22.7.92 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 206/7 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 130s thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the ~opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas the preservation, protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, including the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, are an essential objective of general interest pursued by the Community, as stated in Article 130r of the Treaty; Whereas the European Community policy and action programme on the environment (1987 to 1992) (*) makes provision for measures regarding the conservation of nature and natural resources; Whereas, the main aim of this Directive being to promote the maintenance of biodiversity, taking account of economic, social, cultural and regional requirements, this Directive makes a contribution to the general objective of sustainable development; whereas the maintenance of such biodiversity may in certain cases require the maintenance, or indeed the encouragement, of human activities; (1) O] No C247,21.9.1988, p. 3 and 0OJ No C 195, 3. 8. 1990, p. 1. (2) O] No C75, 20. 3. 1991, p. 12. (*>) OJ No C31, 6. 2. 1991, p. 25. (*) O] No C328,7.12.1987,p. 1. Whereas, in the European territory of the Member States, natural habitats are continuing to deteriorate and an increasing number of wild species are seriously threatened; whereas given that the threatened habitats and species form part of the Community’s natural heritage and the threats to them are often of a transboundary nature, it is necessary to take measures at Community level in order to conserve them; Whereas, in view of the threats to certain types of natural habitat and certain species, it is necessary to define them as having priority in order to favour the early implementation of measures to conserve them; Whereas, in order to ensure the restoration or maintenance of natural habitats and species of Community interest at a favourable conservation status, it is necessary to designate special areas of conservation in order to create a coherent European ecological network according to a specified timetable; Whereas all the areas designated, including those classified now or in the future as special protection areas pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (%), will have to be incorporated into the coherent European ecological network; Whereas it is appropriate, in each area designated, to implement the necessary measures having regard to the conservation objectives pursued; Whereas sites eligible for designation as special areas of conservation are proposed by the Member States but whereas (*) OJ No L 103, 25. 4. 1979, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 91/244/ECC (O] No L 115, 8. 5. 1991, p. 41).