Natura 2000 and its relationship with other initiatives which may serve to protect biodiversity Coordination Group for Nature and Biodiversity Brussels, Belgium, 2nd March 2010 Shailendra Mudgal Kate Reilly

Agenda 2 Objectives of the study Investigation and analysis of best practice case studies Recommendations for future action to enhance establishment of linkages with Natura 2000 2

Objectives of the project 3 Objectives of the project To review types of initiatives that are involved in biodiversity conservation (including programmes, actions and plans) To investigate the types of linkages that can be established with Natura 2000 To develop a conceptual framework of these linkages and to illustrate with examples of best practice To make recommendations to improve coordination between biodiversity protection initiatives and Natura 2000 3

4 Best practices To identify, compare and analyse best practices in achieving biodiversity protection in synergy with Natura 2000 Using 10 in-depth case studies (selected from an inventory of 182 projects) Implemented linkages with Natura 2000 or have the potential to do so, and which employ novel methods of biodiversity protection To include innovative methods of biodiversity protection, biodiversity benefits outside project boundaries, concrete results gained, not too specific to one species or location To illustrate a range of scales, land-use types, geographical conditions (climatic, environmental, demographic, economic...), types of linkage with Natura 2000 4

5 Selected case studies It was intended that the selected projects cover a variety of MS, biogeographical regions, land uses and scales to ensure that lessons learnt are relevant in as wide a range of other circumstances as possible. Conservation was the main aim of all but one of the projects (it was a secondary aim of BO01 which was concerned with developing an eco-housing district) Linkages were established both intentionally and unintentionally, and each linkage was established by at least one of the projects. All involved several types of linkages (due to overlaps between definitions)

Case study analysis 1/2 6 Types of linkage with Natura 2000 Habitat and landscape connectivity most commonly implemented Financial linkages where non-traditional sources of funding used, or voluntary agreements employed Established intentionally where project’s main objectives are to reduce habitat fragmentation or create ecological networks Method of development usually involved mapping of ecological networks to define biodiversity protection actions linked to Natura 2000 sites Financing Either fully funded by governments or received funds from several sources Results All met objectives Benefits outside project boundaries Multiple benefits aside from biodiversity protection Enhancement of ecological resilience Voluntary measures with adequate compensation = voluntary conservation agreements in privately owned forests in Finland Benefits outside project boundaries include methods being replicated elsewhere, eg Metso’s voluntary conservation agreements implemented in Sweden, BBQ prevents charcoal being imported from elsewhere thus reducing deforestation of mangroves and rainforests, and minimising carbon emissions, linkages established across boundaries eg ecological network in Alsace in France included connectivity elements in Germany Multiple benefits include flood protection, decontamination of soils (health benefits), reductions in carbon emissions, preservation of cultural monuments, supporting local economy etc etc

Case study analysis 2/2 7 Key aspects for success Involvement of stakeholders in planning and delivery of a project, particularly dialogue with public and landowners Where resistance to biodiversity protection exists, voluntary measures with adequate compensation effective for protection on privately owned land Provision of benefits to people Sufficient funding, e.g. sale of sustainable charcoal provides funds for woodland management Barriers and challenges Lack of awareness of types of linkages Lack of awareness of Natura 2000 sites and other initiatives in the vicinity Insufficient legal protection for areas connecting Natura 2000 Difficulties in inter-sector and cross-border communication and coordination Land-use constraints (especially urban land) Voluntary measures with adequate compensation = METSO’s voluntary conservation agreements Benefits for people – flood protection, recreation opportunities, employment etc Barriers and challenges similar to those identified in the analysis of the inventory

8 Conclusions Physical linkages with Natura 2000 (e.g. habitat, evolutionary, landscape and ecological connectivity) are more commonly implemented Strong awareness of negative effects of habitat fragmentation Involvement of stakeholders and public early in project often key Several aspects of case studies are replicable in other projects, e.g. Green Area Factor (method for design of eco-housing districts) Voluntary conservation agreements (method of forest conservation) Sale of sustainable products (e.g. charcoal) to fund biodiversity conservation Need for action at a scale larger than that of individual projects Identification of other projects nearby Raised awareness of Natura 2000 System for sharing lessons learnt

9 Recommendations 1/3 Guidelines for best practice in biodiversity protection initiatives (for project managers) include: Thorough planning and use of a pilot phase Communication with public, landowners and other stakeholders from the start of the project Identification and integration with other nearby initiatives and Natura 2000 Using linkages with Natura 2000 to enhance biodiversity benefits, ensure long-term sustainability of results and make efficient use of resources Monitoring and evaluating project, and adapting methods based on outcomes

Recommendations 2/3 10 Recommendations at EU level Thorough communication of Natura 2000 and potential linkages Platform for exchange of ideas between actors, thus allowing integration between projects Ensuring sectoral policies (CAP, WFD, urban policy) promote biodiversity protection in synergy with Natura 2000 Natura 2000 Viewer extremely helpful and should be promoted Blue diagonal lines show Habitats Directive Sites (SCIs) EEA (2010) natura2000.eea.europa.eu/#

Recommendations 3/3 11 Recommendations at Member State (MS) level Management of Natura 2000 by dedicated body Further communication of Natura 2000 and potential linkages Coordinating Natura 2000 by national systems of protected sites Exchange of best practices between MS Improving transboundary communication and coordination, including with non-EU states Recommendations at local and regional level Inventory of biodiversity protection projects and use of biodiversity action plans and ecological networks to coordinate local actions Encouraging use of EU-level communication platform Prioritising dialogue with landowners and public and promoting awareness of biodiversity and Natura 2000 Blue diagonal lines show Habitats Directive Sites (SCIs)

Thank you for your attention! 12 Thank you for your attention! Shailendra Mudgal shailendra.mudgal@biois.com Kate Reilly kate.reilly@biois.com +33 (0) 1 53 90 11 80

13 Image References Aranyponty: www.aranyponty.hu/deutch/eng.htm [Accessed 17/06/2009] Bund Naturshutz in Bayern : www.wildkatze.info/index.php?id=13 [Accessed 17/06/2009] Bund Naturschutz in Bayern : www.bund-naturschutz.de/projekte/wildkatze/wildkatzen-in-gefahr.html [Accessed 17/06/2009] Swedish Ornithological Society (2009) www.sofnet.org/apps/file.asp?Path=2&ID=3721&File=Kornknarr-artfakta.pdf [Accessed 17/06/2009] Eco-Viikki (2000) Energie-Cités in co-operation with the City of Helsinki and Solpros, case study report Hickling Village www.hickling-village-norfolk.co.uk/Images/Norfolk-Broads.jpg [Accessed 19/2/2010] Rocky Flower Show www.rockyflowershow.com/whatarealpines.html [Accessed 19/2/2010] Scottish Wildlife Trust (2006) www.wild-scotland.org.uk/09.06.09highlandtigercampaign.aspx [Accessed 19/2/2010] Portugal Travel Guide (2008) www.portugaltravelguide.org/files/2008/03/cork1.jpg [Accessed 19/2/2010] Information Portal on Switzerland’s Contribution to EU Enlargement www.contribution-enlargement.admin.ch/pictures/Storch.JPG [Accessed 19/2/2010] ECNC (2006) farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2983263251_3864dae425.jpg [Accessed 19/2/2010]