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Environment
Natura 2000
Natura 2000

The largest network of protected areas in the world

Natura 2000 provides benefits for nature, for people and for the economy

 Forest landscape with sun peeking between trees.

For nature

Protects around 1 200 rare and threatened species and 230 habitat types

Provides a refuge for endangered species and rare habitats

Ensures their long-term survival and recovery

Person hiking

For people

Provides us with vital services like fresh water, pollinating insects and protection against floods and coastal erosion

Plays a crucial role in tackling climate change

Is accessible - 65% of Europeans live within 5 km of a nature site

Fishing in the EU – Portugal, coastal fishing

For the economy

Provides ecosystem services worth around EUR €200–300 billion per year

Supports livelihoods - 4.4 million jobs depend directly on healthy ecosystems in Europe

Managing and protecting Natura 2000 sites

Rules and guidance for everyone involved in managing Natura 2000 sites. This includes the legal requirements of national governments, and guidance for local landowners and site managers.

Permitting procedure

Discover the procedure to follow when a new plan or project is likely to have a significant negative effect on a Natura 2000 site.

Financing Natura 2000

See how Natura 2000 sites are financed and how EU funding can be used. Learn more about the socio-economic benefits of healthy nature.

Tools

Natura 2000 Viewer

Find Natura 2000 sites near you! Explore individual sites or group of sites, species and habitat types anywhere in the EU.

Natura 2000 Barometer

The latest data on all Natura 2000 sites, updated every year. See the graphs and statistics per country, and whether these are on land or at sea.

Nature in Europe

Want to know more about different ecosystems in Europe, their conservation status, and how the EU is effectively protecting them? Check out the joint site with the European Environment Agency

Natura 2000 datasets

Download the dataset – the data submitted by EU countries, updated every year.

Natura 2000 Lists

Filter Natura 2000 sites by country, Directive and biogeographical region, or site code in the List.

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Natura 2000 Award

Rewarding excellence in the management of Natura 2000 sites.

Using the Natura 2000 logo on goods and services

The Natura 2000 logo can be used by national authorities to identify Natura 2000 sites. It can also be used by anyone working in or with a Natura 2000 site for communication purposes and to increase awareness about the network. See the brochure for more information, and the Commission Decision on the use of the Natura 2000 logo.