Designated terrestrial protected areas

According to the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, at least 30% of the EU’s land area should be protected. The protected area in Denmark has been stable at approximately 15% for a long time. It should be taken into account that approximately 59% of the Danish terrestrial area is agricultural land.

When voluntary pledges on protected areas under the EU biodiversity strategy were submitted in 2023, no new terrestrial areas were included.

On 24 June 2024, the Danish government and leading industry, agriculture and environmental groups reached a historic green tripartite agreement for the long-term transformation of Danish food and agricultural production, including a target of at least 20% of Denmark’s terrestrial area being designated as protected natural areas. The agreement was approved by the Danish parliament on 18 November 2024, and implementation has started in the new Ministry for Green Transition.

Natura 2000 sites cover approximately 9% of the Danish terrestrial area. The rest of the protected area consists of nationally designated sites that fulfil the conditions regarding long-term conservation, clear conservation objectives and the effective management and monitoring of the sites.