Natura 2000 sites

Natura 2000 is the coherent network of protected natural areas in the European Union consisting of Birds Directive and Habitats Directive areas. Natura 2000 sites are a combination of both and the protected natural monuments. A total of 160 areas, including three marine areas in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the North Sea. The Birds Directive areas were mostly designated during the period 1986-2000. The Habitats Directive sites are designated with the designation of the Natura 2000 sites concerned. The designation of these areas started in 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2016. On 16 June, a total of 157 Natura 2000 sites were definitively designated by the Doggersbank, the Klaverbank and the Frisian Front. This stock contains the boundaries of the definitively designated areas and the borders in accordance with the draft decision of most other areas. Spaniard Duin has been designated for the time being. Of two habitats directive areas (Krammer-Volkerak and Zoommeer) on land, this dataset contains the borders as reported to the European Commission. In this dataset, boundaries of underground limestone quarries have been added to a number of areas in South Limburg. Unlike the regular Habitats Directive area, only underground grooves are part of the Habitats Directive area in these areas.