Background In 1992 the Rio Earth Summit took place in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. At this summit the UK Government, along with more than 150 other countries, signed up to the Biodiversity Convention.

During the same year the European Community passed Council Directive 92/43/EEC, better known as the "EC Habitats Directive". This represented a major contribution by the European Community towards their responsibilities under the Biodiversity Convention. The Habitats Directive aims to maintain biodiversity by conserving important habitats and species, whilst contributing to the sustainable development of designated sites. The earlier 1979 Birds Directive specifically addresses the conservation of wild bird populations and their habitats. The implementation of both the Habitats and Birds Directives is translated into UK legislation by the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994, commonly known as the "Habitats Regulations".

Designations

"Special Areas of Conservation" (SAC) are designated under the 1994 Habitats Regulations for areas supporting rare, endangered or threatened species of plant or animal (other than birds) and important habitats.

"Special Protection Areas" (SPA) are designated under the Birds Directive. These areas help guarantee the appropriate resources and habitats required to ensure the survival or viability of bird species listed under the Birds Directive.

"Ramsar sites" are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitats (a conference of countries concerned about wetland and waterfowl conservation which was agreed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. The broad objectives are to stem the loss and progressive encroachment on wetlands now and in the future. A habitat can qualify for its representation of a wetland, the plant or animal species it supports and for its role in supporting internationally important waterfowl. Interest features are identified with these criteria. These are often coincident with SPA sites designated under the Birds Directive.

Together SACs and SPAs are known as European Sites.

European marine sites are European sites which include an area of sea or shore,

"Ramsar sites" are included in the European marine sites as a matter of UK Government Policy.

Under the Directives, each country in the European Union has put forward a selection of sites which include their best examples of a variety of vulnerable habitats and species. This network of protected areas is called the Natura 2000 series and includes areas designated as SACs and SPAs. Ramsar sites which form part of European sites are not considered as part of the Natura 2000 network but are included in UK sites as a matter of Government Policy.

Aims of European Marine Sites The main requirements for the sites are:

• Sites should be managed to contribute to the 'favourable conservation status' of the species.
• steps shall be taken to avoid the deterioration or disturbance of the habitats and species.
• activities, plans or projects that are likely to have an impact on the conservation features for which the site is designated shall be subject to assessment.
• a programme of monitoring habitats, species and activities shall be undertaken within the site.
• management of the site shall take account of the economic, cultural, social and recreational needs of local people.

Reference: Natura 2000 booklet 'European Marine Sites - an introduction to management' SNH, EN, EHS (DOE (NI)), CCW and JNCC. 1997.

About EMS

European marine site is the general description given to marine areas designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and the European Commission's Habitats Directive and Wild Birds Directive.

This page includes information about the background to site designation. Other pages included in this site consider the following:

• Other European marine sites in the UK
• Legislation relating to the designation and key provisions that apply to European marine sites.
• Requirements for Management Schemes for European marine sites.