N2000 – Bridging Conservation and (wise) Use of Biodiversity

1. FACE Promoting Natura 2000 & Sustainable Wildlife Use (hunting & angling) N2000 – Bridging Conservation and (wise) Use of Biodiversity Gerassim Gerassimov, REC for CEE Director Country office Bulgaria 23.06.2008

2. Regional Environmental Centerfor Central and Eastern Europe • Our Mission REC is an international organization assisting in solving environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). REC fulfils this mission by promoting cooperation among non-governmental organizations, governments, businesses and other environmental stakeholders, and by supporting the free exchange of information and public participation in environmental decision making.

3. REC BulgariaWhat are we doing: • Decisions and innovations based on the expertise in waste management, energy efficiency, management of water and air quality, protected areas and NATURA 2000 sites; • Assistance during project development process focused on the Operational programs in Bulgaria for the European Structural funds; • Training of local authorities, non-governmental organizations and business partners in planning and development of project proposals in the field of sustainable development; • Support of trans-boundary cooperation and development of trans-border regions conformed to the European policy; • Development of education materials and programs for local sustainable development.

4. Who am I and why I am here?! • Zoologist with interests in Nature conservation and management of resources • Environmentalist working on the interface between preservation and (sustainable) use • Hunter and angler enjoying contact with nature and wildlife

5. Sustainable Use of Natural ResourcesIs it just a slogan or meaningful approach?! "Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sustainable development concept Cultural Economy Environment (sustainability) touches two issues: one is to get people to understand it; and the second one is to help them to convert that understanding into changed behavior Environment Social

6. Confrontation or Cooperation Conservation Hunting Hunting Conservation • Species conservation status • Hunting seasons • Hunting quotas • Hunting means • Awareness raising • Habitats (territories) conservation • Local involvements/interests • Management of species and PA • Information sharing and monitoring

7. International, European and National initiatives where conservation and hunting crosscut • Rio CBD convention, Millennium Development Goals, Halting biodiversity loss 2010 initiative • UNESCO Biosphere reserves • EU sustainable hunting initiative (birds directive) Guidance document on hunting under Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds • EU Natura 2000 network establishment and management • National Strategy for Biodiversity Preservation • National Forestry Strategy and action plan • Species (Chamois, Capercaillie, Brown bear) action plan

8. NATURA 2000 - what it is about?! • Natura 2000 is EU network of special zones or areas established with the aim to secure long-term viability of Europe’s wild species and their habitats • Policy framework - EU directives 92/43 (Habitats) and 79/409 (Birds) • Scientific criteria for determination • Safeguarding while designating • Spatial and territorial management securing EU importance, National priorities and local involvement

9. NATURA 2000 in Bulgaria

10. NATURA 2000 process • 114 Special Protection Areas (SPA) or 20,3% of country’s territory • 228 Sites of Community Importance (pSCI) or 29,5% of country’s territory • Overall coverage – 33.89 % • Designation (ordinances) of SPA under process • Acceptance of pSCI at bio geographical seminars • EC first written warning to Bulgaria for failing to designate the most suitable areas in both number and size, as SPAs. • Challenges – coverage, management, integration

11. Why Natura 2000 is beneficial to conservation, hunting and fishing?! • Cohabiting • Important pairs • Setting (common) rules and practices over borders • Prevention N2000inBGPhoto Album.ppt

12. Examples of cooperation • Frame agreement between BSPB and Union of Bulgarian Hunters on mutual cooperation and particularly establishing N2000 SPAs • Pomoriisko lake SPA management – Green Balkans and Union of Bulgarian Hunters • Management of “Studen kladenec” game breeding station

13. In Conclusion • Hunting (angling) and conservation do not contradict but can go hand by hand • Partnership among nature conservation NGOs, hunting organizations and local authorities is a must if we want to enjoy what we value • Joining forces in awareness rising and lobbing • Proactive involvement (participation) in setting up management regimes, zoning and monitoring of N2000 sites is particular issue to work together.

14. Thank you for your attention!