Division Natura 2000 areas

The Voordelta is home to flora and fauna of special ecological value. This is why this area has been designated a Natura 2000 area under the auspices of the EU Birds and Habitats Directive. The Netherlands is obliged to establish and maintain a ‘favourable conservation status’ for certain species and their habitats. Wildlife conservation is legally regulated under the Flora and Fauna Act, and conservation areas are legally regulated under the Nature Conservation Act 1998. The Nature Conservation Act 1998 requires that a management plan be established for all Natura 2000 areas.

Flora and fauna of special ecological value can be found throughout the whole of the Voordelta; however, the greatest diversity is located in the northern half of the area. Conservation measures are therefore most effective when applied to these northern areas.