An Action Plan for nature, people and the economy · Page 23: Gilt-head bream ©Alamy Stock Photo...

Environment

The EU Habitats and Birds Directives

An Action Plan for nature, people and the economy

© European Union, 2017.Reuse is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.The reuse policy of European Commission documents is regulated by Decision 2011/833/EU (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39).

The photos are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior approval from the photographers.

Photo creditsCover: Man leaping ©Mark Hamblin/naturepl.comPage 4: Hiker ©Katja Kreder/Alamy.comPage 5: Karmenu Vella ©European CommissionPage 6: River ©Gary K. Smith/naturepl.comPage 9: Quarry ©Jason Smalley/naturepl.comPage 11: Clouded yellow ©Kim Taylor/naturepl.com; Dalmatian pelican ©I.Zafirov;

European ground squirrel ©Wild Wonders of Europe/naturepl.comPage 13: Grey seal ©Alex Mustard/naturepl.com; Northern lapwing. ©Mike Read/

naturepl.com; Farmer ©iStock; Bee ©Laurent Geslin/naturepl.comPage 14: Volunteers ©Nick Turner/naturepl.com; Children ©Dan Burton/naturepl.comPage 15: Natura 2000 Award winners ©European Commission; Volunteers ©Nick

Turner/naturepl.comPage 18: Northern fulmar ©Ernie Janes/naturepl.comPage 19: Rock partridge ©Roger Powell/naturepl.com 0: Quarry ©Nick Turner/naturepl.comPage 22: Grey wolf ©Andy Rouse/naturepl.comPage 23: Gilt-head bream ©Alamy Stock PhotoPage 25: Mountain hikers ©Wild Wonders of Europe/naturepl.comPage 26: Lesser horseshoe bats ©Wild Wonders of Europe/naturepl.comPage 28: Meadows ©Wild Wonders of Europe/naturepl.comPage 29: Farmers ©Alamy.comPage 30: Grazing goats ©Juan Carlos Munoz/naturepl.comPage 31: Brown trout ©Andy Rouse/naturepl.comPage 32: Puffin ©Richard Steel/naturepl.comPage 33: Woodland stream ©Wild Wonders of Europe/naturepl.comPage 34: Birdwatchers ©Terry Whittaker/naturepl.comPage 35: Conference ©Micheal O’BriainPage 36: Mount Athos, Greece ©Alamy.comPage 37: Litter-picking ©Alamy.com; Fritillary count ©Ann & Steve Toon/naturepl.com

Contents

Foreword.............................................................................................................................................................................5

The.Action.Plan:.for.nature,.people.and.the.economy.............................................................................7

PrioriTy.A:.improving.guidance.and.knowledge.and.ensuring.better.coherence.with.broader.socio-economic.objectives....................................................................................................8–9

PrioriTy.B:.Building.political.ownership.and.strengthening.compliance..........................10–11

PrioriTy.C:.Strengthening.investment.in.Natura.2000.and.improving.synergies.with.EU.funding.instruments.......................................................................................................................12–13

PrioriTy.D:.Better.communication.and.outreach,.engaging.citizens,.stakeholders.and.communities..................................................................................................................14–15

Table:.Action.Plan.Priorities.and.Actions...............................................................................................16–17

Actions.1–15......................................................................................................................................................... 18–37

Further.reading............................................................................................................................................................38

4

The Fitness Check concluded that the EU Nature Directives are fit for purpose. However their implementation should be enhanced.

4

5

Foreword

For.the.past.25.years,.the.EU.Birds.and.Habitats.Directives.have.played.an.essential.role.in.protecting.Europe’s.nature..At.the.beginning.of.my.mandate,.President.Juncker.asked.me.to.evaluate.these.Directives.and.check.their.

effectiveness,.efficiency,.coherence,.relevance.and.EU.added.value..This.'Fitness.Check'.has.been.extremely.useful..over.two.years,.we.conducted.an.extensive.evidence-gathering.exercise.throughout.the.EU,.with.dialogue.and.exchanges.with.authorities,.experts,.stakeholders.and.the.general.public..Some.552.000.citizens.responded.to.an.on-line.survey,.confirming.once.again.the.enormous..interest.our.citizens.take.in.nature.protection....on.the.basis.of.this.comprehensive.evaluation,.the.Commission.concluded.in.December.2016.that.the.Nature.Directives.are.indeed.fit.for.purpose,.although.improvements.in.implementation.are.needed.to.ensure.that.they.deliver.their.full.potential...This.conclusion.has.provided.a.much-needed.impetus.that.will.enhance.the.application.of.the.Directives.on.the.ground..This.is.urgently.needed,.as.too.many.species.and.habitats.of.EU.conservation.concern.are.threatened.or.declining...

Karmenu Vella,European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

As.a.follow-up.to.the.findings.of.the.Fitness.Check,.the.Commission.adopted.a.comprehensive.Action.Plan.in.April.2017.to.boost.the.application.of.the.Directives,.and.to.ensure.their.coherence.with.broader.socio-economic.objectives..The.Plan.was.prepared.by.a.project.team.of.10.Commissioners,.with.the.involvement.of.the.European.Committee.of.the.regions,.as.regional.and.local.authorities.play.a.central.role.in.implementing.the.Directives..The.Action.Plan.sets.out.an.ambitious.work.programme.with.15.main.actions.and.over.100.individual.measures.to.be.rolled.out.by.2019..This.will.bring.us.closer.to.meeting.the.EU.Biodiversity.Strategy.2020.goal.of.halting.biodiversity.loss.and.degradation.of.ecosystem.services.

As.this.brochure.makes.clear,.there.is.plenty.of.work.ahead..But.we.tackle.these.tasks.in.the.knowledge.that.our.plan.has.solid.foundations,.and.that.it.offers.an.adequate.response.to.the.challenges.that.we.have.identified..its.comprehensive.actions.will.strengthen.the.three.areas.that.matter.most.–.our.nature,.our.people.and.our.economy..i.am.sure.i.can.count.on.your.support.and.engagement.to.help.this.Action.Plan.make.a.real.difference.on.the.ground,.safeguarding.our.nature.for.present.and.future.generations.

6

PArT onE: SUmmAry

The Action Plan aims to improve the implementation of the Nature Directives in order to deliver practical results on the ground.

6

7

The Action Plan: for nature, people and the economyPaving the way for better implementation

in.April.2017,.the.Commission.launched.a.new.Action.Plan.to.rapidly.improve.the.practical.implementation.of.the.Habitats.and.Birds.Directives.and.accelerate.progress.towards.the.EU.2020.goal.of.halting.and.reversing.the.loss.of.biodiversity.and.ecosystem.services..

The.Action.Plan.follows.on.from.the.Fitness.Check.review.published.at.the.end.of.last.year,.which.concluded.that.the.Nature.Directives.are.fit.for.purpose..The.review.however.also.stressed.that,.in.order.for.the.Directives.to.achieve.their.objectives.and.realise.their.full.potential,.there.needs.to.be.a.substantial.improvement.in.their.application,.in.order.to.deliver.practical.results.on.the.ground..

At.the.Commission’s.orientation.debate.on.the.Fitness.Check,.held.in.December.2016,.it.was.decided.to.develop.a.concrete.Action.Plan.to.improve.the.implementation.of.the.Directives,.their.coherence.with.socio-economic.objectives.and.engagement.with.national,.regional.and.local.authorities,.stakeholders.and.citizens..

Given.the.strong.territorial.dimension.of.the.Directives.and.the.key.role.that.regional.and.local.authorities.play.in.their.implementation,.the.Committee.of.the.regions.(Cor).was.closely.associated.in.preparing.this.Action.Plan.and.will.play.an.essential.role.as.regards.engagement.with.and.outreach.to.regional.and.local.authorities..

The.new.Action.Plan.covers.four.priority.areas.that.have.been.identified.as.being.essential.for.a.better.implementation.of.the.Directives..They.involve:.improving.guidance.and.knowledge,.building.political.ownership.and.enforcing.compliance,.strengthening.investment.in.Natura.2000.and.ensuring.better.communication.and.outreach..in.total,.15.concrete.actions.and.over.a.100.individual.measures.are.foreseen.to.be.implemented.between.now.and.2019..Actions.will.be.taken.at.EU.level,.in.particular.by.the.Commission.and.the.Committee.of.the.regions,.but.Member.States.and.concerned.stakeholders.will.also.need.to.be.engaged.in.the.process,.with.increased.support.and.assistance.from.the.EU..

Building.on.the.momentum.generated,.and.support.received.for.the.two.Directives.following.the.Fitness.Check,.the.Action.Plan.aims.to.offer.a.range.of.opportunities.to.engage.stakeholders.and.the.public.and.to.create.partnerships.across.different.policy.areas..This.should.in.turn.help.to.lay.a.solid.foundation.for.building.bridges.between.nature,.people.and.the.economy..

