Natura 2000 AWARDS 2014 - European...

Natura 2000 AWARDS 2014

Get the recognition you deserve!

Environment

THE JURY

THE FINALISTS

Award Ceremony – 21 May 2014

Natura 2000 AWARDS 2014

Get the recognition you deserve!

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NATURA 2000 AWARD 2014 – Get the recognition you deserve! NATURA 2000 AWARD 2014 – Get the recognition you deserve!

Table of contents

FOREWORD 5

THE JURY 6

CONSERVATION 8

COMMUNICATION 12

SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS 18

RECONCILING INTERESTS/PERCEPTIONS 21

NETWORKING AND CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION 26

ForewordIt’s a great honour to introduce the 22 finalists of the first EU Natura 2000 Awards.

Natura 2000 is one of the European Union’s outstanding achievements. The network, established under EU legislation, is the result of unique cooperation among the 28 EU Member States. It now comprises over 27 000 protected sites covering more than 1 million km², 18 % of the European land mass and around 4 % of the marine area. Natura 2000 makes an important contribution to saving the planet’s biodiversity.

The European Commission has launched these Natura 2000 Awards to boost recognition of conservation achievements and raise awareness of how individual projects are helping protect the natural environment and promote social and economic wellbeing. Awards are given in five categories: communication, conservation actions, socio-economic benefits, reconciling interests and perceptions, and networking and cross-border cooperation.

Natura 2000 encourages partnerships that enable people to co-exist harmoniously with natural ecosystems – because ultimately we all depend on these ecosystems for our survival. Sustainable activities, from farming and forestry to tourism and leisure sports, can flourish within the network’s borders. The result is a network that has an established reputation of working for the benefit of nature and people.

I was delighted to see that this inaugural edition attracted a total of 163 applications in the five categories. Most of the applications demonstrate impressive examples of grass-roots efforts and dedication to preserving our common European natural heritage, and I thank all applicants for their work and for participating in this award. Given the large number of strong applications, coming up with a shortlist of projects was no easy task.

The 22 projects described below are examples of the great work that is being done all over Europe to manage Natura 2000 sites. It is thanks to the tireless efforts of site managers, national, regional and local authorities, conservation organisations and volunteers, farmers, foresters, land owners, hunters and fishermen, scientists, teachers as well as private companies and many others that the Natura 2000 network generates high environmental and socio-economic benefits to all EU citizens.

This award aims to reward these efforts, which are happening across the EU.

The jury has now selected one winner for each of the five categories. On behalf of the European Commission, I warmly congratulate these winners along with all the participants and finalists.

The winners will be announced at an award ceremony in Brussels on 21 May – an important date in Europe’s green calendar. On this day, 22 years ago, the Habitats Directive came into force. Together with the Birds Directive, it is a cornerstone of the EU’s environment policy.

This award celebrates the achievements to date. It is my hope that it will also generate support for ongoing efforts to further strengthen the implementation of the EU nature legislation and achieve the EU objective of halting the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services by 2020 and restoring them as far as feasible.

Janez PotocnikEuropean Commissioner for the Environment

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NATURA 2000 AWARD – Get the recognition you deserve!NATURA 2000 AWARD 2014 – Get the recognition you deserve!

Thierry de l’Escaille

Born in 1955, the Belgian lawyer Thierry de l’Escaille runs a family agricultural business in Belgium, France and the Netherlands producing a range of vegetables as well as wheat pollinator strips and flowers. Since 1996 , he has been Secretary General-CEO of the European Landowners’ Organisation asbl, Deputy CEO of the

RISE Foundation and an administrator of numerous organisations of national and EU-wide importance in the areas of private property, land profitability, ‘environmental real estate’ and finance. He has extensive experience in strategic management at EU level. He is in possession of an impressive list of contacts across Europe, notably at decision-making level in Brussels.

He has been author and co-author of several reports on the future of agriculture, agricultural markets and CAP, as well as on environmental issues related to biodiversity. He is president and member of the board of several commercial companies active in agribusiness and real estate and has proven economic experience in land-management. He is an advisor to different businesses. He is also member of the board of several NGOs as well as member of consultative committees such as the French Farmers’ Society. In addition to this, he is Secretary General of Friends of the Countryside and of the Habitats Foundation. Thierry de l’Escaille is one of the founders of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture, the major agricultural forum in Brussels, and of the Wildlife Estate initiative.

