Nature Conservation: The National Network of Protected Areas (RNAP)
What Portugal's National Network of Protected Areas is, which categories it covers, and the legislation that governs it.
The National Network of Protected Areas (RNAP) brings together the areas designated and protected under specific nature conservation legislation in Portugal, aiming to preserve biodiversity, protect natural habitats and promote sustainable development.
Main RNAP categories
- Nature Parks — high natural and landscape value, managed for conservation and local socioeconomic development.
- Nature Reserves — protection of specific ecosystems and endangered species.
- Protected Areas of Community Interest (SIC) — part of the Natura 2000 network, under the EU Habitats Directive.
- Marine Protected Areas — conservation of marine ecosystems and fisheries sustainability.
- Biogenetic Reserves — protection of genetic diversity and support for scientific research.
The RNAP is framed by the Environmental Framework Law (Law No. 19/2014) and the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Law (Law No. 58/2005, in its most recent version, Law No. 82/2023), regulated by Decree-Law No. 142/2008 (as amended by DL No. 11/2023). The Natura 2000 network, arising from the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, includes Special Protection Areas and Sites of Community Importance as part of the Portuguese network.