25.6.2008 Official Journal of the European Union L 164/19 DIRECTIVES DIRECTIVE 2008/56/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175(1) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (%), Whereas: (1) Marine waters under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of Member States of the European Union include waters in the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the North-east Atlantic Ocean, including the waters surrounding the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. (2) It is evident that pressure on natural marine resources and the demand for marine ecological services are often too high and that the Community needs to reduce its (1) O] C 185, 18.8.2006, p. 20. () O] C 206, 29.8.2006, p. 5. (}) Opinion of the European Parliament of 14 November 2006 (O] C 314 E, 21.12.2006, p. 86), Council Common Position of 23 July 2007 (OJ C 242 E, 16.10.2007, p. 11) and Position of the European Parliament of 11 December 2007 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Council Decision of 14 May 2008. impact on marine waters regardless of where their effects occur. (3)  The marine environment is a precious heritage that must be protected, preserved and, where practicable, restored with the ultimate aim of maintaining biodiversity and providing diverse and dynamic oceans and seas which are clean, healthy and productive. In that respect, this Directive should, inter alia, promote the integration of environmental considerations into all relevant policy areas and deliver the environmental pillar of the future maritime policy for the European Union. (4  In line with Decision No 1600/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 2002 laying down the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (¥, a thematic strategy for the protection and conservation of the marine environment has been developed with the overall aim of promoting sustainable use of the seas and conserving marine ecosystems. (5)  The development and implementation of the thematic strategy should be aimed at the conservation of the marine ecosystems. This approach should include protected areas and should address all human activities that have an impact on the marine environment. (6)  The establishment of marine protected areas, including areas already designated or to be designated under Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (°) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Habitats Directive), Council Directive 79[409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (°) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Birds Directive’), and under international or regional agreements to which the European Community or Member States concerned are Parties, is an important contribution to the achievement of good environmental status under this Directive. (4 O] L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1. () OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/105/EC (O] L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 368). (®) O] L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/105/EC.