What does Natura 2000 do?

Natura 2000 is a network of core breeding and resting sites for rare and threatened species, and some rare natural habitat types which are protected in their own right.

What are Natura 200 sites?

What is Natura 2000 & what is its legal basis? Natura 2000 is a European network of important ecological sites. The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) placed an obligation on Member States of the EU to establish the Natura 2000 network.

What is a Natura area?

: a geographical area (as in a city) having a physical and cultural individuality developed through natural growth rather than design or planning.

Is a SSSI a European designation?

Scotland has 1,422 SSSIs, covering around 1,011,000 hectares or 12.6% of Scotland’s land area (above mean low water springs). Many SSSIs are also designated as European sites – whether as Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas.

What is a European site?

The term ‘European site’ is being used to refer to what were previously known as ‘Natura’ sites. This recognises that Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) protect species and habitats shared across Europe and were originally designated under European legislation.

What is the Commission doing to manage Natura 2000?

The Commission, in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders, has published guidance documents with regard to the management of Natura 2000 sites and is continuously gathering information on a large variety of approaches and best practices.

What to avoid when planning a Natura 2000 site?

Avoid damaging activities that could significantly disturb these species or deteriorate the habitats of the protected species or habitat types. Paragraphs 6 (3) and 6 (4) lay down the procedure to be followed when planning new developments that might affect a Natura 2000 site. Thus:

What are paragraphs 6(1) and 6(2) of Natura 2000?

Paragraphs 6 (1) and 6 (2) require that, within Natura 2000, Member States: Take appropriate conservation measures to maintain and restore the habitats and species for which the site has been designated to a favourable conservation status;