Tony Long

Tony Long is Executive Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature WWF European Policy Office, Brussels. He has 35 years of experience leading environmental non-governmental organisations in the United Kingdom and Europe. He founded and heads the WWF European Office in Brussels which

opened in 1989. Prior to that, he worked for WWF in the UK (1986-88), the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) (1981-85) and several local authorities in north-west England. He serves on the Assembly of WWF International, the main decision-making committee of the organisation, and is a board member of WWF Greece.

In 1977-79, he worked in the US Congress in Washington DC and at state levels of government as a joint holder of a Congressional Fellowship of the American Political Science Association and a Harkness Fellowship of the Commonwealth Fund of New York. He was Visiting Professor at the College of Europe, Bruges (1997-2002) teaching a course on environmental lobbying. He is a graduate of Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, in Town and Country Planning. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts (FRSA).

The Jury

Matthias Groote

Matthias Groote was born on 21 October 1973 in Leer, Germany. He has a professional background in industrial and sales engineering and received a diploma in engineering and management at the University of Applied Sciences in Wilhelmshaven. He has been a member of the SPD since 1996 and

Member of the European Parliament since 2005. He became the chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in January 2012.

Karl Falkenberg

Karl Falkenberg has significant experience as a negotiator in the European Commission. He started his career in the Commission as textiles negotiator, has dealt with international fisheries issues and since 1985 with the GATT. In 1990, he served as foreign policy advisor to EU President Jacques Delors,

with particular focus on the German unification process. He was involved in the Uruguay Round negotiations and negotiated the telecommunications and financial services agreements in the World Trade Organization.

From 1997 to December 2000, he was in charge of the coordination of all WTO issues. In 2001, he was appointed Director in charge of sectoral trade policies and bilateral trade relations with North America, Japan, the Mediterranean area and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, and in 2002 Director for Free Trade Agreements, agricultural trade questions, ACP. From 2005 to 2008, he coordinated all bilateral trade policies as Deputy Director General. In January 2009, he took up the position of Director General of the Environment, covering the EU’s environmental policy in both its domestic and international dimensions. Karl Falkenberg is a trained economist and journalist.

Kadri Tillemann

Kadri Tillemann holds a Master’s degree in environmental sciences and her previous as well as current academic activities as a PhD student are concentrated on biodiversity and ‘green infrastructure’ issues. She has been an active practitioner of sustainable local development in Keila Rural Municipality in Estonia since 2001,

where she has held various posts from land-use advisor to mayor. She currently holds a position as chairperson of the municipal council. Since 2010, she has been an active member in the Committee of the Regions ENVE (Environment, Climate Change and Energy) Commission, she has represented CoR in several environmental events and she is currently a rapporteur drafting an outlook opinion, requested by the European Commission, on ‘Multilevel governance in promoting the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020 and implementing the international Aichi targets’.

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NATURA 2000 AWARD 2014 – Get the recognition you deserve! NATURA 2000 AWARD – Get the recognition you deserve!

Conservation

This award goes to achievements that have improved the conservation status of a particular natural habitat or species. Target habitats and species are those for which Natura 2000 should be designated – listed on Annex I or II of the Habitats directive or Annex I of the Birds directive or be a regularly occurring migratory bird species.

CONSERVATION

Montecristo gets rid of invasive alien rats

Italy

The Italian island of Montecristo, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a Special Protection Area home to up to 12 % of the EU’s breeding yelkouan shearwaters. However, black rats posed a major threat to both the birds and native plants, such as the holm oak. In winter 2011/12, with support from the LIFE Programme, Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano carried out an extensive rat eradication campaign. The following breeding season showed immediate results – some 95 % of shearwater pairs reproduced and oak stands were healthier. In the longer term, the shearwater population is expected to increase, with the return of other endangered seabirds such as the Mediterranean storm petrel.

