EEA
You are here:
Eionet
CDR
General Help
Nationally designated areas (NatDA)

Navigation

Account Services

I have

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 next data call will go out from the EIONET Expert Group Biodiversity and ecosystems' Teams channel (requires login) and will also be sent by e-mail to Lead reporters by 15/01/2026.

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 revision of the format and strict protection

Presentation and recording from the 12 June 2025 webinar on the revision of the NatDA reporting and on strict protection.

  • Presentation - revision of the format
  • Recording - revision of the 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

    Strict protection is mentioned in the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 and in the Commission Staff Working Document. Links to come.

    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

    • 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