Part.i.of.the.brochure.provides.a.summary.of.the.four.priority.areas.of.the.Action.Plan.and.the.15.proposed.actions..Part.ii.lists.the.100+.measures.foreseen.under.the.15.actions..Please.note.these.are.abbreviated.summaries..The.full.descriptions.are.given.in.the.Commission’s.Staff.Working.Document:.http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/fitness_check/action_plan/factsheets_en.pdf

8

The Fitness Check

in.2014,.the.Commission.launched.a.comprehensive.evaluation.of.the.Nature.Directives.under.its.commitment.to.ensure.Better.regulation..Called.the."Fitness.Check",.the.exercise.was.finalised.in.December.2016.after.two.years.of.extensive.evidence.gathering.and.consultations.with.authorities,.stakeholders.and.the.general.public.across.the.EU... The.Fitness.Check.concluded.that,.within.the.framework.of.the.broader.EU.biodiversity.policy,.the.Nature.Directives.are.fit.for.purpose.but.achieving.their.objectives.and.realising.their.full.potential.will.depend.upon.substantially.improving.their.implementation... Key.factors.behind.the.shortcomings.in.implementation.include.limited.resources,.weak.enforcement,.poor.integration.of.nature.objectives.into.other.policy.areas,.insufficient.knowledge.and.access.to.data,.as.well.as.poor.communication.and.stakeholder.involvement... Those.that.implement.the.Nature.Directives,.particularly.at.regional.and.local.level,.are.also.sometimes.not.sufficiently.aware.of.their.requirements.or.of.the.flexibility.and.opportunities.they.offer..This.can.lead.to.tensions.between.nature.protection.and.economic.activities.. Additional.efforts.are.therefore.needed.in.order.to.improve.their.effectiveness.and.efficiency,.by.working.in.partnership.with.different.stakeholder.communities.in.the.Member.States.and.across.the.EU... it.has.been.shown.that.where.targeted.action.takes.place.on.a.sufficient.scale,.the.status.of.species.and.habitats.improves,.sometimes.leading.to.remarkable.recoveries..There.is.also.growing.evidence.of.the.extent.to.which.our.natural.environment.underpins.various.sectors.of.our.economy,.such.as.tourism... Conserving.and.using.this.valuable.resource.in.a.sustainable.manner.is.more.important.today.than.ever.before.and.offers.ample.opportunities.to.attract.and.encourage.investment.in.nature.protection.

PrioriTy A: improving guidance and knowledge and ensuring better coherence with broader socio-economic objectives

The Fitness Check revealed that Member States have adopted varying approaches to implementing the Directives which has sometimes lead to unnecessary conflicts and problems. in particular, inflexible application of the species protection rules, delays and unduly heavy burdens in site permitting procedures, and insufficient stakeholder awareness have created needless tensions between nature protection and socio-economic activities.

The Action Plan aims to provide practical solutions to these problems and promote smarter participatory approaches to encourage the full involvement of landowners and users.

The Commission will undertake the following three actions under Priority 1 of the Action Plan: 1. Update, develop and actively promote, in all EU

languages, guidance on site permitting procedures, species protection and management and for specific sectors; as well as on integrating ecosystem services into decision-making;

2. Establish a support mechanism to help Member State authorities address key challenges in applying the permitting requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives for Natura 2000 and species protection rules; and

3. improve knowledge, including through enhanced and more efficient monitoring, and ensure public online access to data necessary for implementing the Directives, (e.g. satellite imagery from the Copernicus Programme).

abitats Directive

Conference on the Fitness Check of EU Nature Legislation

Brussels 20 November 2015

Synopsis

8

9

Guidance on the implementation of the Nature Directives

over.the.years,.the.Commission.services.have.issued.a.wealth.of.guidance.documents.and.good.practice.documents.on.a.range.of.topics.relating.to.the.implementation.of.the.Nature.Directives..

Some.have.focused.on.the.implementation.of.the.site.permitting.procedure.under.Article.6.of.the.Habitats.Directive.or.on.the.application.of.the.species.protection.provisions..others.have.taken.a.more.sector.specific.approach,.looking,.for.instance,.at.how.best.to.reconcile.development.activities.such.as.aquaculture,.quarrying.and.inland.waterway.navigation.with.the.requirements.of.EU.legislation.

According.to.the.Fitness.Check.there.is.an.urgent.need.to.update.and.further.develop.these.guides.and.to.promote.them.more.actively.amongst.the.different.authorities.and.stakeholders.involved..The.Action.Plan.therefore.foresees.a.whole.series.of.measures.to.update.and.translate.the.above.guidance.documents.in.all.official.EU.languages,.as.well.as.make.easy-to-read.summaries.available.and.actively.promote.their.wide.dissemination.to.improve.local.uptake.

The.forthcoming.guidance.will.aim.to.promote.a.better.understanding.on.how.to.avoid.or.minimise.potential.effects.on.Natura.2000.sites,.support.strategic.planning.and.early.screening.of.plans.and.projects,.and.encourage.more.streamlined.assessment.procedures.combined.with.other.EU.environmental.laws.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/guidance_en.htm

Non-energy mineral extraction and Natura 2000

GuidaNce documeNt

nature The implementation of the

Birds and Habitats Directives

in estuaries and coastal zones

with particular attention to port development and dredging

nature

GuiDance DocumenT

Wind energy developments and Natura 2000

GuidaNce documeNt

nature

Sharing good practice across the EU in restoring disused quarries.

1010

While the Member States are ultimately responsible for implementing the Nature Directives on the ground, the Commission intends to work more closely with them to facilitate and promote the conservation and sustainable use of nature. Together, we must ensure that a fully coherent and functional Natura 2000 Network is in place and that species are protected and, where appropriate, used sustainably. This priority includes establishing a stronger bilateral dialogue with Member States and stakeholders aimed at improving the implementation of Natura 2000 and promoting cooperation in its management across the different biogeographical regions of Europe.

The following four actions are envisaged: 4. Complete the Natura 2000 Network, especially filling gaps

for the marine environment, and put in place the necessary conservation measures for all sites.

5. Use the new Environmental implementation review (Eir)process for dedicated bilateral meetings with national and regional authorities to develop agreed roadmaps to improve implementation in consultation with stakeholders.

6. Bring together public authorities and stakeholders from different Member States at the biogeographical region level to address common challenges, including on cross-border issues.

7. Further develop Species and Habitat Action Plans for the most threatened species and natural habitats as well as stakeholder platforms on the coexistence with conflict species (e.g. large carnivores).

PrioriTy B: Building political ownership and strengthening compliance

Eir – a new support mechanism for Member States

The.Environmental.implementation.review.(Eir).is.a.new.tool.designed.to.strengthen.implementation.of.EU.environmental.legislation.in.Member.States..The.Eir.operates.on.a.regular.cycle.of.analysis,.dialogue.and.collaboration.between.the.European.Commission,.Member.States.and.stakeholders..it.culminates.in.the.publication.of.a.country.report.every.two.years.which.identifies.a.number.of.specific.issues.and.challenges.being.faced.by.the.authorities.in.that.country,.including.on.EU.nature.legislation.and.policy,.and.makes.recommendations.on.how.these.could.be.overcome..

Under.the.Action.Plan,.the.Commission.and.Member.States.will.hold.dedicated.bilateral.meetings.within.the.framework.of.the.Eir.to.discuss.key.implementation.issues.for.the.two.Nature.Directives..This.might.be,.for.instance,.in.relation.to.the.management.and.funding.of.Natura.2000.sites,.stakeholder.engagement,.building.capacity.and.understanding.of.legal.requirements.or.facilitating.efficient.implementation.approaches..Based.on.individual.Member.States’.needs,.agreed.key.actions.will.be.identified.and.common.implementation.roadmaps.established,.with.milestones.and.deliverables..

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eir/index_en.htm

EU Environmental Implementation Review: Highlights

“EU environmental laws make people’s lives better but rules only work if they’re actually applied. Environmental laws improve water & air quality, raise recycling rates & protect nature, to mention a few. And they provide huge economic benefits. But they can only be effective if implemented. It is here that the Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) comes in: It is part of our response to citizens, who want the EU to make sure that environmental rules are applied correctly in their countries.”Karmenu Vella

Member of the European Commission responsible for environment, maritime affairs and fisheries

ChallengesThe main challenges the United Kingdom faces with regard to implementing EU environmental policy and law are:• Improving air quality in urban areas, especially nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

• Tackling water quality, notably agricultural pollution nitrates) but also the remaining urban waste-water issues such as storm-water overflows. • Completing the Natura 2000 designation process for marine sites, increasing the focus on protecting species and habitats outside the limited UK Natura 2000 terrestrial network, and developing an overall protection strategy for dispersed species such as bats and great crested newts.

Country profile of the United KingdomEnvironmental policy is primarily devolved within the UK, with the devolved administrations (Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) responsible for environmental and related economic development measures. The UK government is responsible for implementing environmental policy in England. In general, the UK is on track to meet the different waste targets. As regards nature, the percentage of land designated under Natura 2000 is low; the marine designation process is slow. Air quality in the United Kingdom continues to give cause for concern.

OpportunitiesThe UK could perform better on issues where a sound knowledge base and good practices already exist. This applies in particular to:• Recycling: the WRAP programme (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) which aims at showing how businesses, organisations and consumers can be part of a resource revolution, can be the basis for making further progress on waste and resource efficiency.

