What is the benefit for a country to implement the Natura 2000 network? A crucial question that people think about; there are a lot of benefits for a country to designate the Natura 2000 network:

  • The main aim of Natura 2000 is to preserve biodiversity for future generations, as a key part in the functioning of the ecosystem. Keeping what is precious from nature should be a priority of all countries and having a list of species and habitats that are under specific protection is one step forward in this direction. The vision of having sustainable development can become a reality with the instrument of Natura 2000, whose coverage area increases over time, in line with its the main objective of having as much natural heritage as possible protected in Europe.
  • Another benefit for the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives is the improvement of legislation; many laws need to be aligned before and after be part of the Members States which help the improvement of national legislation and ensure nature protection. Also, having legislation that is created on the same basis means better coordination and better results.
  • Natura 2000 sets the stage for new opportunities in rural areas through the development of eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture and the use of natural resources in a way that does not endanger the environment. Natura 2000 can become an important source of income for local citizens connected with Natura 2000 sites, such as:
    • Development of tourism – ecological network of Natura 2000 influences in-the-site conservation, maintaining a lot of attractive landscapes, and also increasing their popularity, with more tourist aiming to visit. Consequently, these areas will see more  visitors;
    • Once a country becomes a member state, the landowners can also benefit from being located in Natura 2000 sites, and financial benefits can be expected for the local population that carry out conservation activities in Natura 2000 sites;
    • The Government itself can also gain funding and programmes to improve the state of infrastructure (for the roads, sewage system, bicycle tracks, education and training programs and competitions, etc.) in the Natura 2000 areas once the country joins the EU.