Natura 2000 site Isola di Montecristo e Formica di Montecristo – area terrestre e marina, (IT5160014)

www.islepark.it

The daring Dutch: restoring the dynamic dunes

Netherlands

A unique conservation project has helped restore Holland’s coastal dune habitats. They have been part of the country’s vital defence against the North Sea for centuries. Efforts to reinforce the outer dune row (sea-wall) led to a reduction in sand drifts, causing some white and grey dunes to be lost or become overgrown and acidified. In 2012-2013, the Dutch water supply company Puur Water & Natuur (PWN) and conservation society Natuu rmonumenten took action, together with scientists, environmentalists, and the water authority Hoogheemraad schap van Rijnland. Five gigantic 100-150m wide holes in the outer dune row were dug to allow the dunes to drift with the wind, and a dynamic dune landscape was created further inland. The work, financed by the European LIFE+ Fund and the province of North-Holland, successfully withstood the 2013 storm season.

Natura 2000 site Kennemerland-Zuid, (NL1000012)

www.pwn.nl

NATURA 2000 AWARD 2014 – Get the recognition you deserve!

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CONSERVATION

Restoring life to burnt black pine forests on Mount Parnon

Greece

In August 2007, a devastating forest fire destroyed much of the Mediterranean black pine forest within the Special Area of Conservation of Oros Parnonas (Kai Periochi Malevis), in the South Peloponnese. The Greek Wetland-Biotope Centre (EKBY), a private non-profit foundation, worked closely with local forest management organisations to plant 1 million seedlings, restoring some 540 ha of this priority habitat. Natural regeneration measures such as a grazing ban and soil protection led to the successful regeneration of a further 341 ha of black pine. Overall, the forest is recovering on around 46 % of the burnt area. The project organisers developed an innovative structured approach in order to select areas to be restored and respond to the growing problem of wildfires.

Natura 2000 site Oros Parnonas (Kai Periochi Malevis), (GR2520006)

www.ekby.gr

The Iberian lynx makes a comeback

Spain

By the early 21st century, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) was on the brink of extinction, categorised as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN. In Spain, there were only 100 animals living in two isolated locations: Doñana and Andújar-Cardeña. This is why the Andalusian Department for the Environment launched reintroduction programmes for the lynx into two new areas. In 2009, the first releases began in Guadalmellato (Córdoba) and one year later in Guarrizas (Jaén), which resulted in both sites having a population of around 30 individuals. Thanks to this programme, these areas have now become stable home ranges for the animal.

Natura 2000 site Guadalmellato, (ES6130006)

www.lifelince.org

Divine protection for Lesser kestrels

Spain

For 24 years, DEMA – a small NGO – has dedicated itself to raising awareness and involving local people in the conservation of the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) breeding colony in the Purificación Church in Almendralejo. Situated on the outskirts of the town, it is the largest colony in any single building in Spain. DEMA thus decided to design and install 179 artificial nests adapted to the lesser kestrel that would prevent the birds damaging the church roof. It has developed ornithological tourism with the creation of an observation point, a photography hide and guided tours. Since 1990, the colony has grown from 18-20 to 80-84 breeding pairs, with 99 % of them housed in the artificial nests, showing that cultural heritage and wildlife can be compatible.

Natura 2000 site Colonias de Cernícalo Primilla de Almendralejo, (ES0000331)

www.demaprimilla.org

Insulating the electricity grid to save the Imperial eagle

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, one of the most serious dangers the globally threatened Imperial eagle faces is electrocution due to badly designed electricity pylons. Between 2009 and 2013, these caused the death of 67 % young birds in the Sakar SPA, home to 50 % of the country’s eagle population. With the support of the LIFE programme, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) worked with the power company EVN AG to insulate 595 hazardous electricity poles spanning 59 km. Since then, no electrocuted eagles have been found and the number of breeding pairs has increased by 25 %. EVN is further planning to put 46 km of over head power lines underground.

