Editorial note

The aim of Directive 92/43/EEC is to contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Article 2(1)). Measures taken pursuant to the Directive should maintain or restore natural habitats and species of wild flora and fauna (Article 2(2)), whilst taking account of economic, social and cultural requirements along with regional and local characteristics (Article 2(3)). The definitions relevant for the purpose of the Directive are set out in Article 1.

The Directive establishes a European ecological network of special areas of conservation entitled Natura 2000, comprising sites hosting the natural habitat types listed in Annex I and habitat types of the species listed in Annex II (Article 3(1)). Each Member State must contribute to the creation of Natura 2000 by designating sites as special areas of conservation (Article 3(2)). Based on the criteria set out in Annex III (Stage 1), each Member State must propose a list of sites indicating which natural habitat types in Annex I and which species in Annex II are native to its territory (Article 4(1)). On the basis of the criteria set out in Annex III (Stage 2), the Commission is to establish a draft list of sites of Community importance within six years of the notification of the Directive (Article 4(2) and (3)). Following the adoption of a site of Community importance, the Member State concerned must designate that site as a special area of conservation (Article 4(4)).