1nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

NATURAN u m b e r 4 4 | J u l y 2 0 1 8N a t u r e a n d B i o d i v e r s i t y N e w s l e t t e r

2000

Environment

The EU pollinators initiative

ISSN

102

6-6

151

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It has been just over a year since the Commission launched its comprehensive Nature Action Plan to significantly improve the practical implementation of the Nature Directives and accelerate progress towards the EU 2020 goal of halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Good progress has been made in implementing the 100+ individual measures identified in the Plan. For instance, the rate of Natura 2000 sites which have been designated and for which conservation objectives and measures have been established has considerably increased. Guidance documents on EU nature legislation and electricity transmission facilities, hydropower and fisheries have been finalised. Bilateral meetings have been held with Member States to discuss how to improve implementation of the Nature Directives in their countries and to lend support where needed. A new Prioritised Action Framework format has been established to help Member States make the most of the funding opportunities that will soon become available under the new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021–2027. And to strengthen implementation of the Nature Directives the Commission has increased by 10% the LIFE budget envelope for nature and biodiversity until 2020 and proposed a further 60% increase for the next financial period.

Last but not least, on Natura 2000 day, I once again had the great pleasure of announcing the winners of the Natura 2000 awards for 2018. My congratulations to them once more on their success, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who is working tirelessly behind the scenes to make Natura 2000 one of Europe’s greatest lasting achievements.

Nature protection doesn’t stop at Natura 2000 boundaries. We are also working hard to tackle wider biodiversity problems. In June we adopted the first ever EU initiative for wild pollinators, a coordinated and strategic EU effort aimed at stemming the vertiginous decline in their numbers across Europe.

And things are advancing too on the international stage. Our knowledge base is growing thanks to reports from IPBES, and the EU is stepping up it efforts accordingly. We continue to press for biodiversity to be included in discussions on climate change, and to push our Ocean Governance agenda: the United Nations has now given the go-ahead to develop a new legally binding instrument to safeguard biodiversity in the high seas – in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

While this progress is a reason for optimism, we still have a long way to go in order to halt biodiversity loss in Europe. In that respect, securing an environmentally ambitious post-2020 EU financial framework, including in relation to the next CAP, is our next big challenge. So there is plenty of work ahead. But in the meantime – I hope you enjoy the summer, and happy holidays to all!

Karmenu VellaEuropean Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

Natura 2000nature and biodiversity newsletter July 2018CONTENTS3–5 The 2018 Natura 2000 Awards6–7Commission adopts an EU-wide Pollinators Initiative8–9 Natura 2000 Barometer – update March 2018

10–12Preparing for the EU’s new budget 2021–2027

13New European Species Action Plans for birds

14–16 Natura News

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The 2018 Natura 2000 Awards

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On 17 May 2018, Mr Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, together with the jury members revealed the winners of the 2018 edition of the prestigious European Natura 2000 Award at a high level ceremony in Brussels.

The Award, which is now organised every other year, aims to recognise the efforts Europeans are making in protecting our natural heritage and showcase the role of Natura 2000 in not only safeguarding our natural heritage but also promoting our social and economic wellbeing.

The 2018 Award once again attracted significant interest. Seventy-five eligible applications were received from 27 Member

States, out of which 25 were selected as finalists for the five award categories: conservation; socio-economic benefits; communication; reconciling interests/perceptions; and networking and cross-border cooperation.

The range and breadth of applications was truly impressive and made the choice of winners that much harder. But, in the end, the jury, which is made up of high level representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Committee of the Regions and stakeholder organisations, reached a unanimous decision on the five winners.

The winner of the sixth category, the European Citizen’s

Award, was chosen by the public. Over 50,000 EU citizens cast their vote for their favourite project amongst the 25 finalists and so become directly engaged in the award process.

Regional events are now being organised for each of the six winners to promote their projects locally. A dedicated YouTube video has also been produced on each one to present their work.

The next Natura 2000 Award application round will start in mid-2019, giving future applicants ample time to prepare their proposals. More information will be available in due course.

For more information and inspiration go to the Natura 2000 Award Website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/awards/index_en.htm

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And ThE winnErs ArE ...

The ConservaTion awardA partnership to stop poisoning of imperial eagles – Hungary

Predator poisoning is one of the most significant problems for threatened raptors and carnivores worldwide. This project, run by MME/BirdLife Hungary and eight partner organisations, set out to reduce the illegal poisoning of eastern imperial eagle Aquila heliaca in 20 Hungarian Natura 2000 areas and surrounding habitats. Altogether 34 actions were carried out, including the establishment of a specialised dog-unit and a tailor-made tracking system to find poisoned eagles, nest-guarding measures and workshops for key stakeholders. The number of cases of poisoning has decreased substantially since the project began. This is thanks to the continuous presence in the field of inspectors and the deterrent effect of successful prosecutions. The eagles’ breeding population has already increased by 36% over the last two years as a result. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyu4cgmtF8&feature=youtu.be http://natura2000award-application.eu/finalist/3204

The CommuniCaTion awardLIFE+ Natura 2000: Connecting people with biodiversity

SEO/BirdLife, a Spanish NGO, joined forces with the Spanish international news agency, Agencia EFE, to carry out a range of communication activities aimed at raising public awareness about the Spanish Natura 2000 network. A series of half-hour documentaries were developed to showcase different Natura 2000 sites and their local communities across different regions of Spain. These were broadcast on Spanish TV attracting an audience of almost five million viewers. The project also carried out an extensive information campaign on Natura 2000 in 50 hypermarkets across 14 regions and held 37 workshops to explain to people living and working in Natura 2000 site what it means for them. By the end of the project the number of people who knew about Natura 2000 in Spain had increased from 10% to 22%.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR_f2Apf4yghttp://natura2000award-application.eu/finalist/3144

The soCio-eConomiC benefiTs awardLIFE to alvars: restoration and grazing reintroduction of Estonian alvar grasslands

Estonia harbours a third of all alvar grasslands in Europe. By the mid 1980s, most of the 9,800 hectares present in Estonia had become overgrown with shrubs and trees. This EU LIFE funded project aimed to restore 2,500 ha of alvar grassland in 19 Natura 2000 sites and involve local farmers in the long-term management of the restored sites. Approximately 600 landowners participated in the project and now all restored sites have become eligible for EU agri-environmental payments. The project also helped farmers create additional revenue by finding suitable uses for the timber harvested during the restoration actions, and by successfully marketing the meat and wool derived from the extensive grazing activities. The local perception of Natura 2000 is now much more positive thanks to this project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwDupuYSDBs http://natura2000award-application.eu/finalist/3103

