ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Expert Group on Natura 2000 Management Meeting of 23 November 2011 ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES 1st draft THE N2K GROUP http://biodiversity.europa.eu

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Assist Member States in the implementation of Article 6.1 of the Habitats Directive Explain various options available for establishing the necessary conservation measures and how these are implemented in different countries. Encourage a better understanding of the provisions of article 6.1 and share practical experiences between Member States and different organisations. Based on the analysis of a series of fact sheets submitted by the Member States on their management approaches and planning experiences with implementing Article 6.1 so far.

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES General aim of the Natura 2000 network: Article 3: “A coherent European ecological network of special areas of conservation shall be set up under the title Natura 2000. This network, composed of sites hosting the natural habitat types listed in Annex I and habitats of the species listed in Annex II, shall enable the natural habitat types and the species' habitats concerned to be maintained or, where appropriate, restored at a favourable conservation status in their natural range”.

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Article 6(1): “For special areas of conservation, Member States shall establish the necessary conservation measures involving, if need be, appropriate management plans specifically designed for the sites or integrated into other development plans, and appropriate statutory, administrative or contractual measures which correspond to the ecological requirements of the natural habitat types in Annex I and the species in Annex II present on the sites”. conservation means “a series of measures required to maintain or restore the natural habitats and the populations of species of wild fauna and flora at a favourable status” (article 1a).

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Conservation measures must be implemented having regard to the conservation objectives pursued in each area designated (eight recital) Must take into account the ecological requirements of the habitats and species for which the site is designated. Have to take account of the economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics (art. 2.3) for all Special Areas of Conservation

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Management plans for Natura 2000 sites Source: MS fact sheets Ongoing (10 – 100%) dep. on countries

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Management plans at site level: formulate the conservation status and objectives the measures necessary to attain these objectives lay down the responsibilities of the socio-economic stakeholders, authorities and NGOs for the implementation of the conservation measures useful to make available the necessary resources to implement the conservation measures.

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Statutory, administrative or contractual measures Active positive management Passive management (no action) Set specific requirements or restrictions in relation to activities Different kind of contracts and agreements, and other type of specific measures, including voluntary conservation measures. Different options (also in combination) are used in MS

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Key steps (1) Prepare the process (analysis of the situation, constraints, difficulties) Compilation of relevant information on the site (conservation objectives, ecological requirements of target habitats and species, ecological functions, interactions with land uses and activities). Involve relevant stakeholders (steering committees, advisory boards, round tables, workshops…)

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Key steps (2) Identify and design the necessary conservation measures: favourable conservation status for each habitat type and species their contribution to the integrity of the site and the coherence of N2K main problems or threats, direct and indirect causes socio-economic activities, stakeholder interests, possible role and contribution Identify and resolve possible conflicts Adoption and communication

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Main elements (1) Conservation objectives and targets Contribute to maintain or restore at a favourable status the natural habitats and/or the populations of species for which the site is designated (art. 1l). Define target status of each habitat and species The necessary conservation measures - Contracts/agreements with land owners/users - Regulation of land use and restriction of activities - Acquisition of land or rights - Restoration and conservation projects and activities - Other (inventories, studies, awareness),

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Main elements (2): Cost estimates and identification of possible financial instruments. Benefits that can be obtained from site management Monitoring, evaluation and review

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Key issues for implementation Roles and responsibilities (different authorities, stakeholders) Integration into other plans and policies Allocation of appropriate resources. Incentives for stakeholders

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES THANK YOU THE N2K GROUP