Points of excellenceWhere the UK leads in environmental implementation, it could share its innovative approaches more widely among other countries. Concrete examples include:• A specialised bank, the Green Investment Bank, is in charge of attracting private investments in the green economy.• The National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline, which gives an overall picture of planned investment in infrastructure and is updated regularly, provides a sound basis for governmental decisions.

• The UK is a front runner in green public procurement.• The UK has an advanced approach to natural capital accounting.

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United Kingdom

Environment

11

EU Species Action Plans

Since.1993,.the.EU.has.funded.the.development.of.Species.Action.Plans.for.around.50.of.the.most.threatened.species.listed.in.Annex.i.of.the.Birds.Directive..EU.management.plans.have.also.been.developed.for.13.huntable.bird.species,.listed.in.Annex.ii.of.the.Birds.Directive.in.unfavourable.status,.and.for.three.species.protected.under.the.Habitats.Directive..The.EU.has.also.collaborated.with.relevant.biodiversity.Conventions.and.Agreements.on.the.development.of.international.plans,.which.provide.a.wider.framework.in.which.EU.action.can.take.place..

The.plans.provide.information.about.the.status,.ecology,.threats.and.current.conservation.measures.for.each.species.and.list.the.key.actions.that.are.required.to.improve.their.conservation.across.their.range.within.the.EU..They.are.the.result.of.an.extensive.process.of.consultation.with.individual.experts.in.Europe.as.well.as.competent.Member.States’.authorities.and.international.Conventions.and.Agreements..

Whilst.a.number.of.EU.Action.Plans.have.been.drawn.up.for.species.listed.in.Annex.ii.of.the.Habitats.Directive.(the.common.midwife.toad,.Alytes obstetricans,.the.Danube.clouded.yellow,.Colias myrmidone,.and.the.European.ground.squirrel,.Spermophilus citellus),.none.have.been.prepared.for.habitat.types.yet..Management.models.have.nevertheless.been.developed.for.25.protected.habitat.types,.in.order.to.help.site.managers.preparing.their.own.site-specific.management.plans.

Under.the.Action.Plan.further.Species.and.HabitatsAction.Plans.will.be.developed.for.the.most.threatened.species.and.natural.habitats..Stakeholder.platforms.on.the.coexistence.with.conflict.species.(e.g..large.carnivores).will.also.be.further.supported..

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/index_en.htm.

Danube clouded yellow butterfly, Colias myrmidone.

Dalmatian pelican, Pelecanus crispus.

European ground squirrel, Spermophilus citellus.

12

PrioriTy C: Strengthening investment in Natura 2000 and improving synergies with EU funding instruments

The Fitness Check identified funding shortages as a major obstacle to implementation. The Action Plan therefore aims to make better use of the EU funding available and to render nature more attractive for private investment.

in particular, the Actions under this Priority aim to: 8. Strengthen investments in nature:

a) Help Member States to improve their multi-annual financial planning for Natura 2000 through the update of their Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs).

b) Propose a 10% increase in the LiFE budget dedicated to projects supporting the conservation of nature and biodiversity, while keeping the overall budgetary envelope of the LiFE programme unchanged.

c) Stimulate private sector investment in nature projects.9. Promote synergies with funding from the Common

Agricultural Policy, including effective use of Natura 2000 payments and agri-environment-climate measures, the development of result-based schemes, support to farmers through Farming Advisory Services, and innovation and knowledge transfer through the European innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability.

10. increase awareness of Cohesion Policy Funding opportunities and improve synergies.

11. improve synergies with the Common Fisheries Policy and the integrated Maritime Policy, including more effective use of the financing opportunities available.

12. Provide guidance to support the deployment of green infrastructure for better connectivity of Natura 2000 areas; support Nature-Based Solutions projects

through EU research and innovation policy and Horizon 2020 funds.

Prioritised Action Frameworks

Prioritised.Action.Frameworks.(PAFs).were.developed.to.help.Member.States.identify.their.Natura.2000.funding.needs.and.priorities.and.to.better.target.different.sources.of.EU.financing.under.the.2014–2020.Multi-annual.Financial.Framework.(MFF)..Although.the.PAFs.were.variable.in.their.degree.of.ambition.and.quality,.the.Fitness.Check.found.that,.overall,.they.made.a.positive.contribution.to.securing.funding.for.Natura.2000.under.the.different.EU.funding.instruments..However,.there.is.still.a.need.to.improve.the.applicability.of.the.PAFs.

Under.Action.8.of.the.Action.Plan,.the.Commission,.together.with.Member.States.and.stakeholders,.will.review.the.success.of.the.development/application.of.the.PAFs.under.current.MFF.and.draw.lessons.with.a.view.to.improving.the.applicability.of.this.tool.and.enhance.co-benefits.for.more.efficient.use.of.resources..

it.will.also.launch.a.process.with.Member.States.for.updating.their.PAFs.ahead.of.the.post-2020.MFF.to.ensure.a.more.harmonised.approach.to.the.calculation.of.costs.and.identification.of.conservation.objectives.and.measures,.including.clear.priorities.and.possible.synergies.with.other.sectors.and.policies..in.addition,.it.will.promote.awareness.about.the.updated.PAFs.within.the.Commission.and.among.Member.States.authorities,.targeting.those.in.charge.of.programming.under.different.EU.policies..

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/financing/index_en.htm

13

Grey seal, Halichoerus grypus.

Lapwing, Vanellus vanellus.

Farming in Natura 2000.

Bee pollination in front of European Parliament.

LiFE integrated Projects

LiFE.integrated.Projects.were.introduced.in.2014.to.help.Member.States.implement.environmental.legislation.on.a.wider.scale.and.to.increase.the.impact.of.the.LiFE.Programme..They.provide.funding.for.plans,.programmes.and.strategies.developed.on.the.regional,.multi-regional.or.national.level.

So.far,.six.LiFE.Nature.integrated.Projects.(in.Germany,.Netherlands,.Spain,.italy.(Lombardia),.Belgium.and.Finland).have.been.approved.to.assist.in.the.achievement.of.the.objectives.of.the.EU.Birds.and.Habitats.Directives.in.accordance.with.the.Prioritised.Action.Frameworks.(PAFs).for.that.country.or.region..Together,.they.represent.a.total.budget.of.over.€140.million.for.nature.conservation..

The.Action.Plan.will.support.the.preparation.of.further.LiFE.integrated.Projects.for.Natura.2000,.focusing.on.key.priorities.identified.in.PAFs.–.aiming.for.at.least.one.project.being.initiated.in.each.Member.State.by.2019..

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/projects/ip.htm

14

Stakeholder awareness and engagement have been highlighted as key factors affecting achievement of the Nature Directives’ objectives. Good practices emerging from the Fitness Check demonstrate that strong involvement of landowners, users and other stakeholders in the process of establishing management plans or equivalent measures is essential for the effective and efficient management of Natura 2000 sites. This helps create ownership, embrace approaches that are sustainable in the socio-economic context and adapted to local specificities.

The Fitness Check has also recalled that biodiversity is of widespread interest and concern to EU citizens, as 61% of Europeans believe the EU should better inform citizens about its importance. Additionally, there is increasing recognition of the human health and social inclusion benefits from nature.

in this respect, the Fitness Check also underlined the need to promote the multiple ecosystem services delivered

by Natura 2000 to ensure that the conservation and sustainable use of sites in the Network also benefits local communities and economies, particularly by exploiting the potential for sustainable tourism and green jobs.

Under this priority the Action Plan aims to: 13. Support knowledge exchange and engagement of local

and regional authorities through a joint platform with the Committee of the regions.

14. Support recognition of good management of Natura 2000 sites and awareness-raising of the Nature Directives through relevant fora, availing of new technologies and outreach activities, and strengthen links between natural and cultural heritage, especially in the context of 2018 as European year of Cultural Heritage.

15. involve young people actively in measures dealing with societal needs by giving them the opportunity to get involved in nature protection in Natura 2000 sites (European Solidarity Corps).

PrioriTy D: Better communication and outreach, engaging citizens, stakeholders and communities

raising awareness of Natura 2000 amongst children.Volunteering in Natura 2000.

15

The Natura 2000 Award

Launched.in.2014,.the.Natura.2000.Award.is.designed.to.reward.excellence.in.the.management.of.Natura.2000.sites.and.showcase.the.added.value.of.the.Network.for.local.economies..it.pays.tribute.to.all.those.who.are.working.tirelessly.on.making.Natura.2000.an.operational.success,.whilst.drawing.public.attention.to.its.substantial.achievements..

one.of.the.Actions.proposed.under.Priority.D.of.the.Action.Plan.is.to.further.develop.this.Natura.2000.Award.over.the.coming.years..The.2018.edition.was.launched.on.15.May.2017..Anyone.involved.in.activities.related.to.Natura.2000.can.apply.under.one.of.the.five.Award.categories:.Conservation,.Communication,.Socio-economic.Benefits,.reconciling.interests/Perception,.and.Cross-border.Cooperation.and.Networking..

