Ensuring the quality of the appropriate assessment
As stated previously, the appropriate assessment must be based on the best scientific knowledge in the field. Accordingly, the appropriate assessment must be prepared by a person or persons with the requisite ecological expertise and experience. The study should be supplemented as necessary by additional expertise and experience (e.g. geology, hydrology, engineering or planning, environmental law) and produced in a scientifically complete, professional and objective manner. While the study to inform the appropriate assessment will generally be submitted by those seeking approval for a plan or project, competent authorities should satisfy themselves that it demonstrates sufficient expertise, scope and focus in relation to the ecological or other issues (e.g. hydrological) concerned, and sufficient competence and standards in scientific methodology and impact assessment. In order to comply with these quality requirements, some countries have adopted a certification scheme or qualification/authorisation system for those who undertake the appropriate assessment study (see box 14). Regardless of whether Article 6(3) is complied with through existing environmental impact assessment procedures or other specific approaches, the results of Article 6(3) assessments should allow full traceability of the decisions eventually made. To meet the requirements of the Article 6(3) assessment, the Natura 2000 authorities may draw up formal specifications on the type of information and criteria to follow when carrying out the appropriate assessment. It is highly recommended that good practice sharing and training be given to all those concerned by the appropriate assessment (e.g. relevant statutory authorities at all levels of government, consultants, project or plan developers).
Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-25 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.