|
|
|
Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-21
CONTENTS
[01] NATURA 2000 - CYPRUS
[01] NATURA 2000 - CYPRUS
Natura 2000, the EU`s network of protected areas, has undergone a
significant expansion, including eight countries, one of which is
Cyprus. According to a European Commission`s press release, nearly
18,800 square kilometres have been added, including a major addition of
marine areas covering 17,000 square kilometres which will increase
protection for many endangered marine species.
The network now covers almost 18% of the EU`s landmass and more than
145,000 square km of its seas. The main countries involved in this
latest expansion are the UK, France, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary,
Lithuania and Italy.
Natura 2000 is a vast network of nature conservation areas set up to
ensure the survival of Europe`s most valuable and endangered species
and habitats. The network consists of around 26,000 sites, and the
latest additions add 166 new sites covering nearly 18,800 square
kilometres. More than 90% of the area added is made up of marine sites
(17,000 square km), mainly in the UK, but also in France, Belgium,
Greece, Cyprus and Italy. The new marine sites will provide a vital
refuge for many of Europe`s rarest and most endangered species.
In the Mediterranean, the new sites will improve protection for
emblematic species such as the green turtle Chelonia mydas, the
loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta and the Mediterranean monk seal
Monachus monachus, which play a key role in the ecosystems they
inhabit. The expansions will also increase protection for a range of
valuable terrestrial habitats, including peat bogs in Lithuania, salt
plains in Hungary, and species-rich chalk grasslands in Italy and
Cyprus.
|
