The Habitats Directive

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This page was last updated on Monday, August 20, 2007

The Habitats Directive provides a comprehensive protection scheme for a range of animals and plants, as well as for a selection of habitat types.

The Habitats Directive provided for the creation, by June 1998, of a network of protected sites known as Natura 2000, which embrace SPAs designated under Wild Birds Directive and sites proposed by Member States under the Habitats Directive.

The sites proposed by Member States must be based on scientific criteria and scientific information. All sites in the network must respect the stipulated safeguards. These include the prior assessment of potentially damaging plans and projects, the requirement that these plans and projects be approved only if they represent an overriding interest and only if is no alternative solution exists, and measures for fixing compensation in the event of damage.

Once fully in place, this network should ensure that the best examples of EU natural habitats, and areas hosting rare and endangered plant and animal species, are properly conserved and protected. The Habitats Directive is the Community's flagship contribution to safeguarding global bio-diversity.

Delays in the submission of site proposals by Member States (which were originally due by June 1995) have meant that the completion of the Natura 2000 network has fallen seriously behind schedule. In addition to providing for the creation of Natura 2000, the Habitats Directive provides for a ban on the downgrading of breeding and resting places for certain animal species. Derogations can be granted, but only under strict conditions.