Marine protected areas

This indicator measures the share of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a fraction of the EU’s marine area. MPAs are biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and can serve various objectives including species and habitats protection, biodiversity conservation and restoration, but also resource use within defined ecological boundaries. The indicator comprises nationally designated protected areas and Natura 2000 sites. A nationally designated area is an area protected by national legislation. The Natura 2000 network comprises both marine and terrestrial protected areas designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives with the goal to maintain or restore a favourable conservation status for habitat types and species of EU interest. The EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 aims to protect at least 30 % of land and sea in Europe, including both nationally designated sites and Natura 2000 sites. Data provided by the Member States to the Commission are consolidated by the European Environment Agency and collected by European Commission Directorate-General for the Environment.