Conserving Europe's wildlife: law and policy of the natura 2000 network of protected areas

The Natura 2000 network of protected areas is the centrepiece of European Union nature policy, currently covering almost one-fifth of the EU's entire land territory plus large marine areas.

This vast EU-wide network, which aims to conserve Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats, has major impacts on land use throughout all Member States of the EU.

This book critically assesses the origins and implementation of the EU's Natura 2000 network, established under the Birds Directive of 1979 and the Habitats Directive of 1992.

Based on original archival research and interviews with key participants, the book records a detailed history of the origins and negotiation of Natura 2000 policy and law, with the history of EU environmental policy provided as a framework.