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Environmental information systems
Introduction | Protected areas networks | Coverage and representativeness | Designation and management
Nature conservation activities play a key role in halting biodiversity lossand reducing pressure on ecosystems. A fundamental conservation measure targeting species and habitats as well as broader ecosystem functions and services is the designation of protected areas.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines a protected area as:
A clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values
The term 'protected area' covers a variety of designations under national and international legislation. The main target of current EU and global policy frameworks is to legally protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. This is outlined in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
26.4%
of EU land is covered by
protected areas
12.1%
of EU marine waters are
covered by protected areas
Top 3 EU countries
with the largest terrestrial protected areas network
(km2)
Top 3 EU countries
with the highest percentage of territory covered by protected areas
References