Life Trockenrasen: Natura 2000

Natura 2000 is the EU-wide network of protected areas established on the basis of the EU’s Habitat Directive of 1992. The aim of the Natura 2000 network is to protect and conserve the most valuable habitats of wild animal and plant species.

The Natura 2000 network consists of SCIs (Sites of Community Importance) designated under the Habitats Directive and SPAs (Special Protection Areas) designated under the 1979 Birds Directive. The Habitats Directive lists 231 habitat types and 700 animal and plant species that are to be identified in the areas. The Birds Directive lists 181 bird species whose habitats must be protected

Across Europe, all 28 member states of the European Union contribute to the Natura 2000 network with over 27,000 protected areas under the Habitat and Bird Directive. This corresponds to around 20 per cent of the EU's land and water areas. Brandenburg makes an important contribution to the Natura 2000 network with 27 European bird sanctuaries and 595 areas protected by the Habitat Directive. In total, around 26 per cent of Brandenburg's land are Natura 2000 sites.