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Nationally designated areas (NatDA)

This page contains reference material and links for the reporting of the Nationally designated areas inventory. The dataset was formerly known as CDDA but the acronym was changed to the more accurate NatDA.

The 2026 data call is available from the EIONET Expert Group Biodiversity and ecosystems' Teams channel (requires login) and is also sent by e-mail to Lead reporters by 16/01/2026.

The reporting takes place on Reportnet 3 platform. Permissions are assigned by the Lead reporter. Please contact your Lead reporter or your National Data Flow Coordinator if you require to be assigned with a reporter role. The National Data Flow Coordinator appoints the Lead reporter.

If you need support with the reporting, please contact natda.helpdesk@eionet.europa.eu

Webinar on the 2026 reporting and the new format

Presentation and recording from the 15 January webinar on the 2026 NatDA reporting and the revised reporting format.

  • Presentation - reporting of the new format
  • Presentation - spatial data and the new format
  • Recording - reporting of the new format

    • Dataflow specific instructions

    Site code allocation service

    The cddaId continues to be the thematic identifier of the NatDA records. The cddaId is identical to the site code id of the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA_ID). To ensure correspondence between the cddaId of NatDA and the WDPA_ID, the Eionet agreed to add these ids to their sites and EEA distributes site code ids maintained by the WDPA via the Site code allocation service. NFPs and users with "CDDA reporter" role can log in to the Site code allocation service.

    Protected area definition

    The definition of a 'protected area' used for inclusion of sites into the NatDA is the one adopted by IUCN:

    "A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values."

    It is defined in Dudley, N. (Editor) (2008). Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. Gland, Switzerland IUCN.

  • Dudley (2008) Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories

    • Strict protection definition

    Strictly protected areas are mentioned in the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030. A definition was provided in the Commission Staff Working Document (2022) on Criteria and guidance for protected areas designations:

    "In the context of the 10% target in the Biodiversity Strategy, strictly protected areas are defined as follows: 'Strictly protected areas are fully and legally protected areas designated to conserve and/or restore the integrity of biodiversity-rich natural areas with their underlying ecological structure and supporting natural environmental processes. Natural processes are therefore left essentially undisturbed from human pressures and threats to the area’s overall ecological structure and functioning, independently of whether those pressures and threats are located inside or outside the strictly protected area'."

  • Commission Staff Working Document on Criteria and guidance for protected areas designations

    • An EU networking event on Strictly Protected Areas in the EU Biodiversity Strategy took place on 12-13 November 2024 and the main outcome is reflected below:

  • Main outcomes from event on Strictly Protected Areas

    • OECM definition

    In addition to 'protected areas' as defined by the IUCN, designated areas that adhere to the 'other effective area-based conservation measures' (OECMs) definition may be included in the NatDA. OECM status may be indicated at site level or at designation type level, using the designation type category B. The definition of OECMs adopted by the CBD COP in November 2018 is as follows:

    "A geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and services, and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and other locally relevant values."

    It is defined in the CBD Decision CBD/COP/DEC/14/8 30 November 2018.

  • cop-14-dec-08-en.pdf

    • Additional guidance on OECM recognition:

  • IUCN guidance "Recognising and reporting other effective area-based conservation measures"
  • Parks special issue on OECMs

    • Supporting documents

    Note on the consequences of restricting the access to the national designations for the appearance in European and global statistics

  • CDDA dissemination codes

    • The importance of reporting the marine nationally designated areas in the context of the MSFD is provided in this document from 2013