26/04/2019 Managing climate change and Natura 2000 Guidelines on dealing with the impact of climate change on the management of Natura 2000 Contributors: Claire Vos, Irene Bouwma, Neil McIntosch, Merijn Biemans, Piet Verdonschot, Rob van Apeldoorn

Objectives of the contract 26/04/2019 applicable guidelines on dealing with the effects of climate change on site, around and network level illustrate this with case studies The guidelines will present the latest scientific information on the effects of climate change on biodiversity and, from there, provide practical advice on how to address the issue of climate change in management of Natura 2000 sites: this may include taking measures inside and outside Natura 2000 sites. 2nd draft is ready – review process foreseen till 5th of December

Guidelines should address benefits from Natura 2000 sites for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience how adaptation of management can be used to tackle the effects of climate change for species and habitats protected by Natura 2000

Eurosite questionnaire (april 2011) Some Members are really active (site as national) – already applying measures Some are in the process of considering measures Some know they should but have more questions then answers Asked for good examples

Our philosophy for the guidelines: - develop a systematic approach - provide examples for different possible measures

What are the main benefits?

What are the main impacts?

Dealing with uncertainties Decision framework What are the (predicted) effect of climate change in my area, region or country? Sea level rise Overall temperature increase Changing precipitation patterns Increase in extreme events Dealing with uncertainties

Decision framework 1. What are the main impacts for society? How vulnerable are Natura 2000 species and habitats? How severe a change is expected What is the time table ? What is the potential of the site for species and habitats to adapt? 1. What are the main impacts for society? How severe a change is expected What is the time table ? Dunes (grey/ white) Dune valleys Shrub Forest Root vole Sea level rise? Drought? Fire ?

Clearing of vegetation Allow natural processes Main impacts which can be addressed Main types of measures Erosion Reduction of existing pressures Clearing of vegetation Allow natural processes Submersion Increase ecosystem resilience Salinity Ensure abiotic conditions Drought Manage extreme events Higher groundwater tables /Waterlogging Increase connectivity Altitudinal and longitudinal movement Other measures Increased frequency and severity of fire, flooding, storms Increased population fluctuations and local extinctions

Decision Framework

Ensure abiotic conditions: nutrient balance Some examples Ensure abiotic conditions: nutrient balance Earlier mowing More often Copy right Marja van Veen

Some examples Restoration/ Reduce existing pressures/ ecosystem resilience: Great Fen (UK)

Some examples Other measures: invasive species: Krkonoše National Park (Czech Republic ) Pinus mugo

Connectivity: Climate Corridors wetlands Some examples Connectivity: Climate Corridors wetlands

Other measures: relocation of species Some examples Other measures: relocation of species The Marbled white (Melanargia galathea) Small skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris)

Decision framework

Review process & feedback Do the guidelines address both groups adequately? Do the guidelines address both issues sufficiently? Are they easy to read (bearing in mind the target groups) and are sufficient examples provided in the text boxes and case studies? Are any major climate change impacts or adaptation strategies missing? Good examples Alpine, Pannonian, Black Sea, Macaronesian or Continental Biogeographic Regions Irene.bouwma@wur.nl