1. NATURA 2000 and Water Framework Directive (CIS 2010-2012)
Biodiversity Coordinating Group 2 June 2009
Jorge Rodriguez Romero
WFD Team, DG ENV.D.2,
& François Kremer, DG ENV. B.2,
European Commission

2. Background
Water Directors meeting Paris: water and biodiversity should be a priority for
On-going initiatives and workshops discussing the links between WFD - Habitats/Birds Directives (BHD)
On-going work between DG ENV Water Unit and Biodiversity Unit on a “Frequently Asked Questions” about the links between WFD – BHD
First discussion at the SCG meeting March 2009 on a potential CIS activity – positive feedback received from several MS (DE, FR, NL) and stakeholders

3. Why? To date CIS has not worked on this issue
Up to now WFD implementation shows little attention to the obligations related to protected areas and specifically to areas protected under HBD – although good examples as well
Important synergies between both policies – WFD ecological status contributing to HBD objectives
Potential conflicts between the directives have been identified as well
To stimulate the dialogue and contact between the water and nature protection communities and provide recommendations / guidance on implementation

4. What?
Paper distributed at the SCG meeting in March 2009 identified potential areas in which WFD – BHD links should be explored and others have been suggested
Environmental objectives (WFD Ecological status/potential vs BHD Favourable Conservation Status)
Monitoring
Links groundwater – surface water in protected areas (e.g. wetlands)
Management tools (WFD River Basin Management Plans – Natura 2000 sites management plans)
Timing issues
New developments…

5. How?
Group bringing together MS and stakeholder experts from the water and nature protection areas
Experts from Member States nominated by the Water Directors and the Biodiversity Co-ordination Group / Nature Directors
Chaired by DG ENV + volunteer Member State(s)
Start with a (well prepared) workshop in 2010 on the basis of
DG ENV FAQ paper
Experience of Member States linking first river basin management plans and nature protection objectives
Potential development of recommendations/guidance for 2nd RBMP (to be decided later on the basis of the workshop outcome)

6. Conclusion
The proposal to establish a joint working group was supported by the Water Directors at their meeting on 28 May 2009.
Nature Directors are invited to nominate an expert by Member State for participation in the planned working group.