In 1992 the European Community passed Council Directive 92/43/EEC, better known as the "EC Habitats Directive".

Both the Habitats Directive and the earlier Birds Directive 79/403/EEC (1979) are part of conservation instruments and conventions which have developed agreed international action for nature conservation. They promote the maintenance of biodiversity while taking account of economic, social, cultural and regional requirements. The Directives require the designation of:
"Special Areas of Conservation" (SAC): designated under the Habitats Directive for areas supporting rare, endangered or threatened species of plant or animal (other than birds) and important habitats.
"Special Protection Areas" (SPA): designated under the Birds Directive. These areas help guarantee the appropriate resources and habitats required to ensure the survival or viability of bird species listed under the Birds Directive.

Both SACs and SPAs contribute to a European network of conservation areas called Natura 2000. Natura 2000 sites are collectively referred to under UK legislation as European sites. Where a SPA, or a SAC incorporate subtidal and/or intertidal areas, they are referred to as "European marine sites" (EMS).

"Ramsar sites" are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitats (a conference of countries concerned about wetland and waterfowl conservation which was agreed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971). The broad objectives are to stem the loss and progressive encroachment on wetlands now and in the future. These are often coincident with SPA sites designated under the Birds Directive. Although RAMSAR sites are not considered part of the Natura 2000 network, they are to be treated the same way as European (marine) sites. However, they are international designations and are therefore not covered by the European Habitats and Birds Directives.

go on to Legislation behind European marine sites
Management Schemes for European marine Sites