A list containing the mountain areas to which the Union proposes to allocate new funds for the protection of flora and fauna at risk from extinction was approved by the European Commission last week. The list contains 959 sites, within which the local authorities can implement projects thanks to the intervention of the “Nature 2000” programme for environmental protection in conformity with the historic “Habitat Directive” which has been force for several years and whose budgetary allocation has recently been increased. The selection of the projects will benefit 97 animal species, 63 types of plant and 99 natural habitats that have not hitherto enjoyed the necessary attention. “The protection of the environment does not know any frontiers said EU Commissioner for the environment Margot Wallstroem and the adoption of the European Commission’s list for mountain regions makes it possible to channel efforts for the funding and management of the Nature 2000 network into such areas”.
