site.btaNature Protection Network Natura 2000 Marks 32nd Anniversary

The ecological network of protected European areas, Natura 2000, marks its 32nd anniversary, the Ministry of Environment and Water said here on Tuesday.

The EU Habitats Directive, adopted in 1992, and the EU Birds Directive, adopted in 1979, created the EU network of protected areas Natura 2000. The two directives are reflected in the Bulgarian legislation through the Biodiversity Act.

Natura 2000 has four protected biogeographic regions in Bulgaria – Continental, Alpine, Black Sea and Marine Black Sea, as well as 340 distinguished zones.

A total of 2,826 sq km of marine area and 38,727 sq km of land area are protected in Bulgaria, according to the latest data of Natura 2000 barometer statistics.

In the EU some 81% of habitats are in poor condition, 18% of the land is part of a Natura 2000 protected area and 30% of land and sea are to be protected by 2030, according to the EU environmental target.

Natura 2000 aims to ensure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and endangered species and habitats in accordance with the main international environmental agreements.