Settlements, areas with approved zoning plan, mining areas given on concession and plots of public importance, as defined by the Law on Biodiversity, can be included in the European environmental network Natura 2000, the Cabinet decided on January 31.

The decision abolishes all previous decisions on the issue, the Cabinet's press service said in a statement.

Whole plots will be included in the Natura 2000 network, with exceptions made for water areas, roads and properties of the state forest and land funds.

The changes follow new regulations in the EU Wild Birds and Habitats Directives, which say that economic requirements were not arguments enough for one territory to be excluded from Natura 2000.

In November 2007, the Cabinet approved the final list of areas to be protected in Natura 2000, which excluded settlements and areas with approved zoning plan. The Cabinet then made the remark that it would consider possible recommendations from the European Commission.