Implementation of Natura 2000 in the marine environment: a Belgian case study

European legislation and policy contain obligations on the designation and management of Natura 2000 sites in the marine environment. In implementing these obligations ecological, legal and social challenges occur. As designation of marine sites is a relatively recent process, additional sites will have to be designated, based on the ecological criteria set forth in the Habitats Directive. For these sites ecological objectives and management and restoration measures have to be taken. The exact procedure for designating the sites and determining both the ecological goals and the management measures is left to the member countries. Each country will have its own legislation and procedures. The procedure to designate sites might involve public participation. This raises questions on how to organize public participation and on the impact of public participation (to what extent can public participation influence decision making in setting ecological goals and determining management measures?). The ecological, legal and social issues relating to the implementation of Natura 2000 in the marine environment will be discussed in a Belgian case study. A legal framework has been put forward for the designation and management of Belgian marine sites. After a lengthy and difficult process, several Natura 2000 sites were designated. The process for establishing conservation objectives and taking specific management measures is ongoing. Although several sites have been designated, additional designation seems necessary