https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/designated-areas/designated-areas-assessment-published-nov-2005 In situ conservation of species, habitats, ecosystems entails the establishment of protected areas. Good signs of commitment to the conservation  of biodiversity by European countries are shown by the increase in the total surface cover of nationally-designated areas over time. There has also been an increase in the cumulative area of sites comprising the European Natura 2000 network during the past ten years. The level of sufficiency in designating Natura 2000 sites for the Habitats Directive is high for almost all EU-15 countries.  Some of the Natura 2000 sites include areas that have not already been designated under national laws, thus contributing to a direct increase in the total area designated for in situ conservation of biodiversity components in Europe.     en Plone https://www.eea.europa.eu/eea-print-logo.gif https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/designated-areas/designated-areas-assessment-published-nov-2005