SUPPORTING NATURA 2000 NETWORK THROUGH RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY, IN ROMANIA

Abstract

Natura 2000, the European Network of natural protected sites, is mainly aimed at halting biodiversity loss by long-term conservation of the most valuable and threatened species and habitats. By creating this network we aim for both the conservation of species and habitats, and the parallel continuation of human activities such as agriculture, hunting, forestry, etc. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the link between the Natura 2000 network and rural development policy. Firstly, this paper attempts to explain how the Natura 2000 network is organized, what its current situation is and what are its strengths and weaknesses inRomania. Secondly, financing opportunities through rural development policy were analyzed. This paper’s conclusions are a basis for discussions on how rural development policy could support the development requirements of the Natura 2000 network in the future.