Natura 2000 is the most recent nature conservation form introduced in Poland in 2004 as a one of the responsibilities concerning our admission to European Union. Natura 2000 sites are established in all Member States creating the European Ecological Network Natura 2000.The main aim of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 is preserving particular types of natural habitats and species which are considered valuable and endangered in Europe. The overall aim is to protect the biodiversity.

The legal basis for Natura 2000 is formed by two EU directives: Birds and Habitats Directives:

• Birds Directive (Council Directive 2009/147/EC of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds - formerly Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds) - it specifies the criteria to designate and manage special protection areas for endangered bird species,
• Habitats Directive (Habitats Directive - Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) - it sets out the rules of protection of the rest of the animal and plant species as well as natural habitats and the procedures of protection of Natura 2000 sites in general.

According to the aforementioned laws, each of the EU Member States is obliged to provide protection to natural habitats and species listed in the appendixes to Habitats and Birds Directives and/or see to reconstruction of their proper status through designation and taking under protection the areas where the habitats or species exist.

Currently in Poland Natura 2000 network covers almost 1/5 of the land area. It comprises 845 areas of Community Importance ("habitat" areas - the future special areas of conservation) and 4 proposed sites of Community importance, sent to the European Commission and pending its acceptance, as well as 145 special protection areas for birds.

More information on polish official Natura 2000 website

Map of Natura 2000 sites in Poland