Natura 2000 is an EU wide network of protected areas established to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Species and habitats are defined in the Fauna-Flora-Habitat-Directive (FFH Directive) and the Birds Directive of the European Union. For these sites, all EU member countries engage in exact cartography of species’ habitats and in developing management plans. The Department of Forest Ecology at the FVA (Research Centre for the forest administration in Baden-Württemberg) is responsible for elaborating expert studies on forests as part of the management plans in 18 pilot areas. UNIQUE coordinated and supervised the elaboration of expert studies on forests in nine pilot areas covering 21,000 hectares of forest area.

• Quality assurance and professional guidance of cartography on forest habitats and protected species.
• In representation of FVA, communication and coordination with all stakeholders.
• Participation in advisory board meetings.
• Finalization of expert studies on forests, coordination of final management plans and maps.