The Natura 2000 network is the main program of the European Union for the protection of the natural environment and the preservation of biodiversity. It is a network of areas, known as Special Conservation Areas, to protect around 1500 rare plants and animals and 230 habitat types. These areas are ecologically valuable with multiple economic and social benefits for the local community.
The EU states are required to take positive action to conserve specific species and restore habitats. They must also take steps to avoid activities that could disturb these species or destroy habitats. At the same time, the compatibility of human activities such as forestry, fishing, agriculture and tourism in these areas must be ensured.
In Greece, the Natura 2000 network consists of 446 areas, which cover 28% of the land and 20% of the sea area of the country. 147 species of birds and 89 different types of habitats are protected in these areas. In Crete, 53 areas have joined the network with a total area of 141,318 hectares.
The areas that have been included in the program, in Chania area, are Imeri and Agria Gramvousa and the entire surrounding area, Elafonissi, with the beach of Chrysoskalitissa, the National Park of Samaria, the beach of Georgioupolis with Lake Kournas, the Rhodopos Peninsula in Maleme, Topolia and the surrounding area, Lefka Mountains, Fre, Kallikratis with the coastal zone, Gavdos and Gavdopoula islands.
In central Crete, Dia Island, Giouchtas hill near Archanes, Asterousia Mountains, Psiloritis Mountain, Kedros peak, plateau of Omalos near Vianow, Selinari gorge in Vrachasi, Vromonero plateau near Krousonas, Prassano gorge with the Geropotamos estuary, and Preveli beach with the wider area belong to the Natura 2000 network.
In Eastern Crete, the islands of Chrysi and Koufonissi, the monastery and the Kapsa gorge, Mount Thrypti, the area of Zakros, and the northeastern tip of Crete with Cape Sidero and Vai beach have joined the network.
All these areas stand out for their landscapes of natural beauty, their geological importance and for their archaeological and historical value. Many endemic plants, such as Origanum dictamus, plane trees (platanus orientalis), oleanders (Nerium oleanda), maple (Acer sempervirens), barberries (Berberis cretica) and many other species, often endemic only to an area, grow here. Many birds, such as black-backed falcons (Falco eleonorae), vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), and vultures Gyps fulvus find shelter here. Also, depending on the area, seals (monachus monachus), turtles (caretta caretta), water turtles (Mauremis rivulat), Cretan wild cats, wild rabbits, rare snails, beetles and lizards nest here.
The areas of the Natura 2000 Network are the last wildlife refuges in Crete. Biodiversity is everyone's business and not just of nature lovers. Also, the inclusion of an area in the network guarantees the well-being of the inhabitants as a healthy ecosystem ensures social and economic development.
(more articles about Crete on www.gomega.gr)
