Erhaltungszieldefinition

Erhaltungsziel, in English conservation target, is a defined objective for the future conservation status of a species or habitat. It is used in nature conservation planning to guide management and monitoring and to determine whether protective measures are effective.

In the European Union, Erhaltungsziel is linked to the concept of favorable conservation status (FCS) under the Habitats Directive. Member states set Erhaltungsziele for species and habitats within Natura 2000 sites with the aim of achieving or maintaining FCS, which describes a sustainable distribution, abundance, and condition.

Determination and scope: An Erhaltungsziel can be quantitative (for example a minimum population size or range extent) or qualitative (such as restored habitat quality). It is based on scientific assessments of current status, trends, threats, and restoration possibilities and is defined for a specific time horizon, often several years, within which management measures should yield the target. It may apply to individual populations as well as to broader regional scales.

Implementation and monitoring: Erhaltungsziele are incorporated into management plans and Natura 2000 site documents; progress is evaluated through monitoring programs and periodic reporting to authorities. If targets are not met, adaptive management adjustments are made.

Legal and policy context: In many jurisdictions, Erhaltungsziel is part of national nature conservation law and informs land-use decisions, permits, and the designation or adjustment of protected areas.