Nature and Biodiversity (2)
How does a site become part of the Natura 2000 network?
Natura 2000 sites can be of two types. A site may be proposed as a Natura 2000 site when it supports natural habitat types and habitats of species of community interest, which habitats and species are listed in the annexes of the EC Habitats Directive. The natural habitats and species that are listed in the annexes include vulnerable, rare and endangered habitats and species. Once approved by the EC, each site is referred to as Site of Community Importance (SCI), which is then eventually designated as Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
A Natura 2000 site can also be designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), as called for under the EC Birds Directive, when the site is known to be particularly important for the conservation of wild bird species.
The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.