Implementation of Reporting Obligations and of General Monitoring

Designation of Natura 2000 sites is linked to an obligation to ensure on a permanent basis that action is taken to maintain or restore favourable conservation status for the relevant species and habitat types. To this end, both the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive require member states to report to the European Commission at regular intervals on their steps and measures in implementation of the directives (reporting obligation under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive and Article 12 of the Birds Directive).

The Habitats Directive also requires member states to carry out  surveillance of the conservation status of natural habitats and species of Community interest. Reports under Article 17 must therefore include the main findings of surveillance under Article 11.