May 21 marks the celebration of the European Day of the Natura 2000 Network, a date proclaimed by the European Commission in 2017 with the aim of calling to action all sectors of society to be aware of and involved in the conservation of this European network of great ecological, social and economic value.
Natura 2000 is the largest network of protected areas in the world. It is made up of Sites of Community Importance (SCI), areas officially designated by the European Commission in accordance with the Habitats Directive.
Habitats Directive
as sites hosting natural habitat types or species of special importance at European Union level. These SCIs can also be declared as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) by the Member States when their management plan is approved. On the other hand, the Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs) are designated under the
Birds Directive
and are sites hosting wild bird species to be conserved at Community level.
With more than 27,500 spaces (and an area equivalent to one-fifth the size of the European Union), the Natura 2000 Network seeks to reconcile the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. biodiversity conservationby acting to protect the long-term survival of the most vulnerable species and ecosystems, and to ensure the long-term survival of the most vulnerable species and ecosystems. sustainability of the activities carried out in these spaces. Currently, 37% of the flora and fauna in the European Union as a whole is found in Natura 2000 Network sites.
Spain is the European country that contributes the most to this networkThe country has 1,468 Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) and 662 Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs), which represents 27.8% of its land area, and accounts for 27.8% of its total land area. 20 % of the total European network. In the Spanish network, 60% of the habitats and 40% of the species protected by the Natura 2000 Network are represented. Likewise, our country is home to 56% of the birds included in the Birds Directive, 32% of the taxa included in the Habitats Directive, and 56% of the habitat types of Community interest.
The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) has contributed, since its inception, to the protection of natural habitats and species of community value, promoting the consolidation of the Natura 2000 Network as a tool for the protection of natural habitats and species of community value. reversing biodiversity loss in the European Union as a whole through different initiatives and programs.
Thus, the project
LIFE INTEMARES
project contributes to the integrated, innovative and participatory management of protected marine areas and advances towards the fulfillment of international marine protection commitments, with science and the participation of the sectors involved as key tools. Its pillars include research, conservation, governance, awareness raising, as well as the training of agents involved in the effective management of the Natura 2000 Network. Within this framework, an analysis of the
analysis of the adequacy of the Natura 2000 network, which has provided MITECO with the scientific information necessary to approve seven new sites.
This has provided MITECO with the scientific information necessary to approve seven new areas, which will increase the protected marine surface area in Spain from 12% to 25%.
The Fundación Biodiversidad also works in Natura 2000 Network areas to guarantee the conservation of endangered species. Coordinates the
LIFE Cerceta Pardilla
which aims to improve the conservation status of 3,000 hectares of wetlands to reverse the risk of extinction of the most endangered duck in Europe, in critical condition in Spain. So far, more than 140 hectares of wetlands of great importance for the species have been acquired and more than 2,900 specimens have been released to reinforce their populations.
In addition, we participate in the project
LIFE Bears with a future
project, with actions in eight areas of the Natura 2000 Network in the Cantabrian Mountains with the aim of facilitating the adaptation of the Cantabrian brown bear to climate change. To date, the project has planted more than 100,000 trees and shrubs of native and fruit-producing species that serve as food for this animal. In addition, habitat restoration actions, research studies and awareness-raising activities have been carried out for the groups that carry out activities in the bear mountains.
The Fundación Biodiversidad also participates in the project
LIFE ECOREST
project, which operates on the coast of Girona and Barcelona, where Natura 2000 Network areas such as Cap de Creus are located. This area is considered a point of great ecological importance due to the high concentration of endangered species, including corals, gorgonians and sponges. The LIFE ECOREST project is expected to restore about 30,000 hectares of deep marine habitats . So far, two oceanographic campaigns have been carried out to study the state of the habitats in these areas and more than 750 organisms accidentally caught in fishing nets have been returned to the sea.
Lastly, the Biodiversity Foundation has promoted the conservation of species and habitats in Natura 2000 Network sites in Spain, supporting more than 300 initiatives through different calls for grants, as well as projects within the framework of the Plan for Recovery, Transformation and Resilience (PRTR) and within the framework of the Pleamar Program.
