Developing of the network of Natura 2000 in the Lublin Region

Abstract

European Ecological Network Natura 2000 is a system of protection of threatened components  of biodiversity in the EU. The legal basis for the creation of the Natura 2000 network is Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (Birds Directive) and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive).
Natura 2000 sites are the youngest form of nature conservation in Poland. The author presents developing and geographical location of the Natura 2000 network in the Lublin Region. Against the background of Poland, the Lublin Region has the most – 123 – designated Natura 2000 sites: 100 habitat sites and 23 birds sites. These areas are extremely diverse in terms of location, area and
character. Location of Natura 2000 in the Lublin Region is uneven. Their position refers in large part to a pre-existing network of the protected areas. Only 5 habitat sites and 23 bird sites designated
in areas not covered so far areal forms of nature conservation. None of Lublin Natura 2000 areas has, as required by law, protection plans, for the eight habitat sites there are created conservation work plans. Also missing is good, kept up to map, the entire Natura 2000 network in Poland and the Lublin Region. The process of creating the Natura 2000 network in Poland is still ongoing. To meet the Natura 2000, its role of protection of species and habitat conservation plans are needed and their
consistent implementation, taking into account the investment process and building public support for the existence and functioning of the newest forms of nature conservation in our country.