Natura 2000 is an EU wide network of nature protection areas established under the 1992 Habitats Directive.The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
It is comprised of SAC designated by Member States under the Habitats Directive, and also incorporates SPAs which they designate under the Birds Directive.
All human activities are not excluded from the nature protection areas. Most of the land is likely to continue to be privately owned and the emphasis will be on ensuring that future management is sustainable, both ecologically and economically. Dublin City has designated sites on Dublin Bay and the Bull Island, which are part of the network of protected areas.