A legal and ecological perspective of ¡®site integrity¡¯ to inform policy development and management of Special Areas of Conservation in Europe

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• 作者：Sian E. Rees ; Emma V. Sheehan ; Emma L. Jackson ; Sarah C. Gall ; Sophie L. Cousens ; Jean-Luc Sol ; t ; Matthew Boyer ; Martin J. Attrill
• 关键词：Habitats Directive ; Natura 2000 ; European marine sites ; Favourable conservation status ; Ecosystem services ; Marine Protected Areas
• 刊名：Marine Pollution Bulletin
• 出版年：2013
• 出版时间：15 July, 2013
• 年：2013
• 卷：72
• 期：1
• 页码：14-21
• 全文大小：763 K

文摘

The European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) provides for the designation and management of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and requires that impacting activities are subject to ¡®an appropriate assessment¡¯ of their implications for the ¡®integrity¡¯ of the site. We define the term ¡®site integrity¡¯ from a legal and an ecological perspective. We demonstrate that ¡®site integrity¡¯ is the maintenance of ecological processes and functions that support the wider delivery of ecosystem services. ¡®Site integrity¡¯ can be influenced by SAC management. Management that seeks to support ¡®site integrity¡¯ may include the use of buffer zones or connecting areas that extend beyond the SAC site¡¯s designated features. We conclude that ¡®site integrity¡¯ and ¡®favourable conservation status¡¯ are powerful legal terms that if fully transposed into the law and policy of Member States can enable the achievement of broader European and International goals for marine conservation.