A European network to protect biodiversity and habitats at risk
Natura 2000 is the ecological network established to safeguard biodiversity across Europe.
It is made up of areas of high natural value, known as Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protection Areas (SPA), designed to protect wild and migratory birds.
These sites host endangered species and habitats that are characteristic of the European territory.
In the Aosta Valley, in addition to the Gran Paradiso National Park, Mont Avic Natural Park and nature reserves, there are biotopes of significant interest, including: the Urtier and Grauson valleys in the Cogne area, the high-altitude limestone environments at the head of the Valley of Rhêmes, and the glacial high-altitude environments of the Great St Bernard, Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa.
Often secluded places, away from major tourist flows, where nature maintains particularly delicate balances.
The European Natura 2000 ecological network protects habitats and species of high value by preserving fragile environments and slowly evolving natural processes.