Natura 2000 – Special Protection Areas (SPAs)

The Natura 2000 network is at the heart of the European Union’s 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 species and habitats that are particularly at risk, 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 shelter.

The structuring of the Natura 2000 network includes:

* **Special Protection Areas (SPAs)**, for the conservation of wild bird species listed in Schedule I of the Birds Directive or used 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 to the Habitats Directive.