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reConCiLinG inTeresT / PerCePTions awardCo-existing with bears in the 21st century: Difficulties and achievements

The district of Kastoria, in Greece, is of strategic importance for the brown bear since it functions as a communication corridor between sub-populations in Greece and the Western Balkans. The Greek NGO CALLISTO has been working here since 2009 to address many of the human-bear conflicts. It has, for instance, installed different safety measures on the new motorway to prevent collisions between bears and vehicles. It has also successfully established a network of guard dog owners and interested stockbreeders, as well as mounted electric fences to protect beehives and orchards, and installed ‘bear-proof’ waste-bins in order to reduce conflicts with bears in rural areas. The drastic reduction in traffic accidents, as well as other conservation and awareness-raising actions, has significantly increased local tolerance towards bears. http://natura2000award-application.eu/finalist/2236

Cross-border CooPeraTion and neTworKinG awardJoint conservation efforts along three continents to save the sacred bird

The Egyptian vulture is now on the edge of extinction, due amongst others, to poisoning, direct persecution, nest robbery, disturbance and electrocution by dangerous powerlines. In 2011, four partners – HOS and WWF Greece, BSPB/BirdLife Bulgaria and RSPB UK – joined forces to halt the decline of the species in the Balkans. The partners trained 178 customs officers in Greece and Bulgaria to control the illegal trade in Egyptian vultures. They also helped 1,400 farmers in Bulgaria to manage around 100,000 ha of pastures for the benefit of the species and insulated over 400 electricity pylons in Greece and Bulgaria. The project has been instrumental for the preparation of the Flyway Action Plan for the Conservation of the Balkan and Central Asian Populations of Egyptian Vulture (EVFAP), involving 26 countries.https://youtube/qK0dS-y5TGohttp://natura2000award-application.eu/finalist/3520

The euroPean CiTiZen’s awardSchool of Nature

Viana do Castelo is a municipality situated in the north of Portugal, hosting three major Natura 2000 sites. In order to encourage and engage people’s interest in the knowledge, respect and appreciation of these valuable ecosystems, the Centre of Environmental Monitoring and Interpretation of Viana do Castelo Town Hall developed an educational project called School of Nature. It aims to bring school communities and, thus indirectly, the local community, closer to their unique natural heritage. Through the project, 60 field activities were carried out with pupils allowing them to observe and interpret the changes and dynamics of the natural ecosystems. In addition, five training courses were held for teachers on sustainability and nature conservation. A total of 20,000 people have benefited from the communication programme so far. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf4_KiLzWFk

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6 nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

Commission adopts an EU-wide Pollinators initiative

On 1 June 2018, the European Commission published an EU rescue plan for wild pollinators in order to stem their vertiginous decline across Europe. Pollinator decline is a global phenomenon with potentially severe impacts on natural ecosystems and food security. It has attracted worldwide attention, leading to persistent calls for action over the last few years, both in Europe and elsewhere. The new EU Pollinators Initiative comes in response to requests by the European Parliament, Member States, stakeholders and the general public to protect pollinators and their habitats and to halt their disappearance. In a public consultation carried out by the Commission between January and April 2018, more than nine

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out of 10 respondents considered the decline of pollinators truly alarming and thought that efforts at EU level needed to be stepped up significantly to halt their decline. Recognising the multiple and complex problems that pollinators face across Europe, the European Commission’s initiative proposes a targeted approach based on three priority themes and 10 actions to be implemented between now and 2020. The Commission will review progress by the end of 2020 in order to propose further action to enhance its impact, if considered necessary.

The importance of pollinators In Europe, around 84% of crop species and 78% of wild

flowering species depend, at least in part, on animal pollination and almost 15 billion of the EU’s annual agricultural output is directly attributed to insect pollination. For many crops, the contribution of pollinators can amount to half of the market value of produce. Bees are amongst the most prolific pollinators. The best known is the domesticated western honeybee Apis mellifera, but there are in fact almost 2,000 wild bee species in the EU, a significant proportion of which are in serious decline according to IUCN’s last Red List assessment. Although the plight of the honeybees is already well known, there is a much greater problem lurking behind this highly publicised phenomenon, namely

6 nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

in Germany a recent report found that the insect biomass has declined by more than 75% over 27 years (1989–2016) in 63 nature protection areas.

Ana Nieto, Stuart P.M. Roberts, James Kemp, Pierre Rasmont, Michael Kuhlmann,

Mariana García Criado, Jacobus C. Biesmeijer, Petr Bogusch, Holger H. Dathe, Pilar De la Rúa,

Thibaut De Meulemeester, Manuel Dehon, Alexandre Dewulf, Francisco Javier Ortiz-Sánchez,

Patrick Lhomme, Alain Pauly, Simon G. Potts, Christophe Praz, Marino Quaranta,

Vladimir G. Radchenko, Erwin Scheuchl, Jan Smit, Jakub Straka, Michael Terzo, Bogdan Tomozii,

Jemma Window and Denis Michez

European Red List of Bees

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the dramatic decline in the occurrence and diversity of all kinds of European wild insect pollinators, including wild bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths. As insect pollinators are a vital driving force behind healthy ecosystems, their disappearance would not only be a disaster for Europe’s biodiversity but would also have serious social and economic implications. This is already happening in parts of the world where most wild pollinators have been lost due to intensive land use and the application of chemicals: farmers see themselves forced to pay beekeepers for pollination services, to laboriously (and inefficiently) pollinate fruit trees by hand, or altogether abandon crops and orchards dependent on insect pollination. The current scientific knowledge suggests that there is no single driver of pollinator decline. Rather, it is the result of a complex mix of land-use change, intensive agricultural management and pesticide use, environmental pollution, invasive alien species, diseases and climate change.

The need for EU actionThere is already a range of existing measures under several EU policies that are beneficial to pollinators. The EU has, for instance, supported the generation of valuable knowledge through the ALARM and STEP projects and the European Red Lists on bees. It has introduced dedicated actions to support honeybee health and apiculture and, through the new IAS Regulation, is tackling the spread of invasive alien species, such as the Asian yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina, which attack bee hives, or the Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera which smothers out pollinator habitats. The EU has also restricted the use of three neonicotinoid pesticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin) and, in April 2018, proposed further restrictions on their use. The EU Nature Directives, for their part, are making a substantial contribution to protecting habitats, such as grasslands that are vital for pollinators. The EU Common Agricultural Policy also promotes

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EU Pollinators Initiative – 10 key actionsPriority i. improving knowledge of pollinator decline, its causes and its consequences • Action 1 support monitoring and assessment• Action 2 support research and innovation • Action 3 facilitate knowledge sharing and access to data

Priority ii. Tackling the causes of pollinator decline • Action 4 conserve endangered pollinator species and habitats• Action 5 improve pollinator habitats on and around farmland • Action 6 improve pollinator habitats in urban areas and the

wider landscape• Action 7 reduce the impacts of pesticide use on pollinators • Action 8 reduce the impacts of invasive alien species on pollinators

Priority iii. raising awareness, engaging society and promoting collaboration • Action 9 encourage the business sector and citizens to act• Action 10 promote pollinator strategies and collaboration at all levels

Urban areas can act as important refuges for wild pollinators.

