Natura 2000 - Format for the transmission of site information
The European Commission has published a standard format for the transmission of information on proposed "Natura 2000" sites. The Natura 2000 network, a coherent European ecological network of special areas of conservation, was set up by the European Community in 1992 by Council Directive 92/43/EEC. The network is composed of sites, proposed by the Member States, hosting certain types of habitat or specific species' habitats to be restored to a favourable conservation status in their natural range. It also includes sites selected for funding under the NATURE section of the LIFE financial instrument for the environment. Member States are required to transmit to the Commission the list of proposed Natura 2000 sites, together with information on each site, in a format established by the Commission. This format is set out in detail in Commission Decision 97/266/EC, adopted on 18 December 1996.