Event details

The main aim of this workshop is to discuss practical ways to support transfer of knowledge and innovation between practitioners across Europe about the key role of site managers in implementing Natura 2000 and contribute to improving site management effectiveness.

Drawing upon the experience and knowledge of participants, the workshop will enable comparison and benchmarking of approaches in different countries around Europe. In addition, it will establish contact between site management practitioners and support service staff. There are 5 case study contributions being planned – each case study will describe actual sites and present ‘real life’ useful experiences:

• To discuss, exchange and compare practical experiences of Natura 2000 site managers working around Europe in protecting, maintaining and enhancing Europe’s nature:

• What does being a Natura 2000 site manager entail?

• How does being a Natura 2000 site manager differ from site managers in other protected areas?

• What are the specific challenges and critical success factors required to ensure improved and more effective site management?

• To build understanding about the core roles and responsibilities of site managers in practice implementing Natura 2000;

• To exchange ideas about the profile attached to Natura 2000 site managers, especially in terms of local coordination and stakeholder involvement and site-based staff training and professional development functions.

The workshop will take place in Shengen, a small winemaking village and commune in far South Eastern Luxembourg, near the point where the borders of Germany, France, and Luxembourg meet. Other villages within the commune include Remerschen and Wintrange. Description of site visits to follow. As a Eurosite workshop, great emphasis is placed on the value of on-site learning and exchange of practical experience ‘in the field’. During the course of the three-days, there will be a mix of presentations, interactive discussions, group work sessions and site visits.

Note that there is no fee to attend this workshop: the Luxembourg Ministry of Environment has generously offered to cover costs for all meals and local transport for site visits. The only costs to be covered by participants will be for their own travel to Luxembourg and two-nights accommodation. There is though a possibility of applying for funding to cover these costs under the Preparatory Visits section of the Leonardo programme - applications should be made to your national agency at least 8 weeks before the workshop takes place. Contact details for national agencies can be found on the Leonardo website at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc1208_en.htm

Finally, Eurosite is also looking for speakers to present case studies of management experiences in Natura 2000 sites at the workshop. These presentations will last approximately 20 minutes and focus on your management challenges in specific sites. We’re looking for presentations from site management practitioners, to get an “on the ground” perspective of site managers’ roles, responsibilities and activities in managing Natura 2000 sites. If you would be interested in giving a presentation on your work please contact Carlijn Poirters by email: cpoirters@eurosite.org, or by phone: 0031 73 61 29 222.

Whether as a speaker or as a participant, this workshop is a valuable opportunity to share and compare, experiences and solutions. Also, it is a great way to establish contacts and experience in-depth two sites in Luxembourg – more details to follow!

The programme and a short description of the sites scheduled to visit can be found here below.

To register (possible until 25 September) or for further information, please email info@eurosite.org.