Natura 2000 sites (2014)

The Natura 2000 network is central to EU biodiversity policy. Established under the Habitats Directive, it comprises the ‘proposed sites of community importance’ (pSCIs), ‘sites of community importance’ (SCIs) and ‘special areas of conservation’ (SACs) under the Habitats Directive and the ‘special protection areas’ (SPAs) under the Birds Directive. These areas are not strict nature reserves, and often include land which is inhabited, privately owned, or used for recreational or economic purposes.
In December 2014, Natura 2000 comprised 27 393 sites covering 788 000 km2 on land (over 18% of EU land area) and 318 000 km2 at sea (about 5.9% of EU seas). Natura 2000 areas on land are mainly made up of woodland (50%), grassland (15%), cultivated land (12%) and scrub (9%).