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NATURA 2000

Natura 2000 is a network of nature conservation sites for the 21st century. Most importantly, Natura 2000 sites are home to many wonderful plants, animals, and birds important to Europe’s biodiversity. The issues and problems affecting Natura 2000 habitats and species are often complex. They must be proactively addressed, and solutions can be found by working together.

NATURA 2000  BIOGEOGRAPHICAL PROCESS

The EU Biodiversity Strategy calls for significant improvements by 2020 in the conservation status of species and habitats protected under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. In 2012, the European Commission launched the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process to help meet this target. This multi-stakeholder cooperation process at the biogeographical level includes seminars, networking events and cooperation activities aimed at enhancing the effective implementation, management, monitoring, financing and reporting of the Natura 2000 network. The Process assists Member States and key stakeholders to manage Natura 2000 as a coherent ecological network.

Key objectives

  • Collecting up-to-date information on threats and conservation needs for species and habitats.
  • Exchanging experiences, case studies and best practices.
  • Identifying common objectives, priorities and management actions.
  • Developing new management insights, (cross-border) stakeholder cooperation frameworks, networks of specialists and site managers, etc.
  • Promoting Natura 2000 management that integrates socio-economic objectives.

The Natura 2000 Biogeographical Networking Programme

The milestone events of the process are the Natura 2000 Seminars, which are being organised at regular intervals (every 3-4 years). This felt useful by the Member States and expert stakeholders within each biogeographical region. In addition to the Natura 2000 Seminars, the process promotes the exchange of knowledge and cooperation on Natura 2000 management beyond national borders, within and between biogeographical regions. This happens through the implementation of a Natura 2000 Biogeographical Networking Programme, which consists of the organisation of thematic networking events in each biogeographical region.

The Natura 2000 Communication Platform

The Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process is supported by a web-based Natura 2000 Communication Platform. This is the central place where all actors involved in Natura 2000 management exchange information on conservation objectives, measures and their follow-up.

Eurosite’s role in the Process

Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) is the lead contractor to support the EC in the development and implementation of the Process. WENR does this with support from sub-contracted consortium partners.

Eurosite is following the Process closely and will contribute to it by organising thematic networking events according to the needs of the site managers’ community.

NATURA 2000 BRANDING

Natura 2000 product branding benefits people, nature and local economy

Natura 2000 is the largest network of protected areas in the world. People living in and around Natura 2000 areas use these for a variety of economic activities. However, the designation of Natura 2000 areas often creates additional restrictions, sometimes leading people to perceive Natura 2000 as a burden. One solution to this problem is to make products coming from Natura 2000 areas better known and more appealing to the public and increase awareness of the benefits these products provide for nature and people working in Natura 2000 areas.

The Natura 2000 product branding website is part of a Natura 2000 branding campaign, stressing the benefits Natura 2000 can provide to local economies. It showcases products produced in Natura 2000 areas accompanied by inspiring background stories about the collaborations and socio-economic benefits related to those products. By sharing these successful and positive stories, the campaign aims to trigger new partnerships between site managers, farmers and local businesses, improving perceptions of and increasing support for the Natura 2000 network.

Visit the Natura 2000 Product Branding website >>

 

For more information, please download the Natura 2000 Product Branding leaflets below:

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