Red Natura 2000

Red Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas established across the European Union to ensure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. It is based on the EU's Birds Directive and Habitats Directive. Currently, Red Natura 2000 is newsworthy due to two key issues: airport expansion and increasing wildfires. The first article discusses the planned expansion of El Prat airport in Spain, which will impact 27 hectares of protected land within the Ricarda and Remolar areas, part of the Red Natura 2000 network. Aena, the airport operator, is required to compensate for this loss by acquiring land in the Llobregat delta. The second article highlights the increasing threat of wildfires across Europe and the EU's response. While not explicitly mentioning Red Natura 2000, the network's protected areas are particularly vulnerable to these fires, making its conservation efforts even more critical. The EU's new integrated strategy to combat wildfires indirectly supports the preservation of these vital habitats within the Red Natura 2000 network.