Natura 2000 site Sakar, (BG0002021)

http://bspb.org/en/index.html


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NATURA 2000 AWARD 2014 – Get the recognition you deserve! COMMUNICATION

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Getting to know the 12 bat species of Alviela’s caves

Portugal

Mobilising public support is key to the successful conservation of threatened species. At the Alviela Ciência Viva Centre in Portugal, communication activities help to raise public awareness of one of the most important bat maternal colonies in Portugal. The centre has four infra-red cameras located inside the Alviela Caves, where a dozen species of bat have their roosting places. Moreover, an interactive exhibition challenges people’s preconceptions through a ‘bat’s eye view’ of the world. Between April and September, the outdoor ‘Noite dos Morcegos’ (bats’ night) enables visitors to get close to these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

Natura 2000 site Serras d’Aire e Candeeiros, (PTCON0015)

www.alviela.cienciaviva.pt

Rediscovered steppes of the Louny region

Czech Republic

The ‘Celebration of the steppes’, attracting 1000 people every year in May, is the annual high-point of the Czech Nature Conservation Agency’s efforts to protect the dry grassland habitats in the Louny region of North Bohemia. Information boards on access pathways and publications widely distributed in trains, hospitals and local communities educate the public about the Raná-Hrádek and Oblík-Srdov-Brník Sites of Community Importance. Young people are a priority, and through cooperation with local teachers, some 30 schools and clubs took part in the annual art competition in 2013. The winning pictures have been featured in educational materials, giving the children real pride in their work. Pupils, students and the general public can take part in field trips while seminars are organised to support local farmers.

Natura 2000 site Raná-Hrádek, (CZ0424033)

http://www.ochranaprirody.cz/en/

Communication

This award recognises successful communication activities aimed at increasing awareness or promoting Natura 2000, and which are liable to bring lasting changes in attitudes or behaviour towards the network.


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NATURA 2000 AWARD 2014PROJECTS

Natura 2000 goes to school

Austria

Auring, a small organisation based in Hohenau/March in Lower Austria, launched the ‘Natura 2000 goes to school’ project in 2009 to get local people – children and adults alike – involved in the fascinating March-Thaya-Auen Special Protection Area. The two-year project combined indoor and outdoor activities for local primary schools, boosting children’s knowledge and enthusiasm about their local environment through first-hand conservation experience. These wetlands are a major breeding ground and rest site for many species of migratory birds, with the largest community of white storks in Austria. Several times a year, people from the whole region are invited to participate in field trips and festivals.

Natura 2000 site March-Thaya-Auen, (AT1202000)

www.auring.at

Public relations: the ‘Wolves in Saxony’ Contact Office

Germany

In 2000, a wild wolf pack was established in Saxony after 150 years of absence. Since then the population has spread in the region and into other parts of Germany. The biggest challenge was to allay people’s fears and prejudices as public acceptance is key to successful coexistence. In 2004, the pioneering ‘Kontaktbüro Wolfsregion Lausitz’ (‘Wolves in Saxony’ Contact Office), run by the regional authority of Görlitz, was set up to provide information to the public, media and local authorities. Every year, more than 200 groups learn about wolf behaviour, distribution as well as livestock protection. The office organises lectures, news releases and excursions in three targeted Natura 2000 sites, education of nature guides, mobile and permanent exhibitions, and a hiking and biking trail.

Natura 2000 site Raklitza und Teiche bei Rietschen, (DE4554301)

www.wolfsregion-lausitz.de

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Agricultural communities protect Romania’s Natura 2000 landscape

Romania

Sighișoara –Târnava Mare, designated as a Site of Community Importance in 2007, combines valuable natural lowland with mixed farming. It contains wetlands, damp and dry grassland and forest habitats, plus many protected fauna and flora species. Socio-economic activities are vital; but while traditional farming practices are no longer economically viable, intensifying or abandoning agriculture would destroy the habitats. The ADEPT Foundation has worked for 10 years to give these communities an economic future through economic and technical support. The most innovative tool is the creation of the Tarnava Mare logo for local products. Altogether, these initiatives have helped to raise the income

of over 2300 farming families by more than € 2.5 million annually, and the idea is already spreading to other parts of Romania.

