ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Expert Group on Natura 2000 Management Meeting of 21st March 2012 ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Comments to 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 Comments received from MS and some NGOs (Eurosite, EEB , etc.): To the draft document: revision of text and more general comments about further development of the document to provide more comprehensive guidance and experience sharing, other issues to consider… Annexes: revision of the information provided for some countries/regions.

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Main comments (1): Explain the relationship between this document and other guidance, eg. in the Commission note on setting conservation objectives and the art. 6 guidance (“Managing Natura 2000”). Make clear the “position” with respect to SPAs The need to promote positive an proactive management is questioned. In some cases, ‘non-intervention’ management may be needed to meet the ecological requirements of the habitats and species.

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Main comments (2): It would be useful to refer to the COs note. Marine sites. Individual MS may not have the legal competence to take the necessary measures (in relation to fisheries measures under the CFP). Clarify whether the ‘prioritisation’ envisaged in Article 4.4, also applies to Article 6.1 (take into account the Commission note on SAC designation).

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Main comments (3): Should not be too prescriptive as regards Management plans, keep flexibility as to choice of approach, as long as the conservation measures meet the ecological requirements of the habitats/species. Problems with ‘statistics’ (e.g Table 1: % MS that use MP; it needs to be clear what is meant by MP). Acknowledge that there is already a wealth of published literature on management planning for protected areas. Mention available tools and guidance to help with the design of conservation measures (eg. CMS)

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Main comments (4): Clarify the role and legal status of the standard dataform (eg. in relation to foreseen update). The need to promote positive an proactive management is questioned. In some cases, ‘non-intervention’ management may be needed to meet the ecological requirements of the habitats and species. MP should be adaptive, interactive and not static.

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Main comments (5): View Natura 2000 management as a process to meet EU targets (BD Strategy). The human dimension should be better reflected - who is responsible for what, integrated management taking into account other interest, human resources… Financing: make a link to the PAFs. Other issues: connectivity, habitat restoration, IAS, link to WFD… .

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Next steps Revision of the document taking into account the comments received, and also the Commission note on CO and SAC designation Futher development into more comprehensive guidance?

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES Thank you Concha Olmeda THE N2K GROUP