Brussels, 21/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - Good news for biodiversity and ecosystems services. Natura 2000, the pan-European network of protected areas, has undergone a significant expansion. Nearly 18 800 square kilometres have been added, including a major addition of marine areas covering 17,000 km² which will increase protection for many endangered marine species, announced the European Commission on Monday 21 November.
The main countries involved in this latest expansion are the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Lithuania and Italy. Natura 2000 currently covers 18% of the EU's surface area and more than 145,000 km² of marine areas, to the delight of EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik, who commented: “Natura 2000 is at the moment one of the most effective tools we have in Europe to combat biodiversity loss, and it plays a key role in our strategy to protect our natural heritage. I particularly welcome the improved coverage of European seas: protecting Europe's marine environment and its unique features has never been more important.”
Expansion of the network under EU Directive 92/43/EEC, the Habitats Directive, and Directive 79/409/EEC, the Wild Birds Directive, will ensure better protection of theatened flora and fauna in Europe, like the green turtle Chelonia mydas, the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta and the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus. The expansion of the network will also increase protection for a range of valuable terrestrial habitats, including peat bogs in Lithuania, salt plains in Hungary, and species-rich chalk grasslands in Italy and Cyprus.
More than 90 % of the area added is made up of marine sites (17,000 km²), mainly in the UK, but also in France, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus and Italy. The new marine sites will provide a vital refuge for many of Europe's rarest and most endangered species. In the Atlantic, the UK additions feature 9 coldwater reefs, including reefs off Rockall Island which are biodiversity hotspots home to coral, sea spiders and numerous as yet unnamed species. The Natura 2000 network is expected to reach completion by the end of the year. (AN/transl.fl).