High Level Summary of Statistics Trend Last update: Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Statutory Designated Areas
Sites of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI) are notified as areas of outstanding quality to protect their flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features. At 31 March 2009, there were 1,456 SSSIs in Scotland, covering a total of 1,038,000 hectares (13% of land in Scotland).
Special Areas of Conservation ( SACs) are designated under the 1992 EC Habitats Directive to protect certain species and habitat types throughout the EU. Special Protection Areas ( SPAs) are designated under the 1979 EC Wild Birds Directive to safeguard the habitat of a number of wild bird species. Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. At 31 March 2009, there were 239 SACs, 146 SPAs and 51 Ramsar sites in Scotland.
A designated site may be protected by more than one designation. For example, about two thirds of the area of SACs and 86% of SPAs and Ramsar sites also have SSSI designations.
View chart data
Source: Scottish Natural Heritage
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