Scottish Coastal Forum: Current ICZM initiatives: Spring 2004
Natura Obligations
IIn 1992, the Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, known as the Habitats Directive, was adopted. It provides a mechanism to meet obligations under the 1979 Bern Convention and to complement the provisions of the 1979 Birds Directive. Its main objectives are:
"... to contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ...", and
"... to maintain or restore, at favourable conservation status, natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora of Community interest."
It has been transposed into domestic legislation by The Conservation (Natural Habitat, etc.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). The Directive requires the establishment of a European network of sites and the UK has identified 59 Scottish coastal and maritime sites (Special Areas of Conservation or SACs), 35 containing marine qualifying features. One of the principal delivery mechanisms is the implementation of appropriate site conservation measures through, where necessary, the relevant authorities establishing a (single1) management scheme.2 An existing management programme, say a Firths Initiative, may be used as a means for delivery. At June 2003, six marine sites have agreed management schemes, a further four sites have draft schemes, and four are in the initial stages of setting up management groups to develop schemes.
Where schemes are needed, their primary function is to deliver the objectives of the Directive through delivery of specific conservation objectives for the site. Management schemes, therefore, provide a framework that defines the relevant authorities role for a holistic approach to site management.
There is no single approach to how conservation objectives are achieved. Sometimes it is important to recognise that a management scheme may not be required and that current practices are what is best for the site with measures only being appropriate if new, or changed, operations are proposed.
The success of creating site management schemes can be attributed to partnership work. These can be through already established projects, such as the Moray Firth Partnership and the Solway Firth Partnership, which manage the SACs within these firths to deliver the aims of the Directive.
A good example of the importance of community involvement and a local authority partnership approach is seen in Loch nam Madadh cSAC. Here a positive local authority role was established through an SNH sponsored project officer within the Council's planning department. This officer now deals with a number of SACs including those with terrestrial components which has led to a more integrated style of management for, not only the site, but the hinterland and adjacent sites.
One success of this project has been reflected in the local stakeholder initiatives of interpretation and tourism that directly relate to the marine site. This umbrella approach to managing a
number of sites is also being used in Shetland. Strong local community involvement is also seen in the management of the Sound of Arisaig cSAC. Here, a strategy for delivering the objectives has been prepared in conjunction with a development strategy, where important local issues have been included in the site management aims.
To achieve the Directive's objectives, the process has been to recognise whether or not management schemes are required and, where needed, the success of developing and implementing schemes has been to ensure that there is an agreed plan shaped by committed partners with shared goals.
Dr Janet Khan, Marine Natura Officer, Scottish Natural Heritage.
Tel 0131-446-2471
E-mail:Janet.Khan@snh.gov.uk
1 Regulation 34(2)
2 Regulation 34(1)
