Home › Explained sheets › History, geography and culture
France in the European natural ecosystem
France is the European country richest in animal and plant species. So it plays a major role in protecting the nature of Europe.
Key points of the sheet
- France has one of the largest territories in Europe. Its landscapes are very varied: mountains, meadows, forests, coasts. With its overseas territories, it goes from the subarctic region to the tropics.
- For example, France is home to 55% of European amphibian species. It is also home to 58% of Europe's nesting birds.
- France and the other countries of the European Union apply common rules to protect the environment. These rules come through directives and conventions.
- Natura 2000 sites are protected natural sites all over Europe. France has more than 1,700 protected areas in this network.
- Ecological networks link natural areas together. In this way, species can move and interact. France created its green and blue network (trame verte et bleue).
- Like its neighbours, France faces many challenges. It must protect biodiversity in rural, urban or farming areas. It must also reduce pollution of the air, water and soil.
- France must act against climate change by protecting nature and creating sustainable solutions. These issues require close cooperation between all member states of the European Union.
Words to know
- biodiversity (biodiversité)
- France is rich in species and plays a major role in protecting Europe's biodiversity.
- overseas territories (territoires d’outre-mer)
- With them, France covers areas from the subarctic region to the tropics.
- Natura 2000 sites (sites Natura 2000)
- They are protected natural sites all over Europe.
- ecological networks (trames écologiques)
- They link natural areas so that species can move and interact.
- green and blue network (trame verte et bleue)
- It is France's ecological network: "green" for land areas, "blue" for water and wetland areas.
- climate change (changement climatique)
- France must act against it by protecting nature and creating sustainable solutions.
Test yourself: 3 questions
What share of European amphibian species lives in France?
In French, the language of the exam: Quelle part des espèces européennes d'amphibiens vit en France ?
France is home to 55% of European amphibian species.
In the green and blue network, what does the word "blue" refer to?
In French, the language of the exam: Dans la trame verte et bleue, que désigne le mot « bleue » ?
"Blue" refers to water and wetland areas. "Green" refers to land areas.
Which challenge does France share with its European neighbours?
In French, the language of the exam: Quel défi la France partage-t-elle avec ses voisins européens ?
Like its neighbours, France must reduce pollution of the air, water and soil.
You have read the sheet. See where you stand with 40 questions like the real exam.
Take the free mock exam (40 questions)Free mock exam · Exam Pass €19 incl. VAT, paid once, no subscription
More in this topic (France in Europe and in the world)
Source
Sheet “La France dans l’écosystème naturel européen” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.