Management Natura 2000 in EU27

1. Management Natura 2000 in EU27 Lessons learned Rink W. KRUK (INBO) Geert DE BLUST (INBO) Rob van APELDOORN (Alterra) Andrew SIERS (CEH)

2. 3 reports EU27 Research Project: Natura 2000 EU funded project, for EU27 • Designation of Natura 2000 sites • Management of Natura 2000 sites • Examples of truly integrated management • Website, for sharing knowledge on Natura 2000 management • Award ’Natura 2000 Partner of the Year’ (EC)

3. Content • Progress of Natura 2000 • Management of Natura 2000 sites - Challenges and Solutions • Example of integrated management • Conclusions

4. Where are we now? Earliest designation deadlines 2007, 2009, 2010. Most 2011-2014  Management still in its infancy Progress SCIs designation (Natura 2000 database June 2008; ETC/BD)

5. Management: General Two types of managing: • Incorporation into sectoral laws • Management plan per site(s) Different points of departure for countries (tradition, already existing structures, (de-)population) Management Instruments Contracts, Letters of intent, compensation, buying, etc. Voluntary  Obligatory • Management Plans (often guiding) • Execution

6. Management: Developing Two types of realizing management plans • Top-down (e.g. Denmark, Finland) • By stakeholders (e.g. France/UK) Responsibility Execution of Management • National Park administration and alike • Special management authorities • Municipalities • Other (NGOs, National agencies, …)

7. Guidelines Necessary for defining requirements, structuring management Guidelines for • Management plans (content, writing, execution) • All Natura 2000 sites • groups of similar sites - ecological/geographical region - species or habitat-type - type or degree of cooperation (traditional users, professionals) Danger: Can be valid for so many things that it becomes too vague x

8. Challenges and Solutions - 1 Communication • Resentment towards Natura 2000, due to little communication during designation process • Stakeholders often no idea of social-economic aspects of Natura 2000 Solutions: • Communication very important in all stages • Give stakeholders sense of ownership of nature protection

9. Challenges and Solutions - 2 Conservation Objectives - Often too little data to formulate sound Conservation Objectives - Too vaguely described in management plans Solutions: • Adapt existing monitoring programmes • Assistance of NGOs, universities, etc. (guide) • New monitoring programmes • Enforce clear conservation objectives in management plans

10. Challenges and Solutions - 3 Staff (capacity) Leading to • Disorientation of all stakeholder groups • Delay Solutions - Essential to invest in staff • Involve NGOs • Involve stakeholders • Outsource to National Parks NB Keep good supervision, guide (strategy)

11. Challenges and Solutions - 4 Funding (capacity) • … • Plan written, no funding structure ready - Municipalities (big responsibility, little priority) Solutions • Combine with socio-economic development • European Funds (projects as guidance) • Realize sufficient funds and funding: clear, structure • Realistic definition of responsibilities NB Countries very creative. Some countries rely primarily on EU Funds, but how long will that still last?

12. Challenges and Solutions - 5 Continuity In management and control Now: Many short-term projects leading to • Distrust of stakeholders • Loss of knowledge, skills and experience Solutions: • Dedicate an amount for continuity of management and its control • Set-up Management Authority

13. Challenges and Solutions - 6 Strategy, Guidelines None or vague? - Distrust, confusion of stakeholders • Little happens • Very varying quality of conservation Solutions: • Specify precisely who is responsible for what • Twinning projects and alike • Guidelines for management plans (important requirements), structure the processes x

14. Integrated management Parc de Massif de Bauges – Prairies Fleuries Now: 65 farmers, 875ha To be: 220 farmers, 4000ha Cooperation between farmers, bee-keepers, authorities, research inst. - Management by objective, not by prohibition - Compensation paid (PHARE2), voluntary - Simple self monitoring system - Higher quality fodder for cattle and cheese - Special nature branding for honey and cheese - Award for agro-ecological excellence

15. Conclusions - NGOs play major role in developing and execution Management • Stakeholders must be informed about socio-economic aspects • Clear strategy, clear objectives (guidelines) • Communication with stakeholders at all stages • Give stakeholders an idea of ownership on nature protection • Guarantee sufficient leading of management and control (cont.) • Synergy of multiple activities in one area and nature protection