Description: Ramsar sites are classified under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The mission of the Convention is "the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world". The UK Government signed up to the Convention in 1976.https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/international-designations/ramsar-sitesScotland has 51 Ramsar sites designated as internationally important wetlands, covering a total area of about 313,000 hectares.Most Ramsar sites in Scotland are linked to the European site network - either as a Special Protection Area (SPA) or Special Area of Conservation (SAC). All are underpinned by Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). These sites may be of importance for their wide variety of waterbirds, bogs, lochs, coastal wetlands and other water-dependent habitats and species.Learn about designating Ramsar sites on the Ramsar website.Complete metadata record on SSDI
Description: Many are also designated as Natura sites (Special Protection Areas or Special Areas of Conservation).The national network of SSSIs in Scotland forms part of the wider GB series. SNH designates SSSIs under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. SSSIs are protected by law. It is an offence for any person to intentionally or recklessly damage the protected natural features of an SSSI. SSSIs were first designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The majority of these were later re-notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. All 1981 Act SSSI designations are carried forward, and all new SSSI designations are now made, under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
Description: SPAs are classified under the EC Birds Directive and together with SACs, form the Natura 2000 network. Proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPA) may be subject to change prior to classification.
Description: SACs in Scotland are designated by Scottish Ministers under the EC Habitats Directive. They are areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SACs in terrestrial areas and marine areas out to 12 nautical miles are afforded protection through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, and c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). Possible Special Areas of Conservation (pSAC) At Consultation stage may be subject to change prior to submission.