The Future of Europe’s Protected Areas

Hello and a warm welcome to all our readers!  

The NaturaConnect project has the goal of identifying options for building a more cohesive Trans-European Nature Network, and a key part is the identification of priority areas that could be considered for expanding towards 30% protection and 10% strict protection in ways that close gaps in coverage of underprotected habitats and species.  

As part of the project, we have developed data and a multi-criteria spatial prioritisation approach to provide a blueprint that EU and neighbouring countries can use to identify where to expand their protected area estate to best achieve conservation targets for species and habitats and to maximise ecosystem services.  

You can read more here and in our recently published Science Brief about the principles behind our approach. Building on this work, we also recently released openly available data on the Favourable Reference Range for European mammals, and important ecological parameters needed to assess the Conservation Status of species and their conservation needs. More scientific evidence and openly available data will become available soon to expand this work beyond mammals. Theory and methods from the NaturaConnect project have also been incorporated into a Status Update by the Joint Research Center (JRC) on the progress in monitoring and implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, where we helped to identify new ways to measure the performance of protected areas, specifically, how well they cover the distribution of all species and habitats in need of area-based conservation efforts.  

To better align our methodology and the final outputs to the needs of our stakeholders, we strive to incorporate the feedback received into our work. Earlier in May, we invited a range of stakeholders to an online feedback session, in which we showcased first results from our pan-European analysis. You can read more about it in the first part of this newsletter.

Looking forward, we will further improve our methods by including the feedback received from stakeholders and publishing some of the preliminary outputs and data.  

We invite you to explore our resources! If you wish to follow up on any of our updates, please reach out to us at [email protected].

We wish you a wonderful summer season and happy reading!

Mapping the Future of Europe’s Protected Areas – Setting Priorities for Strategic Expansion

On 22 May 2025 we organised an online webinar aimed at providing feedback on preliminary outputs of our pan-European prioritisation work. Specifically, this webinar presented innovative maps designed to identify priority areas for potential protected area expansion—vital for enhancing biodiversity, protecting species, and bolstering ecosystem resilience.  

The session explained NaturaConnect’s methodology to identify those areas of conventional and strict protection, including data, objectives, and criteria used. During the interactive part, participants provided spatially-explicit feedback through a specifically developed tool, which will help the research team to fine-tune the analysis. A follow-up at the end of June 2025 summarised the feedback received and how it will influence the analysis outputs.  

The webinar was joined by a diverse audience, including government authorities at various levels—from national to local—along with protected area managers and representatives from conservation NGOs from across all Biogeographical Regions. Professionals from land-use sectors such as agriculture, forestry, energy, and infrastructure also took part, alongside those specialising in spatial planning and zoning, all contributing to a meaningful exchange of ideas.  

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Watch the recording and explore more on our website!  

If you are interested in providing feedback on the approach and the preliminary results, contact [email protected]

How Can We Insure the Long-term Financing of Protected Areas as Europe Expands Its Conservation Ambitions Through the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N)?

On 18 June 2025, our webinar tackled a vital question for the future of European conservation: How can we ensure the long-term financing of protected areas as the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N) continues to expand? The session explored the costs and funding mechanisms associated with building a coherent TEN-N, including opportunities from EU public funds, innovative private finance approaches, and what lies ahead in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Through examples like the Sonian Forest and the BioClima initiative, participants gained practical insights into effective financing strategies aligned with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The interactive discussion also gathered valuable input to inform the upcoming “Financing the TEN-N” module on the NaturaConnect Learning Platform. If you couldn’t attend live, we invite you to explore the presentation materials and watch the full webinar recording to stay informed.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Explore our factsheet series on financing options for TEN-N.

Stay tuned for the Finance module on our NaturaConnect Learning Platform.

Updates from the NaturaConnect Learning Platform

The NaturaConnect Learning Platform is our capacity-building hub gathering materials and activities developed by project partners. Our Training Course is free of charge upon registration at the European Nature Academy (ENA). We currently offer four modules:  

• The Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N) module provides scientific support for designing the TEN-N by upholding the principles of CARE – Comprehensiveness, Adequacy, Resilience, and Effectiveness.  

• The Nature Futures Framework (NFF) module elaborates positive scenarios and models by considering three narratives for Europe – Nature for Nature, Nature for Society and Nature as Culture.  

• The Stakeholder Engagement module provides tools for an iterative and participatory process, complemented by a webinar showcasing successful examples.  

• The Political Economy Analysis (PEA) module introduces the use of this tool to address complex challenges, enhance decision-making, and strengthen the impact of environmental governance and conservation. A dedicated webinar offers an accessible overview of the PEA process and its relevance for regional and transboundary conservation efforts.  

We invite you to explore the platform and embark on this learning journey to enhance your professional competences.  

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Access the Learning Platform and stay tuned for the upcoming modules and webinars here.  

Key recent outputs

Species and Habitat Distribution Maps for Europe

Designing an ecologically-representative, resilient and well-connected TEN-N relies on having accurate information about the location of biodiversity, and scenarios about different, but likely, possible future changes. A key output of the project has been the creation of high-resolution (1km²) maps for current and future species and habitats distributions across Europe. Employing advanced Species Distribution Models (SDMs) and Habitat Distribution Models (HDMs), the distribution maps incorporate plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, and all EUNIS Level 3 habitats. These maps can help support targeted conservation planning, monitoring programs, and decision-making, guiding efforts to enhance Europe’s protected area network and biodiversity management.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Access the vertebrate distribution map here.

Mapping Wild Pollinator Density Across Europe Under Future Scenarios

Pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential for food production and healthy ecosystems, but their populations are increasingly at risk. To support nature-positive planning, we have produced new maps showing the pollinator densities provided to cropland by surrounding natural habitat across Europe. The maps cover the current situation (2020) and three future scenarios for 2050, helping us understand how pollinator populations may change under different land-use and climate conditions. All maps are based on high-resolution 1km land system data developed within NaturaConnect and follow a consistent modelling approach.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Access the dataset here.

Scenarios of Europe’s Landscape Recreational Potential

Spending time in nature supports our health and well-being – but where are these opportunities most available, now and in the future? This dataset maps the recreational potential of landscapes across Europe for the present and future scenarios up to 2050. Using a land systems map and a data-driven approach, it captures the supply and diversity of green spaces, demand from nearby populations, and potential crowding. These insights can help guide planning for equitable access to nature and resilient green infrastructure.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Access data here.

Recreational Potential of European Forests

Forests offer vital spaces for recreation and well-being. This dataset maps the recreational potential of forests across Europe using a “Willingness to Travel” (WTT) indicator, which estimates how far people are likely to travel to access forest areas. By highlighting where forests are most likely to attract visitors, the dataset supports efforts to plan for equitable access to nature and to integrate recreation into broader conservation and land-use strategies.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Access data here.

To view more datasets from the NaturaConnect project, visit the NaturaConnect community page on Zenodo.

Data on Conservation Targets for European Mammals

We have developed a dataset outlining 2030 conservation targets for 81 terrestrial mammal species across Europe. The dataset supports efforts to achieve Favourable Conservation Status, as defined by the EU Habitats Directive. Contrary to Favourable Reference Values (FRVs), which lack a defined timeframe and a concrete objective, we set clear and feasible targets for population size and geographic range by 2030.  This resource can inform national strategies and contribute to the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, including informing National Restoration Plans and Habitats Directive reporting.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

For further information and to access the data paper, see here.

News from our Case Studies

The Danube-Carpathian Transboundary Region (DCR)

During the first half of 2025, BOKU (The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences) as Danube-Carpathian Region Team engaged with the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) Hymo Task Group (Vienna, 31 March 2025) and the ICPDR River Basin Management Expert Group (Bratislava, 7 May 2025) and presented the DCR case study, the intended analysis and the possibility to generate useful outputs for the ICPDR River Basin Management Plan. It was agreed to organise a follow-up online meeting in fall 2025 to dive deeper into the methodology of modelling longitudinal and lateral connectivity in the region, considering multiple stressors like agriculture and water dams and relevant species and habitats. The participants will be asked for feedback that will be built into the methodology.

In the frame of the Carpathian Convention, the University of Warsaw presented results of the recreational potential of forests in some Carpathian countries which perfectly fit to the ongoing activities of the Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management on conservation assessments in the Carpathians (Working Group on Forestry Meeting, Bratislava, Slovakia, 28-30 April 2025). At the Carpathian Convention Working Group on Biodiversity Meeting in Veselí nad Moravou, Czechia, 13-14 May 2025, WWF-CEE presented the status of the NaturaConnect project and an outlook on the webinar series in autumn 2025. The webinar series entails topics that are relevant for protected area and ecological connectivity work in the region, including financing, planning of additional protected areas and ecological corridors, and policy aspects.

WWF-CEE was invited to present NaturaConnect preliminary project results, including the CARE principles (comprehensive, adequate, resilient and effective) at the ForestConnect Expert Meeting in Villach in February 2025. The meeting gathered managers of protected areas, large carnivore monitoring experts, and specialists in forestry, climate change, and forest ecosystem connectivity. The goal was to discuss existing solutions and explore new ways to improve the connectivity of forest ecosystems, which are highly threatened by climate change.

Harmon2 is a preparatory project for the development of a larger EU project. It settles around the topic of transport infrastructure planning and integration of biodiversity including ecological connectivity with the aim to build learning materials for capacity-building for authorities and university curricula. At the Harmon2 project meeting in Nitra, Slovakia, 28-30 April 2025, WWF-CEE presented NaturaConnect’s Learning Platform and available modules that might be of interest to the Harmon 2 project partners for further use or development.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Read more about our work in the Danube Carpathian transboundary region here.

Portugal: Systematic Conservation Planning, Protected Area Management, and Nature Restoration

Évora, 14–16 July 2025  

The NaturaConnect project hosted three intensive training courses in Évora from 14 to 16 July 2025. These courses targeted professionals working in nature and biodiversity conservation, spatial planning, and land management. The aim was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the targets of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and address the challenges of the Nature Restoration Law.  

Each full-day course included theoretical sessions alongside practical activities, such as group exercises, debates, and field visits. The courses were delivered in Portuguese and attracted 50 professionals from both public administration and private organisations.  

Course Highlights:  

14 July – Systematic Conservation Planning  

Miguel Bastos Araújo and Diogo Alagador from the University of Évora introduced systematic conservation planning. Participants learned methods to identify priority conservation areas and design effective protected area networks, integrating ecological and socio-economic indicators and climate change scenarios.  

15 July – Active and Adaptive Management of Protected Areas: Co-management 2.0

Rosário Oliveira from the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon, led the course, examining current co-management models and exploring ways for active and adaptive management of protected areas. A panel with experts from public administration, ICNF, the farming sector, NGOs and academia helped participants ideate a new governance model.  

16 July – Nature Restoration  

Carla Pinto-Cruz from the MED Institute, University of Évora, covers the EU Nature Restoration Law. Participants are learning about restoration concepts and legal obligations, followed by a field visit to Tapada de Coelheiros to see pilot restoration actions aimed at recovering habitats and enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.  

These sessions are providing professionals with a valuable opportunity to deepen their expertise and engage in discussions that shape the future of nature conservation across Europe.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Read more here.

Get involved and engage with us!  

NaturaConnect Stakeholder Community

The NaturaConnect Stakeholder Community brings together a diverse network of scientists, policymakers, NGOs, private sector representatives, and more to engage in designing a blueprint for a Trans-European Nature Network of protected and connected areas.

By joining, you can:  

• Engage with key project activities and receive updates.  

• Contribute your expertise through workshops, webinars, and surveys.  

• Build your professional profile and connect with stakeholders.  

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Read about the NaturaConnect Stakeholder community and sign up here.

Join the events!

In the second half of the year, NaturaConnect colleagues will be actively participating in and organising a variety of events. We look forward to connecting with you during these occasions to share updates on the NaturaConnect project and explore opportunities for collaboration. If you’re interested in any of the events listed below or would like to get in touch, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

From Science to Action: Strategic Planning for the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N)

With only around one more project year to go, this event, organised by the NaturaConnect consortium, is an important milestone to showcase preliminary results of our scientific analyses, as well as to gather final feedback on specific parts of our research. The event will provide practical insights into our work and will enable participants to:

• Leverage key project outputs for prioritising protected area expansion, restoration needs, and ecological connectivity

• Contribute to the final TEN-N implementation strategy across scales

This event aims to bring together EU-level policy and decision-makers, Member State representatives, national and regional experts in government authorities, spatial planners, and international NGOs or projects working in conservation. The event will take place in Brussels, Belgium, and is by invitation. Stay tuned for more information and reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in getting involved!

Forum Carpaticum, Bratislava, Slovakia, 9-11 September 2025

This conference is dedicated to research on biodiversity and sustainable development in the Carpathians. Project partners: BOKU University (Hochschule für Bodencultur) and WWF Central and Eastern Europe  (WWF-CEE) will present NaturaConnect results.

EUROPARC Federation Conference, 7 – 10 October 2025

The 2025 EUROPARC Conference will take place from October 7th to 10th in the heart of Lithuania, in the stunning Nemunas River Loops Regional Park, Birštonas.

With the central theme “Nature for People, People for Nature”, the Conference will highlight the deep interdependence between people and nature and underscore our shared responsibility to protect ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations. This year’s gathering will also mark key milestones, such as the 50th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention, and tackle urgent challenges like ecosystem restoration – central to the EU’s Nature Restoration Law. More than just a forum for exchanging ideas, the 2025 EUROPARC Conference will serve as a powerful reminder of the need to restore and safeguard nature, not only for its inherent value, but for the well-being of people and the planet. Meet us at the NaturaConnect stall at the marketplace during the Conference, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the project. Register now!

Upcoming Webinars: Strengthening Regional Cooperation

This autumn, we’re bringing together stakeholders from across the Danube-Carpathian region through a dynamic series of webinars. With a focus on the Carpathian Convention, the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), these sessions will highlight key initiatives, foster dialogue, and support collaboration across borders. Stay tuned—full details and registration info coming soon!

• Financing the Trans-European Nature Network in the Danube-Carpathian Region: Costs, Opportunities, EU Funds and Private Finance: the Road Ahead

• Blue and Green Infrastructure in the Danube-Carpathian region: A prioritisation approach for longitudinal and lateral freshwater connectivity

• Governance of protected areas and ecological corridors: Political Economy Analysis results and how to implement the recommendations in the Danube-Carpathian region

• Climate Change Scenarios in the Danube-Carpathian Region

Meet the People of NaturaConnect

Our consortium brings together over 90 experts, including scientific researchers, managers, policy officers, and communicators. In this edition, we’re excited to introduce you to some of our incredible colleagues from the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig and the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, BIOPOLIS-CIBIO and University of Helsinki.

Henrique Miguel Pereira

We are pleased to introduce Henrique Miguel Pereira, Professor of Biodiversity Conservation at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig and the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg.  

As Coordinator of the project’s work on showcasing the implementation of the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N), Henrique is leading efforts to support the successful implementation of the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N) by developing a comprehensive and effective strategic plan. He is also a part of the NaturaConnect coordination team.

Henrique is particularly interested in fostering a stronger dialogue between research and policy communities to help achieve the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy targets, with a special focus on protected areas and restoration.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Read more about his work on these links: https://buff.ly/MztGDd4 and https://buff.ly/LtCax2B.

Ana Ceia-Hasse

We’re delighted to introduce Ana Ceia-Hasse, a Researcher at BIOPOLIS-CIBIO.

Ana’s work combines research and stakeholder consultation to enhance nature connectivity and design effective ecological corridors. With expertise in ecological modelling and developing methodologies to predict environmental change impacts on biodiversity, Ana is helping to facilitate informed decision-making in conservation and management.

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Read more about her work via the following links: https://buff.ly/3PTRT7p

and https://buff.ly/4gn7lUq.

Thiago Cavalcante

We are pleased to introduce Thiago Cavalcante, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki.

“As climate change accelerates, conserving biodiversity has become a global priority, demanding adaptive strategies to ensure ecosystem resilience and long-term protection. In my work with NaturaConnect, I am involved in designing criteria to strengthen the resilience of the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N) to climate change. One of my key goals is to support the project in addressing the multiple dimensions of climate change and how they can be integrated into conservation planning, contributing to the long-term effectiveness of the TEN-N.”

ℹ️Want to learn more?

Read more about Thiago’s work here.

Scientific publications

Interested in scientific publication outputs linked or associated with the NaturaConnect project?

NaturaConnect aims to design and develop a blueprint for a truly coherent Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N) of conserved areas that protect at least 30% of land in the European Union, with at least one third of it under strict protection. Our project unites universities and research institutes, government bodies and non-governmental organisations, working together with key stakeholders to create targeted knowledge and tools, and build the capacity needed to support European Union Member States in realising an ecologically representative, resilient and well-connected network of conserved areas across Europe.

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