Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

ANNEX IV

Indicative list of characteristics to be taken into account for setting environmental targets (referred to in Articles 10(1) and 24)

(1) Adequate coverage of the elements characterising marine waters under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of Member States within a marine region or subregion.

(2) Need to set (a) targets establishing desired conditions based on the definition of good environmental status; (b) measurable targets and associated indicators that allow for monitoring and assessment; and (c) operational targets relating to concrete implementation measures to support their achievement.

(3) Specification of environmental status to be achieved or maintained and formulation of that status in terms of measurable properties of the elements characterising the marine waters of a Member State within a marine region or subregion.

(4) Consistency of the set of targets; absence of conflicts between them.

(5) Specification of the resources needed for the achievement of targets.

(6) Formulation of targets, including possible interim targets, with a timescale for their achievement.

(7) Specification of indicators intended to monitor progress and guide management decisions with a view to achieving targets.

(8) Where appropriate, specification of reference points (target and limit reference points).

(9) Due consideration of social and economic concerns in the setting of targets.

(10) Examination of the set of environmental targets, associated indicators and limit and target reference points developed in light of the environmental objectives laid down in Article 1, in order to assess whether the achievement of the targets would lead the marine waters falling under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of Member States within a marine region to a status matching them.

(11) Compatibility of targets with objectives to which the Community and its Member States have committed themselves under relevant international and regional agreements, making use of those that are most relevant for the marine region or subregion concerned with a view to achieving the environmental objectives laid down in Article 1.

(12) When the set of targets and indicators has been assembled, they should be examined together relative to the environmental objectives laid down in Article 1 to assess whether the achievement of the targets would lead the marine environment to a status matching them.