1. Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process
EXPERT GROUP ON REPORTING UNDER THE NATURE DIRECTIVES
16th Meeting: 16 March 2015,
Centre Borschette, Brussels
Mark Snethlage, ECNC
Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process

2. Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process
launched in 2011 (Boreal region)
Atlantic, Alpine and Mediterranean have followed
Continental, Pannonian, Black Sea and Steppic will follow in June, and Macaronesian

3. Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process
Purpose:
encourage cooperation and knowledge exchange between stakeholders at biogeographical level to improve conservation status of habitats selected for priority consideration (and species that depend on these habitats)

4. Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process
Instruments / activities at biogeographical level • Collect and disseminate background information • (Kick off) Workshops / Seminars • Ad hoc meetings / (expert) workshops • Networking meetings

5. Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process
Instruments / activities at EU level • Thematic networking meetings • Communication platform • Newsletter

6. Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process
Issues relevant to the Expert group on reporting are often mentioned: - Definition / identification of habitats - Definition and use of Favourable reference values - Conservation objectives - Favourable conservation status - Monitoring protocols

7. Problems, issues and needs
Lack of clarity with regard to DEFINITIONS
Inadequate REFERENCE VALUES
Insufficient DATA
Lack of clarity with regard to procedures and PROCESS
Spatial and SCALE issues
Application of FCS and CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES in the field

8. Objectives and possible solutions
Provide better standards and DEFINITIONS
Provide / update REFERENCES
Improve the PROCESS of FCS assessment, setting conservation objectives etc
Improve SPATIAL challenges

9. Mechanisms and possible actions
To improve the PROCESS of assessment and monitoring
Providing better REFERENCES
Facilitate KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

10. Remaining challenges
Monitor and assess FCS in the face of CLIMATE CHANGE
Understand the concept of FCS in relation to DYNAMIC NATURAL PROCESSES
NO UNIVERSAL CONSENSUS within NBP on these issues

11. Further synergies / opportunities
Links with Target 2 of the Biodiversity strategy: MAES, RPF
Scope for Cooperation: LIFE Information & Communication projects

12. Thank you very much Natura2000Platform@ecnc.org