La protezione della biodiversità nel diritto interno, in una prospettiva di bilanciamento discrezionale con altri interessi pubblici

The paper addresses the issue of the protection of biodiversity in the Natura 2000 network sites. In particular, the paper aims at examining the issues that arise from the study of the proceedings concerning the inclusion of a site in the Natura 2000 network and the assessment of impact in the case a project may have negative impact on a protected site. The authorization of a public-interest project (such as an electric power generating plant from renewable sources) impacting a Natura 2000 network site may require a discretionary balancing between biodiversity protection and the interest in carrying out a public work. In such cases, the provision of compensation measures may be a satisfactory solution for both interests.