Natura2000 sites on the EEA referece grid (1km)

This dataset provides spatial information linking Natura 2000 site designations to the EEA 1x1 km² reference grid. Each grid cell is associated with Natura 2000 site codes and corresponding site area coverage (in km²). The dataset enables spatially explicit analyses of Natura 2000 sites across the European Union.

The following columns are included in the dataset:

Identifiers:

1. CELLCODE: Unique identifier of the 1x1 km² grid cell according to the EEA reference grid

2. SITECODE: Unique identifier of the Natura 2000 site

Variables:
3. area: Area of the Natura 2000 site (in km²) within the corresponding grid cell

The spatial dimension corresponds to the EEA reference grid (May 2013 release), which covers terrestrial areas of the European Union and, where applicable, marine Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Natura 2000 site designations are taken from the official European database maintained by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Source data:

• Natura 2000 sites: European Environment Agency (EEA), based on data submitted by EU Member States under the Birds and Habitats Directives. Metadata available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/datahub/datahubitem-view/3c362237-daa4-45e2-8c16-aaadfb1a003b

• EEA 1x1 km² reference grid: European Environment Agency (EEA), May 2013 version. Metadata available at: http://www.marineregions.org

This dataset has been generated by combining Natura 2000 spatial boundaries with the EEA reference grid to produce a harmonized representation of site coverage at the 1x1 km² level.

The dataset is intended to support research in biodiversity, conservation planning, environmental policy evaluation, and spatial analysis of ecosystem services. Users are encouraged to cite this dataset appropriately if used in academic or applied research contexts.