In this report the Commission describes its framework for protection of the environment and how it should be applied within the Commission’s system of protection. The report expands upon its objectives in relation to protection of the environment and explains the different types of exposure situations to which its recommendations apply. Further recommendations are made with regard to how the Commission’s recommendations can be implemented to satisfy different forms of environmental protection objectives and additional information is also given with regard to, in particular, communication with other interested parties and stakeholders. Issues that may arise in relation to compliance are also discussed and a final chapter discusses the overall implications of the Commission’s work in this area to date. Appendices 1 and 2 provide some numerical information relating to the Reference Animals and Plants.

An Annex to this report considers some of existing types of environmental protection legislation currently in place in relation to large industrial sites and practices, and the various ways in which wildlife are protected from various threats arising from such sites.