The EU has been supporting the conservation of our unique and precious natural heritage for 25 years. To celebrate this milestone and mark a quarter century of the EU Habitats Directive and Natura 2000 Network of protected areas, the 21st May is officially designated as “European Natura 2000 Day”.

European Natura 2000 Day relates to the 21st May 1992, when both EU Habitats Directive and LIFE programme were approved. This Directive together with the Birds Directive (approved earlier in 1979) became a base of Natura 2000 Network and has successfully contributed to the preservation of our unique European natural heritage. Consisting of more than 27 000 sites, the Natura 2000 Network became one of the EU’s most outstanding achievements.

Declaration of the 21st May as the “European Natura 2000 day”

To mark the 25th Anniversary of the Habitats Directive and of the LIFE Programme, the European Commission together with the European Parliament, the Council Presidency and the Committee of the Regions declared 21st May as “European Natura 2000 Day”. The declaration was signed at a special event at the European Commission premises in Brussels on 15th May 2017.

Joint Declaration Establishing a “European Natura 2000 Day”

Photos, video and programme of the event are available.

In order to celebrate and promote the Natura 2000 Network, a number of local events in different Member States will be organised. More information about the events.