Presidential Decree No. 357 implementing Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.

This Decree implements Directive 92/43/EC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and the safeguard of biodiversity. Measures shall also take account of economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics. Regions and the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano shall designate the places to be protected and the natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora that follow under the definition set in Annex A and B of the Council Directive. Based on the information given to the Ministry of Health the sites designated will form part of the list of Community protected sites that follow under the European ecological plan called Nature 2000. The Regions and Provinces shall undertake surveillance of the conservation status of the natural habitats and species with particular regard to European priority natural habitat types and species. Fauna and flora, as set under articles 8 and 9, must be protected. Hunting, possession and harm to protected species is hereby forbidden. (17 articles and 7 Annexes)