Many plants and animals are unable to adapt to changes in the environment brought about by human activities. For example, species inhabiting meadows are at risk of decline from intensive agricultural practices, such as silage production. In an effort to provide sufficient habitats for species at risk, special land areas have been designated for protection under wildlife legislation. These are areas where practices potentially harmful to flora and fauna are prohibited or restricted. Ten principal nature conservation designations applying in Ireland are described in the table below.
The most important legislation on nature conservation is the Wildlife Act, 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 and the European Union (Natural Habitats) Regulations, S.I. 94/1997 (which have been amended twice with S.I. 233/1998 & S.I. 378/2005). At European level the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) mandate the identification and protection of key Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) respectively in all EU Member States. In addition, Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.
The EU Habitats Directive requires Member States to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of the habitats and species listed in its annexes. The Directive specifies that the habitats of 25 species listed in Annex 2 must be designated as SACs. Thus designation of a site as an SAC has wide-ranging implications. Land use practices that may be affected include farming, aquaculture, grazing, sporting and turf-cutting rights. A further 33 species, requiring strict protection, are listed on Annex 4 (plant species listed on Annex 2 are also listed on Annex 4). Some species while not requiring a high level of protection need to be safeguarded against exploitation. These species are listed in Annex 5 of the Directive.
Certain activities restricted within SAC s, SPAs and NHAs can only be carried out with the permission of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and these ‘Notifiable Actions’ vary depending on the type of habitat on the site. These and several other activities can only be undertaken with permits or licences.
The growth in the total area of land protected under national and EU legislation is welcome. However, the protection of sufficient land area is required if we are to prevent further loss of biodiversity and ensure the recovery of endangered species.
State-owned land, inland waters or foreshore areas forming the habitat of a species or community of flora or fauna of scientific interest or forming part of an ecosystem of scientific interest, which would benefit from protection measures, established under the Wildlife Act, 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.
Areas of conservation value for birds of importance in the European Union designated internationally under the Birds Directive.
Areas of conservation value for habitats and/or species of importance in the European Union designated internationally under the Habitats Directive.
Areas of conservation value for ecological and/or geological/geomorphological heritage designated nationally under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.
923,563
Refuges for Fauna
Areas where the specific protection of one or more species of animal is required, established under the Wildlife Act, 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.
Sites designated internationally for the conservation of wetlands, particularly those of importance to waterfowl under The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, the so-called Ramsar Convention.
Sites of conservation value internationally designated with the aim of integrating the interests of nature conservation, sustainable development, research and education. Biosphere Reserves are recognised by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation).
Biogenetic Reserve is an international designation for natural habitats that are especially valuable for nature conservation in Europe. Biogenetic Reserves are designated by the Council of Europe.
Note that many of these designated sites are coincident and that the areas given are not, therefore, cumulative. Data in this table was last updated September, 2006.
Find out more about protected areas from National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
