The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge aims to protect new sea areas that will join the Natura 2000 Network in Spain. This expansion, planned to include 104 sites of high ecological value, supports Spain’s commitment to safeguard 30 percent of the marine surface in line with United Nations targets. The ministry has conducted a comprehensive assessment of how the current Natura 2000 marine network aligns with the conservation objectives set by the European Union Habitats Directive and the need for new protected areas. The outcome forms part of a broader initiative to declare additional marine protected areas through a scientific and technical approach that evaluates ecological importance alongside socioeconomic considerations.
This rigorous analysis is conducted within the LIFE INTEMARES project, coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation under the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. The project brings together researchers and institutions to map, analyze, and propose areas for protection based on robust data and field evidence, ensuring that decisions reflect the best available science. The partnership emphasizes inclusivity and transparency, engaging diverse stakeholders in the process of identifying and validating candidate sites.
According to official statements, the document behind this expansion was developed using a pioneering European methodology that integrates the knowledge of a wide community of scientists. It identifies 104 areas with high ecological value, including 71 locations critical for marine species and habitats and 33 areas of particular interest for seabirds. The study also highlights 35 zones essential for advancing scientific knowledge and understanding of marine ecosystems. The resulting proposals for protected areas balance ecological value with the practical needs and social realities of coastal communities and maritime industries.
The plan set out by the ministry includes a careful assessment of ecological and socioeconomic criteria to determine the most effective configuration of protections. The aim is to ensure that conservation measures are scientifically sound, legally robust, and operationally feasible, providing long term benefits for biodiversity while supporting sustainable use of marine resources.
expected to be specified
The official designation details for all proposed protected areas, including their names, locations, and precise boundaries, must be clarified through a structured process that invites input from regional authorities, sectoral agencies, and other interested parties. This consultation should occur before the final approval, allowing for a transparent negotiation of interests and an alignment with regional planning processes. The forthcoming decisions will reflect a balance between conservation priorities and the livelihoods that rely on the surrounding seas.
Among the ecosystems slated for consideration are seamounts, submarine canyons, and seabird protection corridors. These components are recognized for their unique ecological roles and their contribution to the broader health of the marine environment. The aim is to extend protection to vital habitats while maintaining the vitality of marine activities that coexist with conservation goals.
At present, Spain already designates vast marine and coastal areas as protected within Natura 2000, including Community Interest Areas and Special Protection Areas for birds. In total, more than eighty four thousand square kilometers of marine space are integrated into Natura 2000, with numerous terrestrial sites that expand the network’s reach across the country. This framework underscores Spain’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainable maritime governance, aligning national actions with EU strategies to safeguard habitats, species, and ecological processes across the marine realm. The process preserves cultural and economic interests while advancing scientific understanding and conservation outcomes.
Current efforts to expand the Natura 2000 network in Spain reflect ongoing work to harmonize conservation with regional development, scientific innovation, and international environmental goals. The collaboration among government bodies, researchers, and local communities demonstrates a practical path toward preserving marine ecosystems for future generations while supporting sustainable use of marine resources and healthy coastal economies.
Notes and procedural updates accompany this initiative as new findings emerge and management plans are refined. The overarching objective remains clear: to strengthen Spain’s commitment to marine protection, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding environmental pressures and human activity.