Investigate Find out what percentage of Spanish territory is protected and what other forms of protection exist. Make an index card for a protected natural area in your autonomous community. Explain why it is protected. Look at the map and list the national parks in Spain. Find out what SCI (Site of Community Importance) and SPA (Special Protection Area) are. Can a landscape be protected by more than one agency? Three environmental conservation agencies UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reser ves It was established in 1974. In 2021, a total of 727 terrestrial , coastal and marine ecosystems were declared biosphere reser ves in 131 countries. This global protection status covers about 5 % of the Earth's surface. European Union Natura 2000 Network It was created in 1992 to protect biodiversity. It establishes objectives and protocols for the conser vation of natural habitats of f lora and fauna in EU territor y so that a balance is maintained with human activity. (15) Spanish National Parks Network In 2022, 16 national parks form part of this network. They are areas of high natural and cultural value, representing the rich natural heritage of Spain . The first of these national parks, Picos de Europa , was founded in 1918. 16. Main protected natural areas in Spain Spain is the countr y with the highest number of biosphere reser ves in the world: 52 in 2020. These reser ves cover more than 12 % of the countr y's territor y. (16) The Natura 2000 network protects over 138,000 km2 of the countr y's surface area . This represents 27.3% of national territor y, and around 84,500 km2 of the marine environment. 19
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