As you can see in our case studies, the Natura 2000 programs have been largely successful, with a large majority of the goals set by the individual projects on track to be met. These successes however, have been tempered by some unintended results as well as confusion amongst states as to the extent and norms of Natura 2000. In many cases the directives of Natura 2000 have not been turned into national laws and leave some loopholes in protected areas. Some states such as Sweden see the need for Natura 2000 as absolute and the directives as unquestionably legitimate and necessary. Other states such as Germany see Natura 2000 in a much different light, claiming it is taking a top down approach and it’s directives are blocking real progress. While these issues are inhibiting the true potential of Natura 2000 we believe them more to be growing pains, issues that can be easily resolved through legislature and practice and that the Natura 2000 program will be even more successful in the future.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Uses integrative approach, requires cooperation of all EU countries
- Improvement in quality of life
- Increased tourism revenue in some cases
Weaknesses
- Autonomy questions with local governments and people
- Lack of communication between legislators and municipalities/individuals
- Nature directives have not yet been universally transposed into national laws
Opportunities
- Create a continent-wide biological corridor for plants and animals to more easily spread
- Ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s endangered plant and animal species
- Growth of ecotourism with creation of nature trails through reserves
Threats
- Can be an obstacle for economic development
- Increase in tourism can be detrimental to goals
- Some projects prove detrimental to the species or habitat of the site