Nature conservation — Natura 2000

VICESIMA's specialists have the knowledge and experience needed to prepare an investment project so that it meets the requirements of the Natura 2000 network.

What the Natura 2000 network is

Natura 2000 is a European Ecological Network forming a system of protection for the threatened components of the biological diversity of the European continent. Its purpose is to preserve the natural habitats and the species of plants and animals considered valuable and endangered across Europe.

The most important instruments for delivering the objectives of the network are environmental impact assessments and habitat protection plans.

Types of Natura 2000 site

The network consists of two types of area:

• special protection areas for birds (SPA),
• special areas of conservation for habitats (SAC).

Conservation measures must take account of economic, social and cultural requirements as well as the regional and local characteristics of the Natura 2000 site concerned. Sites are designated on scientific criteria alone.

A project next to a Natura 2000 site

A plot within or beside a Natura 2000 site does not rule out a project, but it changes the procedure. An assessment of impact on the Natura 2000 site may be required, and its outcome determines whether and on what terms the project may proceed.

• establishing whether the site lies within an SPA or SAC or in the zone of impact,
• ecological survey — protected habitats and species present on the site,
• impact assessment, including cumulative effects with other projects,
• proposed mitigation measures and, where necessary, ecological compensation.

These studies form part of our environmental documentation. Conservation measures must take account of economic, social and cultural requirements and of the regional and local characteristics of the site.