Proposal of new Natura 2000 network boundaries in Spain based on the value of importance for biodiversity and connectivity analysis for its improvement

The aim of the Natura 2000 Network is to ensure the conservation of habitats and species in their natural areas of distribution. Connectivity is an essential part of this conservation. For this purpose, a value map of importance for biodiversity (V.I.B) was generated proposing 4 levels of protection and overlapped with the Natura 2000 network. New boundaries for the zoning are proposed adding 1.600.000 ha. Two connectivity indices (MSPA and PC) are calculated in the 4 different scenarios. With these indices it is possible to know the number of existing nuclei and connectors in each of the scenarios. New boundaries cover more areas of interest for biodiversity as well as zones of great importance in relation to connectivity. We propose a uniform method that can be extrapolated to any European territory.

Automated summary

The Natura 2000 Network aims to protect habitats and species in their natural areas of distribution, with connectivity being a crucial part of conservation efforts. By generating a value map for biodiversity, proposing 4 protection levels, and calculating connectivity indices in different scenarios, new boundaries can cover more areas of interest for biodiversity and connectivity importance. The proposed method can be applied to any European territory.