Framework for the designation of further environmentally sensitive permanent grassland areas outside of Natura 2000 areas
Article 41
Environmentally sensitive permanent grassland areas outside the areas covered by Directive 92/43/EEC or Directive 2009/147/EC as referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 45(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 shall be designated on the basis of one or more of the following criteria: (a) covering organic soils with a high percentage of organic carbon, such as peat land or wetlands; (b) hosting habitats listed in Annex I to Directive 92/43/EEC or protected under national legislation; (c) hosting plant species listed in Annex II to Directive 92/43/EEC or protected under national legislation; (d) being of significant importance for wild bird species listed in Annex I to Directive 2009/147/EC; (e) being of significant importance for wild animal species protected under Directive 92/43/EEC or protected under national legislation; (f) covering permanent grassland of high nature value as defined by objective criteria to be established by the Member State; (g) covering soils with a high risk of erosion; (h) being located in a sensitive area designated within the river basin management plans pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC. Member States may decide every year to add new designated areas and shall inform the farmers concerned of that decision in due time.