Rede Natura 2000
Published 8 November 2026, 22:44
Rede Natura 2000 (the EU network of protected natural areas)
A Europe-wide network of protected areas made up of two kinds of zone: ZEC (for habitats) and ZPE (for birds). In Portugal it is run by ICNF, which gives opinions on works inside the zones and also deals with offences and imposes fines.
Where you come across it. Buying and registering land, building, forestry and farm work, water permits.
Land within the network stays private and is sold as usual — what is restricted is not the sale but what can be done on the land. Find this out before the deal, not after.
Official website: icnf.pt