Marita Arvela, Nature and Biodiversity Unit, DG ENV.B2

marita.arvela@ec.europa.eu

Final Conference 28.11.2007

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This presentation is about:

Natura 2000 progress

Why it is important to communicate on Natura 2000?

Natura 2000 Networking Programme & other Commission activities

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Natura 2000

EU-wide ecological network of protected areas

Cornerstone in protecting Europe’s biodiversity protection

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Natura 2000 progress

> 25.000 Natura 2000 sites

20 % of the EU 27 territory

Natura 2000- barometer:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/barometer/index_en.htm

June 2007

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10 good reasons to communicate on

Natura 20001. Too many Europeans have still not heard of

Natura 2000

2. It is a European initiative requiring exchange of experiences and networking

3. It involves mainly private land

4. There are too many misconceptions

5. It can help new opportunities and partnerships for rural areas

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6. It leads to joined-up thinking at policy level

7. It informs the public of the governments’ response to their concern

8. It increases people’s possibilities to enjoy their natural heritage

9. It brings the discussion on Natura 2000 into the realm of an informed debate

10. It encourages everyone to feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for Natura 2000

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Commission activities to raise awareness on

Natura 2000

• Brochures & other information material • Nature and Biodiversity website• Specific projects Natura 2000 Networking

Programme!

• Guidelines (7)

• Seminars, workshops, conferences• Natura 2000 Newsletter (1996- ) • 970 LIFE-Nature projects (1992- ) • LIFE+

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Natura 2000 Networking Programme

• follow-up to Natura 2000 Networking Initiative

• Aim: to improve information, communication and general understanding of Natura 2000 Network

• promotes partnership building at local level, raising awareness among general public & stakeholders to participate in planning/management process

• key element: exchange of experience & good practices on site management (incl ‘good practise examples’, Natura Green Days)• workshops throughout Europe

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Activities starting in 2008

• Information and communication on the designation and management of Natura 2000 sites

- Natura 2000 Partner award scheme

• Awareness raising on Biodiversity

• LIFE + (project implementation 1/2009-)

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NA201EN

Thank you for your attention!

Homepage Nature and Biodiversity:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/index_en.htm