Despite its small size, Jersey contains an incredibly diverse range of natural habitats. The Island's geographical position, and favourable climate, has resulted in a mixture of British and European animals and plants, some of which can only be found in the Channel Islands. Jersey has made international commitments to conserve its species, habitats and ecosystems, for which the designation of Sites of Special Interest (SSI) is a vital component. Protecting the Island's natural environment also contributes significantly to Islanders' overall quality of life. Engaging with nature, for example, can benefit mental and physical wellbeing.

This indicator covers the extent in hectares of protected areas above the mean high water level (where geological and ecological sites coincide, the land area is only counted once). The first ecological SSIs were designated in 1996 to satisfy the requirements of international conventions. To-date, 28 Sites of Special Ecological Interest and 22 Sites of Special Geological Interest have been designated. The total area covered, 548 hectares, equates to about 5% of Jersey's land area, and includes key habitats such as wetlands, woodland, hedgerows, maritime heath, coastal sand dunes and grassland. Only about 20% of Jersey’s key semi-natural habitats are protected by SSI designation, so a large area of critical natural habitat remains unprotected. Three new ecological SSIs, covering 17 hectares, were added along the coast of St Ouen's Bay at the beginning of 2020.