Researchers call for Natura 2000 Network to be strengthened via "biocultural approach"
Natura 2000 is regarded as a milestone in nature conservation: this network of around 27,000 protected areas across the EU is designed to preserve wild plant and animal species and their habitats. It is the world’s largest network of protected areas across countries. However, experts say that many of the species and habitats protected there are not in a favourable conservation status. And in some areas, there is a lack of public support. Researchers from the Universities of Göttingen and Kassel are now demonstrating how a "biocultural approach" can open up new opportunities by incorporating aspects such as the traditions, values and knowledge of the local population into nature conservation. The EU’s aim to make at least 30 per cent of land and sea areas protected areas by 2030 could contribute to the continuing development of the Natura 2000 Network. The researchers detail measures that take into account natural and cultural landscapes together and involve local people. The perspective article was published in the journal Conservation Letters.
The article highlights five key areas for action: the role of local people, the design of the network of protected areas, monitoring, financial support, and research. Using case studies from Germany, Romania and Spain, they demonstrate that many protected species depend on traditional land-use practices. "Many habitats of European importance, such as orchard meadows and orchid-rich calcareous grasslands, have developed through centuries of agricultural use. They can only be preserved if these farming practices are continued," explains lead author Tobias Plieninger, Professor of Social-Ecological Interactions at Göttingen and Kassel Universities. A biocultural approach harnesses this interplay between land use and nature conservation for protected areas. It follows the principle that nature and culture are closely linked and influence one another within landscapes. Effective nature conservation can therefore only succeed in collaboration with local people.
"This shift in perspective does not require a fundamental change to nature conservation legislation, but it does call for a rethink in how it is implemented," says co-author Dr Marion Jay, Postdoctoral Researcher at Göttingen University. For instance, management plans for a protected area could be developed in collaboration with the local community, and biocultural aspects could be incorporated into monitoring - such as people’s knowledge of ecology, as well as the animal and plant species they use. Funding programmes could also provide greater support for collaborative and nature conservation focussed towards results. Involving society is important, as Plieninger emphasises: "When people see themselves as part of the landscape and take responsibility, this strengthens nature conservation in the long term."
Original publication: Plieninger, T.; Jay, M.; Hartel, T. Future-proofing Natura 2000 through a biocultural approach. Conservation Letters (2026). DOI: 10.1111/con4.70038
