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You can now help safeguard the Natura 2000 network! Download the Natura2000Cy to report:
- Sightings of species and
- Any activities you observe in areas of the network.
You don’t need to create an account to have access to the app. If you choose to create an account though, we will be able to keep you updated on how we dealt with the information you shared with us. Try the app now
The “Natura 2000” European Ecological Network is a wide European network of protected natural areas for species of flora, fauna, birds and habitats; it is in fact the biggest network of ecological areas in the world!
Natura 2000 is the cornerstone of EU policy for the protection of the environment and biodiversity and aims to protect and manage vulnerable species and habitats in all their natural area stretching across Europe, regardless of the national or political boundaries.
Governed by the philosophy that man must coexist with nature, the Natura 2000 network does not prohibit any activities, within its boundaries. Projects and activities taking place in these areas, however, must ensure the safeguarding of rare species and habitats.
It is based on the full and effective implementation and enforcement of Directive 1992/43/EC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Directive 2009/147/EC on the Protection of Wild Birds.
Natura 2000 network in Cyprus
Here are some interesting facts about the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus:
- It has a total of 63 sites, covering 10,145 km2, including marine and terrestrial areas.
- Cyprus ranks among the top EU countries in terms of percentage of land area covered by the Natura 2000 network!
- 75% of State Forest Land is included in the network. That includes a total of 26 sites hosting significant forest areas.
- It is home to 21 mammals, 13 reptiles, 3 amphibians, 2 arthropods, 1 fish and 18 endemic plants (i.e. that are only found in Cyprus) - among others.
The Natura 2000 forms the cornerstone of biodiversity protection in the EU by helping maintain and restore important habitats and species.
Natura 2000 sites also provide numerous benefits to people which include:
Climate change mitigation
Natura 2000 areas include wetlands, grasslands and forests, which are preserved and contribute to climate change mitigation. 9,6 billion tonnes of carbon are stored by Natura 2000 sites, representing between €600 and €1,130 billion in total (2010 stock value).
Security from natural disasters
Natura 2000 acts as a tool for security, reducing the damages caused by natural disasters such as droughts, floods and landslides. The economic losses from natural disasters amounted to €163 billion from 1990 to 2010 . Well-managed Natura 2000 areas can help reduce these costs.
Food security
Guess who is responsible for bringing food to your table. The answer is pollinators. It is estimated that 84% of EU crops and 80% of wildflowers rely on insect pollination. Up to almost 15 billion euros of the EU’s annual agricultural output is directly attributed to insect pollinators and by that we mean bees, butterflies, beetles and other species.
Even though we cannot identify which share comes from Natura 2000 areas, the network plays a vital role in EU efforts of halting and reversing the losses of honeybee and other pollinator populations.
Water
Natural ecosystems, including protected areas such as Natura 2000, offer us purified water. It has been estimated that the economic benefits of natural water purification are between €7 and €16 million per year and per European city.
Tourism
Each year a significant number of visitors enjoy Natura 2000’s recreational activities while contributing to the support of their surrounding regional economies. Natura 2000 sites annually provide between €200 to €300 billion, hosting 1,2 to 2,2 billion visitor per day and generating between €5 and €9 billion recreational benefits.
Jobs
Natura 2000 supports between 4,5 and 8 million full time jobs across Europe.