Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process Mediterranean Region. Workshop on Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process Mediterranean Region. Workshop on Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000"

Transcription

1 Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process Mediterranean Region Workshop on Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000 Parc naturel regional du Luberon, Monday, 9 to Wednesday, 11 May 2016 Workshop Report An initiative of the

2 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 2 Prepared by: ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation (NL) Authors: Astrid van Hemert, ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation Neil McIntosch, ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation With contribution of: Sophie Bourlon, Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon, France Ludovic Le Maresquier, European Commission Copyright: European Union, 2016 Reproduction is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged. Funding: Disclaimer: European Commission as part of contract number /2012/60517/SER/B.3. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Commission, nor is the European Commission responsible for any use that might be made of information appearing herein. ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation, Final version 26 July 2016

3 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 3 Contents 1 Introduction Executive Summary Day 1 - Introductory presentations Day 2 Field trip Day 3 - Break out group presentations Conclusions ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation, Final version 26 July 2016

4 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 4 1 Introduction This document presents the main outcomes from the Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000 workshop organized in the context of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process. This workshop was a follow-up event identified during the Mediterranean Biogeographical Kick-off Seminar, which was held in Thessaloniki, Greece in May The workshop addressed current issues in Mediterranean forest management, focusing in particular on integrated management approaches, benefiting both forestry and nature conservation. The participants presented examples of approaches applied in the implementation of Natura 2000, shared project results and management experiences, and discussed strategies and good practices that could contribute to the improved conservation and restoration of ecological networks in Mediterranean managed forests. The workshop was hosted and organized by the Luberon Regional Nature Park in France, from 9 to 11 May 2016, with support from ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation. Forty-five experts (researchers, private and public forest owners, foresters and nature policy officers) attended the workshop from 7 countries: France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, as well as the Netherlands and Belgium. 2 Executive Summary The three main objectives of this 3-day event were: 1. To share what we know on the ecology of the Mediterranean forests located in Natura 2000 sites; 2. To present the tools that are used to understand, assess, and promote Mediterranean forests biodiversity; and, 3. To exchange practical management experiences and success stories. 2.1 Day 1 - Introductory presentations On the first day, the challenges and threats of two examples were provided by representatives from Luberon Regional Nature Park. The workshop was opened by Ms Jacqueline Combe, President of Natura 2000 sites and of the Biodiversity Committee and Natural areas of the Luberon Regional Nature Park. She addressed the three main objectives of this 3-day workshop as stated in the executive summary. Dr Jacques Blondel, Director of Research Emeritus at the Centre of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CNRS) in Montpellier explained in detail how to keep biodiversity in Mediterranean forests through scales of space and time. See this presentation. Dr Thierry Gauquelin, Doctor of Science of the Mediterranean Institute of Biodiversity and Marine and Continental Ecology (CNRS) and Professor of Functional ecology at the Aix-Marseille University, explained the threats and challenges for Mediterranean forests and used the Regional Natural Parc of the Luberon as example. See this presentation. ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation, Final version 26 July 2016

5 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 5 The main threats identified arise from: 1. Climate Change; 2. Fragmentation; 3. New forest use demands (timber, wood fuel, recreational activities), and; 4. Invasive species. This presentation was followed by a note of thanks from Mr Ludovic Le Maresquier, Nature Policy Officer at DG ENV at the European Commission. He expressed sincere gratitude to the host for their organisation of this workshop and gave a brief presentation on what the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process is in terms of goal, organisation and expectations. The Process is made for and by the Member States and its primary aim is to help them to achieve the 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets, in particular Target 1. Ms Sophie Bourlon, Natura 2000 Project Manager at the Luberon Regional Nature Park, introduced the field trip to the participants. (This field trip took place on the second day of the programme.) Her presentation highlighted several actions which are taken to maintain and restore the Luberon Forest s biodiversity, in particular related to Natura Other actions were shown and discussed on the ground during the field trip of the Luberon Park and the Mont-Ventoux. 2.2 Day 2 Field trip The field trip on day two was used to enable participants to see two examples of Mediterranean public forest management (with the French National Forestry Office (ONF)) and one example of management of a private forest, with several owners grouped on one specific property. Each site visited includes networks of old-growth forests and are included in the Natura 2000 network for biodiversity conservation in the Luberon Regional Nature Park and Mont-Ventoux UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The first phase to define these networks in the Luberon consisted of mapping ancient forest and forests of high biodiversity value. Scientists have demonstrated that a forest s ancientness has an influence on its biodiversity (no matter what method of management is used). The high biodiversity value forests are classified according to their importance in the retention of old-growth features, for example ancient solitary trees, and according to the WWF s assessment tool to assess degree of naturalness. The second phase to define and implement these networks, in both the Luberon and Mount Ventoux, involved a theoretical framework approach establishing ecological corridors at three scales: 1. Large scale (mountain range); area from 10 to more than 100 ha; 2. Forest scale; conservation of senescence islands ; area from 1 to 10 ha; and 3. Plot scale; trees of ecological interest; at least 5 trees per ha. Both phases required and depended on establishing positive contact with landowners. The French Mediterranean Forest Natura 2000 contract for trees of ecological interest and senescence islands conservation were applied as a single tool to implement this network. Today in the Luberon and Ventoux forests, 22.2 ha are managed under such contracts and 12.1 ha are still in the project phase. Their designation is continuing as part of the operational forest management. ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation, Final version 26 July 2016

