Protected areas in Wales:

l National Parks (NP)

National Parks were created to protect the most beautiful and imposing landscapes in the UK.  The statutory designation recognises the national importance of such landscapes and gives them a high degree of protection.

l Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Find out about areas of outstanding natural beauty, where they are and how they are selected.

l Biosphere Reserves

Find out what a Biosphere Reserve is, and why habitats are designated in this way.

l Special Protection Areas (SPA)

Under EC Directive (79/409/EEC) on the Conservation of Wild Birds, the UK is committed to taking the requisite measures to preserve, maintain or re-establish a sufficient diversity and area of habitats for all species of naturally occurring birds in the wild state.

l Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an area of land that has been notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) because it contains wildlife, geological or landform features that are considered to be of special importance.

l Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

Proposed Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are recommended to the Welsh Assembly Government by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Conservation of Wildlife & Habitat:

l Habitats Directive

Protecting and conserving Europe's wildlife and habitats.

l Biodiversity

Biodiversity concerns the different species that make up our eco-systems.

Biodiversity is important because the quality of soil, water, the climate and other life-support systems depend on how groups of species and their environment interact

l RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, is an international treaty that provides the framework for national and international co-operation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.