Project name:

Derivation of technical criteria for the identification of special protection areas pursuant to Section 4 of the Birds Directive and of suggested areas pursuant to Section 4 of the Habitats Directive.

Project description:

Development of criteria for the classification of bird protection and habitat conservation areas from both a legal and nature conservation point of view, suggestions for the design of protection provisions

The project aimed to achieve the following:

• Designate the species of birds for which special protection areas should be set up in the EEZ as a result of Section 4 of the Birds Directive
• Designate types of natural habitats and species in the sense of Annex I and II of the Habitats Directive for which special areas of conservation should be suggested for the creation of a coherent ecological network as set out in Section 4 subsection 1 of the Habitats Directive
• Derive the criteria for the identification and classification of special bird protection areas in the EEZ as required under Section 4 of the Birds Directive, the legislation of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and national laws
• Derive the criteria for the identification and classification of suggested areas in the EEZ as required under Section 4 of the Habitats Directive, the legislation of the ECJ and national laws
• Coordinate and discuss the criteria with experts and prepare their application to the corresponding bird populations and other species of animals and plants and habitats in the German EEZ in the North and Baltic Seas.