1. Opportunities for financing Natura 2000 in the next MFF
Habitats Committee
Brussels, 26 April 2012

2. Document provided to the HabCom;
Overview of opportunities for financing Natura 2000:
structural funds (ERDF and ESF) and Cohesion Fund;
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD);
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF);
Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE+);
Examples of different measures;
Typology of measures;
To feed into the process of preparation of PAFs and OPs;
Need for more strategic planning and innovative approach.

3. Proposed format for Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs)
A. Introductory overview of Natura 2000 network for territory;
B. Status of the habitats and species;
C. Legal and administrative provisions for protection and management of Natura 2000;
D. Current experience with use of EU financial instruments;
E. Current estimate of financial needs for management of Natura 2000 for territory;
F. Strategic conservation priorities for Natura 2000 for ;
G. Description of key measures to achieve priorities;
H. Monitoring, evaluation and updating.

4. Typology of measures prepared for the 2007 guide (annex to the doc).
Document provided to the HabCom – initial overview

5. Structural funds and the Cohesion Fund
Clearer targeting on Europe 2020 objectives;
Particular importance in less developed regions bu also opportunities in more developed regions;
Cross-border territorial co-operation between MS;
Article 5(6)(d) – ref. to biodiv, N2000 and GI
Co-benefits with climate, SME, R&D, resource efficiency agenda;
Opportunities also under the ESF;
For the first time also possibilities under CF in the context of green infrastructure.

6. Examples of measures financed from structural funds
Establishment of Natura 2000 sites (bird tracking for the purpose of designation of Marine Protected Areas in the UK)
Preparation of management plans (400 management plans in PL)
Conservation management measures (restoration of wetlands in RO, grasslands in HU, forests in CZ, removal of IAS in HU)
Monitoring (endangered species in AT and CZ)

7. Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
Reg. on direct payments - greening 1st pillar – 30% mandatory measures;
Reg. on EAFRD - 2nd pillar to support public goods delivered by Natura 2000 [Article 5(4)(a)];
Compensation for specific mandatory requirements in management plans or equivalent instruments;
Also agri-environment-climate and forest-environment payments to support Natura 2000.

8. Examples of measures financed from EAFRD
Conservation measures (restoration of open habitats, plantation of hedgerows, wetland management in FR, grassland management through late mowing in RO, restoration of riparian strips in IT);
Payments of forgone income in HNV and Natura 2000 Bird sites in SK;
Sylvi-env. scheme dedicated to Natura 2000 in CZ.

9. European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)
Stronger focus on ecosystem based management of fisheries;
Support management, restoration and monitoring of Natura 2000;
Explicit recognition of link to prioritised action frameworks;
Promoting involvement of fishermen and other key stakeholders;
Allow compensation to promote aquaculture methods compatible with Natura 2000 protection.

10. Examples of measures financed from EMFF
Scientific studies/inventories for the identification of sites (EFF project „Finding Sanctuary”: mapping fishing activities and local ecosystems; identification of national marine conservation zones in the UK);
Development of sustainable fisheries management plans including within a number of SPAs & SACs (UK);
Management measures (pilot study to mitigate by-catch of harbour porpoise in the NL).

11. LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action
Proposed budget of €3.2 billion;
"Biodiversity" strand: development of best practices; focus on supporting Natura 2000 sites;
To lever other EU and domestic funds through „integrated projects".
Changes in comparison to LIFE+;
PE – in favour of increasing the budget.

12. Examples of measures financed from LIFE
Identification of sites;
Pilot projects;
Preparation of management plans;
Management measures;
Risk management (fire prevention and control, flooding etc);
Information and publicity;
Assistance in preparation of PAFs;
New category of „integrated projects”.

13. New structure of strategic programming

14. State of play and key challenges
Council and European Parliament debating COM proposals;
SWD (2012) 61 final: Elements of the Common Strategic Framework adopted in March – Natura 2000 and PAFs recognised;
Final Common Strategic Framework and Partnership Contracts – need to ensure recognition of Natura 2000 financing and PAFs;
MS to specify their financing needs for Natura 2000 under relevant programmes;
Better tracking of expenditure;
PAFs as foundation for integrated projects;
DG ENV studies on benefits of Natura 2000: CIRCABC „Financing Natura”;
New contract: Improving uptake of funds for Natura 2000.

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