In the case of European Economic Community (EEC) signatory countries, various directives have been developed with stringent requirements that aim to protect natural ecosystems, including aquatic habitats in urban areas, by controlling the allowable impact of a development on the environment, at scales ranging from site-specific measures (contained in Council Directive 92/43/EEC, Article 6, Paragraphs 3 and 4) to broader strategic measures (Council Directive 85/337/EEC), as well as the Water Framework Directive and measures aimed at affording protection at the catchment/basin level.