Summary of Scoping Document and feedback Presentation by: Kerstin Sundseth Ecosystems LTD/ THE N2K GROUP Brussels

JOINT INITIATIVE DG ENV /DG AGRI WHY A GUIDANCE DOC? Forests cover around 50% of Natura 2000 Network Many different types of forests in N2000 – complex issue Forests in Natura 2000 are a multifunctional resource and provide many valuable ecosystem services to society First guidance from 2003 is now largely out of date JOINT INITIATIVE DG ENV /DG AGRI

THE PROCESS Guidance to be developed through a participatory process involving key stakeholders, Member State authorities, NGOS, and relevant Commission services Phase 1: Initial scoping exercise to get a ‘tour d’horizon’ on the key issues related to forestry and Natura 2000 Phase 2: start preparing guidance document based on dialogue and discussions with key players Stakeholder workshops to share views and experiences Working groups to comment on and help draft guidance doc

THE SCOPING DOCUMENT Purpose of the scoping document: Compile some basic facts on forests in Natura 2000 Outline key provisions of EU nature legislation relating to forests in Natura 2000 Identify existing pressures and concerns of the forest sector regarding nature legislation and of nature sector on forestry in Natura 2000 Identify issues that could be addressed in the guidance document

THE SCOPING DOCUMENT Three questions asked 35 replies received Consultation – 3 months July to October Three questions asked Have the key issues and challenges been correctly identified? Are there other issues you consider should be taken into account? Are there any good practice experiences/backgroun material you can recommend for further analysis? 35 replies received

MAIN ISSUES RAISED Scope of the guidance document: Divergence of views: focus specifically on EU Nature legislation or examine how to deliver also BAP 2020 targets and actions relating for forests? Natura 2000 sites only or EU protected forest habitats and species outside as well ? General consensus to cover forest and other wooded land

MAIN ISSUES RAISED Objectives of the guidance document EC Guidance really needed? Some questions its utility. If so then doc must allow enough flexibility - management approaches are very different from one country to another Strong support for a document presenting examples of good practice/ win-wins/ practical solutions Should offer practical tools to help forest sector manage forests in Natura 2000 and ‘make life easier’

MAIN ISSUES RAISED Need to develop better understanding of EU nature directives Explain objectives and provisions of the nature Directives esp: the motivation behind designation – why and what for? Art 6 (not just non deterioration but also improving conservation status) What does Favourable conservation status mean in practice setting conservation objectives for Natura 2000

MAIN ISSUES RAISED Clarification and discussion on specific provisions: Art 6.1 Active management / non- intervention management Coordination/ integration of forest plans / Natura 2000 management plans Article 6.3 appropriate assessments on forest activities Financing

MAIN ISSUES RAISED Links with SFM and other EU forest initiatives Relationship between SFM and Natura 2000 objectives ? Stakeholder dialogue Mutli stakeholder participation and consultation is essential Give Guidance for MS to better commmuncate with stakeholders on management options for forests in N2000

MAIN ISSUES RAISED Correct use of terminology Addressing key issues of concern Climate change, fragmentation, forest fires, invasive species, grazing and hunting, deadwood, bioenergy, WFD, recognition of ecosystem services…. Correct use of terminology

Next Steps BUT LET’S DISCUSS The scoping document will not be revised – it has served its purpose BUT All comments received on the document and during meeting will help orientate the development of the future ‘guidance’ document LET’S DISCUSS