Natura 2000 represents a milestone for nature conservation in
Europe. It is one of the largest ecological networks of the
world, consisting more than 26,000 protection areas distributed
over the whole European Union (cf. Newsletter on Nature and
Biodiversity of the European Commission). Natura 2000 bases on
two directives aimed at preserving the biological diversity in
the member states. - On the one hand this is the Habitats
Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EWG on the conservation of
natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora). The Annexes I and
II to this directive contain types of habitats and species whose
conservation requires the designation of special areas of
conservation (SACs). In these SACs the member states must take
all necessary measures to guarantee the conservation of the
habitats and species of European importance and to avoid their
deterioration and the significant disturbance of species. The
Directive provides for co-financing of conservation measures by
the Community. Therefore the fun