6 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 6 In public forests, the ecological network is established together with the National Forestry Office (ONF), in particular in two strict reserves in the Luberon (915 ha) and in the Ventoux (906 ha), and also in private forests with owners and the Regional Centre for Private Forests. During the field trip, the participants were divided in working groups, first to describe the trees of ecological interest, and second to apply an inventory method by using a quick naturalness assessment tool developed by WWF. This tool improves the drawing-up of inventories and the determination of appropriate management measures which may be used. Knowledge Market The Knowledge Market took place at the end of Day 2, where 11 posters were presented from various managed forest projects from France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. This resulted in a lively exchange of information about the management of Mediterranean forests and options for possible future networking between the different European countries. The posters presented during the Knowledge Market can be viewed on the Natura 2000 Platform. 2.3 Day 3 - Break out group presentations The programme on day three consisted of three thematic break-out groups. Each included two 15 minute case study presentations in each group. Per Group, the case studies, drawn from five different European managed forests, presented concrete examples as follows: Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 The state of scientific knowledge and knowledge gaps concerning ecological connectivity, in particular networks of old growth forests in the Mediterranean region; Strategies for the implementation and monitoring of old growth forest networks in the Mediterranean region; Forest management to preserve biodiversity. At the end of day 3, the groups were able to: Identify common threats affecting Mediterranean forest habitat types Discuss and identify appropriate conservation objectives Identify practical steps to implement conservation measures Discuss the main barriers and challenges involved in implementation The following tables summarise the themes discussed in each of the three working groups, group participants observations from the site visits, the main barriers and challenges identified in practical management for ancient forests and the scope for future cooperation in the form of possible solutions. The presentations with more detailed information can be viewed on the Natura 2000 Platform. ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation, Final version 26 July 2016

7 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 7 Working group theme Field trip conclusions Barriers and challenges Solutions 1. The state of scientific knowledge and knowledge gaps concerning ecological connectivity, in particular old-growth networks, in Mediterranean forests Adaptive management is necessary to take into account the needs and specific circumstances of each site. There is much value and continuous need to ensure that the importance of education is prioritized. Old-growth forests are a new subject to discuss. Links and connectivities between countries are essential, and networking is a valuable means to share experiences and gain new knowledge. It is important to keep the history of each site in mind. Lack of knowledge Lack of education and appropriate communication particularly targeting students, foresters, schools and municipalities. There is no Mediterranean vision on old growth forests To be effective, education and communication approaches, including language, must be adapted for different target audiences. There is a need to improve social knowledge and awareness amongst respective forest actors, including those with management responsibilities. A European data-base for old growth forests would be useful. Networking and maintaining contact between relevant actors are vital it is essential to keep this workshop group alive and seek to extend the contacts established by, for example, inviting the involvement in Medforval. 2. Strategies for the implementation and monitoring of old growth forest networks in the Mediterranean region In Spain, the value of networking is recognized, where experiences can be shared amongst those working on similar sites and issues for example, networking is used to identify common issues, exchange information and practical experiences, especially in the application of management tools, and also experiences of working with private owners with Natura 2000 contracts. Often, it is difficult to convince owners to conserve their forest and find funds. Training could be a solution. Climate change: adapting forests or adapting forestry practices? Increase of timber extraction Forest fires Deer grazing Foresters old habits (link with education) Lack of efficient legal measures (5% of un-managed forests have to be designed for old-growth forests) Lack of knowledge about location and Network of old growth forests at 3 different scales Improving forest management (deadwood, interesting trees) Knowledge and monitoring Tools to protect the network: reserves, retention islands, Natura 2000 contracts, etc. (France) In some cases, non specific measures can be useful, as applied in Spain here, the approach is to develop