Natura 2000 site Sighișoara – Târnava Mare, (ROSCI0227)

www.fundatia-adept.org

Tiengemeten: an island of nature near the city

Netherlands

Tiengemeten is a small Island in the Haringvliet, a large body of water in the Netherlands. Between 2006 and 2012, conservation society Natuurmonumenten worked with other stakeholders to transform it from an intensively cultivated agricultural area into a nature and recreation centre. It now offers hiking and cycling trails, bird hides, holiday cottages, a nature playground and a historical

SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Socio-economic benefitsThis award recognises socio-econo-mic benefits that have come about as a result of a Natura 2000 site or project. A ‘Natura 2000 label’, for example, might allow sustainable producers using the natural re-sources of the site to create a niche market or obtain better prices.

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farm museum staffed by 150 volunteers, with a ferry to transport visitors. Tiengemeten has become an important leisure area for the 2 million inhabitants of the Rijnmond region. A marketing campaign in Rotterdam and surrounding cities raised awareness of Natura 2000 and boosted visitor numbers to 50 000 in 2013.

Natura 2000 site Haringvliet, (NL1000015)

www.natuurmonumenten.nl

A Food Map of the revitalised Strážovské-vrchy region

Slovakia

A decline in agriculture over the past 20 years left the meadows and pastures of Slovakia’s Strážovské-vrchy region abandoned and degraded. To support small-scale farmers, public association Prales (Primeval forest) conducted an ecological audit and created an online Food Map of farm products, which received 1700 hits in January 2014. Most of the 65 ha of bio-diversity-rich grassland habitats are part of the Natura 2000 network. They are now

restored and maintained by local farmers, making them more productive and profitable: a win-win situation which keeps project costs low while benefitting local communities and motivating others to adopt traditional, nature-friendly land management practices.

Natura 2000 site Strážovské-vrchy, (SKUEV0256)

http://www.krajina-ziva.sk/

http://www.oz-prales.com/

RECONCILING INTERESTS / PERCEPTIONS

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Reconciling interests/ perceptions

Effective reconciliation often involves compromises between stakeholders with differing interests and views. This category will reward successful efforts that brought together opposing socio-economic or political forces, land or resource users in a way that has benefitted Natura 2000.


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building new reed islands for the bittern and restoring traditional wet and dry heather. It has also boosted public awareness with a documentary video and an education package for local schoolchildren. The project continues to reinforce positive attitudes and cooperation in the area.

Natura 2000 site Vijvercomplex van Midden Limburg, (BE2219312)

www.3water.eu

Multi-stakeholder management of Lesser Prespa Lake

Greece

Since 2012, the Prespa Lake Wetland Management Committee (WMC) has gradually enabled local stakeholders, including farmers, fishermen and livestock owners, to collaborate in the management of wetlands in Greece’s Prespa National Park. The Society

importance for birds of prey is managed by the Federation of Hunters of Lozère.

Natura 2000 site Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte, (FR9110105)

http://www.chasseurdulanguedocroussillon.fr

The LIFE+ 3WATER project: a model for sustainable cooperation

Belgium

The innovative ‘3E’ approach brings together previously conflicting interest groups: land-owners, conservationists, local authorities and other stakeholders in balancing Economy, Ecology and Education. The aim is to ensure the Natura 2000 network in the north-east of Belgium remains a viable place for nature, business and tourism. The EU-funded LIFE+ 3WATER project focused on key species such as the bittern (a member of the heron family) and tree frog, initiating a massive restoration of open landscape and ponds,

A united front to protect England’s coral garden

United Kingdom

Lyme Bay’s offshore reefs, home to rare sponges and sea fans, have been protected as a Special Area of Conservation since 2008. But despite a ban on trawling, over-fishing with pots and nets continued to erode ‘England’s coral garden’ off the south coast. In 2011, the Blue Marine Foundation – a registered charity working on innovative solutions to over-fishing – brought together previously hostile fishermen and conservationists into the Lyme Bay Working Group. They agreed on a Code of Conduct and a sustainable, long-term fisheries plan that benefits the community, local fishing businesses and biodiversity.

