Environmental Protection and Natura 2000 Network in Greece Giapis Alexandros Ioannis Agriculturist – Ichthyologist PhD Local Rural Development Center of Serres

Nowadays basic terms Special Protection Areas (SPA) Sites of Community Importance (SCI) Natura 2000 Network Biodiversity Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

Main categories of protected areas in Greece National Parks Monuments of Nature Aesthetic Forests Permanent Chase Refuges Sea National Parks Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

European Community Legal Framework Directive79/409/EEC “Birds’ Directive” Special Protection Areas (S.P.A.) Directive 92/43/EEC «on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora» Sites of Community Importance (S.C.I.) Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

Biodiversity Loss Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres The biodiversity loss rate nowadays is 1000 – times higher than the normal rate. 42% of mammals, 15% of birds and 45% of insects and reptiles in Europe are in danger of extinction. The main cause of loss is the destruction of species’ biotopes. Far beyond the aesthetic and the environmental importance of species, that loss has also an important economic value.

The hold of biodiversity loss Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres At 2001 the target of «the hold of biodiversity loss till 2010» was set. 20,3 billions euro of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development are outlaid for agro-environmental meters for the years 2007 – In Athens Conference (27-28/4/2009) was a clear assumption of the “2010 target” failure. The need of extra economic support of that “target” was emphasized.

The tool for the biodiversity loss hold Birds’ Directive 79/409/EEC Biotope’s Directive 92/43/EEC Special Protection Areas (S.P.A.) Sites of Community Importance (S.C.I.) NATURA 2000 Network Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

NATURA 2000 Network Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

Special Protection Areas in E.U. Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

Sites of Community Importance in E.U. Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

Natura 2000 Network in Greece Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

Προστατευόμενες Περιοχές - ΤΟ.Κ.Α.Α. Σερρών NATURA 2000 Network in Europe

The need of involvement in protection Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres The recognized as land users such as farmers, bee keepers, hunters, fishermen and land owners ought to claim their participation in Natura 2000 network areas’ management. Directive 92/43 recognizes and demands from these areas’ users to participate in decision making procedures dealing with the areas’ management. Directive 92/43 states clearly : “ Whereas, the main aim of this Directive being to promote the maintenance of biodiversity, taking account of economic, social, cultural and regional requirements, this Directive makes a contribution to the general objective of sustainable development; whereas the maintenance of such biodiversity may in certain cases require the maintenance, or indeed the encouragement, of human activities; ”.

Promoting Natura 2000 Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres Awareness raising on the Natura 2000 Network among users – in particular hunters Promoting Natura 2000 & Sustainable Wildlife use (hunting and angling)

Obligations of action for the environmental protection The agro-environmental meters have to be practiced essentially and not only “in papers”. Everyone’s actions in countryside have to be responsible, having awareness of the specific conditions. The persons who are in charge for the application of the environmental – friendly meters ought to demonstrate the needed responsibility. Everyone have to undertake its part of duty. Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres

Facts Environmental Protection in Greece and in Europe – L.R.D.C. Serres The need for environmental protection is now indisputable. Environmental protection should not be limited only to “designated” areas. The procedures currently proposed, may find reactions but are the only available at present and should be followed.

Images like this…..

…should change!

Ευχαριστώ! Thank you!