Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and floraOfficial Journal L 206 , 22/07/1992 pp. 7 - 50 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 130s thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(2),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(3),Whereas the preservation, protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, including the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, are an essential objective of general interest pursued by the Community, as stated in Article 130r of the Treaty; Whereas the European Community policy and action programme on the environment (1987 to 1992)(4) makes provision for measures regarding the conservation of nature and natural resources; Whereas, the main aim of this Dir...