Defra

1.

To halt the decline of biodiversity across the European Union by 2010 (decision by Heads of European Government at the European Summit in Gothenburg, June 2001).

2.

To establish a coherent ecological network of Special Areas of Conservation (including Special Protected Areas) under the title Natura 2000 (EC Habitats Directive).

3.

To identify and designate by 2010 relevant areas of the UK 's seas as areas of marine protection belonging to a network of well managed sites (5th North Sea Conference, OSPAR ministerial decision at Bremen , June 2003).

4.

To establish marine protected areas consistent with international law and based on scientific information, including representative networks, by 2012 and time/area closures for the protection of nursery grounds (World Summit on Sustainable Development, August/September 2002).

5.

To maintain or restore natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora to a favourable conservation status (EC Habitats Directive).

6.

To maintain populations of wild birds to a level corresponding to ecological, scientific and cultural requirements (EC Birds Directive).

7.

To implement an ecosystem approach in the management of the marine environment (the North Sea Conference).

8.

To encourage the application of the ecosystem approach by 2010, noting the Reykjavik Declaration on Responsible Fisheries in the Marine Ecosystem and decision v/6 of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (World Summit on Sustainable Development, August/September 2002).