There are over 27 000 nature sites protected by EU legislation. These form the Natura 2000 network.
Natura 2000 sites reflect Europe’s rich variety of wildlife and habitats. They cover almost one fifth of land and one tenth of surrounding seas - which is about the size of Spain and Italy combined.
The sites range in size from less then one hectare to hundreds of square kilometres. Sites include several strictly protected nature reserves, and habitat types such as forests, grasslands, wetlands and coastal and marine habitats.
For over 30 years, the Birds and Habitats Directives (the ‘Nature Directives’) have set out the overall legal framework for protecting and managing Natura 2000 sites.
See the interactive map of the Natura 2000 network.
Natura 2000 provides benefits for nature, for people and for the economy
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
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
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
Designating Natura 2000 sites
Find out how EU countries designate Natura 2000 sites, and more about the EU’s biogeographical regions.
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.
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.
