People think Natura 2000 forests are protected, but in reality they’re increasingly being logged. A new tool uses satellite imagery to reveal logging in N2000 sites from 2001 to 2023.
2011-06
2009-12
The Natura 2000 network includes more than 26,000 sites designated for conservation of the EU’s unique habitats and species. Although Natura sites are considered “protected,” logging and other disturbances are allowed, subject to certain provisions. Our analysis of historical satellite imagery found strong evidence of forest thinning and clearcutting in Natura sites across the EU. Here, we provide sliders with before/after imagery to show logging impacts.
PFPI conducted an EU-wide analysis of forest disturbances from 2001-2023 within and just outside Natura 2000 sites, selecting regions with the highest rates of disturbance to examine more closely. Using high-resolution satellite imagery in Google Earth Pro, we confirmed the nature of the disturbance visually in about 950 points, identifying more than 600 instances of “Probable Clearcuts” and “Probable Thinning” inside protected Natura 2000 boundaries.
The analysis shows that while forests within Natura 2000 sites are supposed to be protected, clearcutting, thinning, and other forestry practices are increasingly eroding these flagship ecosystems.
The European Union must act to better protect forested Natura 2000 sites. A multi-pronged approach could include:
DISCLAIMER: Some of the logging projects documented by this database may be associated with restoration of certain ecosystem types.
Location: Comprensorio Tolfetano-Cerite-Manziate, Italy
Disturbed Year: 2021
View Photos
