EU Extends Nature Habitat Under Natura 2000 Network

April 28, 2008 - More great news this month for the Earth's wildlife and habitat! The European Commission has extended the Natura 2000 network of protected natural areas in central and eastern Europe, including farming area in Mala Fatra and sections of the Carpathian Mountains (important bird habitats), amounting to a land mass two-thirds the size of The Netherlands.

Overall, an additional 38,000 kilometers of protected lands has been added to the Natura 2000 network, which now protects 20% of the European continent and 100 billion kilometers of ocean. Stemming from European Union talks in 1992, Natura 2000 serves as an instrument to stop wildlife and habitat losses until the year 2010. It also serves as part of the EU's obligations to the United Nation Convention on Biological Diversity.

Now being extended to the EU's newest member States, Natura 2000 is even expanding to non-EU countries like Turkey, where attempts are being made to become a part of the European Union. Countries with newly protected wildlife and habitat areas include Slovenia, Malta, Spain, France, Sweden, Finland, Austria and Cyprus.

Understandably excited about the news was the World Wildlife Federation (WWF), which has been working hard for many years to help introduce Natura 2000 to new EU member countries. Not only has the WWF been instrumental in designating important habitats to fall under an expanded Natura 2000, WWF has been helping to make such protection possible.The conservation approach taken by WWF and the European Union is a model which the world should take note of. Please visit the World Wildlife Federation for more information.

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