1. IGS-SENSE 20111 Building with Nature experiences in the context of EU Bird and Habitat Directives Vera Vikolainen IGS-SENSE Conference 20 October 2011 University of Twente

2. IGS-SENSE 2011 27/10/2015 2 Overview EU Bird and Habitat Directives Building with Nature Research question Data and methods Results Conclusion

3. IGS-SENSE 2011 27/10/2015 3 Bird and Habitat directives Special Protection Areas (SPA): EU Bird Directive (1979) Special Areas of Conservation (SAC): EU Habitat Directive (1992) Natura 2000 biodiversity network of the EU Assessment art. 6 Habitat Directive: Any plan or project in or near Natura 2000 site –Significant effects check, appropriate assessment –Alternatives, overriding public interest, compensation Delays & cancellations (harbour developments, recreation, etc.)

4. IGS-SENSE 2011 27/10/2015 4 Building with Nature New approach to project design and development in coast, river and delta areas Waterman (2008, 2010), EcoShape (2010), PIANC (2011), European Commission (2011) Building with Nature definition: –Integration of project objectives and nature development goals –Use of nature dynamics to achieve project objectives –Realization of the area’s ecological potential viz. existing situation Building with Nature: improve project implementation within the existing framework of Bird and Habitat Directives

5. IGS-SENSE 2011 27/10/2015 5 Research question Is there a connection between –the application of Building with Nature approach and –the outcome of assessment under art. 6 Habitat directive? 2 sub-questions: –To what extent do current practices in the field comply with the definition of Building with Nature? –What is the outcome of Habitat assessment in the current project design practices?

6. IGS-SENSE 2011 27/10/2015 6 Data and methods A total of 12 descriptive case studies (projects) Flood defense, port development, fairway deepening Sampled based on the following criteria: –Projects include dredging works –Projects take place in a Natura 2000 area subject to assessment under art. 6 Habitat directive Literature, interviews, project documents Random sampling Between 2008 and 2010

7. IGS-SENSE 2011 27/10/2015 7 Data and methods Relationship (if any) between 2 variables: –Compliance with Building with Nature definition Building with Nature  somewhat Building with Nature  not Building with Nature –Outcome of assessment under art. 6 Habitat Directive success  delayed/cancelled in court

8. IGS-SENSE 2011 27/10/2015 8 Results Compliance with BWN definition Outcome art. 6 Habitat directive assessment Connection? Art. 6 BwN ?  3 cases  1 case  3 cases

9. IGS-SENSE 2011 27/10/2015 9 Conclusion It is plausible that, –the application of Building with Nature design principles contributes to –a positive outcome of assessment under art. 6 Habitat directive Further research will look at several cases in more detail

10. IGS-SENSE 201127/10/2015Title: to modify choose 'View' then 'Heater and footer' 10 Thank you for your attention! v.vikolainen@utwente.nl