European directives, such as the Habitat and Bird directives only formulate an objective. European countries have to incorporate these directives into their national legislation. In the Netherlands, these stipulations have been included in the Nature Protection Act and the Flora & fauna act since 2005.

The arrangements concerning the Natura 2000 sites have been included in the Nature Protection Act. The Flora & fauna act contains the arrangements concerning the protection of animal and plant species in the wild or which are endangered. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation is responsible for Natura 2000.

Funding

There are various funds available at a European level for Natura 2000. One of the principal funds is the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE+).

Furthermore, the principal national funds for the management or structuring of Natura 2000 sites include: Management Programme, subdivided into the Agricultural Nature Management Subsidy Scheme, Nature Management Subsidy Scheme, Investment Budget Rural Areas and the structural funds.

All manner of parties can also contribute at a regional level such as provincial governments, municipalities, waterboards, recreation authorities, but also private parties such as landowners or nature education organisations.