Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)·Page 261·10.2.4
International and National Nature Conservation Designations
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency designates sites of international and national importance including Ramsar sites, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Areas of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves and Marine Conservation Zones.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has principal responsibility for the designation of nature conservation sites of international and national importance. These include Ramsar sites, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Marine Conservation Zones.
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