of EU-level green and blue infrastructure Guidance on a strategic framework for further supporting the deployment of EU-level green and blue infrastructure Draft outline CGBN Brussels, 01/03/2018

Structure of the presentation Introduction and structure of the guidance Suggested criteria EU support (financial, scientific and technical) Next steps

1. Introduction Action 12: Provide guidance to support deployment of green infrastructure; support nature-based solutions projects through H2020 Ssssssss

1. Structure of the guidance The multi-functionality and multiple benefits of GI (part I) Taking stock of the GI Strategy review (part II) Key criteria to help identifying and stimulating green infrastructure projects (part III) EU support: through EU financing instruments; as well as through scientific and technical tools and instruments (part IV)

Main feedback received so far Clarify broader EU vision on future deployment of green and blue infrastructure Illustrate criteria with case studies / concrete examples Urban green and blue infrastructure/local projects Illustrate use of different funding instruments with best practices/case studies Make links with current post-2020 MFF negotiations Provide for common indicators Suggested LTT: Clarify the broader vision of the EU as regards future deployment of green and blue infrastructure: Introduction more developed, but we'll not make a reference to TEN-G as this would imply a dedicated funding instrument. Illustrate the criteria with case studies and concrete examples We'll insert relevant case studies for all the sections and sub sections of the guidance Urban green and blue infrastructure/local projects Urban green and blue infrastructure is not included or excluded per se; it would be included provided such projects are part of a broader strategically planned project (eg including the peri-urban areas; or at a scale which transcends administrative boundaries) Illustrate the use of the different funding instruments with best practices/case studies Yes, we're working on this Make links with the current negotiation for the post-2020 financial framework We cannot already prejudge in the draft outline guidance the current MFF negotiations, but we 're working, in // to the guidance, to mainstream GI in the other potential future funding instruments. Provide for common indicators Yes, cf the MAES analytical framework

Enhance the delivery of multiple ecosystem services 2. Suggested cumulative criteria Enhance the delivery of multiple ecosystem services Significantly contribute to the goals of EU Nature legislation Projects should have a strategic approach with an EU-level impact: either a scale which is significant and transcends administrative boundaries; or involve a minimum of two Member States; or implement a national GI strategy or a national restoration prioritisation framework All these illustrated with concrete examples and case studies

3. EU Support: Financing instruments European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development European Maritime and Fisheries Fund European Regional Development Fund Cohesion Fund Programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Innovative financing for EU-level GI: NCFF + Synergies with relevant processes such as PAF revised format All these illustrated with concrete examples and case studies of best practices

3. EU Support: scientific and technical tools MAES: provides a common analytical framework, incl. common definitions & indicators Natura 2000 Biogeographical process: towards achieving favourable conservation status for selected habitat types of community interest, at biogeographical scale, i.e. also outside the network. As explained in the information note on the Natura 2000 biogeographic process from 2014, “The purpose of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process, (launched in 2012 by the European Commission) is to assist Member States in managing Natura 2000 as a coherent ecological network, whilst exchanging experience and best practice, addressing objectives and priorities and enhancing cooperation and synergies. In the context of the viability of the Natura 2000 network it is also important to know how to ensure that habitats also achieve a level of favourable conservation status outside Natura 2000 site boundaries, and also how to address the major threats that occur there”. For each biogeographical region, list of habitats considered of priority concern, due to bad conservation status and occurrence in several MS calling for coordinated trans-boundary action, e.g. GI measures

3. EU Support: scientific and technical tools KIP INCA: will develop accounts on ecosystem condition and on ecosystem services at different levels of spatial aggregation; useful to support EU- level GI in future GIS modelling tools: upcoming report on ‘Informing strategic GI and ecosystem restoration planning through mapping and assessment methods based on spatial and technical data’

4. Next steps Further electronic circulation of drafts in spring 2018