The European Natura 2000 ecological network is one of the most important mechanisms for protecting biodiversity in Europe, and Greece holds a prominent position within it thanks to the richness of its natural ecosystems.
In total, 446 Natura 2000 sites are included in Greece, according to the Joint Ministerial Decision 50743/2017. Of those sites, 265 have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) under Directive 92/43/EEC on Habitats, while 207 areas have been designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds, in accordance with Directive 2009/147/EC on Birds. The two categories often overlap, forming the coherent protection network of 446 sites in total.
The total area of terrestrial Natura 2000 sites is approximately 36,000 km2, covering 27.3% of Greek territory, while marine sites cover an area of approximately 23,000 km2.
The chart below shows the change in the area of the Natura 2000 network sites since 1996.
*Refers to the total area, both land and sea, excluding overlaps. It has been calculated since 2009, as the national database is available in GIS format since then.
Figure 1. Area of Natura 2000 sites in Greece, 1996–2023. Source: National Information System on Biodiversity in Greece, Indicator C.1 “Natura 2000 sites in Greece designated under the European Habitats and Birds Directives.”[1]
The significance of the Natura 2000 network extends beyond national borders, as it represents a joint European effort to conserve natural heritage. General information on the Natura 2000 network in European Union countries is provided in summary form in the European Commission’s periodical “Barometer,” while a cartographic representation of the Natura 2000 network is available on the European Environment Agency’s “Natura Map Viewer” web application.