1. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Expert Group on Natura 2000 Management
Meeting of 23 November 2011
ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES
FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
1st draft
THE N2K GROUP

2. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Assist Member States in the implementation of Article 6.1 of the Habitats Directive
Explain various options available for establishing the necessary conservation measures and how these are implemented in different countries.
Encourage a better understanding of the provisions of article 6.1 and share practical experiences between Member States and different organisations.
Based on the analysis of a series of fact sheets submitted by the Member States on their management approaches and planning experiences with implementing Article 6.1 so far.

3. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
General aim of the Natura 2000 network:
Article 3: “A coherent European ecological network of special areas of conservation shall be set up under the title Natura This network, composed of sites hosting the natural habitat types listed in Annex I and habitats of the species listed in Annex II, shall enable the natural habitat types and the species' habitats concerned to be maintained or, where appropriate, restored at a favourable conservation status in their natural range”.

4. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Article 6(1): “For special areas of conservation, Member States shall establish the necessary conservation measures involving, if need be, appropriate management plans specifically designed for the sites or integrated into other development plans, and appropriate statutory, administrative or contractual measures which correspond to the ecological requirements of the natural habitat types in Annex I and the species in Annex II present on the sites”.
conservation means “a series of measures required to maintain or restore the natural habitats and the populations of species of wild fauna and flora at a favourable status” (article 1a).

5. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Conservation measures must be implemented having regard to the conservation objectives pursued in each area designated (eight recital)
Must take into account the ecological requirements of the habitats and species for which the site is designated.
Have to take account of the economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics (art. 2.3)
for all Special Areas of Conservation

6. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Management plans
for Natura 2000 sites
Source: MS fact sheets
Ongoing (10 – 100%)
dep. on countries

7. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Management plans at site level:
formulate the conservation status and objectives
the measures necessary to attain these objectives
lay down the responsibilities of the socio-economic stakeholders, authorities and NGOs for the implementation of the conservation measures
useful to make available the necessary resources to implement the conservation measures.

8. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Statutory, administrative or contractual measures
Active positive management
Passive management (no action)
Set specific requirements or restrictions in relation to activities
Different kind of contracts and agreements, and other type of specific measures, including voluntary conservation measures.
Different options (also in combination) are used in MS

9. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Key steps (1)
Prepare the process (analysis of the situation, constraints, difficulties)
Compilation of relevant information on the site (conservation objectives, ecological requirements of target habitats and species, ecological functions, interactions with land uses and activities).
Involve relevant stakeholders (steering committees, advisory boards, round tables, workshops…)

10. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Key steps (2)
Identify and design the necessary conservation measures:
favourable conservation status for each habitat type and species
their contribution to the integrity of the site and the coherence of N2K
main problems or threats, direct and indirect causes
socio-economic activities, stakeholder interests, possible role and contribution
Identify and resolve possible conflicts
Adoption and communication

11. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Main elements (1)
Conservation objectives and targets
Contribute to maintain or restore at a favourable status the natural habitats and/or the populations of species for which the site is designated (art. 1l). Define target status of each habitat and species
The necessary conservation measures
- Contracts/agreements with land owners/users
- Regulation of land use and restriction of activities
- Acquisition of land or rights
- Restoration and conservation projects and activities
- Other (inventories, studies, awareness),

12. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Main elements (2):
Cost estimates and identification of possible financial instruments.
Benefits that can be obtained from site management
Monitoring, evaluation and review

13. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
Key issues for implementation
Roles and responsibilities (different authorities, stakeholders)
Integration into other plans and policies
Allocation of appropriate resources. Incentives for stakeholders

14. ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NATURA 2000 SITES
THANK YOU
THE N2K GROUP