Natura 2000 & Emerald Network and the European Alps
The Habitats Directive, as it is also known, aims to protect biodiversity by means of a Europe-wide network of protected areas.
This new network of protected areas was called Natura 2000.
The Natura 2000 sites selection process is based on the 7 bio-geographic regions the EU is currently divided into.
The Alps are one of these.
The member states must propose a list of sites to the Commission in which the habitats and species listed in the annexes of the Habitat Directive can be better protected.
These sites should host a sufficiently large sample of each habitat type and species to ensure that, through the implementation of the appropriate conservation measures at EU and bio-geographic region level, they will be maintained in a favourable conservation status.
The Commission will then evaluate the member states' proposals in order to adopt a final list of Sites of Community Importance (SCI) that will constitute the Natura 2000 network.
The main responsibility for the implementation of the Natura 2000 network lies with the member states, which have to put into service site management plans to avoid the deterioration of habitats and the disturbance of species.
In addition, all development plans and projects likely to affect a Natura 2000 site will have to undergo close scrutiny.
However, the designation of a Natura 2000 site should not lead to a total ban on development provided it is ecologically sustainable.
The Emerald Network
The Emerald Network is the equivalent of Natura 2000 in Non-EU European countries, like Switzerland.It was created to integrate the European network and is based on the Bern Convention. Unlike the EU-directive, it is not legally binding.
