The simple flutter of a butterfly can change the world, was the motto chosen by SEO Bridlife and the Natura 2000 Network in 2017 to launch to protect natural habitats and conserve natural habitats and species of European flora and wildlife.
The Natura 2000 Network is an initiative of the European Union for the conservation of biodiversity. This is the largest protected protected areas, established to guarantee the long -term survival of the most valuable and threatened species and habitats in Europe.
This network includes special conservation zones (ZEC) and special protection areas (Zepa), contributing to the preservation of the natural heritage of Europe. A network of biodiversity conservation areas that houses the protection of 27,000 natural spaces.
Natural spaces provide many benefits ranging from the supply of natural resources such as water to its important role in climate regulation. The increase in heat waves, floods or droughts is affecting wildlife significantly in recent years.
This network is a fundamental pillar for the conservation of biodiversity in Spain and Europe and requires that its management is effective in adequate financing and collaboration between administrations, non -governmental organizations and different business sectors. Scientific research is also essential to better understand ecosystems and develop effective conservation methods.
The European Union finances numerous research projects that contribute to the knowledge and protection of biodiversity. Programs such as Life of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund (Feder) provide financial support for the conservation and management of these natural, vital spaces to maintain the balance of the planet.
The Natura 2000 Network in Spain
Spain is one of the European countries with the greatest amount of protected spaces within the Natura 2000 Network. The network is currently formed by 1,468 places of community importance (LIC) that cover a variety of ecosystems, from forests and mountains to wetlands and meaders and by 662 areas of special protection for birds (Zepa), which protect important habitats from migratory birds and residents.
These 2,130 protected spaces occupy an area of the Spanish territory of more than 222,000 km2, of which 138,000 correspond to the earth’s surface and about 84,300 km2, to marine surface, which represents about 30% of the total area of Spain.
The Natura 2000 Network is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity in Spain. These protected spaces not only house species and habitats of great ecological value, but also provide essential ecosystem services such as climate regulation, water purification and soil protection.
In addition to its ecological value, Natura 2000 sites in Spain also contribute to the local economy. These areas attract tourists, promote recreational activities and encourage sustainable agricultural and forestry practices. The combination of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources generates economic and social benefits for local communities.
6 Spanish Parks of the Natura Network to visit
The Wet Stain Biosphere Reserve. Includes wetlands, lagoons and flood tables of rich biodiversity. crucial for bird conservation.
National Park of the Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid). With a wide variety of flora and fauna, including species such as the Iberian and the wolf.
Albufera Natural Park (C. Valenciana). A great saline lake in the Valencian Community, with great importance for the avifauna, including migratory birds.
Doñana Natural Park (Andalusia) is one of the most important natural parks in Europe. It has ample marsh -space, which reached innumerable aquatic species.
Ebro Delta Natural Park (Catalonia). It constitutes one of the most important aquatic habitats of the Mediterranean. Landscapes, flora and fauna of great diversity
CORRUBEDO DUNAR COMPLEX (Galicia). It is one of the most visited natural parks in Spain. Beaches, dunes, fresh and salted water lagoons and marshes of great ornithological importance.
Other natural spaces, such as the Laguna Fuente del Rey in the province of Seville Seville or the natural space Hoces de Vegacervera in León, are also important for the conservation of biodiversity.