Press Release: Environment: A good day for nature in Europe

Nearly 25,000km2 of invaluable natural expanse have been added to the Natura 2000 network. This network of protected sites is the EU's primary tool in the fight to conserve Europe’s rich biodiversity. The Commission has now formally approved the inclusion in the network of a further 235 sites, proposed by Member States for recognition as "Sites of Community Importance". Member States will have six years to put the necessary measures in place to protect these sites.

European Commission: Memo/12/889: Details on the new additions to the Union lists of Natura 2000 sites http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-889_en.htm

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