The Natura 2000 is a network of protected lands in Europe. In Greece, it is one of the most important methods, besides Forestry and Archaeology designations, to protect areas with a high ecological value. It helps prevent the extinction of plant and animal species.
As a whole, the Natura 2000 program includes all 27 European Union nations and includes both land and sea. In Greece, there are 446 sites, covering 28% of Greece’s land surface and 20% of Greece’s marine area.
In Greece, Natura 2000 protects 313 plant and animal species, 177 bird species, and 89 different habitats. Greece is a land that despite its small land area, is rich with biodiversity. In addition, Greece’s biodiversity includes a large number of species that are endemic to certain areas. Some rare species include the Mediterranean Monachus monachus seal, the loggerhead sea turtle, certain species of whales, and sea birds.
Depending on the Natura 2000 site, the number of species protected will vary. Here are just a few examples of those regions, the designation used, and the features being protected.
Name | No. species |
ETHNIKOS DRYMOS PRESPON | 126 |
LIMNES VISTONIS, ISMARIS – LIMNOTHALASSES PORTO LAGOS, ALYKI PTELEA, XIROLIMNI, KARATZA | 139 |
TECHNITI LIMNI KERKINIS – OROS KROUSIA | 135 |
DELTA NESTOU KAI LIMNOTHALASSES KERAMOTIS KAI NISOS THASOPOULA | 128 |
DELTA ACHELOOU, LIMNOTHALASSA MESOLONGIOU – AITOLIKOU KAI EKVOLES EVINOU, NISOI ECHINADES, NISOS PETALAS, DYTIKOS ARAKYNTHOS KAI STENA KLEISOURAS | 124 |
AMVRAKIKOS KOLPOS, LIMNOTHALASSA KATAFOURKO KAI KORAKONISIA | 123 |
YGROTOPOS SCHINIA | 98 |
DELTA EVROU | 96 |
LESVOS PARAKTIOI YGROTOPOI KAI KOLPOS KALLONIS | 92 |
NOTIODYTIKI CHERSONISOS, APOLITHOMENO DASOS LESVOU | 91 |
Prespa National Park
Out of the many national parks in Greece, a staggering number of protected species are found in the Prespa National Park near Mount Varnoundas. Over half of the species of birds, amphibians, and mammals in all of Greece can be seen here. There are more than 1,800 plant species here. Prespa is also a haven for migrating birds who breed here, like the Dalmatian Pelican. There is also a special Bird Observatory with a telescope.
Petrified Forest of Lesvos
The Petrified Forest of Lesvos is an ecosystem from the Miocene Era. The forest is made up of fossilized trunks of trees over an area of 15,000 hectares and features layers of volcanic rocks. Some of the trees are up to 18 million years old and were petrified during an eruption. Among the fossils are bones of large mammals like horses, cattle, deer, and antelope which once grazed in this region. One unique animal found in the petrified remains of Lesvos is the lagomorph, which looks a bit like today’s rabbits.
Evros Delta National Park
The Evros Delta Park is one of the best wetlands for birdwatchers. You can see here the nose-horned viper, the sand boa, the cat snake, the grass snake, the dice snake, and other species of toads and salamanders. Some wolves and jackals can also be seen in the Evros Delta National Park.
Can I Build on Natura 2000 Land?
It is possible to build in these areas. In some cases, there may be extra building regulations based on the region.
Is Natura 2000 Land the Same as Forestry Land?
No, Greece’s Public Forestry Land is a different designation and is tracked by the Greek forestry service. The goal is to protect forests and grasslands and to consolidate the Greek state’s property rights over Greece’s forests. It also creates the possibility to develop a Forestry Species Registry in the future.
If you have land in an area that is now classified as forestry land, as the landowner you have limitations on building and developing there. This is because forestry land, along with coastland and archaeological sites, are considered common use and belonging to the state. You can only build on the sections of your land which are not defined as forest land. Read more about forestry land in Greece here.
