The European Union has several thousand types of natural habitat, which are a home to 150 species of mammals, 520 species of birds, 180 species of reptiles and amphibians, 150 species of fish, 10000 plant species and at least 100000 species of invertebrate. These figures testify to the immense wealth of Europe's natural heritage, synonymous with diversity of life forms, scenic beauty and a particular quality of life. Today, half of our mammal species and a third of reptile, fish and bird species are endangered. As for plants, 3000 species are endangered and 27 threatened with extinction. The dramatic decline in the populations of many species is primarily due to the deterioration of the natural habitats necessary for their survival. In a few decades, the intensification of many human activities - agriculture, forestry, industry, energy, transport, tourism, etc - has led to the loss or fragmentation of natural habitats, leaving little room for wild life or confining it to a meagre portion of Community territory. To encourage a better management of Europe's natural heritage, the Community has gradually been implementing a nature conservation policy on its territory. Community legislation comprises two Directives"HABITAT" (92/43/CEE) and "UCCELLI" (79/409/CEE) . which are concerned with the protection of natural habitats, flora and fauna and the creation of a European network of protected sites.

Adopted in 1979, the "Birds" Directive is concerned with the long-term protection and management of all bird species, especially migratory birds, living in the wild state on Community territory and of their habitats. 181 species are endangered because of their low numbers and/or restricted range benefit from specific conservation measures provided for by the "Birds" Directive. The member States must classify the most appropriate areas to the conservation of endangered species as ZONE SPECIALE (ZPS).

The "Habitats" Directive (1992) is the main Community instrument safeguarding biodiversity. It introduces the obligation to preserve habitats and species of Community interest, concerning not only migratory birds but also every flora and fauna species threatened with extinction (mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects). According to the "Habitats" Directive - acknowledged in Italy by the DPR 357/97 "Regulations containing the implementation of the Directive 92/43/CEE related to the conservation of natural and semi natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna" - each Member State is responsible for identifying as SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCIs) the areas which are important for the protection of the habitats and species covered by the Directive. The SCIs become Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) when able to benefit from suitable conservation and protection measures, and when management plans will ensure their long-term preservation by integrating human activities into a sustainable development strategy.

Together, the Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designed by the Member States will make up the European network of protected sites, "Nature 2000". All the Special Protection Areas (SPAs) created under the "Birds" Directive will form part of this network.

Note: Information partly coming from the article: "Managing our Heritage - An Introduction to NATURA 2000" European Commission DG XI - Environment, Nuclear Safety and Civil Defence.