The most well‑known example? The Natura 2000 network. Created by the European Union starting in 1992, this vast system now includes more than 27,000 sites, covering nearly 20% of Europe’s land area. The goal? To protect natural habitats and threatened species… while encouraging sustainable human activities.
Contrary to what people sometimes think, preserving an area doesn’t always mean forbidding access. Hiking, responsible fishing, wildlife observation, environmental education… all are part of the life of these places.
🌍 Did you know? In France, there are more than nine categories of protected areas, from national parks to regional nature reserves, including prefectural biotope protection orders. Each level of protection adapts to the needs of species… and to those of humans.
💡 Protecting also means living with nature: When we talk about biodiversity, we often picture distant forests or exotic coral reefs. But in reality, biodiversity is everywhere: in peatlands, dunes, peri‑urban forests… These places are often open to the public and offer new ways to discover the living world.
👀 Ready to explore? Here are a few protected areas to (re)discover in France and Europe, perfect for family outings or school trips:
🌾 Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve (Île de Ré): a paradise for migratory birds.
🌲 Vanoise National Park: ibex, marmots, and breathtaking landscapes.
🌊 Ebro Delta Natural Park (Spain): lagoons, flamingos, and mosaic‑like rice fields.
🦋 Białowieża Forest (Poland/Belarus): one of Europe’s last primeval forests, home to the European bison.
🐬 Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean): a marine protected area for cetaceans shared by France, Monaco, and Italy.
These places show that leisure and conservation can go hand in hand.