Areas that are listed in the NATURA 2000 network are considered breeding and resting sites for rare, protected and threatened species and rare natural habitats.
The preparation of a Special Ecological Assessment (SEA) is the main tool for assessing the impact on species and habitats for proposed projects that are situated adjacent to or fall within the boundaries of the NATURA 2000 network. The main aim of the Special Ecological Assessment is to protect the environment.

The Special Ecological Assessment is a requirement of the Nature Protection and Management Act (N.153(I)/2003) that states << Any plan or project […] of which is not directly related to or necessary for the management of an area falling within a special conservation area, but which may affect it, in and of itself or in conjunction with another plan or project, shall be subject to an “appropriate” assessment of its impact on the surrounding area.>>