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measures to maintain or create pollinator habitats, for instance through ecological focus areas, agri-environment-climate measures, Natura 2000 payments, or investments in organic farming. Yet, these measures have not been sufficient to halt the decline of pollinators. Various assessments showed the need for a more coordinated EU action to address the problem through an integrated approach involving different sectors and policies. The Commission is therefore proposing through this EU Pollinators Initiative:● Measures to improve

knowledge of pollinator decline, including the causes and consequences. An EU monitoring process for pollinators will provide quality data on the status and trends of pollinator species. The Commission will draw up a list of habitats important to pollinating insects, and assess their condition based on reporting of Member States under the Habitats Directive. It will also launch a project to monitor the presence of pesticides in the environment and Horizon 2020 will continue to promote research and innovation in this area.

● Measures to tackle the causes of the decline, such as action plans for the habitats of the most threatened pollinating insects and identify conservation and management approaches to help Member States. The Commission is also proposing to integrate EU action for pollinators across health, agricultural, research, cohesion, climate and environmental policies to achieve better results.

● Measures to raise awareness, engage citizens and promote collaboration. The Commission will guide and provide businesses with incentives, in particular in the agri-food sector, to contribute to conservation. Educational material on pollinators will be provided to schools, and volunteering in projects that benefit communities and the environment will be encouraged through the European Solidarity Corps.

More information about the EU pollinator’s initiative is available on: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/pollinators/index_en.htm

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barometer

Member states

Natura 2000 network (terrestrial and marine)

TERRESTRIAL MARINE

SCI SPA Natura 2000 network SCI SPA Natura 2000 network

Total N° Natura 2000 Sites

Total area Natura 2000 km2

SCI area(km2)

SPA area(km2)

Natura area(km2)

% land area covered

SCI area(km2)

SPA area(km2)

Natura area(km2)

AUSTRIA 309 12701 9202 10170 12701 15.15% n.a. n.a. n.a. AT

BELGIUM 310 5163 3282 3186 3892 12.75% 1128 318 1271 BE

BULGARIA 339 41048 33258 25226 38222 34.46% 2482 550 2827 BG

CYPRUS 63 1784 752 1534 1653 28.82% 131 110 131 CY

CZECH REPUBLIC 1153 11148 7951 7035 11148 14.14% n.a. n.a. n.a. CZ

GERMANY 5200 80803 33524 40248 55200 15.46% 20938 19738 25603 DE

DENMARK 350 22647 3178 2605 3594 8.34% 16492 12184 19053 DK

ESTONIA 567 14861 7806 6203 8106 17.92% 3883 6480 6754 EE

SPAIN 1863 222356 117516 101444 137952 27.33% 54892 52063 84404 ES

FINLAND 1865 55988 48556 24655 48847 14.45% 6800 6425 7140 FI

FRANCE 1773 184682 48378 44021 70625 12.86% jjj 100276 35543 jjj 114057 FR

GREECE 446 58778 21912 27646 35982 27.27% jjj 17528 jjj 8516 jjj 22796 GR

CROATIA 779 25690 16040 17034 20704 36.58% 4668 1112 4986 HR

HUNGARY 525 19949 14442 13747 19949 21.44% n.a. n.a. n.a. HU

IRELAND 604 19488 7167 4311 9230 13.13% 9785 1584 10258 IE

ITALY 2613 64124 42899 40126 57265 19.00% 5801 4006 6859 IT

LITHUANIA 551 9649 6288 5530 8086 12.38% 958 1056 1563 LT

LUXEMBOURG 66 702 416 418 702 27.03% n.a. n.a. n.a. LU

LATVIA 333 11834 7421 6610 7447 11.53% 2664 4280 4387 LV

MALTA 48 3531 40 16 41 12.97% 1579 3221 3490 MT

NETHERLANDS 196 20605 3139 4771 5522 13.30% 12074 8627 15083 NL

POLAND 987 68401 34187 48394 61165 19.56% 4339 7223 7236 PL

PORTUGAL 166 57062 15680 9204 19010 20.67% 30918 8747 38052 PT

ROMANIA 597 60577 40310 36493 54214 22.74% 6188 1630 6362 RO

SWEDEN 4084 75876 55141 25330 55647 13.41% 20160 14448 20229 SE

SLOVENIA 355 7686 6637 5068 7675 37.86% 4 10 11 SI

SLOVAKIA 683 14633 6151 13105 14633 29.96% n.a. n.a. n.a. SK

UNITED KINGDOM 933 150865 13175 16085 21001 8.58% 121735 18056 129865 UK

EU 28 27758 1322630 604448 540215 790213 18.18% 445423 215927 532417 EU 28

This nATUrA BAroMETEr is produced by DG Environment with the help of the European Environment Agency. It is based on information officially transmitted by Member States up to 02.03.2018.

The Natura 2000 network is composed of sites under the Habitats Directive (pSCI, SCIs or SACs – labelled ‘SCIs’ in the barometer) and sites under the Birds Directive (SPAs). The figures relating to the total area of Natura 2000 sites (i.e. SPAs + SCIs) have been obtained through GIS analysis. This avoids any risk of counting sites twice if they have been designated under both Directives.

Arrows indicate increase in the area of the Natura 2000 network since the last update of the barometer in November 2017.

