The area of Lake Cerknica is of utmost international importance, which is confirmed also by the fact that it was chosen for Natura 2000 site. The Natura network is the main nature protection mechanism in the European Union. For the sites included in the network, financial programs are provided for co-financing the nature protection projects under the common name - LIFE. The Notranjska Regional Park was among the selected candidates in the year of 2006 and obtained funds for the implementation of the project LIFE 06 NAT/SI/000069 "Intermittent Lake Cerknica".
The Lake Cerknica is defined as Natura 2000 site both on the basis of The Habitat Directive and The Bird Directive. Both directives constitute legal grounds for establishment of the Natura 2000 sites.