The conservation objectives of the Natura 2000 area in the light of law and case law

Abstract

The article discusses the issue of conservation objectives of the Natura 2000 area. The basis for their analysis is the Habitats Directive and the Polish Act on Nature Conservation together with plans of conservation tasks. It is a key legal instrument for the proper management of the Natura 2000 area and the European network of Natura 2000 sites. Its importance is recognized in the legal interpretations made by the Court of Justice and non-binding documents of the European Commission. However, the question should be asked whether such an important, and indeed fundamental for Natura 2000, institution should not be clearer and more precisely regulated by the European legislator. Lack of unambiguous norms of the directive may cause discrepancies in defining the objectives of Natura 2000 protection both at the level of various EU Member States and at the national level – in relation to individual Natura 2000 areas in a given country.