Details of all Natura 2000 sites in the Natura 2000 Network can be consulted in the Natura 2000 viewer: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu

j Small increase in 2018 jj Moderate increase in 2018 jjj Substantial increase in 2018

Natura 2000 in EU 28

59.75% land

40.25% marine

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update March 2018

Member states

Natura 2000 network (terrestrial and marine)

TERRESTRIAL MARINE

SCI SPA Natura 2000 network SCI SPA Natura 2000 network

Total N° Natura 2000 Sites

Total area Natura 2000 km2

SCI area(km2)

SPA area(km2)

Natura area(km2)

% land area covered

SCI area(km2)

SPA area(km2)

Natura area(km2)

AUSTRIA 309 12701 9202 10170 12701 15.15% n.a. n.a. n.a. AT

BELGIUM 310 5163 3282 3186 3892 12.75% 1128 318 1271 BE

BULGARIA 339 41048 33258 25226 38222 34.46% 2482 550 2827 BG

CYPRUS 63 1784 752 1534 1653 28.82% 131 110 131 CY

CZECH REPUBLIC 1153 11148 7951 7035 11148 14.14% n.a. n.a. n.a. CZ

GERMANY 5200 80803 33524 40248 55200 15.46% 20938 19738 25603 DE

DENMARK 350 22647 3178 2605 3594 8.34% 16492 12184 19053 DK

ESTONIA 567 14861 7806 6203 8106 17.92% 3883 6480 6754 EE

SPAIN 1863 222356 117516 101444 137952 27.33% 54892 52063 84404 ES

FINLAND 1865 55988 48556 24655 48847 14.45% 6800 6425 7140 FI

FRANCE 1773 184682 48378 44021 70625 12.86% jjj 100276 35543 jjj 114057 FR

GREECE 446 58778 21912 27646 35982 27.27% jjj 17528 jjj 8516 jjj 22796 GR

CROATIA 779 25690 16040 17034 20704 36.58% 4668 1112 4986 HR

HUNGARY 525 19949 14442 13747 19949 21.44% n.a. n.a. n.a. HU

IRELAND 604 19488 7167 4311 9230 13.13% 9785 1584 10258 IE

ITALY 2613 64124 42899 40126 57265 19.00% 5801 4006 6859 IT

LITHUANIA 551 9649 6288 5530 8086 12.38% 958 1056 1563 LT

LUXEMBOURG 66 702 416 418 702 27.03% n.a. n.a. n.a. LU

LATVIA 333 11834 7421 6610 7447 11.53% 2664 4280 4387 LV

MALTA 48 3531 40 16 41 12.97% 1579 3221 3490 MT

NETHERLANDS 196 20605 3139 4771 5522 13.30% 12074 8627 15083 NL

POLAND 987 68401 34187 48394 61165 19.56% 4339 7223 7236 PL

PORTUGAL 166 57062 15680 9204 19010 20.67% 30918 8747 38052 PT

ROMANIA 597 60577 40310 36493 54214 22.74% 6188 1630 6362 RO

SWEDEN 4084 75876 55141 25330 55647 13.41% 20160 14448 20229 SE

SLOVENIA 355 7686 6637 5068 7675 37.86% 4 10 11 SI

SLOVAKIA 683 14633 6151 13105 14633 29.96% n.a. n.a. n.a. SK

UNITED KINGDOM 933 150865 13175 16085 21001 8.58% 121735 18056 129865 UK

EU 28 27758 1322630 604448 540215 790213 18.18% 445423 215927 532417 EU 28

Marine Natura 2000 sites: state of playSignificant progress has been made recently on the designation of marine Natura 2000 sites, particularly in France and Greece. France has designated five new marine sites, one of which is amongst the largest ever designated in Europe. Called ‘Mers Celtiques – Talus du golfe de Gascogne’, it covers more than 6 million hectares (almost equivalent to the size of Latvia!) and protects a huge expanse of offshore cold water reefs as well as important populations of bottlenose dolphin and common porpoise.

Greece has also increased the marine part of its Natura 2000 network by more than 200% to 22,796 km2. The sites have been designated, among others, for reefs, posidonia beds and partially submerged sea caves as well as common porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, the loggerhead turtle and the Mediterranean monk seal.

There are now more than 3140 marine Natura 2000 sites in the Natura 2000 network. Altogether, they cover around 9% of the total European marine area, doubling in size over the last five years. However, a final effort is still needed to complete the network, especially offshore, in order to reach the target of 10% set by 2020 under and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/dashboards/natura-2000-barometer

0 30000 60000 90000 120000 150000

Natura 2000 marine areaCOUNTRY

BELGIUMBULGARIA

CYPRUSGERMANYDENMARK

ESTONIASPAIN

FINLANDFRANCEGREECE

CROATIAIRELAND

ITALYLITHUANIA

LATVIAMALTA

NETHERLANDSPOLAND

PORTUGALROMANIASWEDEN

SLOVENIAUNITED KINGDOM

0K 20K 40K 60K 80K 100K 120K

0K 200K 400K 600K 800K 1000K

EU 28Marine area total (km²)

Marine area (km²)

Natura 2000

SCI

SPA 215,927

445,423

532,417

Type

10 nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 20181010

Preparing for the EU’s new budget 2021–2027

Proposals for a Multiannual Financial FrameworkOn 2 May, the European Commission published its proposals for the forthcoming EU budget for the period 2021–2027, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Later that month and in early June the European Commission also adopted a series of proposals for the individual funds and instruments including Regional and Cohesion funds, Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the new LIFE Programme. Altogether, the funds aim to deliver efficiently on the EU’s priorities as well as rise to new challenges, including the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU. The overall budget is proposed to be kept to a similar level as that of the current funding period – i.e.

€1,279.4 billion over the seven-year period, equivalent to 1.11% of the EU 27’s Gross National Income (GNI), but with a greater focus on areas such as youth, migration and security, and a better alignment to the EU’s political priorities. In order to balance these additional expenditures, the Commission also proposes to reduce the funding for the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy by around 5% to reflect the new reality of a Union of 27 countries. In addition, the number of programmes will be brought down from 58 to 37, in order to streamline and simplify the overall financial framework. The aim is to encourage greater synergies between different funds and ensure there is a better EU added-value from the limited resources available. A number of changes have also been made to the budget

that are of relevance to the environment. The Commission proposes, for instance, to strengthen its commitment to the Paris Agreement and upscale the fight against climate change by further mainstreaming spending on climate action across all EU programmes. At least 25% of EU expenditure (equivalent to €320 billion) must now contribute to climate objectives. This is up from the 20% target set under the current financial programme 2014–2020. The new budget proposal also acknowledges the unique catalytic role that LIFE plays in developing and implementing innovative ways to respond to environment and climate challenges, and the important niche it fills between research and large-scale implementation. It proposes to increase the budget for LIFE 1.7 times to

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The budget for the European solidarity Corps will be doubled to €1.26 billion to give more young people the chance to engage in humanitarian activities. The target is to enable 100,000 placements by 2020.