Natura 2000 site Lyme Bay and Torbay, (UK0030372)

http://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/

When hunters take the lead in protecting raptors

France

One third of the Languedoc-Roussillon region territory in France is dedicated to Natura 2000, but poor communication and a lack of management strategy have led to local misunderstandings and tensions, especially with hunters. In 2009, the Regional Federation of Hunters (Fédération Régionale des Chasseurs) set up the ‘ChasNat 2000’ project to raise awareness about the Natura 2000 network among hunters – in the framework of the European Commission’s Sustainable Hunting Initiative. Through working groups and other initiatives, the project involved hunters in ‘rural participatory diagnosis’ and raised their awareness on Natura 2000. ChasNat changed their perceptions, and today, hunters’ federations are involved in virtually all Natura 2000 sites in the region and one site of special


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for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) set up the committee with the support of the Prespa National Park Management Body (PNPMB). It is the first and only multi-participatory wetland management system in Greece. Local people use the area for activities such as fishing, grazing, and reed-bed cutting: performing tasks necessary for the management of the site and that simultaneously benefit both nature and the local economy. This cooperative approach ensures the long-term, sustainable management of Lesser Prespa Lake.

Natura 2000 site Ethnikos Drymos Prespon, (GR1340001)

www.spp.gr

A spatial optimisation tool to support conservation objectives in Flanders

Belgium

The Flemish Ministry of the Environment has set up a participatory process for formulating targets for Special Areas of Conservation, which will add an extra 41 000-55 000 ha of habitats to the existing Natura 2000 network. In a densely populated, intensively farmed and highly industrialised region, identifying conservation areas involves complex negotiations and sometimes conflicts between different stakeholders. The project

partners – VITO and INBO – developed a high-resolution spatial calculation model (the Optimalisatietool), which can allocate targets with 1 ha precision, conforming to the legal requirements of the Habitats Directive. This approach, combining participation and science-based decision-supporting tools, is unique within the Natura 2000 network in Flanders and was warmly welcomed by all stakeholders.

Natura 2000 site Kalmthoutse Heide, (BE2100015)

www.natuurenbos.be

Czech stakeholders agree first long-term contract for Natura 2000 management

Czech Republic

The Czech Nature Conservation Agency (NCA), together with the Association of Municipal and Private Forest Owners (SVOL), the owners of the Kinský dal Borgo estate and regional authorities collaborated to overcome mistrust and formulate a model stakeholder consultation process covering eight Special Areas of Conservation. Within 15 months, conservation measures were agreed for all of them. This

paved the way for a comprehensive, long-term contract to be signed in August 2013: an important milestone in nature conservation and land scape protection in the Republic. It de fines activities to be carried out and compensation for damages and loss of income. The whole process was a model of good practice, which has attracted interest from landowners elsewhere.

Natura 2000 site Podtrosecká údolí, (CZ0514113)

http://www.ochranaprirody.cz/en/


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A human network serving Natura 2000 in Brittany

France

The association of Natura 2000 Brittany site managers was set up in 2011 to enable local managers to share their experiences, skills and expertise. Today, it has 38 members, each managing one or more of the region’s 81 Natura 2000 sites. It helps them to liaise with regional authorities and to strengthen local politicians’ understanding of the network’s objectives. The association builds on the work of the regional environment directorate (DREAL) which organises training days for site managers. This human network,

alongside the natural one – the first of its kind in France – encourages members to develop new projects to promote Natura 2000 and is an inspiration for other regions.

Natura 2000 site Rivière Elorn, (FR5300024)

http://bretagne-asso.n2000.fr/

NETWORKING AND CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION

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Networking and cross-border cooperationThis category covers two potentially distinct but interrelated aspects:

• How networking activities have resulted in lasting positive im-pacts for Natura 2000; and/or

• How long-term conservation can benefit from transnational collaboration. The award may also cover cooperation between administrative regions within a country, cooperation between different bio-geographical regions, or between marine and land sites.


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NETWORKING AND CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION

Cross-regional cooperation to improve the management of the Sonian Forest

Belgium

The Sonian Forest – 4 400 ha of valuable nature connected to Brussels – is home to several Natura 2000 listed species and attracts millions of visitors each year. In 1980, it was geographically divided between the three Belgian regions: 56 % in Flanders, 38 % in Brussels-Capital and 6 % in Wallonia. In order to improve the management of the forest, the regions agreed to coordinate their

work through a ‘Structural vision for the Sonian Forest’ in 2008. Since 2009, this cooperation has generated many successes: forest-wide inventories, common management plans, a participatory platform, public information, a recreational network and visitors facilities.

