The LIFE+ INDEMARES project has been a milestone for the conservation of our marine biodiversity, providing the scientific basis for the expansion of the Natura 2000 Network in the marine environment, through the study and identification of ten areas of high ecological value.

The LIFE+ INDEMARES project has been a milestone for the conservation of our marine biodiversity, providing the scientific basis for the expansion of the Natura 2000 Network in the marine environment.

As main results, 39 marine SPAs (Special Protection Areas for Birds) and 10 SCIs (Sites of Community Importance) have been declared, which represents 7.3 million hectares. This area, added to that declared prior to the project, means the protection of more than 8% of the State’s marine area, which has thus contributed to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s objective of protecting 10% of marine regions.

Areas studied:
Canal de Menorca
Avilés Canyon
Banco de la Concepción
Columbretes Islands
Seco de los Olivos
Gulf of Lion
Alboran Sea
South of Lanzarote-Fuerteventura
Banco de Galicia
Mud volcanoes of the Gulf of Cadiz