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€5.4 billion for the period 2021–2027. Of this, €3.5 billion will be earmarked for nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life. Building on the success of its Integrated Projects, the new LIFE funding programme will also, amongst others, aim to improve the coherence and synergies with other EU instruments, especially as regards leveraging additional funding.

new Prioritised Action Frameworks for natura 2000The Commission carried out a comprehensive spending review of all existing EU funds before drawing up the new budget in order to identify opportunities to improve their performance. One of the identified challenges concerns the effective mainstreaming of biodiversity into EU Funds and the CAP in particular.

Whilst mainstreaming has stimulated some sectoral funds to take biodiversity objectives into account in their programme design and implementation, this has not lead to significant extra funding, especially as regards Natura 2000. This finding was also confirmed by the European Court of Auditor’s special report N°1/2017 on Natura 2000 published last year. To improve mainstreaming the Commission has revised its format for the new Priority Action Frameworks (PAFs). These are strategic multiannual planning tools designed to help Member States maximise their chances of drawing down funds for Natura 2000 from different EU funding streams. They also provide a comprehensive overview of the conservation measures needed to implement the Natura 2000 network and its associated green infrastructure in different countries and regions across the EU.

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Some 70 national and regional PAFs were prepared for the 2014–2020 Multiannual Financial Framework but, as the European Court of Auditors also found, the first round of PAFs did not offer a sufficiently reliable picture of the actual costs of the Natura 2000 network. Moreover, since they were prepared late in

the funding cycle the PAFs were also not very successful in leveraging the necessary support from the different EU funds. The Commission’s Nature Action Plan, adopted last year, made it a priority to update and revise the PAF format in light of past experience and to provide the Member States with further

European Public Administration

Other Programmes

Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion

Common Agricultural Policy and Fisheries

60%

50%

40%

20%

10%

0%

30%

1988

–199

2

1993

–199

9

1995

–199

9*

2000

–200

6

2007

–201

3

2014

–202

0

2021

–202

7

*Adjusted for 1995 enlargement

CLARITY AND SIMPLIFICATION

The Commission proposes a more coherent, focused and transparent framework. The structure of the budget will be clearer and more closely aligned with EU priorities. The Commission proposes to reduce the number of programmes by more than a third, for example by bringing fragmented funding sources together and radically streamlining the use of financial instruments.

Existing Multiannual Financial Framework structure includes 58 programmes

58

New programmes or instruments in the new proposal

37

VI. NEIGHBOURHOOD AND THE WORLD €123

15 External Action

16 Pre-Accession Assistance

VII. EUROPEAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION €85.3

17 European Public Administration

II. COHESION AND VALUES €442.4

5 Regional Development and Cohesion

6 Economic and Monetary Union

7 Investing in People, Social Cohesion and Values

V. SECURITY AND DEFENCE €27.5

12 Security

13 Defence

14 Crisis Response

III. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT €378.9

8 Agriculture and Maritime Policy

9 Environment and Climate Action

IV. MIGRATION AND BORDER MANAGEMENT €34.9

10 Migration

11 Border Management

I. SINGLE MARKET, INNOVATION AND DIGITAL €187.4

1 Research and Innovation

2 European Strategic Investments

3 Single Market

4 Space

THE NEW MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK 2021 - 2027 A BUDGET FOR A UNION THAT PROTECTS, EMPOWERS AND DEFENDS

€ 1087.2

In billion euro, current prices

€1279.4

€187.4€27.5

€34.9

€442.4

€378.9

€123

€85.3

EVoLUTion oF MAin PoLiCy ArEAs in ThE EU BUdGET

12 nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

Proposals for modernising the CAPThe Common Agricultural Policy will continue to be built around two pillars: direct payments to farmers and rural development funding. For the latter, the Commission proposes to increase national co-financing rates. It also proposes a new delivery model in order to bring the operations together under a single programming instrument. Called Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plans, this will give Member States more room to match their needs with intervention schemes that they will set out in their national Strategic Plans.

It is also proposed that direct payments remain an essential part, but will be moderately reduced and better targeted though compulsory

guidance on how to use the PAFs to estimate more accurately the costs of maintaining and restoring their Natura 2000 sites and to gain better access to EU funds. The importance of better forecasting the financing needs for Natura 2000 ahead of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework was also stressed by the European Parliament in its resolution adopted in November 2017. After intensive discussions with the Member States the PAF format was approved by the Habitats Committee in May 2018. The aim now is for Member States to complete their first drafts of the PAF by the end of 2018 with a view to submitting the final version to the Commission by mid-2019. This deadline is critical to their success if Member States are to maximise the opportunities for integrating Natura 2000

requirements into the next cycle of EU funding programmes at an early stage in the process. The Commission has also signed a new service contract on “Strengthening investments in Natura 2000 and improving synergies with EU funding instruments” which will help Member States to better understand the new MFF and the role of the PAFs in this respect. A series of workshops will be held to bring different authorities and stakeholders together in order to share experiences and explore new opportunities for funding Natura 2000 from 2021 onwards. The contractor will also assist the Commission in assessing the draft PAFs submitted by the Member States, help aggregate the data provided in order to get an overall picture of the funding requirements of the Natura 2000 network and help

update existing guidance on financing Natura 2000.

next steps The decision on the 2021–2027 EU budget will be taken by the Council, acting by unanimity, with the consent of the European Parliament. Ideally an agreement should be reached before the European Parliament elections and the European Summit during the Romanian Presidency in Sibiu on 9 May 2019. The Commission also plans to adopt at the end of the year a Reflection Paper “Towards a

Sustainable Europe by 2030, on the follow-up to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change” to address possible ways to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals further in EU policy making. For more information go to: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/publications/factsheets-long-term-budget-proposals_en and http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/financing/index_en.htm

capping at farm level or degressive payments decreasing with farm size so that support is re-distributed to medium-sized and smaller farms.

The Commission also proposes to reinforce the link with environmental objectives. Direct payments will be subject to enhanced conditionality that will apply to all beneficiaries. Voluntary eco-schemes are proposed to be introduced in the budget for direct payments and a significant part of funding will be earmarked for actions beneficial to the climate and the environment under rural development.

The new CAP proposals aim to provide greater flexibility for Member states, allowing them to better target environmental objectives.

