Environmental Assessments and Authorizations: SEA - EIA - IPPC Permit

Article 6 of the Habitats Directive is the legal reference source for the management and protection of the sites included in the Natura 2000 network. For plans/programs/projects subject to SEA and EIA procedures the Appropriate Assessment is integrated into the assessment procedures and plays a fundamental role in the identification of the negative effects on the integrity of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of Community Importance (SCI).

The European Commission has recently implemented the existing Guidelines for the application of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive by providing additional information and clarification on specific issues. The EU has also prepared Guidelines for specific sectors (non-energy extractive activities, wind energy, ports, aquaculture, inland waterways) and habitats (estuaries and coastal zones).

All the documents and other relevant documentation for developer     s and competent authorities are available at the web page of the European Commission dedicated to the guidelines for the management of Natura 2000 sites.