Establishment

The procedure for establishing a Natura 2000 site includes three phases:
Phase 1: To the EU Commission, member-states recommend sites at which the relevant species and/or ecosystems are present. 

Phase 2: Following consultation with the member-state in question, the EU Commission formally approves a list of areas that are of interest to the European Union. 

Phase 3: Each member-state designates the sites as "special conservation areas", and then takes the measures that are necessary to preserve the species and ecosystems which provide the basis for the sites' inclusion in Natura 2000. The conservation measures may vary, depending on the level of protection, e.g. as a nature reserve, environmental support or other type of agreement. The management regulations for existing nature reserves may need to be revised. In Sweden, most of the areas will be protected under the national Environmental Code. 

Requirements for conservation measures, management, etc. shall be included in the conservation plan of each site.