Natura 2000 site Zoniënwoud/Forêt de Soignes avec lisières et domains, (BE2400008)

http://www.natuurenbos.be/

http://www.zonienwoud.be/

Coherent quality standards for Natura 2000 site management

Spain

Under Spain’s decentralised government structure, over 20 different public admi-nistrations draw up and implement Natura 2000 site management plans, often without a common approach. In order to improve the consistency of these plans, Fundación Fernando González Bernáldez and EUROPARC Spain launched a technical cooperation network covering all administrations (local, regional and national) to develop practical management

tools. It has set up a working group with more than 90 technicians, runs thematic workshops, develops quality standards and maintains a reference website on the state of the Natura 2000 network in Spain. Rebollar of Navalpotro in Guadalajara, Castilla La Mancha – a Site of Community Importance – is an example of an area where these actions have been successfully applied.

Natura 2000 site Rebollar de Navalpotro (ES4240012)

www.redeuroparc.org

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Natura 2000 Award

This pan-European Award recognises excel-lence in the management of Natura 2000 sites and conservation achievements, showcasing the added value of the network for local economies, and increasing public awareness about Europe’s valuable natural heritage.

The Natura 2000 network covers an enormous variety of different sites across the continent. It preserves and enhances Europe’s biodiversity, safeguarding it for future generations, and provides a range of important benefits, helping nature to help us.

Europeans feel strongly about nature conservation, but few are familiar with Natura 2000. A recent Eurobarometer survey found that nine out of ten Europeans see the decline of natural habitats and the endangering and disappearance of certain animals and plants as serious pro-blems. Most citizens believe that the role of nature protection in preventing the destruction of valuable areas on land and at sea is important (ranging from 99 % to 83 % among the Member States). But only 27 % of respondents to the survey had actually heard of Natura 2000.

This is why the European Commission has launched the new annual Natura 2000 Award. The aim is to show people what the network is, how it works, and what it does to pre-serve Europe’s biodiversity. The award recognises good practices at Natura 2000 sites in five different categories: communication, socio-economic added value, conservation, reconciling interests/perceptions, and networking and cross-border cooperation

Anyone directly involved in Natura 2000 – businesses, authorities, NGOs, volunteers, land owners, educational institutions or individuals – can apply for the award. Applications are as-sessed by a team of independent experts. A short list of the best applications is then proposed to a high level jury to decide on the winners.

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GA05280 - 7 Natura 200 Recycled ‘greencast’ acrylic topped award mounted on a layered wooden and aluminium base with printed detailing.220 x 200 x 120mm

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A successful competition The interest shown in this this inaugural Natura 2000 surpassed all expectations. A to-tal of 163 applications were received, covering all five Award categories – Conservation, Socio-Economic Benefits, Communication, Reconciling Interests/Perceptions, and Networking and Cross-Border Cooperation.

Applications were submitted for projects dealing with a wide range of habitats: from Alpine mountain regions to coastal marsh zones and from meadows to forests. We have received applications covering all the nine EU biogeographical regions.

Many submissions detailed how Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Community Importance/Special Areas of Conservation (SCI/SAC) have successfully fostered the protec-tion, enhancement and restoration of habitats and species listed in the Birds and Habitats directives.

The applicants have also delivered stunning examples that show how natural resources can be sustainably exploited and how disputes between conflicting interests can be resolved. Moreover, a number of projects have helped local people to gain a better understanding of what the Natura 2000 network aims to achieve.

After careful assessment and deliberation by an independent team of evaluators, a shortlist of 22 projects was drawn up on the basis of five key criteria: effectiveness of the actions and results achieved; innovation and originality, exemplary nature; durability of the actions; good cost-benefit ratio; and transferability.

From this shortlist, five winners were selected by the Jury, one in each of the five categories. The winners were announced at the Award ceremony in Brussels on May 21st.

Natura 2000 AWARDS 2014 - European...

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