S.L. 549.44 ст. 9Selection of sites eligible for identification as SACs of national or of international importance.

(1) On the basis of the criteria set out in Schedule IV (Stage 1) and relevant scientific information, the competent authority shall, from time to time, propose a list of sites indicating with respect to each site which natural habitat types in Schedule I and which species in Schedules II and III that are native to Malta are hosted by the sites in question:

Provided that for animal species ranging over wide areas these sites shall correspond to the places within the natural range of such species which present the physical or biological factors essential to their life and reproduction:

Provided also that for aquatic species, which range over wide areas, such sites will be proposed only where there is a clearly identifiable area representing the physical and biological factors essential to their life and reproduction.

(2) Once a site has been identified by the competent authority in accordance with the procedure laid down in the provisions of Schedule IV, the competent authority shall designate that site as a Special Area of Conservation as soon as possible, establishing priorities in the light of the importance of the sites:

(a) for the maintenance or restoration, at a favourable conservation status, of a natural habitat type in Schedule I;

(b) for the maintenance or restoration, at a favourable conservation status, of a species in Schedule II;

(c) for the maintenance or restoration, at a favourable conservation status of species in Schedule III;

(d) for the coherence of the Natura 2000 Network and the Pan-European Ecological Network;

(e) with respect to the threats of degradation or destruction to which those sites and species they support are exposed.

(3) The competent authority shall furthermore distinguish between those special areas of conservation, which, in the opinion of the competent authority, are of National Importance or International Importance.

(4) Without prejudice to sub-regulations (1) and (2), the competent authority may also propose sites of national importance in view of the ecological, geological and natural features of the site in line with the provisions of the Act.