Paragraph 2 Location of projects

The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by projects must be considered, having regard, in particular, to:

• the existing land use,

• the relative abundance, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources in the area,

• the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas—

  1. (a)

     wetlands;

  2. (b)

     coastal zones;

  3. (c)

     mountain and forest areas;

  4. (d)

     nature reserves and parks;

  5. (e)

     areas classified or protected under EEA States' legislation; areas designated by member States pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds^f1 and Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora^f2;

  6. (f)

     areas in which the environmental quality standards laid down in Community legislation have already been exceeded;

  7. (g)

     densely populated areas;

  8. (h)

     landscapes of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.