© Paul H

arris/2020VISION

/naturepl.com

EU 28 2014–2020

EU 27 2021–2027

Climate Mainstreaming under Multiannual Financial Framework

€206 billion

€320 billion

20% of MFF

25% of MFF

Combined increase: + €114 billion

CLiMATE MAinsTrEAMinG UndEr ThE MULTiAnnUAL FinAnCiAL FrAMEworK

13nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

Velvet scoter white-headed duck

Cinereous vulture Bearded vulture

dalmatian pelican European turtle dove

Eurasian oystercatcher

Common snipe

northern lapwing

Eurasian curlew

‘Baltic’ dunlin Black-tailed godwit

13nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

yelkouan shearwater Monteiro’s storm-petrel ruff Common redshank

New European Species Action Plans for birdsin May, the Commission and Member states adopted eight European species Action Plans (sAPs) for some of Europe’s most charismatic and threatened species as well as a new Multi-species Action Plan for eight lowland breeding waders. The species targeted by the sAPs are, like many other species, very sensitive to changes in their natural environment. in particular, changes in land use, such as the intensification of agriculture or fast pace urban development, can heavily affect the survival of these birds. Part-funded under the EU LiFE Programme, the plans are the result of a comprehensive review carried out by BirdLife international and partners of the birds’ conservation status, threats and needs across Europe and beyond. All plans have undergone an extensive consultation process involving hundreds of stakeholders over the last year and a half. They are now ready to be implemented. To be successful this needs to be a collective exercise involving national or local authorities, conservation groups and stakeholders. An online species Action Plan Tracking Tool has been developed to help monitor progress in implementing the plans over the coming years. The LiFE EurosAP Project is a great example of collaboration between countries and a wide range of organisations. it is hopefully the start of a different approach to conservation and the beginning of a new era for bird conservation in Europe. The SAPs and tracking tool are available under http://trackingactionplans.org. More information about the EuroSAP LIFE project is available under http://www.birdlife.org/europe-and-central-asia/life-eurosap-project-species

new Multi-species Action Plannew European species Action Plans

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© Veselin G

ramatikov Shutterstock

© Andre Botha

© JayH

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© Pep Arcos

© Pedro G

eraldes

© M

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© Colum

Clarke©

Gerrit G

erritsen

© M

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© John Carey

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© John Carey

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enis Cachia

14 nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

John Constable Weymouth Bay 1817

Childe Harold’s PilgrimageThere is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more, From these our interviews, in which I steal From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.

Lord Byron 1812–1818

United Kingdom1000 mm1500 mm

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2nd Art-poetry Posters A1 Portrait.indd 4 24/04/2018 15:47:39

Πρόλογος “Στο φως που καίει”

Να σ’ αγναντεύω, θάλασσα,

να μη χορταίνω απ’ το βουνό ψηλά

στρωτή και καταγάλανη και μέσα να

πλουταίνω απ’ τα μαλάματά σου τα πολλά.

Κώστας Βάρναλης 1922

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RAL 6017

Ελλάδα

Μιχάλης Γκαρούδης Θαλασσινά 1990

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24/04/2018 16:58:45

minimised under a range of different conditions. Both documents are the result of close cooperation between relevant services of the European Commission and environment and energy authorities of the Member States. They have been widely consulted with the representatives of the relevant sectors as well as NGOs. Go to: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/guidance_en.htm

new Commission guide on fisheries The Commission has also published a new guidance document on the establishment of conservation measures under the Common Fisheries Policy for Natura 2000 sites. Foreseen under Action 1 of the Nature Action Plan, this document will be of assistance to authorities and stakeholders involved in the establishment of fishery management measures under

• NEWS • PUBLICATIONS • EVENTS

Article 11 of the CFP Regulation in marine Natura 2000 sites or other MPAs. Its aim is to ensure compliance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and Article 4 of the Birds Directive, and other obligations under the MSFD. The document provides advice on how to prepare joint recommendations to be adopted at EU level through Commission delegated acts. Translations of the guide will be available in due course. Go to: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/marine/index_en.htm

nature and art exhibition at EU open day Every year around the beginning of May, the European Institutions open their doors to the public to celebrate Europe Day. This is a rare occasion for visitors to step inside the institutions’ buildings, meet

new Commission guides on energy facilities and EU nature legislationIn order to improve the practical implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives while, at the same time, ensuring a safe and sustainable energy supply across Europe, the European Commission has recently issued two new guidance documents on ‘Energy transmission infrastructure and EU nature policy’ and on ‘The requirements for hydropower in relation to EU Nature legislation’. The guides are designed primarily for use by the Member States competent authorities, project developers, and any other stakeholders involved in the planning and approval of energy projects across the EU. Each document examines the types of effects that might occur from hydropower or energy transmission activities and illustrates, through good practice examples, how these can be avoided or at least

© iStock by G

etty Images

some of the officials working there and take part in special activities such as public debates or guided tours. This year, to mark the European Year of Cultural Heritage, DG Environment hosted a special art exhibition to celebrate the close links between nature and culture. A series of posters were created to present famous paintings and poems from each Member State on the theme of nature. The exhibition will now tour other EU institutions during the course of the year. Also during the Open Day, a number of geocaching travel bugs started their exciting journey towards a Natura 2000 site. The aim is to reach as many Natura 2000 sites as possible across different EU countries. Why not join in the treasure hunt and help them reach their objective? Go to: https://www.geocaching.com/play

rendering hydropower compatible with natura 2000.

Vasko Lipovac Otok 2000

More I gledam more gdje se k meni penje

i slušam more dobro jutro veli

i ono sluša mene i ja mu šapćem

o dobro jutro more kažem tiho

pa opet tiše ponovim mu pozdrav

a more sluša pa se smije

pa šuti pa se smije pa se penje

i gledam more i gledam more zlato

i gledam more gdje se k meni penje

i dobro jutro kažem more zlato

i dobro jutro more more kaže

i zagrli me more oko vrata

i more i ja i ja s morem zlatom

sjedimo skupa na žalu vrh brijega

i smijemo se i smijemo se moru

Josip Pupačić 1955

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Österreich

VorfrühlingHärte schwand. Auf einmal legt sich Schonung an der Wiesen aufgedecktes Grau. Kleine Wasser ändern die Betonung. Zärtlichkeiten, ungenau, greifen nach der Erde aus dem Raum. Wege gehen weit ins Land und zeigens. Unvermutet siehst du seines Steigens Ausdruck in dem leeren Baum.

