More than 27% of land and 19% of the country’s marine area is part of the Natura 2000 network
May 21st has been established as the European Day of the Natura 2000 network- the largest network of protected areas worldwide and the foundation of the European Union policy to protect nature. The network was created in 1992 by the European Commission and is still a shield for the valuable and endangered species and ecosystems of Europe, against modern challenges such as climate change, habitat loss and harmful human activities.
Greece, thanks to its unique geographical location and diversity of its natural landscape, hosts an impressive wealth of biodiversity, with thousands of species of plants and animals- many of which are endemic, that is, they are nowhere else on the planet.
With more than 27% of land and 19% of the country’s maritime area being part of the Natura 2000 network, Greece plays a key role in maintaining Europe’s natural heritage.
Overall 446 areas which are found In every corner of GreeceFrom Thrace to Crete and from Corfu to Kastelorizo, they are the Greek part of the European Natura 2000 network, the largest network of protected areas in the world.
Natura 2000 areas in Greece
According to JMD 50743 (Government Gazette 4432B/15-12-2017), the protected areas of the network in Greece amount to 446, covering a surface of 58,773.25 sq. Km.
Of these, land areas cover 27.44% of the country, while the rest are marine.
The protected areas of Greece are distinguished in:
– 239 places of Community importance (TSFs)
– 181 Special Protection Zones (SPA), and
– 26 places of Community importance/SPA Special Protection Zones
Special Protection Areas (SPA)
The spa are extensive areas designated to ensure the survival and reproduction of ornithopanic species – migratory and non -migratory – and their habitats in European space.
PCS – Places of Community Importance (Sites of Community Importance – SCI)
Areas evaluated by each Member State for their importance in maintaining animal and plant species of Community interest. With the institutionalization of the national list of protected areas of the Natura 2000 network, the TSF areas were declared as “Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).
OPYPECA’s actions
Optypeca, as he points out in his announcement, works daily to improve the management of protected areas, to enhance sustainable development, and to cultivate environmental consciousness.
In this context, it has been implemented by Oipotia, inter alia, the task of drawing up the red list of endangered species of Greece, which is a critical tool for the substantiated assessment of the status of conservation of thousands of species of flora and fauna. This project is the basis for targeted protection actions and political decisions, being inextricably linked to the country’s obligations under the Natura 2000 network and the European environmental strategy.
Participating in the celebration of the European Day Natura 2000, the Agency is organizing 15 information and awareness events across the country- from Parnitha and the Corinthian Gulf to Prespa, Oiti and Zakynthos. These events include guided tours of protected areas, visits and educational programs in schools, biodiversity recording action (Bioblitz), coastal cleaning, etc.
In addition, today, May 21, the entrance to the Samaria Gorge will be free to the public as a symbolic act of participating in the day.
Source: Skai
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