Terms in the glossary are classified in alphabetical order in English.
Marine Protected Area
Marine Strategy Framework Directive
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) results from the European Commission's Marine Strategy proposal, contained in a blue paper approved by the European Council on 14 December 2007 which aims to promote an integrated marine policy for the European Union (Marine Strategy Framework Directive no. 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 17 June 2008). The objectives of the Directive require achieving or maintaining good ecological status of the marine environment by 2020.
European Union Member States are required to take all necessary measures to reduce the impacts of activities on the marine environment. This environmental directive develops an ecosystem approach to the marine environment, in connection with other European directives (Natura 2000, Water Framework Directive, etc.): it aims to maintain or restore the functioning of marine ecosystems (conservation of biodiversity, interactions between species and habitats, dynamic and productive oceans), while safeguarding uses of the sea by future generations, on a sustainable basis.
