New guidelines on Natura 2000 & Tourism published, and guidelines on Birds and on Natura 2000 & climate available in all EU languages

The guidance document on Natura 2000 and Tourism has been published in July. The document outlines how Europe’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas can act as a powerful driver of sustainable tourism, while safeguarding the habitats and species it is designed to protect.  This will also contribute to the discussions on how to ensure sustainable tourism and reduce the risks related to the so-called “overtourism”.

• You can find here the press release: Natura 2000 Network offers sustainable tourism opportunities – Environment
• You can find here the document in all EU languages: Staff working document on Natura 2000 and sustainable tourism – Environment

We can also confirm that the Commission Guidance on Natura 2000 and climate change has been published in the Official Journal and it is now available in all EU languages.

• Commission Notice – Guidance on Natura 2000 and climate change (C/2026/4597): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/3567/oj/eng

Also the Commission Guidance document on the general system of protection of bird species – Article 5 and Article 9 of the Birds Directive has been published in the Official Journal and it is now available in all EU languages.

• Commission Notice – Guidance document on the general system of protection of bird species – Article 5 and Article 9 of the Birds Directive (C/2026/4988): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/4094/oj/eng