The.winners.will.be.announced.next.year.on.21.May.–.which.has.just.been.proclaimed.‘European.Natura.2000.Day’..This.special.day.will.be.celebrated.through.public.events.across.Europe.each.year..Already.in.2017,.hundreds.of.local.events.and.networking.activities.across.Europe.marked.this.special.day..Together,.they.celebrated.the.contribution.of.the.EU.nature.policy,.and.in.particular.the.Natura.2000.Network,.in.preserving.our.natural.heritage..

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/awards/index_en.htm.

The European Solidarity Corps – involving young people in Natura 2000

in.September.2016,.President.Juncker.announced.the.creation.of.the.European.Solidarity.Corps.(ESC).to.allow.young.people.across.the.EU.to.engage.in.a.broad.variety.of.activities,.including.protecting.the.environment.

To.support.this.new.initiative,.the.EU.LiFE.Fund.has.recently.launched.a.call.for.proposals.to.encourage.the.deployment.of.the.ESC.in.the.nature.sector..The.selected.projects.are.expected.to.last.maximum.36.months,.while.the.activities.of.the.volunteers.should.last.between.two.and.12.months.and.should.focus.on.actions.related.to.nature.conservation.and.restoration.of.natural.areas,.mainly.in.Natura.2000..

in.2017.the.European.Solidarity.Corps.will.be.consolidated.by.a.dedicated.legal.framework..it.will.offer.the.opportunity.to.young.people.willing.to.show.solidarity.to.go.to.another.Member.State.and.experience.different.practices.to.tackle.the.challenges.of.nature.protection.and.disaster.prevention,.while.gaining.invaluable.experiences.for.future.occupation.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/life2017/index.htm#esc17.

Natura 2000 Award winners 2015. Volunteers.

16

The Action Plan for the Habitats and Birds Directives: Priorities and Actions


Actions Timeline Responsible

1. Update, develop and actively promote, in all EU languages, guidance on: a) site permitting procedures, species protection and management as well as

sector-specific guidance b) integrating ecosystem services into decision-making

2017–2019 2018–2019

COM / CoR / MS / stakeholders

2. Establish a support mechanism to help Member State authorities address key challenges in applying the permitting requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives for Natura 2000 and species protection rules

2017–2019 COM / MS / stakeholders

3. Improve knowledge, including through enhanced and more efficient monitoring, and ensure public online access to data necessary for implementing the Directives (e.g. satellite imagery from the Copernicus programme)

2017–2019 COM / EEA / MS



4. Complete the Natura 2000 Network, especially filling gaps for the marine environment, and put in place the necessary conservation measures for all sites

ongoing MS / stakeholders / COM

5. Use the new Environmental Implementation Review process for dedicated bilateral meetings with national and regional authorities to develop agreed roadmaps to improve implementation and consult with landowners and other stakeholders on implementation challenges


6. Bring together public authorities and stakeholders from different Member States at the biogeographical region level to address common challenges, including on cross-border issues

2017–2019 COM / CoR / MS / stakeholders

7. Further develop Species and Habitats Action Plans for the most threatened species and natural habitats as well as stakeholder platforms on the coexistence with conflict species (e.g. large carnivores)


Legend:COM: Commission; EEA: European Environment Agency; EIB: European Investment Bank; MS: Member States; CoR: Committee of the Regions.

17

PrioriTy C: Strengthening investment in natura 2000 and improving synergies with EU funding instruments


8. Strengthen investments in nature 2017–2019 COM / EIB/ MS / stakeholders

9. Promote synergies with funding from the Common Agricultural Policy, including effective use of Natura 2000 payments and agri-environment-climate measures, the development of result-based schemes, support to farmers through Farming Advisory Services, and innovation and knowledge transfer through the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability


10. Increase awareness of Cohesion Policy Funding opportunities and improve synergies 2017–2019 COM / MS / stakeholders

11. Improve synergies with the Common Fisheries Policy and the Integrated Maritime Policy, including more effective use of the financing opportunities available


12. Provide guidance to support the deployment of green infrastructure for better connectivity of Natura 2000 areas; support Nature-Based Solutions projects through EU research and innovation policy and Horizon 2020 funds

2017–2019 COM / stakeholders



13. Support knowledge exchange and engagement of local and regional authorities through a joint platform with the Committee of the Regions

2017–2019 CoR / COM

14. Support recognition of good management of Natura 2000 sites and awareness-raising of the Nature Directives through relevant fora, availing of new technologies and outreach activities, and strengthen links between natural and cultural heritage, especially in the context of 2018 as European Year of Cultural Heritage

2017–2019 COM / CoR / MSstakeholders

15. Involve young people actively in measures dealing with societal needs by giving them the opportunity to get involved in nature protection in Natura 2000 sites (European Solidarity Corps)


a) Help Member States to improve their multi-annual financial planning for Natura 2000 through the update of their Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs)

b) Propose a 10% increase in the LIFE budget dedicated to projects supporting the conservation of nature and biodiversity, while keeping the overall budgetary envelope of the LIFE programme unchanged

c) Stimulate private sector investment in nature project

18

PArT TWo: liST of ACTionS AnD mEASUrES


18

19

a) The Commission services have issued several guidance documents on various aspects of the Directives. However, the Fitness Check revealed the need to update these and develop sector-specific guidance.

b) Ecosystems and their services (i.e. the benefits that flow from nature to people and the economy) are the natural capital that underpins Europe’s socio-economic fabric, the prosperity and the wellbeing of its citizens. However, they are often not fully considered in decisions or not properly priced in market transactions.

a) Under this action, the Commission, in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders will:

✓.Update.the.interpretative.guidance.document.on.provisions.of.Article.6.of.the.Habitats.Directive.on.the.conservation.and.management.of.Natura.2000.(by.2017);

✓.Update.the.methodological.guidance.on.Article.6(3).and.6(4).of.the.Habitats.Directive.on.the.permitting.requirements.for.plans.and.projects.likely.to.have.a.significant.effect.on.Natura.2000.sites.(by.2018);

✓.Update.the.guidance.on.species.protection.rules.under.the.Habitats.Directive.(by.2018);

✓.Update.the.‘Key.concepts.document.on.the.period.of.reproduction.and.prenuptial.migration.of.huntable.bird.species.in.the.EU’.(by.2019);

✓.Develop.a.new.guidance.on.hydropower.and.Natura.2000.

. (by.2017);✓.Develop.a.new.guidance.on.electricity.

transmission.facilities.and.Natura.2000.(by.2017);

✓.Update.guidance.on.wind.energy.and.Natura.2000.(by.2019);.and

✓.Develop.new.guidance.on.Natura.2000.and.fisheries.under.the.Common.Fisheries.Policy.rules.

. (by.2018).

ACTION 1: Update, develop and actively promote, in all EU languages, guidance on:a) site permitting procedures, species protection and management as well as sector-specific guidanceb) integrating ecosystem services into decision-making

In 2008 the European Commission published a Guidance Document on hunting under the Birds Directive.

b) The Commission, together with Member States and stakeholders will also:

✓.Develop.guidance.and.a.set.of.practical.tools.to.support.the.integration.of.ecosystems.and.their.services.into.planning.and.decision-making.processes.at.local,.regional,.national.and.EU.level.(by.2018);.and.

✓.Provide.capacity.building.measures.for.authorities,.planners.and.developers.(2018–2019).

For both (a) and (b) above, the Commission will:✓.Translate.the.above.guidance.in.all.

official.languages.(2018–2019);✓.Make.easy-to-read.summaries.of.

guidance.documents.available.online.in.all.official.EU.languages.(2018–2019);

✓.Provide.an.online.‘Frequently.Asked.Questions.and.Answers’.on.Natura.2000.(2017);.and

✓.Actively.promote.and.disseminate.the.above.guidance.documents.to.improve.local.uptake.along.with.

. the.Committee.of.the.regions,.Member.States.and.stakeholders.(2017–2019).

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ior

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A

20

The Fitness Check underlined the need for strengthening support to competent authorities with a view to ensuring a smarter and more effective application of permitting procedures for Natura 2000 and species protection rules.

The newly issued Environmental implementation review (Eir) reports are designed to assist in this process. Each Member State report includes significant sections dealing with nature legislation and policy and identifies specific issues/challenges for the authorities in that country.

Under this action, the Commission will:✓.identify.Member.States.in.need.of.

targeted.support.on.key.challenges,.including.of.a.structural.nature,.in.relation.to.the.application.of.the.permitting.requirements.for.Natura.2000.and.species.protection.rules.(by.2017);

✓.For.the.identified.Member.States,.support.the.setting.up.of.ad.hoc.training.programmes.and.support.mechanisms.for.administrations.dealing.with.the.permitting.requirements.for.Natura.2000.and.species.protection.rules.(2017–2019);.and

✓.Encourage.Member.States.to.make.full.use.of.the.Eir.Peer.to.Peer.mechanism.to.spread.best.practice.and.transfer.know-how.between.national.and.regional.authorities.for.issues.related.to.the.permitting.requirements.of.the.Birds.and.

ACTION 2: Establish a support mechanism to help Member State authorities address key challenges in applying the permitting requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives for Natura 2000 and species protection rules

The Action Plan will support Member States’ training programmes on the permitting requirements related to Natura 2000.

Habitats.Directives.for.Natura.2000.and.species.protection.rules.(2017–2019).

