Copernicus Land Monitoring Service - N2K

Natura 2000 (an EU-wide network of nature protection areas established under the 1992 Habitats Directive) is the centrepiece of EU nature & biodiversity policy. The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. A selection of Natura 2000 grassland-rich sites (5 grassland habitats types 6210, 6240, 6250, 6510 and 6520, including a 2km buffer and covering approx. 160.000 km2) sites was mapped in order to assess their actual area, their condition and their development over time. The sites were analysed for the 2006, 2012 and 2018 reference years and a change analysis was performed. The mapping also included a 2 km buffer zone where an analysis of pressures and threats was conducted.