Emerald Network data (vector) - the Pan-European network of protected sites version 2024

This metadata refers to the spatial data covering the Emerald Network which is an ecological network made up of Areas of Special Conservation Interest. The objective of the Emerald Network is the long-term survival of the species and habitats. This version covers the reporting in 2024 as adopted by the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention in December 2024.

The Emerald Network consists of the Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCI) designated under Recommendation No. 16 (1989) and Resolution No. 3 (1996) of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention.

The Network is to be set up in each Contracting Party or observer State to the Convention. It thus involves all the European Union member States, some non-Community States and a number of African States. As a Contracting Party, the European Union contributes to the Emerald Network with its Natura 2000 sites.

The Emerald Network aggregated database is updated annually.

Besides the web service link provided in the metadata, the following services provide information on species and habitat types inside the Emerald sites:
https://bio.discomap.eea.europa.eu/arcgis/rest/services/ProtectedSites/EmeraldSpecies/MapServer
https://bio.discomap.eea.europa.eu/arcgis/rest/services/ProtectedSites/EmeraldHabitats/MapServer