Natura 2000, the Ecological Network of the European Union Nature and Biodiversity Unit, DG Environment European Commission

What is happening to biodiversity in Europe ? 45 % of Europe’s butterflies threatened 38% of Europe’s birds threatened 40% coastal dunes lost since 1900 (1/3rd - 1977) 12% loss of grasslands in EUR 9 (1975-95) loss of natural forest (now 4% of forest area) source: European Environment Agency

Biodiversity loss – importance of ecosystem services 2005 UN Millenium Ecosystem assessment highlighted importance of ‘ecosystem services’ the provision of goods – food, fibre, fuel and medicines the regulation of the air we breathe and the quality of our waters soil fertility, pollination and other essential support services cultural benefits – from aesthetic enjoyment to spiritual solace

EU Action to halt the loss of biodiversity 2006 Communication on halting the loss of biodiversity to 2010 – and beyond :Sustaining ecosystem services for human well-being EU biodiversity action plan with a clear set of targets and actions to halt biodiversity loss Covers relevant sectors & horizontal policy areas in a unified way provides a joined up approach by identifying what needs to be done at Community level and at MS level.

Critical role of EU nature legislation and Natura 2000 ‘Birds Directive” (79/409/EEC) All wild birds protected + protected areas for threatened and migrating birds ‘Habitats Directive’ (92/43/EEC) Protected areas for threatened species and habitats + list of animal & plant species in need of strict protection NATURA 2000: the ecological network of protected areas under the Birds and Habitats Directives

The Natura 2000 network A major pillar of biodiversity action in Europe A combination of species and habitats protection Habitats Directive ~ 14% of EU territory For Birds Directive ~ 11 % of EU territory Total: >25,000 sites ~20 % of EU 27 territory

Important features of NATURA 2000 NATURA 2000 is not a set of paper parks Site designation exclusively based on scientific criteria Strong protection system Nature conservation considerations factored into other decision-making Procedure to deal with potentially damaging developments Not limited to nature reserves Most areas privately owned emphasis on conservation and sustainable use (ecologically, economically and socially) Management plans are very useful tool

Birds Directive 79/409/EEC HISTORICAL CONTEXT Concepts and issues birds are mobile: effective conservation is a trans-frontier problem entailing common responsibilities increased concern about killing of birds , especially in Mediterranean increased threats from many EC economic activities, notably agriculture BD/D.2/09.12.98

Provides common basis to ensure: protection of all wild bird species in the European territory of the Community sufficient habitat conservation especially for endangered as well as migratory species avoidance of pollution and deterioration of habitats or any disturbance of birds in protected areas outlawing of all means of large scale or non-selective killing of birds hunting is controlled BD/D.2/09.12.98

Member States must (1): take special conservation measures concerning the habitat of Annex I species classify the most suitable territories in number and size as special protection areas (SPAs) for Annex I species take similar measures for regularly occurring migratory species not listed in Annex I pay particular attention to the protection of wetlands and particularly to wetlands of international importance. BD/D.2/09.12.98

Member States must (2): send the Commission all relevant information for co-ordination of SPAs as a coherent whole with respect to SPAs, take appropriate steps to avoid pollution or deterioration of habitats or any disturbance affecting the birds outside SPAs, strive to avoid pollution or deterioration of habitats. BD/D.2/09.12.98

THE DIRECTIVE PROVISIONS ALL birds are protected KEY element is habitat protection (SPA’s) MOST controversial element is hunting: Some species may be hunted (listed in Annex II-III) General principles ruling hunting seasons, means and methods Derogations under certain conditions to allow shooting/capture of protected bird species and/or the use of prohibited means/methods

Setting up Natura 2000 Birds Directive 1) Member States classify (CC: by accession) 2) Commission takes coordinating role Reference list: Important Bird Areas (IBAs) based on international criteria

Large variation, some MS still not sufficient

What is the target of protection under Natura 2000? Species and habitats of Community interest Habitats Directive (its annexes I-V) appr. 220 habitats types appr. 1100 species

HABITATS DIRECTIVE SPECIES OF EU INTEREST endangered vulnerable (likely to become endangered) rare (small populations at risk) endemic requiring particular attention BD/D.2/09.12.98

Setting up Natura 2000 1) National lists proposed (CC: by accession) 2) Selection process on biogeographical level (aim: Community list) - MS & EC - max. 3 years 3) Designation by MS max. 6 years after Community list

NATURA 2000 network NATURA 2000 May 2004 2005 - 2006 End 2007 Habitat types (Annex I) Species (Annex II) « Habitats » Directive Art. 3 National list of sites May 2004 List of Sites of Community Importance 2005 - 2006 Special Conservation Areas End 2007 « Birds » Directive Art. 4 NATURA 2000 Special Protection Areas NA103IT

The map covers not only the EU Member States but other countries

ARE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED ON NATURA 2000 SITES? Not ‘a priori’ prohibition of new activities Developments assessed on a case-by-case basis Evaluation and decision procedure Supplementary protection measures for priority habitats Documents/guides on article 6 Encourage the MS to compile similar documents

Article 6 of the Habitats Directive For sites Member States shall: Establish necessary conservation measures Avoid deterioration Prepare appropriate assessment for any plan or project (except direct management of site) Likely to have a significant effect on site Either individually or in combination with other plans or projects

Article 6 Requirements have to be transposed in the national legislation “Appropriate assessment” might be a separate document or part of the EIA package

     Plan/project with impact on a site Art. 6.3 and 6.4 “Habitats” Directive Plan/project with impact on a site 1 Is the plan/project likely to have a negative impact on the values of the NATURA 2000 site?  YES EVALUATION OF CONSEQUENCES 2 Does the evaluation conclude that there will be significant negative consequences?  YES STUDY OF ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS 3 If the initial project is kept No priority habitats/species and overriding public interest  YES Inform the Commission COMPENSATION MEASURES Priority habitats/species and specific interest for human health, public safety or environment  YES Opinion of the Commission COMPENSATION MEASURES Priority habitats/species and other overriding public interests  YES OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION + COMPENSATION MEASURES NA107IT

Guidance documents, for example

Habitats Directive Species protection Strictly protected species listed in Annex IV (parallel structure with Annex II -site protection) Species, whose exploitation may be subject to management measures Annex V Prohibition of certain methods of capture / killing / transport Annex VI Derogation scheme (art 16)

How is NATURA 2000 being financed ? Habitats Directive foresees EU co-financing Pilot projects under LIFE Programmes: e.g. the 1993-2008 database contains 132 projects with the keyword ecotourism NATURA 2000 financial opportunities integrated into different EU funds (Regional Development, Rural Development) Aim to ensure that management of Natura 2000 sites is part of the wider land management policies of Member States

- a pool of good examples LIFE-Nature - a pool of good examples http://www.europa.eu. int/comm/ environment/life/ project/index.htm

Publications & guidelines Natura 2000 Newsletter in 5 languages (en, fr, de, it, es) twice a year Publications & guidelines « Green Days »

For more information, please consult: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/environment