Conservation designation - Definition and Overview

A conservation designation is a name and/or acronym which explains the status of an area of land in terms of conservation or protection.

Examples in the United Kingdom

• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• Environmentally Sensitive Area
• Local Nature Reserve, (LNR)
• National Nature Reserve, (NNR)
• National Scenic Area (Scotland) (NSA)
• Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, (NVZ)
• Site of Special Scientific Interest, (SSSI)

For a comprehensive list, see Conservation in the United Kingdom

Examples in the European Union

• Special Area of Conservation
• Special Protection Area

Examples in the United States of America

International Examples

• Under the Berne Convention
  • Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCI)