Ecological Network (EN) - Natura 2000 Areas
The ecological network is a system of interconnected or spatially close environmentally important areas, which by balanced biogeographical distribution significantly contribute to the preservation of natural balance and biodiversity. The ecological network covers the NATURA 2000 areas, i.e. special protection areas important for birds and special areas of conservation important for species and habitat types. There are 67 ecological network areas in the territory of the Istrian County, covering a total of 174,575.18 ha.
Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive are the following two: Učka and Ćićarija and the waters of western Istria, covering a total of 46,502.38 ha. Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive are as follows: Markova Cave, Pincinova Cave, Rabakova Cave, Sitnica Cave, Veliki Brest Cave, Gradina Cave near Premantura, Cave pod Krugom, Port of Budava - Istria, wet meadows along the Bračana Stream (Žonti), wet meadows along the Malinska Stream, wet meadows at Marušići, wet meadows along the Jugovski Stream (Štrcaj), Učka Nature Park, Brijuni National Park, Lower Kamenjak, River Mirna and the wider area of Butoniga, Lim Fjord - land, Motovun Forest, Tar Bay - Istria, Novačka Cave, Istarske toplice (Istrian thermal resort), Pregon, Kotli, Lipa, Bregi Sinkhole, Cave kod Komune, Klarićeva Cave, Spring Cave pod Velim Vrhom, Radota Cave, Pliškovićeva Cave, Boljun Field, Račice-Račički Stream, Rakonik Wellbore, Raša Coal Mine, Mlaka, Žbevnica, Argile, Vela Traba, Ubaš Peninsula, Raša Valley, wider Rovinj area, Pazin area, Pazin Stream, Budava, Grdoselski Stream, Čepić Tunnel, Istria - Oprtalj, Istria - Čački, Istria - Martinčići, Istria - Čepić Field, Piskovica Cave, Rašpor Cave, Burići Cave, Lim Fjord - sea, Plomin – Moščenićka Draga, Vrsar, Medulin Bay, Pomer Bay and Raša Estuary, covering a total of 128,072.80 ha.
