IGS-SENSE 2011 1

Building with Nature experiences in the context of EU

Bird and Habitat Directives

Vera Vikolainen

IGS-SENSE Conference 20 October 2011

University of Twente

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Overview• EU Bird and Habitat Directives• Building with Nature• Research question• Data and methods• Results• Conclusion

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Bird and Habitat directives• Special Protection Areas (SPA): EU Bird Directive

(1979)• Special Areas of Conservation (SAC): EU Habitat

Directive (1992)• Natura 2000 biodiversity network of the EU• Assessment art. 6 Habitat Directive:• Any plan or project in or near Natura 2000 site

– Significant effects check, appropriate assessment– Alternatives, overriding public interest, compensation

• Delays & cancellations (harbour developments, recreation, etc.)

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Building with Nature• New approach to project design and development in

coast, river and delta areas• Waterman (2008, 2010), EcoShape (2010), PIANC

(2011), European Commission (2011)• Building with Nature definition:

– Integration of project objectives and nature development goals

– Use of nature dynamics to achieve project objectives– Realization of the area’s ecological potential viz. existing

situation

• Building with Nature: improve project implementation within the existing framework of Bird and Habitat Directives

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Research question

• Is there a connection between – the application of Building with Nature approach and – the outcome of assessment under art. 6 Habitat directive?

• 2 sub-questions:– To what extent do current practices in the field comply with

the definition of Building with Nature?– What is the outcome of Habitat assessment in the current

project design practices?

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Data and methods• A total of 12 descriptive case studies (projects)• Flood defense, port development, fairway deepening• Sampled based on the following criteria:

– Projects include dredging works– Projects take place in a Natura 2000 area subject to

assessment under art. 6 Habitat directive

• Literature, interviews, project documents• Random sampling • Between 2008 and 2010

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Data and methods• Relationship (if any) between 2 variables:

– Compliance with Building with Nature definition Building with Nature somewhat Building with Nature not Building with Nature

– Outcome of assessment under art. 6 Habitat Directive success delayed/cancelled in court

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Results

• Compliance with BWN definition• Outcome art. 6 Habitat directive assessment• Connection?

Art. 6BwN

?

3 cases

3 cases 1 case

1 case 1 case 3 cases

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Conclusion• It is plausible that,

– the application of Building with Nature design principles contributes to

– a positive outcome of assessment under art. 6 Habitat directive

• Further research will look at several cases in more detail

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Thank you for your attention!

v.vikolainen@utwente.nl