S.L. 549.44 Art. 6Natura 2000. S.L. 549.42

(1) The competent authority shall also contribute to the setting up of a coherent European ecological network of special areas of conservation, established under the title of Natura 2000 by way of Article 3 of the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. This network shall include -

(a) sites designated as special areas of conservation of international importance in terms of these regulations;

(b) sites designated as special protection areas in terms of these regulations;

(c) sites hosting the natural habitat types listed in Schedule I;

(d) sites hosting the bird species listed in Schedule I to the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations;

(e) habitats of the species listed in Schedule II, and shall enable the natural habitat types and the species’ habitats concerned to be maintained or, where appropriate, restored at a favourable conservation status in their natural range.

(2) The competent authority shall contribute to the creation of Natura 2000:

(a) in proportion to the representation within its territory of natural habitat types and the habitats of species referred to in subregulation (1);

(b) by designating relevant sites as special areas of conservation of international importance or special protection areas, taking account of the objective set out in subregulation (1), in accordance with Part III to these regulations.