Reiner Maria Rilke 1924

Gustav Klimt Oberösterreichisches Bauernhaus 1911

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24/04/2018 16:58:22

15nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

Large carnivores On 29 May, the EU Stakeholders Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores held its fifth annual plenary session in Brussels. The Platform brings together representatives from land-owning, reindeer herding, hunting, research and conservation organisations to “promote ways and means to minimize and find solutions to conflicts between people and large carnivores”. The plenary meeting was an opportunity for the Platform members to take stock of achievements, review the work plan and agree on further steps to be undertaken. At the meeting, the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE) – IUCN Species Specialist Group – presented the preliminary results of their update of statistics on large carnivore populations, distributions, conservation threats, damages and actions to reduce damage across the EU. The work of the various national and regional large carnivore platforms was also discussed with a view to drawing up good practice recommendations on how to set up and run such regional platforms effectively in the future, based on lessons learnt so far. The Commission is currently supporting three such regional platforms: in Romania, Italy and Spain and the intention is to publish later this year another call for tender to support further platforms in other parts of the EU as well. Meanwhile a new LIFE project EUROLARGECARNIVORES (2017–2020) has just begun to further improve co-existence with large carnivores in Europe through communication, transboundary cooperation and knowledge exchange. For more information: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/carnivores/coexistence_platform.htm and https://www.eurolargecarnivores.eu

15151515 nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

LiFE 2018 The LIFE programme has launched its 2018 call for project proposals. This year, the programme is investing close to €400 million in nature conservation, environmental protection and climate action. In a change from previous years, a new two-stage application procedure is introduced for traditional nature and biodiversity projects as well. Candidates had to first outline their ideas in a concept note by mid-June. Those short-listed will then be given until end of January 2019 to submit their full project proposal. The total amount requested by the applicants for nature and biodiversity projects at level of concept notes is €1.3 billion, which is several times more than available, so only the best ideas will go through. The two-step procedure has already been applied to integrated projects in the past. The deadlines for integrated projects this year are: 5 September for concept notes and 14 March for the full application. Full details on: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/life2018/traditional/index.htm

natura 2000 day Last year, the European Commission together with the European Parliament, the Council Presidency and the Committee of the Regions

declared 21 May as European Natura 2000 day. It is an opportunity to celebrate the tremendous achievements of EU nature legislation and encourage the general public to visit a Natura 2000 site near them, in order to discover more about the place as well as the species and habitats it aims to protect. More than 140 local events have taken place so far this year including art exhibitions, guided walks, dedicated workshops, games for kids and much more. To explore the EU Natura 2000 Day events use the #Natura2000Day or go to: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/EUnatura2000day/index_en.htm

natura 2000 Biogeographical ProcessThree Natura 2000 biogeographical seminars will take place in the coming months. The first, organised by the Spanish and Portuguese authorities, is for the Macaronesian Region and will take place in Madeira from 24 to 27 September. The French Region Grand Est will host the second Natura 2000 seminar for the Continental, Pannonian, Steppic and Black Sea biogeographical regions in Strasbourg, from 16 to 18 October and preparations are underway for a second marine Natura 2000 seminar in November. An open invitation to submit proposals for further

networking events during 2019 will be launched by the end of 2018. This is open to anyone interested in hosting an related event during 2019. Full details are provided on the Natura 2000 Communication Platform: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/platform/index_en.htm

nature and biodiversity in urban areasTwo very successful events took place in May to discuss the role and benefits of nature in urban areas. The first was part of the Green Week which was held from 21–25 May in Brussels. This year’s theme was “Green Cities for a Greener Future”. A session dedicated to “Nature in the City” highlighted different ways in which nature can thrive in our cities providing solutions to urban challenges and increasing citizens’ quality of life. The European Committee of the Regions also hosted the thematic seminar “Nurturing nature for sustainable cities and regions” on 29 May. The Seminar provided numerous examples of innovative solutions that help to implement the Nature Directives while at the same time address pressing urban and regional challenges like flood protection, wellbeing and health. For more details:https://www.eugreenweek.eu/session/31-nature-cityhttps://cor.europa.eu/en/events/Pages/KEP-nature-sustainable-cities.aspx

© S. W

idstrand/naturepl.com

European grey wolf Canis lupus interacting with a European brown bear Ursus arctos, Finland.

16 nature and biodiversity newsletter | July 2018

Fifth report on Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystem Condition Published in March 2018, the fifth MAES report presents a series of indicators for the mapping and assessment of ecosystem condition at European level. Specific indicators are developed for evaluating the pressures and ecosystem condition of every MAES ecosystem type (urban ecosystems, forests and woodland, wetlands, and rivers and lakes, cropland and grassland, and marine ecosystems). For each ecosystem type the report also includes a synthesis of the expected links between pressure, ecosystem condition and ecosystem services and couples this information to a policy narrative. The examples illustrate how the indicator set can be used to address various policy questions. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/knowledge/ecosystem_assessment/pdf/5th%20MAES%20report.pdf

EsMErALdA Project final conferenceESMERALDA (Enhancing ecosystem services mapping for policy and decision-making) is an EU Horizon 2020 project designed to deliver a flexible methodology and provide the

building blocks for pan-European and regional assessments of ecosystem services in Europe. In June, the project held its final conference in Brussels for scientists, practitioners and policy-makers to demonstrate key scientific results and practical resources for EU Member states to map and Assess Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) in their respective local, national and pan-national contexts. The project presented its online MAES explorer (http://www.maes-explorer.eu/) where stakeholders and decision-makers can search through a variety of tools, methods and practical case studies developed under the project. http://www.esmeralda-project.eu

natural Capital Financial Facility The Natural Capital Financing Facility (NCFF) is a financial instrument created by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. It supports projects that deliver on biodiversity and climate adaptation through tailored loans and investments, backed by an EU guarantee. More than EUR 400 million in new nature conservation investment will be made available the through NCFF by 2021. A new investment of €12.5 million was launched in June this year through the SLM Silva Fund to support sustainable forestry in Ireland. The strategy of the fund is to transform semi-mature plantations into ‘Continuous Cover Forestry’ or ‘Close to

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Nature’ management plots in order to demonstrate the commercial viability of such a management model that promotes biodiversity, soil health and landscape value. In Croatia a new initiative has recently begun involving a 15 million cooperation programme with the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development. It will provide smaller loans to projects investing into the area of conservation, restoration and nature-based adaptation, such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture and forestry or green infrastructure for cities. http://www.eib.org/products/blending/ncff/index.htm

nature and Culture leaflet To celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the Commission has published an information leaflet on cultural and natural heritage in the Natura 2000 network to highlight the strong synergies between two and showcase a series of successful examples from across the EU. Available from: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/links_natural_cultural_heritage_en.htm

Velebit Mountains, Croatia – investing in eco-tourism projects.

