Habitats Directive

The main aim of the EC Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species at a favourable conservation status, introducing robust protection for those habitats and species of European importance. In applying these measures Member States are required to take account of economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics.
 

All Member States of the EU have to transpose the provisions of these Directives into their national legislation and must ensure proper implementation and enforcement.

Strangford Lough is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the Birds Directive and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive.