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. They are to protect the 220 habitats and approximately 1000 species listed in annex I and II of the directive which are considered to be of European interest following criteria given in the directive.

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 also

• Special Areas of Conservation in Northern Ireland
• 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

Protected areas | European Union

Ardal Arbennig Cadwraeth | Fauna-Flora-Habitat-Richtlinie | Zona de Especial Conservación | Zone spéciale de conservation | Dyrektywa Siedliskowa