✓.Encourage.Member.States.to.make.full.use.of.JASPErS,.which.aims.to.provide.assistance.for.the.preparation.of.major.EU.projects.to.be.submitted.for.co-financing.under.the.Cohesion.Policy,.as.well.as.of.other.available.assistance.through.the.Structural.reform.Support.Service.(SrSS).(2017–2019);.and

✓.Based.on.the.experience.gained.from.the.current.pilot.action.exploring.innovation.deals.through.voluntary.cooperation.between.the.EU,.innovators,.and.national,.regional.and.local.authorities,.explore.widening.the.scope.of.such.innovation.deals.to.the.Nature.Directives,.in.order.to.clarify.perceived.regulatory.obstacles.and.apply.innovative.solutions.that.can.support.implementation.of.the.Nature.Directives.(2018–2019).

Pr

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A

21

The Fitness Check identified inadequate knowledge and poor access to data as being obstacles to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives. Despite improvements, there are still significant knowledge gaps and differences between Member States, notably in relation to the level of update, accuracy and completeness of the Natura 2000 Standard Data Forms, the availability of data on conservation status and trends of species and habitats and the contribution and effectiveness of the Natura 2000 Network to the achievement of the objectives of the Directives.

Under this action, the Commission with Member States and the European Environment Agency will:✓.Update.and.improve.the.online.

Natura.2000.viewer.in.order.to.better.display.information.necessary.for.implementing.different.requirements.of.the.Directives.(by.2018);

✓.improve.data.quality,.by.making.a.systematic.assessment.of.the.coherence.of.the.data-sets.provided.by.Member.States,.followed.by.discussions.in.relevant.expert.groups.(by.2019);

✓.Support.the.creation.of.a.European.regional.GEoSS.to.accelerate.the.uptake.of.open.Earth.observation.data,.information.and.knowledge,.allowing.citizens’.access.to.data.relevant.to.the.Natura.2000.Network.(2017–2019);.and

✓.Assess.the.most.recent.progress.in.satellite-based.remote.sensing.as.a.support.for.better.implementation.of.the.Nature.Directives,.develop.a.pilot.online.tool.for.a.near.real-time.tracking.of.changes.to.high-nature.value.grasslands.in.Natura.2000.sites.and.support.the.generation.of.relevant.spatial.data.sets.to.monitor.

ACTION 3: Improve knowledge, including through enhanced and more efficient monitoring, and ensure public online access to data necessary for implementing the Directives (e.g. satellite imagery from the Copernicus programme)

The 2014 State of Nature in the EU report provides a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of EU-protected species and habitats.

Environment

The State of Nature

in the EU

Reporting under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives 2007–2012

land.use.and.land.use.changes.in.and.around.Natura.2000.sites.under.the.EU.Space.programmes.(2017–2019);

✓.Promote.the.further.development.and.use.of.alternative.information.sources.on.status.and.trends.of.protected.sites.and.biodiversity.in.the.EU,.for.instance.through.a.targeted.support.of.citizen.science.projects.(2017–2019);.and

✓.Further.work.on.defining.the.concept.of.Favourable.reference.Values.and.establishing.values.for.certain.habitats.and.species.as.a.basis.for.debate.in.the.frame.of.the.bio-geographical.process.(2017–2019).

Member States should:✓.Enhance.monitoring.and.fill.the.gaps.

in.knowledge.on.the.Natura.2000.Network,.the.conservation.status.and.trends.of.species.and.habitats,.the.effectiveness.of.the.Natura.2000.Network.and.its.contribution.to.achieving.the.Directives’.objectives,.for.instance.in.view.of.the.next.reporting.under.Article.17.of.the.Habitats.Directive.and.Article.12.of.the.Birds.Directive.due.in.2019.(2017–2018).

Pr

ior

iTy

A

22


in 2012, the Commission set up an EU stakeholder platform to address conflicts arising between people and large carnivores. it will be further supported under the Action Plan to achieve its full potential.

22

23

The establishment and effective management of the Natura 2000 Network is a core objective of the Nature Directives. While the establishment of the terrestrial component of the Natura 2000 Network is largely complete, there are still important gaps for the marine environment, particularly offshore, requiring additional sites to be proposed by the Member States.

Moreover, according to the available information, only two-thirds of the 22.419 SCis adopted by January 2010 have been designated as SACs by the deadline of January 2016 and only half of the sites were reported to have site management plans.

Under this action, the Member States will, in line with the applicable deadlines in the Directives:✓.Complete.the.designation.of.Natura.

2000.at.land.and.at.sea;✓.Establish.and.implement.the.necessary.

conservation.objectives.and.measures.for.all.Natura.2000.sites,.ideally.in.the.framework.of.site.management.plans.or.equivalent.instruments;

✓.Complete.the.designation.of.Natura.2000.at.land.and.at.sea;.and

✓.Establish.and.implement.the.necessary.conservation.objectives.and.measures.for.all.Natura.2000.sites,.ideally.in.the.framework.of.site.management.plans.or.equivalent.instruments.

The Commission will (2017–2019)✓..Support.Member.States.by:

-. Providing.EU.co-financing.for.the.preparation.and.implementation.of.site.management.plans;.

-. Facilitating.the.exchange.of.best.practices.among.Member.States.and.the.development.of.common.goals.at.biogeographical.level;

-. Encouraging.Member.States.to.actively.involve.all.relevant.stakeholders.in.designating.sites.and.implementing.the.necessary.conservation.measures;.and

ACTION 4: Complete the Natura 2000 Network, especially filling gaps for the marine environment, and put in place the necessary conservation measures for all sites

By 2016, more than 3000 marine Natura 2000 sites had been designated, covering more than 6% of the total EU marine area (over 300 000 km2).

-. Further.developing.methodologies.and.criteria.to.assess.the.coherence.of.the.Marine.Protected.Areas.network.

✓.Strengthen.enforcement.action.of.relevant.legal.obligations.for.the.protection.and.management.of.Natura.2000.sites;

✓.Support.Member.States.to.improve.synergies.while.implementing.the.Nature.Directives,.the.Water.Framework.Directive.(WFD),.the.Nitrates.Directive,.the.Marine.Strategy.Framework.Directive.(MSFD),.the.Floods.Directive.(FD),.and.the.invasive.Alien.Species.regulation;

✓.Facilitate.the.development.of.fisheries.measures.under.the.Common.Fisheries.Policy.(CFP).for.marine.Natura.2000.sites;

✓.Facilitate.interactions.between.the.regional.Seas.Conventions.and.the.regional.Fisheries.Management.organisations.in.developing.conservation.measures.to.comply.with.environmental.legislation;.and

✓.Develop.an.adaptation.strategy.to.deal.with.potential.effects.of.invasive.species.and.climate.change.on.fisheries.in.the.Mediterranean.

. (by.2018).

.

Pr

ior

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B

24

The Environmental implementation review (Eir) is a new tool to help strengthen implementation of EU environmental legislation, including the Nature Directives. The Eir provides a new framework, which includes setting up a structured implementation dialogue with each Member State, aimed at addressing structural problems and responding to the needs of each Member State. Transparency and wide participation of relevant stakeholders from different sectors and different levels of administration are key elements of this framework.

ACTION 5: Use the new Environmental Implementation Review process for dedicated bilateral meetings with national and regional authorities to develop agreed roadmaps to improve implementation and consult with landowners and other stakeholders on implementation challenges

Under this action, the Commission and Member States will (2017–2019):✓.in.the.framework.of.the.Eir.

structured.dialogue,.hold.dedicated.bilateral.meetings,.involving.national.and.regional.authorities.competent.for.implementation.of.the.Nature.Directives..Based.on.individual.Member.States’.needs,.key.actions.to.improve.implementation.will.be.identified.and.agreed.in.common.implementation.roadmaps,.with.milestones.and.deliverables..

✓.These.dedicated.bilateral.meetings.will.take.place.at.least.once.for.all.Member.States.in.the.course.of.2017–2019..They.will.focus.on.key.implementation.issues,.in.particular:

. -.the.overall.strategy.for.reaching.favourable.conservation.status.and.for.Natura.2000.management,.any.structural.problems.in.each.Member.State.that.is.impeding.them.from.managing.and.financing.the.necessary.conservation.measures.for.the.sites;

Over the years, the EU has promoted the active engagement of stakeholders in management planning for Natura 2000 sites.

. -.governance.approaches.and.effectiveness.of.cooperation,.

. . e.g..among.different.parts.of.the.Member.States.administration.at.central.level,.between.central.

. . and.regional.levels,.between.administration.and.stakeholders.and.with.neighbouring.Member.States;

. -.raising.awareness,.capacity.and.understanding.of.legal.requirements,.for.instance.in.relation.to.other.environmental.legislation.such.as.SEA/EiA.and.WFD;

. -.facilitating.efficient.implementation.approaches,.for.instance.by.promoting.the.use.of.relevant.EU.and.national.guidance;.and

. -.emphasising.the.need.to.actively.engage.landowners.and.other.stakeholders,.especially.in.management.planning.for.the.Natura.2000.sites.

