What regulations are in place regarding SPAs or other designated sites?
The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) is European Law which provides for the creation of a network of protected areas for the conservation of the most endangered habitats and species across the European Union known as "Natura 2000". The Natura 2000 network of protected sites consists of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under the Habitats Directive to conserve natural habitats and wild fauna and flora and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the earlier European Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) to conserve rare and migratory wild bird species. The Habitats Directive also required all Member States to set up an effective system to prevent the capture, killing, injuring or damaging disturbance of certain endangered species.