wintering or relay areas for migratory birds;
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for the conservation of habitat types and animal and plant species listed in Annexes I and II of the Habitats Directive.

Topics: Habitats and ecosystems.
Public policy: Natura 2000.
DPSIR: Answer.
Type of data: Reference data.
Key biodiversity variables: .
Opening of data: Open.