1. “Access to Natura 2000 Data” -
Summary report
from the meeting on 17 June ’09, Brussels
Expert Group on Reporting, 18 June ‘09

2. Context
A discussion on public access to Natura 2000 data took place at the Habitats Committee in October 2008
Agreements that before going public with these data a dedicated meeting with MS should take place, looking at concrete proposals on how data would be made available
Precondition: the filtering of sensitive data on species from the database.
June 17th Meeting: All presentations on Circa.

3. Agenda Introduction & Background The online public Natura 2000 viewer
Functionalities - demonstration
Disclaimer for the Natura 2000 database excluding non-sensitive species
Downloading Natura 2000 data from the EEA-Data Service& Terms of use
The public Natura 2000 database
EEA-Data Service & Terms of use of EEA

4. The online public viewer
Purpose: Give simple & easily accessible information for general public about the network (without sensitive data) – target: late 2009
A draft application (made available before the meeting) was discussed
Generally welcomed, some improvements were suggested (so far only FI clearly stated that it wants to opt out)
Main comments received on :
Search (Include habitat types search, search only for species of the annexes)
Speed , screen use
Ensure INSPIRE compliance
Put the viewer in the context of information on the directives
See SPAs / SCIs separately
Test it with non-specialists
Re-consider the content of pop-up boxes
Learn lessons from national viewers
OGC Compatible web services: WMS and WFS
Use FAQ to clarify data limitations with end-users.

5. Disclaimer – Natura 2000 database
Short introduction to the Natura 2000 database
Inform about the absence of sensitive species and list concerned MS
Inform on the level of precision of the data
What Members States have been excluded – if any
Contacts
Possible: date of reception of the latest validated database
Main comments received:
Make clear that data may be out-dated despite the yearly releases
Include statement on the legal value (or limitations thereof) of the presented data in the viewer

6. Public filtered Database
Simplified, improved structure of filtered database presented (Favourably welcomed by the group)
Because of the heterogeneous approach to declaring sensitive species, it should be considered to ask for justification from the concerned MS.
The filtered database is what’s used for the Public Viewer and the EEA Data Service. The choice to opt out of one means to opt out of the other.
Cleaning of species names errors:
Presentation of automated correction mechanisms on the database to remove the most obvious errors
Corrections on national level will be envisaged as well.

7. Downloading Natura 2000 data from the EEA-Data Service
Structure, access and functionalities presented by EEA.
Main comments received:
Versioning: advantages and disadvantages discussed.
UK to clarify licensing issues regarding their spatial data.
CZ concern on downloading shapefiles (while agreeing for WMS/WFS service)
Consider to accompany every release with a quality control release note.

8. Thank you for your attention!