Outcomes from the Horizon Europe NaturaConnect Project
Image: Sandra Grego | EUROPARC Federation
Since 2022, through the NaturaConnect project, EUROPARC has worked hand in hand with scientists, policy experts and NGOs across Europe to produce novel scientific analysis, and related communication and capacity building materials needed to enhance our existing Protected Area network in Europe.
As part of the Horizon Europe NaturaConnect project, 22 partner organisations developed scientific guidance and tools for establishing a comprehensive, adequate, resilient and effective Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N), one of the key ambitions of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. The TEN-N complements and expands the current Protected Area network towards 30% of the EU’s land and seas by 2030, closing gaps for under-protected habitats and species, boosting connectivity and resilience, and expanding strict protection. NaturaConnect’s outputs also support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, moving beyond area targets towards ecological representation, resilience and connectivity.
Using high-resolution (1 km²) spatial prioritisation, the project mapped current and future distributions of 1,406 terrestrial species, 214 habitats of conservation concern, key areas for ecosystem services, and climate-resilient areas and ecological corridors, identifying where conservation and restoration can best support European and global biodiversity targets.
Image: Source: O’Conner et al. 2026.
The illustrated map shows consensus priority areas, meaning those which were consistently selected across scenarios considering ecological, structural and socio-economic indicators. The map created by O’Conner et al. represents a blueprint for TEN-N, showing:
- Priorities for 30% Protected Areas (red, covering 5% of Europe’s land)
- Priorities for 10% strict protection (blue, covering 6% of Europe’s land)
- Priorities for 20% restoration (purple, covering 20% of Europe’s land)
- Critical ecological corridors (green)
Check out the “Scientific Guidance on planning and implementation of a Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N)” to read the summary of all research components and the key findings from the project.
Over the years, the project produced over 20 scientific reports and policy papers, generated key data, involved hundreds of stakeholders in scientific and communication activities, and disseminated its results through key policy forums such as the CBD, IPBES and the EU Biogeographical Seminars, as well as across a diverse range of other international, national and sub-national contexts. Yet, the Trans-European Nature Network remains to be established as a concrete policy instrument.
Turning the vision of a coherent TEN-N into reality requires more than science: it needs inclusive, participatory governance, dialogue between science, policy and practice, and international coordination. Responsibility is shared among authorities, conservation agencies, NGOs, communities and landowners. Building a climate-resilient, well-connected network of Protected Areas requires adequate staffing, specialised technical, financial and conflict-management skills, and stronger professional capacity across all actors.
EUROPARC supports an effective Protected Area network through capacity building and participatory processes. As part of NaturaConnect, EUROPARC and partners developed a comprehensive, self-paced training course, freely available upon registration on the European Nature Academy (ENA), with 13 modules covering concepts, governance and technical tools.
Access the NaturaConnect Learning Platform!
NaturaConnect Learning Platform
Image: Outline of the NaturaConnect training course available free of charge on the European Nature Academy (ENA).
While the formal project is ending, EUROPARC will continue to thrive for a better connected, resilient network of Protected Areas across Europe. We hope the tools, data, the new training course and recommendations developed through the project will continue to support our members as well as the global efforts in nature conservation.
Thank you for being part of the journey!
Explore all resources:
All project outputs are now ready for uptake by planners, authorities and Protected Area managers, including open-access spatial planning tools and 1 km resolution layers, such as opportunity costs and key ecological corridors across Europe. These resources help identify where conservation is economically feasible and where corridors are most needed.
The NaturaConnect Learning Platform
A self-paced online training course, hosted on EUROPARC Federation’s European Nature Academy. This is our capacity-building hub, designed to strengthen professional skills for designing and implementing the Trans-European Nature Network, with easy access to training modules and learning resources covering all of the project’s outputs.
The Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBV) Data Portal
A repository of spatial biodiversity datasets covering relevant model-based biodiversity variables, dimensions and scales.
A repository for all project results that are not spatial in nature, alongside our spatial datasets, with free downloads of our datasets and maps.
A repository bringing together all peer-reviewed articles and scholarly publications linked to the project.
The repository for all project deliverables and outputs, including reports, datasets and other resources.
An interactive visualisation and decision-support platform, hosted and maintained by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). Explore spatial scenarios for protecting, restoring and connecting nature across Europe, under current and future climate and land-use conditions.