✓.Hold.back-to-back.meetings.with.the.private.sector,.NGos.and.other.stakeholders.in.national.capitals;.and

✓.Follow.up.the.implementation.of.the.agreed.roadmaps.

Pr

ior

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B

25

in 2012, the European Commission launched the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process, a multi-stakeholders’ co-operation process at the biogeographical level to enhance effective implementation, management, monitoring, financing and reporting of the Natura 2000 Network.

ACTION 6: Bring together public authorities and stakeholders from different Member States at the biogeographical region level to address common challenges, including on cross-border issues

Under this action, the Commission, in cooperation with Member States and stakeholders will (2017–2019):✓.refocus.the.Natura.2000.

Biogeographical.Process.to.enable.it.to.better.contribute.to.the.establishment.of.coherent,.

. effective.and.efficient.conservation.systems.for.the.Natura.2000.

. Network.through:

. -. improved.coherence.in.evaluating.conservation.status.of.protected.habitats.and.species.and.setting.conservation.objectives.and.priorities.at.biogeographical.level;

. -. identification.and.promotion.of.best.practices.in.conservation.management.approaches.to.deliver.conservation.results.at.biogeographical.level;.and

. -. strengthened.cooperation.and.sharing.of.experience.on.common.challenges.and.opportunities,.such.as.communication.and.stakeholder.involvement,.multiple.benefits.of.the.Natura.2000.Network.and.cross-border.issues.

Exchanging best practices on managing Natura 2000 sites within the Alpine region, as part of the EC’s biogeographical seminars launched in 2012.

✓.Agree.biogeographical-level.roadmaps.for.cooperative.action;.

✓.Complete.the.second.round.of.Natura.2000.Seminars.and.organise.thematic.events.in.all.biogeographical.regions,.including.the.marine.regions;.and.

✓.Further.develop.the.Natura.2000.Communication.Platform.to.make.it.more.user-friendly.and.effective.

Under this action, the Commission and the Committee of the regions will (2017–2019):✓.Actively.promote.engagement.by.

national.and.regional.authorities.and.by.stakeholders.in.the.Natura.2000.Biogeographical.Process;.

✓.Use.the.Natura.2000.Biogeographical.Process.to.disseminate.and.promote.EU.guidance;.and.

✓.Use.the.Natura.2000.Biogeographical.. Process.to.promote.and.contribute.

to.implementation.of.Species.and.Habitats.Action.Plans..

Pr

ior

iTy

B

26

Both the State of Nature in the EU report and the Fitness Check have highlighted the need to urgently address the on-going decline of protected species and habitats, many of which are still in unfavourable conservation status.

The Fitness Check has also highlighted the need to address the continuous challenge posed by certain protected species that come into conflict with some human activities. This concerns most notably large carnivores and cormorants for which stakeholder dialogue and information platforms have been created to promote good practices and practical solutions under the Nature Directive for co-existence between humans and these species.

Under this action, the Commission, Member States and stakeholders will: ✓.Develop.and.implement.the.following.

Action.Plans:. -. a.new.EU.multi-species.Action.Plan.

covering.44.bat.species.(by.2017);. -. a.new.EU.multi-species.Action.

Plan.for.eight.lowland.breeding.waders.(Haematopus ostralegus, Vanellus vanellus, Calidris alpina, Calidris pugnax,.Gallinago gallinago, Numenius arquata,.Limosa limosa and Tringa totanus).(by.2018);

. -. two.new.EU.species.Action.Plans.for.marine.birds.(Puffinus yelkouan.and.Hydrobates monteiroi).(by.2018);

. -. six.EU/international.Action.Plans.for.the.following.species:.Gypaetus barbatus,.Aegypius monachus,.Pelecanus crispus,.Streptopelia turtur,.Melanitta fusca.and.Oxyura leucocephala (by.2018);.and

. -. a.minimum.of.two.plans.for.the.most.threatened.habitat.types,.having.regard.to.the.recent.European.red.List.of.Habitats.

. . (by.2019).

ACTION 7: Further develop Species and Habitats Action Plans for the most threatened species and natural habitats as well as stakeholder platforms on the coexistence with conflict species (e.g. large carnivores)

An EU Action Plan will be prepared for all 45 bat species protected under the Habitats Directive.

✓.implement.in.the.EU.the.Memorandum.of.Understanding.on.the.conservation.of.migratory.birds.of.prey.in.Africa.and.Eurasia.(raptors.MoU),.under.the.Convention.on.Migratory.Species.(by.2017–2019);

✓.Make.fully.operational.a.system.to.track.implementation.of.the.Species.Action.Plans.(by.2018);

✓.in.the.framework.of.the.LiFE.EuroSAP.project.establish.a.European.Bird.Species.Coordination.Group.in.support.of.development,.coordination.and.implementation.of.species.Action.Plans.(by.2018);

✓.Further.support.stakeholder.platforms/fora.to.promote.dialogue,.for.instance.within.the.framework.of.international.Conventions.and.Agreements,.to.exchange.experience,.knowledge.and.co-operate.in.addressing.conflicts.between.people.and.protected.species.(2017–2019);.and

✓.Contribute.to.the.adoption.of.a.comprehensive.regional.management.plan.for.red.coral.in.the.Mediterranean.under.the.implementation.of.the.General.Fisheries.Commission.for.the.Mediterranean.(GFCM).new.mid-term.strategy.(by.2018).

Pr

ior

iTy

B

27

70°60°50°

40°

40°

30°

30°

20°

20°

10°

10°

0°

0°-10°-20°-30°

60°

50°

50°

40°

40°

30°

30°

0 500 1000 1500 km

-20°

30°

Canary Is.-30°

40°

Azores Is.

Madeira Is.

Biogeographic regions within the EU, 2013

Natura 2000 sites (under Birds and Habitats Directives)

Outside coverage

Total N° Natura 2000 sites Total Area Natura 2000 sitesTerrestrial Natura 2000 area (% land area covered)

Marine Natura 2000 area km2

27 522 sites 1 184 609 km2 780 081 km2 / (18.15%) 395 528 km2

27

The.EU.Natura.2000.Network.is.the.largest.coordinated.network.of.conservation.areas.in.the.world..it.currently.covers.over.18%.of.the.EU.land.as.well.as.over.6%.of.its.surrounding.seas.

December 2016

28

PrioriTy C: Strengthening investment in Natura 2000 and improving synergies with EU funding instruments

EU agri-environmental schemes play an important role in safeguarding farmland species and habitats protected under EU nature legislation.

28

29

ACTION 8: Strengthen investments in nature a) Help Member States to improve their multi-annual financial planning for Natura 2000 through the update of their Prioritised Action

Frameworks (PAFs)b) Propose a 10% increase in the LIFE budget dedicated to projects supporting the conservation of nature and biodiversityc) Stimulate private sector investment in nature projects

The Fitness Check identified funding shortages as a major obstacle to implementation.

The Commission together with Member States and stakeholders will:✓.review.the.success.of.the.Prioritised.

Action.Frameworks.(PAFs).developed.so.far.under.the.Habitats.Directive.and.draw.lessons.with.a.view.to.improving.the.applicability.of.this.tool.and.enhance.co-benefits.for.more.efficient.use.of.resources.(by.2017);.and

✓.Update.the.PAF.format.in.agreement.with.Member.States.to.ensure.a.more.harmonised.approach.to.calculation.of.costs.and.identification.of.conservation.objectives.and.measures.(by.2017)..

✓.Launch.a.process.with.Member.States.for.updating.their.PAFs.ahead.of.the.post-2020.Multi-annual.Financial.Framework.(MFF).(by.2018);

✓.Promote.awareness.about.the.updated.PAFs.within.the.Commission.and.among.Member.States.authorities.(as.soon.as.updated.PAFs.are.available,.at.the.latest.by.2019);

✓.Support.the.preparation.of.LiFE.integrated.Projects.for.Natura.2000,.which.would.focus.on.key.priorities.identified.in.PAFs.–.aiming.for.at.least.one.project.being.initiated.in.each.Member.States.by.2019;.and

✓.Draw.lessons.and.share.experience.from.ongoing.LiFE.integrated.Projects.(2017–2019).to.develop.strategic.recommendations.for.investment.in.the.management.and.coherence.of.Natura.2000..

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EU LIFE Integrated Projects aim to help implement the Nature Directives on a regional, multi-regional or national level.

Under this action, the Commission will also:✓.Propose.in.2017.to.increase.the.

Nature.and.Biodiversity.envelope.under.the.LiFE.regulation.by.10%;

✓.Support.additional.pilot.projects,.specifically.targeted.at.landowners’.organisations.and.their.constituency,.that.significantly.contribute.to.testing.the.applicability.of.tools.for.private.land.conservation.in.Natura.2000.sites.under.the.LiFE.programme.(2017–2019);

✓.Further.support.biodiversity-related.projects.under.Natural.Capital.Financing.Facility.(NCFF).with.the.aim.of.securing.nine.to.12.projects.within.the.implementation.period.(2017–2019);

✓. in.the.framework.of.the.Community.of.Practice.on.Finance.and.Biodiversity.(EU.CoP.F@B),.contribute.to.the.transition.towards.a.sustainable.financial.sector.by.encouraging.better.integration.of.biodiversity.into.financial.activities.(2017–2019);.and

✓.identify.with.Member.States.and.other.stakeholders.best.practices.on.investment.for.extractive.operations.and.for.land.rehabilitation.and.restoration.by.non-energy.mineral.extractive.industry.(2018).

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Although the CAP 2014–2020 provides for supporting measures in favour of biodiversity, impacts on the ground are generally too limited and depend also from Member State and farmers’ implementation choices..

Therefore under this action, the Commission will: ✓.Carry.out.an.evaluation.of.the.impact.

of.the.CAP.on.biodiversity,.including.on.the.use.of.financial.resources.for.biodiversity.protection.and.Natura.2000.and.the.use.of.the.Natura.2000.measure.to.compensate.beneficiaries.for.additional.costs.and.income.foregone.resulting.from.the.implementation.of.the.Nature.Directives.(2018–2019);

✓.Encourage.the.full.and.effective.use.of.the.financial.resources.available.for.Natura.2000.sites.and.wider.biodiversity.protection.in.the.period.2014–2020.under.the.European.Agricultural.rural.Development.Fund.(EArDF).drawing.upon.the.lessons.learnt.and.identified.best.practices,.as.well.as.existing.guidance.and.policy.(2017–2019);

✓.Encourage.Member.States.to.extend.the.designation.of.their.Permanent.Grassland.as.Environmentally.Sensitive.Permanent.Grassland.in.designated.Natura.2000.sites.(2017–2018);

✓.Assess.existing.experience.on.result-based.payment.schemes.for.farmers.under.rural.Development,.identifying.opportunities.and.limitations.in.order.to.promote.their.wider.use.(2017–2018);.and

✓.Continue.promoting.innovation.and.knowledge.exchange.via.the.network.for.the.European.innovation.Partnership.for.Agricultural.Productivity.and.Sustainability.(EiP-AGri),.in.particular.by.taking.up.the.results.of.the.High.Nature.Value.farming.focus.group.(2017–2018).

ACTION 9:Promote synergies with funding from the Common Agricultural Policy, including effective use of Natura 2000 payments and agri-environment-climate measures, the development of result-based schemes, support to farmers through Farming Advisory Services, and innovation and knowledge transfer through the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

The EU Rural Development Programme can be used to support Natura 2000.

✓.Establish.cross-cutting.Natura.2000.indicators.for.all.EU.funds.for.the.next.programming.period.and,.consider.improvement.to.existing.indicators.and.the.possibility.to.establish.new.ones,.where.relevant.(2017–2018).

Member States for their part should: ✓.Assess.the.current.use.of.financial.

allocations.for.biodiversity.protection.and.Natura.2000,.including.the.Natura.2000.measure.(2017–2019);

✓.Ensure.appropriate.coordination.and.information.sharing.between.all.authorities.involved.in.the.management.of.Natura.2000.sites,.including.agricultural.authorities.(2017–2019);.and.

✓.Support.training.and.awareness-raising.for.farmers.and.other.stakeholders.in.rural.areas,.in.particular.through.Farming.Advisory.Services.about.the.measure.implementing.the.Nature.Directives.(2017–2019).

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The Cohesion Policy for the 2014–2020 period provides investment support, capacity building and cooperation opportunities for biodiversity and nature protection. Approximately E4 billion is allocated from the Cohesion policy funds to biodiversity and Natura 2000 sites for the period 2014–2020 covering a broad range of projects (e.g. planning, conservation, management and capacity building).

Under this action, to support the Cohesion Policy Funds’ managing authorities and stakeholders in making full use of the available opportunities for increased synergies with EU Nature legislation, the Commission will:✓.Prepare.a.short.guidance.on.the.

available.support.under.the.Cohesion.Policy,.identify.best.practices,.and.provide.information.on.the.benefits.of.Natura.2000,.including.green.infrastructure.that.supports.the.coherence.of.the.Network..Use.this.guidance.to.raise.awareness.through.workshops.and.in.bilateral.meetings.(2017–2018);

✓.Provide.regional.actors,.under.the.interreg.Europe.policy.with.a.learning.platform.on.environmental.protection.with.targeted.information.on.nature.(policy.briefs,.database.on.best.practices,.experts’.help.desk).and.support.their.cooperation.(2017–2018);.

ACTION 10: Increase awareness of Cohesion Policy Funding opportunities and improve synergies

The EU Cohesion Policy has supported the elaboration of Natura 2000 management plans in several countries and regions.

✓.Encourage.countries.(EU.and.non-EU),.regions.and.stakeholders.involved.in.the.EU.Macro-regional.Strategies.(MrSs).to.develop.projects/initiatives.with.a.macro-regional.relevance.on.nature.protection.in.the.regions.covered.(2017–2018);

✓.Launch.a.partnership.under.the.Urban.Agenda.for.the.EU.on.Sustainable.Land.use.and.Nature-Based.Solutions..Promote.and.discuss.biodiversity.and.Nature-Based.Solutions,.where.relevant,.in.other.partnerships.(e.g..on.Climate.adaptation,.Circular.economy,.Air.quality).and.other.relevant.initiatives.(e.g..Covenant.of.Mayors)..in.addition,.launch.a.call.under.the.Urban.innovative.Actions.initiative,.to.test.novel.solutions.for.selected.sustainable.urban.development.themes.(2017–2019);.and

✓.Establish.cross-cutting.Natura.2000.indicators.for.all.EU.funds.for.the.next.programming.period,.consider.improvement.to.existing.indicators.and.the.possibility.to.establish.new.ones,.where.relevant.(2017–2018).

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The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) provides financial support to biodiversity protection and Natura 2000 sites. For the 2014–2020 period, Member States have allocated over E18 million through their EMFF operational Programmes to support the management, restoration and monitoring of Natura 2000 sites and other marine protected areas; to promote more selective fishing gear to avoid accidental by-catch of species (marine mammals, seabirds) and to support aquaculture providing environmental services.

Under this action the Commission and Member States will: ✓.Facilitate.full.and.effective.use.of.

the.financial.resources.allocated.for.biodiversity.protection.and.Natura.2000.sites.in.the.period.2014–2020.under.EMFF.and,.where.feasible,.promote.increased.allocations.and.uptake,.by:

. -. assessing.the.current.use.of.financial.allocations.for.biodiversity.protection.and.Natura.2000.(by.2017);.and

. -. drawing.lessons.and.identifying.best.practices,.especially.with.regard.to.projects.related.to.the.identification.and.designation.of.the.Natura.2000.sites.in.the.marine.environment.and.the.establishment.and.implementation.of.the.necessary.conservation.objectives.and.measures.for.marine.sites.

. . (by.2017);

ACTION 11: Improve synergies with the Common Fisheries Policy and the Integrated Maritime Policy, including more effective use of the financing opportunities available

Member States have allocated over €18 million through their EMFF Operational Programmes to support the management of marine Natura 2000 sites.

. -. facilitating.Member.States’.use.of.existing.opportunities.for.financing.projects.related.to.the.Nature.Directives’.implementation.and.biodiversity.protection.under.EMFF,.on.the.basis.of.the.lessons.learnt.and.identified.best.practices,.as.well.as.of.the.existing.guidance.and.policy.(2018–2019)..

✓.Establish.cross-cutting.Natura.2000.indicators.for.all.EU.funds.for.the.next.programming.period,.consider.improvement.to.existing.indicators.and.the.possibility.to.establish.new.ones,.where.relevant.(2017–2018).as.well.as.explore.the.possibility.to.develop.ex-ante.conditionalities;.and

✓.Launch.a.study.on.ecosystem-based.maritime.spatial.planning.under.the.integrated.Maritime.Policy.work.programme.and.showcase.best.practices/experiences.in.applying.ecosystem-based.maritime.spatial.planning.in.Europe.(2017–2018)..

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a) Habitat and landscape management and restoration measures through Green infrastructure (Gi) are needed, both within and outside Natura 2000 sites to ensure the coherence of the Natura 2000 Network.

b) There is also growing experience with European-funded research and innovation policy on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) that demonstrates how healthy ecosystems contribute to economic and social development, if prioritised.

a) Under this action, the Commission, in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders, will:

✓.Publish.a.report.on.the.review.of.progress.towards.implementing.the.EU.Green.infrastructure.Strategy..This.report.will.further.inform.the.development.of.the.proposed.way.forward.on.strategically.investing.in.Green.infrastructure.in.the.European.Union.(by.2017);.and

✓.Develop.guidance.providing.a.strategic.framework.for.further.supporting.the.deployment.of.EU-level.Green.infrastructure,.containing.a.series.of.guidelines.on.objectives,.priorities.and.selection.criteria.for.Green.infrastructure.projects.of.European.interest.that.contribute.to.the.goals.of.the.Nature.Directives.(by.mid-2018)..

ACTION 12: a) Provide guidance to support the deployment of green infrastructure for better connectivity of Natura 2000 areas; b) Support Nature-Based Solutions projects through EU research and innovation policy and Horizon 2020 funds

Under the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme a Research and Innovation policy agenda has been established to promote Nature-Based Solutions.

b) Under this action, the Commission, in close cooperation with stakeholders, will:

✓.Actively.develop.and.disseminate.the.evidence.base.on.Nature-Based.Solutions,.including.the.exchange.of.knowledge.and.best.practices.to.improve.local.uptake.(2017–2019);.

