Special Area of Conservation - Definition and Overview

A Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is defined in the European Commission Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), also known as the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora.

SACs complement Special Protection Areas and together form a network of protected sites across the European Union called Natura 2000. This, in turn, is part of the Emerald network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) under the Berne Convention.

See: Special Areas of Conservation in Northern Ireland

See also:

• Conservation designations
• List of Conservation topics
• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)
• Heritage Coast
• Protected Areas
• Scheduled Ancient Monument
• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• World Heritage Site