8 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 8 Working group theme Field trip conclusions Barriers and challenges Solutions The EC has established a guide on financing Natura 2000 in 2014 ( a2000/financing/index_en.htm) to help MS and stakeholders to mobilise European funds for Natura This is available in different languages. In applying these guidelines, one key issue relates to the form of local governance approach that is applied and which needs, together with the national level, to structure Natura 2000 policy in order to give clear rules to people on the ground about how they can mobilise those funds. interest general measures for good forest management practices, rather than for specific conservation objectives. The end goal is to improve the general conservation condition of sites. France: effective Dialogue with foresters and owners Spain: apart from sharing management experiences and gaining new knowledge, networking can also be used as educational tool. In France, it was observed that Natura 2000 funds were available for quite some time and the Luberon Regional National Park is able to demonstrate valuable experience about ways to use these funds. However, in other areas in France, there is still a challenge which relates to how best to use the funds. Private owners are not always paid in time and, often, there are long administration processes involved which limit access to funds and create an administrative burden. 3. Forest management to preserve biodiversity Quick naturalness assessment tool presented by Daniel Vallauri (WWF) Lack of knowledge to define priorities and actions Prioritization of actions for funding by States should be reviewed and

9 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 9 Working group theme Field trip conclusions Barriers and challenges Solutions The following points reflect the feedback from and observations by participants about this tool: It is an interesting tool, but care should be taken when forming opinion based on this quick assessment; It is useful and can be applicable to most of the countries; There is a need to involve private owners and public communities, in particular to factor in the social and economic return dimensions: also, there is a need to reflect social value for the government / state; There may be options to pay owners to fund actions (e.g. aging patches); There is value in developing common objectives from different owners. Lack of tools to take forests into account in urbanism plans Lack of coordination between biomass projects Lack of funding/ unequal distribution of funding Administrative and technical regulations Lack of association or exchange of information among private owners Lack of ecological links between the sites Absence of site specific management options improved There should be more obvious and better information for the forests e.g. portals gathering information in local languages Improve information exchange on forests; inventory of private and public forests Create a regulation to share information with Natura 2000 managers (e.g. potential for conservation) Working Group 1. The state of scientific knowledge and knowledge gaps concerning ecological connectivity, in particular old-growth networks, in Mediterranean forests Differences in the Management of the Mediterranean forests, its challenges and solutions THE IBERIAN PENINSULA The objective of the study Assessing the Relevance of the forest Mediterranean habitats of NATURA 2000 Network in Iberian Peninsula is to assess the relevance of the Iberian forest habitats according with the new methodology developed. The study area was the Natura 2000 Network, focusing in the Iberian Peninsula. The data were the ones available in the European Environmental Agency in Sept The conclusions of this assessment are that: Habitats with highest relevance index correspond to rare habitats or to highly represented in a region, as in the Iberian Peninsula case ; The relevance index is a helpful tool to identify on which we have greater responsibility, providing information to regions and Natura

10 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 10 Working Group 2. Strategies for the implementation and monitoring of old growth forest networks in the Mediterranean region Differences in the Management of the Mediterranean forests, its challenges and solutions 2000 management boards; The output of this index can support the monitoring/assessment of Natura 2000 habitats ; To funding projects: priority status is important for conservation planning; Also relevance index can be considered to support management and financial decisions; It is important to improve the knowledge of habitat status. Also the National Forest Inventory of each region can be a helpful tool to provide data to characterise and update the current status of the habitats. FRANCE There are differences between regions: for example, in the Cévennes National Park in France there are no Natura 2000 contracts used in the state public forests. The initiative in private forests is though of great interest and can be flexibly applied in different sites for example, management approaches and protocols for old growth forests can be simplified for some criteria, such as factors to determine maturity. In the Regional Natural Park Ballons des Vosges, there is only 3% of private forest, and they mainly work with ONF. High time investments are required in developing relationships with local stakeholders for example, there is a need to convince local communities not to cut timber in certain areas where hunting is popular. SPAIN In Spain, the tool applied is similar to that of WWF, but is adapted - it is simplified, shorter, and questions are easier. Whilst this helps with the application of the tool, there are other constraints, including limits of time for Spanish rangers. In the Bioma Forestal in Spain, one particular challenge identified stems from too much importance being attached to money. For example, in the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Range, there has to be 5% minimum of the surface in free evolution, without money back, in private or public forest. This is a law and sometimes the problem is that this surface area might occur in a region where conservation is not prioritised (for example, rocky or barren land, or public spaces. It was noted that the challenge of managing competing priorities is also experienced in France by ONF. The view of the EC is that it is important that Natura 2000 helps to change practices in order to maintain or, where appropriate, improve the conservation status of the habitats and species of community interest. Funding can be one means to help convince people to change their habits, but is not necessarily the only means to ensure effective engagement and involvement in nature conservation management.

11 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 11 Working Group 3. Forest management to preserve biodiversity Differences in the Management of the Mediterranean forests, its challenges and solutions GREECE The following projects provide useful best practice examples of integrated forest management in Greece: 1. Prespa: restoration of juniper habitat - goats to control broadleaf species 2. Nestos: restoration of riparian forest connectivity, local species 3. Parnonas: restoration after fires work from surviving areas About 65% of Greek forests are owned by the state, with the rest owned by municipalities, the church and other private owners. Forest management is supervised by the Greek Forest Service (GFS). With minor differences, all forests are managed under the principles of natural forestry. Non-state owned forests may use coppice management more intensively. Biodiversity is not in the core of management planning; within Natura 2000 sites (SCI & SPA) some measures may be applied: (e.g. more mature trees are retained, no logging around trees used by birds of prey for nesting etc.). The main management challenges of the Prespa s Juniper Forests include: High competitive broadleaved species, which suppress junipers and prevent natural regeneration. Increased risk of crown fires due to high amounts of biomass and very dense stands. Reduction of available habitats of rare, endemic and threatened plant species. Loss of a key element of Prespa s natural heritage and regional identity. Nestos delta riparian forest was about ha in 1928: by 2005, less than 150 ha remain, scattered in patches of the ancient forest. Clearances for agriculture uses and poplar plantations were the main factors contributing to this reduction in area. However, from 2005 to 2009, more than 280 ha have been restored using funding from EEA Grants: former poplar plantations have been re-populated with native species and also with a view to restoring ecological connectivity. During the Summer of 2007, Parnonas black pine forests suffered greatly from mega forest fires which affected large areas of the habitat types *9530 and Black pine forests (priority habitat type 9530) are particularly vulnerable to wild fires because they are not serotinous and during the summer their seeds are immature. Utilising LIFE and EEA grants, more than 500 ha, an area greater than 50% of the burnt forest of Mount Parnonas, was restored.

12 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 12 Working Group Differences in the Management of the Mediterranean forests, its challenges and solutions The advantages of this restoration project are that: Forest authorities committed their involvement financially, and also by providing access to relevant expertise and experience; Strong and lasting partnerships between public administration and scientific institutes resulted, which are yielding clear and longterm benefits; Low maintenance management regimes were also considered as options following interventions. The shortcomings of this restoration project include: That there has been generally very slow integration of results into official guidance; Exchange of experience and good practices between different forest management units could have been improved; Limits of funding. ITALY This project focuses on the resilience of forests against climate change in Italy, in particular Sicily. Sicily has 258,502 hectares of high forests and is one of the Italian regions with a lower coefficient of woodiness. It is known that historically forested areas were wider, forest areas continuing to be lost until the beginning of the last century: at that point, this trend stopped and huge investments were made to re-forest wide cleared areas. However, the regional forests are at risk of degradation due to the increasing occurrence of forest fires and exposure to climate change impacts. This project aims to identify new forest practices in order to promote the ecological resilience of forest communities in Sicily threatened by risk of desertification. A specific objective is to implement a regional forest policy which is able to increase the resilience of forests in Sicily, by improving ecosystem efficiency and promoting forest biodiversity conservation. Identified examples of good management practices include: The importance of mixing native species, whilst taking steps to eliminate (and prevent) alien species Measures that restore ecological connectivity A mixed approach to timber removal, which need not be systematic according to specific sites and their conditions, this can involve removal of only some branches in certain areas, entire trees in other areas, or no removal at all in other areas. The most important challenge is reconciling preventative actions to be taken and the strict regulations that cover the national parks.

13 Mediterranean forest management and Natura 2000, 9 to 11 May Workshop report 13 3 Conclusions This highly successful workshop was made possible due to the significant local support provided by the hosts and the tremendous site visits. Also the programme was developed to benefit from the excellent presentations from the five Mediterranean countries participating. These provided valuable insights to the challenges, barriers and solutions involved in old forest management in Natura 2000 sites in the following regions/countries: 1. Luberon Regional Nature Park, France 2. Mont-Ventoux Regional Nature Park, France 3. The Iberian Peninsula 4. The Spanish forests 5. The Cévennes National Park, France 6. The Greek forests 7. The Sicilian forests These presentations made during the workshop are available on the Natura 2000 platform. Also, details of the Knowledge Market and the various case studies can be seen from the Platform. The pictures have been made during the workshop ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation, Final version 26 July 2016