THE (HUMAN) NATURE OF THE PROBLEM

SUCCESS STORIES

NATURA 2000

Biodiversity safety network

Venue: All Europe (Community and Non-Community countries)

Problem: The progression of man into natural spaces deteriorates the habitat of many species, endangering their chances of survival.

Solution: Creation of a continental network of biodiversity areas.

Description: Under the Habitats and Wild Birds directives, European Union member states and their non-community neighbours have devised a network of protected areas aimed at protecting birds, which are the visible element of ecological systems in which thousands of flora and fauna species co-exist.

Achievements: Over 95 million hectares of protected land in 37 European countries. 45 million hectares in the Natura 2000 Network, where 18 member states have established over 80% of eligible areas, in compliance with the directive's sufficiency requirements. The countries that have recently joined the Union are quickly advancing towards similar objectives.

Success stories:

• Research and innovation projects