The indicator measures the surface of marine sites designated under Natura 2000. The Natura 2000 network comprises both marine and terrestrial protected areas designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives with the goal to maintain or restore a favourable conservation status for habitat types and species of EU interest. Each country is required to fill in a standard data form where sites designated under the Directives are reported in detail, included the size of the site in km2, the existing habitats and species and their percentage cover of the site. A thorough typology has been developed to support precise reporting.
