Natura 2000

Natura 2000 is one of the most important instruments of the European Union’s policy for the conservation of biodiversity. It is the largest existing network of protected areas in the world, consisting of approximately 26,000 sites stretching across all 28 EU countries, both on land and at sea. The aim of the network is to ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats, listed under both the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive.

In Italy Natura 2000 sites cover about 19% of the national territory and 4% of territorial sea.

For more info: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm