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Land Degradation-Based Approach for Assessing the Performance of the Natura 2000 Network in Mainland Spain

Author

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  • Mario Mingarro

    (Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), 04120 Almería, Spain
    Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain)

  • María E. Sanjuan

    (Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Alberto Ruiz-Rancaño

    (Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Gabriel del Barrio

    (Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), 04120 Almería, Spain)

Abstract

Human impact on natural ecosystems is unsustainable and has led to a significant loss of biodiversity, highlighting the importance of protected area networks such as the European Union’s Natura 2000 (N2000). This study assesses the effectiveness of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in mainland Spain, using a Normalised Relative Severity Index (SER) computed from land condition states of ecological maturity (2010–2020). A total of 596 SACs were analysed, comparing their SER index with that of unprotected areas. Biophysical characteristics such as elevation, tree cover density, and human impact were used for explanatory purposes. At the national level, SACs exhibit a significantly higher median SER index than unprotected areas, indicating a better overall land condition status within N2000. However, regional variations were observed, with some Autonomous Communities in the Atlantic showing better land conditions outside N2000, which is attributed to vigorous vegetation growth in marginal areas. Differences in the SER index between inside and outside N2000 are proportional to the isolation degree of SACs. The study demonstrates that N2000 positively contributes to land conservation in mainland Spain. Nevertheless, it emphasizes the need to consider regional specificities and manage non-protected areas for more effective long-term conservation, especially in the Mediterranean region.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Mingarro & María E. Sanjuan & Alberto Ruiz-Rancaño & Gabriel del Barrio, 2025. "Land Degradation-Based Approach for Assessing the Performance of the Natura 2000 Network in Mainland Spain," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:279-:d:1579791
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mingarro, Mario & Lobo, Jorge M., 2023. "European National Parks protect their surroundings but not everywhere: A study using land use/land cover dynamics derived from CORINE Land Cover data," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    2. Sean L. Maxwell & Richard A. Fuller & Thomas M. Brooks & James E. M. Watson, 2016. "Biodiversity: The ravages of guns, nets and bulldozers," Nature, Nature, vol. 536(7615), pages 143-145, August.
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