Santander Bay
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
SEVERAL SPACES IN THE BAY BELONG TO THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK
but ..... WHAT IS THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK?
The Natura 2000 Network is a network of protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity within the European Union. They are the places where we have the greatest diversity of species of fauna and flora.
They are not spaces like natural or national parks within which human activity is restricted. In fact, the Natura 2000 Network includes many of whose territories are private and where there was already activity that is compatible with activities that do not harm natural life. In this network, of course, the Natural and National Parks and the Biosphere Reserves are also included.
What habitats are protected?
Natura 2000 Network in Cantabria
At the level of the European Union, around 220 habitats called "habitats of community interest" are recognized. These are terrestrial or aquatic zones differentiated by their geographical, physical and biological characteristics.
Different degrees of protection are established for habitats based on the natural characteristics of the habitat in question, as well as its value for species of community interest.
In Cantabria, up to 41 habitats have been identified, within which we find many that cover areas within the Bay (see list of habitats included in the Bay)
The Natura network in Cantabria is made up of a total of 21 AREAS OF SPECIAL CONSERVATION (ZEC): 9 Fluvial, 6 coastal and 6 terrestrial and 8 SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (ZEPAs) that represent 26% of the territory.
Within the coastal ZEC we find the one that comprises the main protection zone of the Bay, which is "The area of Dunas del Puntal and Estuario del Miera ".
It also highlights the importance of the Isla de Mouro, cataloged as a SPA since 2014.
Within the framework of the Natura 2000 network, more than 700 endangered species of fauna and flora are protected, some vulnerable, rare and endemic that require special attention due to the uniqueness of their habitat or the possible repercussions of their exploitation in their state of conservation. (see main species of the Bay cataloged of community interest according to the Habitat Directive)
Santander Bay
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