1. The interface between nature directive and “acquatic” environmental directives Stefan Leiner, DG ENV European Commission Nature Directors Meeting Denmark, 22 May 2012

2. Purpose EU policies and legislation on water (WFD), marine (MSFD), nature (Birds/Hab dir), biodiversity (EU strategy 2020) closely interlinked (objectives, provisions, reporting/information flow) Need to enhance integration and streamlining  more effective implementation Joint discussion document for Nature/Biodiv, Water and Marine directors: state of play, way forward

3. Relevant joint activities FAQ documents links between WFD&Birds/Hab dir (completed) links between MSFD&Birds/Hab dir (under finalisation) Possible consolidated policy paper on links among all areas, drawing on FAQs and Nat/Biod Dir meet 5/2012 and WFD/MSFD workshop 6/2012 Relevant sector-specific guidance ports&estuaries (completed) inland waterways (under finalisation) Fisheries Development of common methodology for assessing impact of fisheries on marine N2000 areas (under finalisation) – also relevant to other MPAs Support to MS coordinated efforts (eg. Doggerbank) Implementation of MSFD Descriptor 3 (fisheries) linked to Target 4 Biod Str and to CFP – possibly joint expert groups

4. Relevant joint activities MPA designation/management 2012 critical for achieving substantial progress in marine Natura 2000 designations (Action 1 EU Biod Str) Link-up with other MPAs under MSFD/regional conventions  coherent network Stronger cooperation between respective expert groups Streamlining of reporting / information flow Avoid duplications of reported data, synchronise reporting cycles Integrate existing information flows and status assessments (eg. Under Art. 17 HD and 12 BD), WISE/BISE similarities Streamlining developments in ecosystem-based approaches and services Ecosystem-based approach an objective under EU Biod Str (Target 2), embedded in MSFD, relevant to water management / RBMPs under WFD Mapping/assessment of ecosystem services and economic value, integration in accounting/reporting systems (Action 5 EU Biod Str)

5. Closer cooperation between Nature/Biodiv, Water, Marine Directors Issues for discussion How to maximise synergies? Priority areas of cooperation to be developed? MS experience in integrated implementation? EU – Commission action needed? Proposal to agree to Acknowledge/support work undertaken so far to clarify links, promote streamlining, provide guidance Work together on fisheries-related issues, link with CFP Collaborate on establishment/management of MPAs Increase efforts for streamlining/harmonising reporting Outcome of these discussions to be reported to Water and Marine directors meetings  overall conclusions to be reflected in respective implementation frameworks/bodies, regular updates at future director meetings