1 Mapping/overview of existing networks related to the promotion of implementation EU nature conservation legislation Presentation for the IMPEL Conference „Working together to Improve and Innovate“ Session 8 – Nature and water Malta 3 rd October 2013 Martin Baranyai CZECH ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTORATE

2 COMMON IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK (CIF) - governance structure for effective delivery of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to CIF structure has been validated by the Biodiversity and Nature Directors meeting in May objectives: facilitate implementation of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy by putting in place a clear and logical EU level governance framework; implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy across all relevant policy areas; ensure the involvement of all relevant stakeholders at the appropriate level of policy making, beyond the traditional biodiversity community. minimise duplication of effort and maximise synergies between efforts undertaken at different levels and by different actors and stakeholders; share information and the best practice and address common challenges.

3 COMMON IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

4 EU Habitats committee Consultative forum between EC and MS on implementation of Habitats Directive (HD) Participants: Representatives nominated by the Member States Frequency of Meetings: usually twice per year Mandate: To support implementation of the HD, acting on proposals from the Commission and in relation to the delegated powers foreseen in the Habitats Directive (Articles 4.2, 9, 17.2, 17.3) Agenda: Set by the EC or items discussed upon the request of a MS in accordance with the standard operating rules and procedures.

5 Ornis committee Consultative forum between EC and MS on implementation of Birds Directive (BD) Participants: Representatives nominated by the Member States Frequency of Meetings: at least once per year Mandate: support the implementation of the BD, acting on proposals from the Commission and in relation to the delegated powers foreseen in the directive (Article 15). Agenda: Set by the Commission or items discussed upon the request of MS in accordance with the standard operating rules and procedures according to Article 17 of the directive.

6 Enforcement Group Group monitors enforcement policy and practice in MS and make recommendations to improve the enforcement of wildlife trade legislation (CITES). Participants: representatives MS authorities that have responsibility for monitoring compliance with the Regulations No.338/97, such as Customs, Police and Wildlife Inspectorates Frequency of Meetings: usually twice per year Agenda: exchange of information, experience and expertise on wildlife trade control related topics between MS (trends in illegal trade, significant seizures and investigations), including sharing of intelligence information and establishing and maintaining databases

7 European Network of Nature conservation Agencies (ENCA) - informal network which fosters exchange of information and collaboration amongst its partners, identifies future challenges and offers information and advice to decision-makers in the field of nature conservation and landscape protection. - brings together scientific evidence and knowledge of practical application together with experiences in administration and policy advice in the context of biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services. - ENCA working groups are discussing nature conservation practical aspects, which are finding a strategic view on relevant issues and sharing best practices.

8 EUROSITE - pan-European network bringing together governmental organizations and NGOs, as well as private bodies - Mission: exchange, enhance and promote expertise in the management of sites for nature throughout Europe. - formulates good practices, which promote, support and encourage for use in sites across Europe. - provides real, measurable, added value to the day-to-day work of its members and also our collaborating partners. By operating at local and international level, this network is able to deliver a highly informed, knowledge-based approach. - combines the individual needs of its members to set a strategic agenda for the future of site management in Europe.

9 BIRDLIFE EUROPE - one of the six Regional-division Secretariats that compose BirdLife International - supports the European and Central Asian Partnership of BirdLife International, present in 45 countries and all the EU MS - working to improve the quality of life for birds and other wildlife (biodiversity), as well as for people, by focusing on birds, sites and habitats on which they depend, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources. - every four years adopts strategies, programmes and policies and elects a global Council and regional committees.

10 EU-TWIX - unique source of centralised data on seizures and offences reported by all EU Member States. - assists national law enforcement agencies, including CITES Management Authorities and prosecutors, in their task of detecting, analysing and monitoring illegal activities related to trade in fauna and flora covered by the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations. - section with information on technical, scientific, economic and other fields to help with the identification, valuation, disposal, etc. of seized or confiscated specimens. - assists with strategic analyses and with carrying out field investigations.

11 THEMIS regional cooperation initiative between the environmental law enforcement units of candidate and potentional candidate countries (AL, BA, XK, MK, ME and RS) Objectives - better implement and enforce natural resources legislation - reduce the causes and impacts environmental crimes, such as illegal logging - increase the efficiency of national and regional enforcement mechanisms and institutions - increase administrative capacities in the relevant national authorities to tackle environmental crime and enhance regional dialogue and cooperation in the context of approximation to EU environmental legislation.

12 CITES networks and organizations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - international wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars and to include hundreds of millions of plant and animal specimens. - trade is diverse, ranging from live animals and plants to a vast array of wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, wooden musical instruments, timber, tourist curios and medicines. - organizations, structures and networks in CITES in the EU: Enforcement Group, INTERPOL, TRAFFIC, EU-TWIX IUCN,WWF…

13 Other networks and organizations I. INTERPOL - Environmental Crime Programme - combating activities ranging from illegal trade in wildlife, timber and marine species, to transborder movements of hazardous waste, and the illicit exploitation of natural resources IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature - demonstrates how biodiversity is fundamental to addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges such as climate change, sustainable development and food security WWF – World Wildlife Fund - organization that addresses issues from the survival of species and habitats to climate change, sustainable business and environmental education TRAFFIC - wildlife monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature - contributes to the wildlife trade-related priorities IUCN and WWF

14 Other networks and organizations II. Agri-Environment Correspondents’ Group - forum for informal communication between DG ENV and Member States on the whole range of issues relating to environment and agriculture, with a view to furthering environmental integration into agricultural policy. Forest Standing Committee (SFC) - advisory and management Committee for specific forestry measures; - ad-hoc consultation forum that provides expertise in connection with the development of forest-related measures in the framework of various Community policies, such as those on rural development and the environment; Marine Strategy Coordination Group (MSCG) - implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, focusses on the aspects of 'consistency' and 'comparability' as provided for in Art of the MSFD - focuses on common approaches within and between marine regions, seeking synergies with respect to other obligations and the avoidance of duplication of efforts.

15 Other networks and organizations III. OCEANA - largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation, protecting marine ecosystems and endangered species FACE - European Federation of Associations for Hunting & Conservation - international NGO representing the interests of hunters from 38 European countries for wildlife conservation and sustainable management GreenForce - former informal EU network of practitioners focused on the implementation of EU provisions in the field of nature and forestry in period

16 IMPEL and nature conservation issues European Commission is asking for strengthening the implementation of European nature conservation legislation within the European Union, so IMPEL was asked to broaden its scope also to nature conservation issues. IMPEL network approved following “green projects” at the General Assembly meeting in Cyprus in December 2012: - Building up IMPEL nature conservation capacities (BINCC) - Eliminating illegal killing, trapping and trade of birds (IKB) objectives of both projects is mapping of existing networks and organizations in nature conservation as well as national organizations, agencies and authorities. Another objective is building necessary links between IMPEL and existing EU networks, NGO´s and other subjects involved in nature issues.

17 Thank you for your attention Martin Baranyai Czech Environmental Inspectorate Regional Inspectorate Hradec Králové Forest Protection Department Resslova 1229 CZ Hradec Králové tel: