Integrated actions for the conservation and management of Natura 2000 network sites, species, habitats and ecosystems in Greece.

LIFE-IP 4 NATURA (LIFE16 IPE/GR/000002) is a strategic project for the management of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas in Greece, as well as the species, habitats and ecosystems they host.

It is implemented by a partnership of twelve (12) organisations, with the Ministry of Environment and Energy as coordinating beneficiary and the following associated beneficiaries: University of Patras, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Democritus University of Thrace, WWF Greece, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Regions of Attica, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and Crete, the Decentralized Administration of Epirus–Western Macedonia, as well as the Green Fund and NECCA.

Greece possesses an exceptionally rich biodiversity and an extensive network of protected areas, comprising 446 Natura 2000 sites. The management of such a complex network requires scientific knowledge, modern tools, and cooperation among stakeholders at national, regional, and local level.

The project addresses this need by focusing its actions on:

• the preparation, formal adoption and implementation of Action Plans for species and habitats of Union interest,

• the definition and formal adoption of conservation objectives at national level and at Natura 2000 site level,

• the pilot implementation of Management Plans in four Biodiversity Protection Areas: Lakes Vegoritida-Petron, Lasithi Plateau, Mount Falakro, and Sounio – Patroklos Islet and the marine coastal zone.

• the mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services across all Natura 2000 sites in the country,

• the mapping of bird species habitats within Special Protection Areas.

• the development of innovative management-support tools (DSS, ppGIS/webGIS),

• capacity building and strengthening the knowledge and skills of public services and stakeholders involved,

• informing and raising public awareness of the importance of the Natura 2000 network,

• mobilising and coordinating complementary national and European funding to achieve conservation objectives through the update of the Prioritised Action Framework (PAF) for the 2021-2027 period.

Nature conservation is a collective effort.

LIFE-IP 4 NATURA brings together public bodies, regional authorities, scientific and research organisations, environmental organisations, professionals and civil society, linking scientific knowledge with on-the-ground management.

At the same time, it generates a body of knowledge, tools and methodologies that can be used beyond the pilot areas. The transfer and replication of results at national and European level is a distinct objective of the project.

The exploitation of this legacy by NECCA and the other competent authorities will further strengthen the management of the Natura 2000 network in Greece.