The European Commission published on Friday 28 January the guidelines and criteria for the identification and designation of new protected nature areas in the EU, as well as the management of existing and future protected areas, as called for in the EU’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.
This strategy, adopted in May 2020 as part of the European Green Deal, provides for the protection and restoration of at least 30% of land and marine areas. In addition, one third of this area must be subject to strict protection (see EUROPE 12491/2).
The guidance document will assist Member States in designating additional protected and strictly protected areas, either as part of the pan-European Natura 2000 network or as part of national protection regimes.
The strategy also stresses that all protected areas must have clearly defined objectives and conservation measures. This applies not only to new areas to be designated, but also to all existing areas.
The criteria and guidelines are not binding. They are intended solely to help Member States meet the political commitment they made when they adopted Environment Council conclusions welcoming the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy.
“Our guidance gives Member States tools to help them identify, designate and manage additional protected areas. We will continue to work together to put European nature on the road to recovery by 2030”, commented Commissioner for Environment Virginijus Sinkevičius.
The document was developed in collaboration with the European Environment Agency after discussions with national experts and stakeholders.
In addition, the European Commission’s proposal for binding EU nature restoration targets, which has been postponed several times, is expected on 23 March, according to the latest provisional timetable, dated 26 January.
See the European Commission’s guide to the criteria: https://bit.ly/342nJup (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)