Europe's Protected Areas

landscape Europe's natural heritage is unique. In global terms, this comparatively small continent has the most complex system of landscapes, reflecting the scale and intensity of development of its natural resources over the centuries.

The remnants of Europe's original natural landscapes and its varied cultural landscapes hold an essential part of the continent's abundance of wildlife. It is for this reason that a system of protected areas has been established over recent decades.

In Europe's national parks and large nature reserves, nature is left to develop freely, and natural evolution can continue unhindered. The natural beauty of these areas is also preserved to enrich our lives.

Regional and nature parks as well as biosphere reserves are cultural landscapes which have been shaped over hundreds of years, during times when people lived in greater harmony with nature and their environment. Areas such as these could be seen as models for the way in which Europe's rural areas should be dealt with in future.

Protected area definitions >>>
European Nature Parks >>>