✓.invest.in.a.range.of.demonstration.projects.on.Nature-Based.Solutions.which.test.and.develop.innovative.approaches.on.the.ground.on.how.investing.in.nature.provides.multiple.benefits.(2017–2019);

✓.Explore.how.Nature-Based.Solutions.demonstration.projects.can.support.the.proposed.strategic.deployment.of.EU-level.Green.infrastructure;.and

✓.Propose.Nature-Based.Solutions.as.one.of.the.2018.potential.themes.for.the.Knowledge.Exchange.Platform.(KEP),.a.cooperation.between.the.Committee.of.the.regions.and.the.European.Commission.(DG.research.&.innovation).to.share.knowledge.on.research,.innovative.products.and.best.practice.in.response.to.societal.challenges.faced.by.local.and.regional.authorities.in.Europe.(2018–2019).

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Sixty-two percent of Europeans believe the EU should better inform its citizens about Europe's biodiversity and the measures being taken to protect it.

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Local and regional authorities play an important role in the practical implementation of EU environmental legislation, including the Nature Directives, on the ground. in December 2012 a joint Committee of the regions/European Commission Technical Platform for Cooperation on the Environment was launched to foster dialogue on local and regional problems and solutions in the application of EU environment law.

Under this action, the Commission and the Committee of the regions will together:✓.organise.a.conference.to.officially.

present.the.Action.Plan.to.relevant.authorities.and.stakeholders.(6/06/2017);

✓.in.the.framework.of.the.Joint.Technical.Platform.for.Cooperation.organise.workshops,.seminars.and.conferences.aimed.at.promoting.local.and.regional.authorities’.smart.and.effective.implementation.of.the.Nature.Directives,.also.in.cooperation.with.European.associations.of.local.and.regional.authorities.such.as.the.Covenant.of.Mayors.(2017–2019);

✓.organise.debates.in.EU.cities.and.regions.with.local.and.regional.stakeholders,.and.seminars.to.exchange.knowledge.and.good.practice.among.EU.cities.and.regions.on.the.Nature.Directives.

ACTION 13: Support knowledge exchange and engagement of local and regional authorities through a joint platform with the Committee of the Regions

The Committee of the Regions is the voice of regions and cities in the EU. It is made up of 350 regional and locally elected representatives from all 28 countries.

implementation,.including.in.the.framework.of.the.Committee.of.the.regions.Local.Events.initiative.upon.the.initiative.of.Committee.of.the.regions.members.(2018–2019);.and

✓.in.the.framework.of.the.‘reflecting.on.Europe’.initiative,.organise.local.events.across.Europe,.mainly.in.the.form.of.‘citizens’.debates’.upon.the.initiative.of.the.Committee.of.the.regions’.members,.regions,.provinces,.cities.and.their.national.associations,.dedicated.to.the.Nature.Directives.and.the.benefits.provided.by.healthy.ecosystems.and.nature.(2017–2019).

These.initiatives.will.be.used.to.support.outreach.for.the.Action.Plan.and.to.re-engage.local.and.regional.authorities,.stakeholders.and.the.public,.especially.young.people,.with.a.positive.agenda.towards.EU.nature.protection.policy.

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Stakeholder awareness and engagement have been highlighted as key factors affecting achievement of the Nature Directives’ objectives.

Under this action the Commission, the Committee of the regions, Member States and stakeholders will:✓.Support.recognition.for.good.

management.of.Natura.2000.sites.by:. -. Further.developing.the.pan-European.

Natura.2000.Award,.which.aims.to.recognise.excellence.in.the.management.of.Natura.2000.sites.(2017–2019);.and

. -. Developing.and.testing.the.feasibility.of.systems.aimed.at.recognising.positive.management.of.Natura.2000.sites,.(e.g..‘name&fame’,.twinning.of.sites).and.at.sharing.

information,.expertise.and.good.practice.between.site.managers,.including.online.learning.opportunities.(2018).

✓.Support.awareness.raising.on.the.Nature.Directives.and.Natura.2000,.by:.

. -. Proclaiming.21.May.as.European.Natura.2000.Day.(15/5/2017);

. -. Showcasing.the.benefits.and.opportunities.provided.by.Natura.2000.for.further.integration.with.other.EU.policies.in.all.available.EU.level.fora.(2017–2019);.and

. -. Developing.a.Natura.2000.application.for.mobile.phones,.so.people.could.locate,.explore.and.learn.about.the.protected.species.and.habitats.in.Natura.2000.sites.(2017–2019).

✓.Strengthen.links.between.natural.and.cultural.heritage.by:

. -. Evaluating.the.spatial.overlaps.between.Natura.2000.and.cultural.heritage.areas,.in.cooperation.with.UNESCo/World.Heritage.Sites.and.the.Council.of.Europe.(2017);

. -. Examining.the.potential.synergies.and.opportunities.for.tapping.into.natural.and.cultural.heritage.in.Natura.2000.areas.to.generate.

ACTION 14: Support recognition of good management of Natura 2000 sites and awareness-raising of the Nature Directives through relevant fora, availing of new technologies and outreach activities, and strengthen links between natural and cultural heritage, especially in the context of 2018 as European Year of Cultural Heritage

Many Natura 2000 sites will celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018.

economic.benefits,.employment.opportunities.and.to.support.key.sectors.such.as.sustainable.tourism.(2018);.

. -. identifying.and.disseminating.good.practice.case.studies.for.integrated.management.of.natural.and.cultural.heritage.in.Natura.2000.in.the.context.of.the.2018.European.year.of.Cultural.Heritage.(2017–2018);

. -. Exploring.the.benefits.of.upscaling.the.results.of.r&i.projects.on.cultural.landscapes.in.Natura.2000.sites.and.explore.synergies.with.large-scale.demonstration.projects.launched.under.Horizon.2020.on.heritage-led.rural.regeneration.(2018–2019);

. -. organising.joint.local.events.at.European.Heritage.Days.and.exploring.integration.options.under.the.EU.heritage.prize/Europa.Nostra.awards.and.the.Nature.awards,.and.synergies.with.the.European.Capital.of.Culture.(2017–2018);.and

. -. identifying.good.practice.for..further.supporting.investment.in.Natura.2000.areas.of.high.cultural.value.through.public.and.private.funding.(2018).

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in 2017 the European Solidarity Corps will be consolidated by a dedicated legal framework. it will offer the opportunity to young people willing to show solidarity to go to another Member State and experience different practices to tackle the challenges of nature protection and disaster prevention, while gaining invaluable experience for future occupations.

ACTION 15: Involve young people actively in measures dealing with societal needs by giving them the opportunity to get involved in nature protection in Natura 2000 sites (European Solidarity Corps)

on 7 December 2016 the European Commission launched the European Solidarity Corps which aims to provide young people with opportunities to participate in a wide range of solidarity activities at home or abroad, throughout the EU. The European Solidarity Corps offers opportunities for volunteering, traineeships or jobs that will provide young people with a chance to gain invaluable experience, develop their skills and make a contribution to society.

The European Solidarity Corps offers young people the opportunity to assist in nature conservation projects in another Member State.

Under this action, the Commission, with the active support from the Member States and in close cooperation with stakeholders, will (2017–2019):✓.Carry.out.LiFE.preparatory.actions.

for.young.people.under.the.European.Solidarity.Corps.for.the.conservation.of.Natura.2000.sites..This.will.focus.on.in-country.activities;.and.

✓.Contribute.through.EU.funding.to.offer.young.Europeans.cross-border.volunteering.opportunities.or.professional.experience.in.the.field.of.disaster.prevention.and.nature.conservation.

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Further reading

Commission Communication CoM (2017) 198 final: An Action Plan for nature, people and the economy http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/fitness_check/action_plan/communication_en.pdf

Commission Staff Working Document SWD (2017) 139: Factsheets providing details of actions in the Action Plan for nature, people and the economyhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/fitness_check/action_plan/factsheets_en.pdf

Commission Staff Working Document SWD(2016) 472 final: Fitness Check on EU Nature Legislation (Birds and Habitats Directives) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/fitness_check/docs/nature_fitness_check.pdf

DG Environment Webpage on the Fitness Checkhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/fitness_check/index_en.htm

Commission Guidance on the management of Natura 2000 sites (including permit procedures under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive).http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/index_en.htm

Commission initiatives (including guidance, Species Action Plans etc.) for species protection under the Habitats Directive http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm

Commission initiatives (including guidance, Species Action Plans etc.) for species protection under the Birds Directiveshttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/birdsdirective/index_en.htm

The State of Nature in the EU brochure (2015) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/pdf/state_of_nature_en.pdf.

The Natura 2000 viewer http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/data/index_en.htm

The Natura 2000 Awardhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/awards/index_en.htm.

The Natura 2000 newsletter: Natura2000http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/info/pubs/natura2000nl_en.htm

The LiFE Programme http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/index.htm.

Publications on EU nature legislation http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/info/pubs/directives_en.htm

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Getting in touch with the EU

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