Linking nature and culture: factors of success: A number of elements have been identified from the Commission’s report Linking Natura 2000 and cultural heritage: case studies that can contribute to ensuring the viability and durability of initiatives aimed at protecting, managing and utilising natural and cultural heritage features for the benefit of all:

•a single management body in charge of both natural and cultural aspects or at least an interdisciplinary approach, a shared, long-term vision and harmonised legal frameworks for protection;•sound knowledge of all assets that represent the cultural and natural heritage of a site;•effective engagement of local residents and stakeholders;•a precise assessment of ecological and cultural sustainability versus sustainable use (visitors, economic activities, etc.);•integrated management plans and planning tools to combine different management prescriptions and objectives and overcome potential conflicts, e.g. use of zoning;•awareness-raising information and dissemination both locally and further afield of the area’s diverse heritage assets and of their potential to attract tourists and inward investments through branding, local products sale and a diversified tourism offer;•an interdisciplinary approach and the design of innovative solutions adapted to local circumstances;•monitoring of impacts, e.g. of tourism on the overall sustainability and socio-economic viability of the initiatives.

For further information:•European Year of Cultural Heritage: https://europa.eu/cultural-heritage•Commission website of the EC on links between Natural and Cultural heritage: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/links_natural_cultural_heritage_en.htm•EC report on case studies linking Natura 2000 and Cultural Heritage: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/pdf/case_study_natura2000_cultural_heritage.pdf•European Natura 2000 day 21 May: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/EUnatura2000day/index_en.htm•‘101 Event Ideas – Heritage and Nature, a landscape of possibilities’ and ‘Bringing Heritage and Nature to Life’. http://www.europeanheritagedays.com/Home/Content-page.aspx?id=1ea69aeb-cd18-445a-a202-f75195925f9d

© European Union, 2018Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2018Reuse 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).Design: www.naturebureau.co.ukPhotos: Cover ©Constantinos Petrinos/naturepl.com; p2 ©Klein & Hubert/naturepl.com, ©Mark Taylor/naturepl.com; p3 AT ©iStock, BG ©Droben, DE ©Theo Bosboom/naturepl.com, DK ©Stevns Municipality, FR ©Benoit Stichelbaut/naturepl.com, GR ©Constantinos Petrinos/naturepl.com, HR ©Juan Carlos Munoz/naturepl.com, HU ©Radisics/naturepl.com, IR ©Alamy, IT ©Fabio Liverani/naturepl.com, PL ©Grzegorz Lesniewski/naturepl.com, PT ©iStock, SP ©Rafael Ibáñez Fernández, UK ©Dan Burton/naturepl.com; p4 ©Mike Read/naturepl.com; p5 EU Green Belt ©Andreas Lippold, FI ©Staffan Widstrand/naturepl.com, GR ©Prof. emeritus Hans Schneider (Geyersberg), IT ©Fabio Liverani/naturepl.com, LV ©Andris Soms, SP ©Rafael Ibáñez Fernández.

Environment

Europe’s cultural and natural heritage in Natura 2000

Las MeduLas, spain: spLendid nature in ancient Mines The spectacular rock formations of Las Médulas in Northern Spain results from one of the largest gold mines in the Roman Empire dating back to the 1st century A.D. Because of its outstanding cultural and natural values, the area is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of a larger Natura 2000 area of great importance for birds and bats in particular. The site is managed with the aim of ensuring the preservation of its significant cultural and natural features. It represents a good example of integrated management that takes into account both interests. Matera, itaLy: a subterranean city where cuLture and nature Live side by sideThe Italian city of Matera is located in the southern region of Basilicata. It is famous for its Sassi (literally “stones”), a peculiar system of dwellings and churches carved into the rock, inhabited since the Paleolithic age. The city is both a World Heritage Site and part of the Natura 2000 network. Two very rare bird species, the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni and the lanner falcon Falco biarmicus nest under the Sassi roofs and work is underway to conserve these colonies. New standards have also been set in the construction regulations to ensure the use of raptor-friendly roof tiles and cavities in buildings, thanks to integrated management planning.

ukonsaari isLand, FinLand : the naturaL and spirituaL hoMe oF the sáMi Ukonsaari is one of Finland’s most renowned ancient remains and the most famous sacred place of worship for the Sámi people. It forms an important part of the Sámi culture and identity. It is also an important Natura 2000 site situated in Lake Inari which is Finland’s third largest lake. The area is being managed in an integrated and highly collaborative way, involving all stakeholders and authorities. This is helping to ensure that the natural and sacred values of the site continue to be protected while maintaining traditional land uses and encouraging tourism to develop in a sensitive and sustainable manner that is well adapted to local conditions.

Mount athos: a perFect baLance between nature and cuLtureMount Athos, the ‘Holy Mountain’, is located in north-eastern Greece. The peninsula with its 20 ancient monasteries is only accessible by sea, contributing to its sense of isolation. Mount Athos is well-known for its cultural and spiritual traditions, as well as for its magnificent landscapes and high biodiversity. It is both a World Heritage Site and a Natura 2000 site. Thanks to EU LIFE funding and the successful and systematic implementation of an integrated and multi-disciplinary management plan, the monks are restoring the peninsula’s flourishing virgin forests and re-creating a landscape worthy of the spiritual and cultural importance of Mount Athos and its monasteries.

nature concerthaLL, Latvia: using cuLture to iMprove awareness oF natureNature Concerthall is an innovative approach to raising public awareness of nature conservation. The idea originally stemmed from musicians wishing to break out of traditional concert venues, and scientists wanting to find new ways to interest the public in biodiversity. Both felt that mobilising people’s empathy towards nature would not only strengthen their capacity to absorb the information presented to them but also motivate them to do something for nature. Over the years, the Nature Concerthall has proven to be a great success, with up to 10,000 participants annually. The innovative approach has succeeded in drawing thousands of people from different backgrounds who would not normally be interested in nature conservation.

the european green beLt: nature aLong the ForMer iron curtainAn extraordinary ecological network and living memorial landscape has developed along the former Iron Curtain, which divided the European continent into east and west for nearly 40 years. Unwittingly, this inhabitable border region has conserved many valuable habitats and acted as a retreat for numerous endangered species. Recognising this remarkable heritage, the European Green Belt initiative aims to protect, maintain, reconnect and restore natural and cultural heritage features over some 12,500 km and across more than 20 countries. Almost 150 governmental and non-governmental organisations are working together in the Green Belt preserve, as a memorial landscape of immense natural and cultural heritage.

Environment

Linking Natura 2000 and cultural heritageCase studies

Rote Rehe II, by Franz Marc (1880–1916). Franz Marc looked to the natural world as an antidote to modern life.

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