The ‘Gibraltar Nature Reserve’ which covers 40% of the country’s land area, includes the Great Gibraltar Sand Dune, Windmill Hill Flats and the Europa Foreshore. The reserve was established in 1993 under the IUCN, and classified as category 1a (Strict nature reserve) after the area was decommissioned from military use. In 2013 the reserve was extended in order to protect further flora, fauna and historical features of interest whilst still permitting public access.