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Hindrances to Effective Implementation of the Habitats Directive in Italy: Regional Differences in Designating Special Areas of Conservation

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  • Sabrina Lai

    (Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale e Architettura, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari CA, Italy)

Abstract

“Natura 2000” is a coordinated network of protected areas that stretches across the European Union in compliance with two directives (the so-called “Habitats Directive” and the “Birds Directive”) that underpin the Union’s policies on biodiversity conservation. This study is aimed at assessing the implementation of the network by qualitatively analyzing how Special Areas of Conservation are being designated. Such designation process, which is being implemented, although with great delay, in a number of member states, entails the establishment of site-specific conservation measures that may be included within appropriate management plans or other development plans. A systematic documental analysis of official acts establishing Special Areas of Conservation and approving conservation measures and management plans was performed by taking Italy as a case study. The analysis focuses on four key topics, as follows: use of conservation measures and appropriate management plans; multi-level governance of the Natura 2000 sites, in terms of involved institutions and tiers of government; stakeholders’ inclusion in the designation process; and the relationship between conservation measures and the wider spatial planning system. The results show significant differences regarding the implementation of the Natura 2000 network and highlight potential general hindrances to completing the designation process in the European Union.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabrina Lai, 2020. "Hindrances to Effective Implementation of the Habitats Directive in Italy: Regional Differences in Designating Special Areas of Conservation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:6:p:2335-:d:333489
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    Cited by:

    1. Jacek Witkowski, 2021. "Changes in Selected Aspects of Environmental Management: The Case of Natura 2000 in South-Eastern Poland," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 2), pages 47-59.
    2. Beunen, Raoul & Kole, Sander, 2021. "Institutional innovation in conservation law: Experiences from the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives in the Netherlands," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    3. Lai, Sabrina & Leone, Federica, 2020. "To what extent is integration pursued in compulsory planning tools concerning coastal and marine areas? Evidences from two Mediterranean protected areas," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    4. Alessandra Rigo & Elena Andriollo & Elena Pisani, 2022. "Intermediary Organizations in Nature Conservation Initiatives: The Case of the EU-Funded LIFE Programme," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-28, June.

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