The Natura 2000 network is the main instrument of the European Union for nature conservation in the Member States. Natura 2000 is a network of designated areas within the European Union that conserves vulnerable species and habitats throughout the continent. In order to establish these special natural areas, two directives, generally referred to as the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, transposed into national legislation through GEO no. 57/2007 on the regime of natural protected areas, conservation of natural habitats, wild flora and fauna, approved by Law 49/2011.
The Natura 2000 network is made up of:
- Avifaunistic Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the protection of wild birds according to the Birds Directive;
- Sites of Community Importance (SCI) for the protection of species of flora, fauna and habitats that, after acceptance by the European Union, will become Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive.
The goal of this ecological network is to preserve the natural values of community importance through sustainable development, without harming the local community.
The main objective of the European network of NATURA 2000 protected areas is that these areas provide for the long-term "favorable conservation status" of the species and habitats designated for each site.
The main objective of the European network of NATURA 2000 protected areas is that these areas provide for the long-term "favorable conservation status" of the species and habitats designated for each site.