Guidelines on the management of farmland in Natura 2000

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1 Guidelines on the management of farmland in Natura 2000 Eeeurpean European Commission DGENV B3 Oliviero Spinelli Comunità Ambiente

2 Farming and Natura 2000 More than 15 million hectares of land in Natura 2000 sites is under agricultural management in the EU Agro-ecosystems : 35% of Natura 2000 surface (10% grasslands, 25% cultivated areas)

3 Habitats types associated with agriculture Many of these 7% habitats & species have declined Over in recent 25% times of habitats and their status could be improved with the implementation and almost of good 200 agricultural 17% management species from the Habitats and Birds Directives are linked to 52% agriculture 24%

4 Guidanceon management of farmland in Natura 2000 Aims Stimulate the dialogue between farming and nature conservation communities Promote the integrated management of farmland in Natura 2000 areas, by strengthening partnership and involvement of the agricultural sector Elaborate guidelines that may be useful for all the stakeholders involved in promoting good management approaches to farming in Natura 2000 sites

5 Guidance on management of farmland in Natura 2000: first results Done Identification and analysis of the key issues and challenges related to agriculture and nature conservation Assessing main pressures and threats on the concerned species and habitats, and their specific management requirements, to achieve a Favourable Conservation Status Case studies on good management practices (one for each of the 27 Member States) Workshop Agriculture and nature conservation: opportunities and challenges (March 15, 2012)

6 Guidance on management of farmland in Natura 2000: next step To be done by the end of 2012 Elaboration of a Guidance document on management of farmland in Natura 2000 areas through active dialogue with relevant stakeholders (agricultural and environmental authorities of MS, farmers organisations, environmental NGOs) based on the findings of the previous tasks and focused on suitable management approaches Promotion and dissemination of the guidance document Final workshop 4-pages brochure

7 Elements for the discussion Which agency can better ensure the protection of biodiversity in Natura 2000 sites that contain agricultural areas? A public body which deals with farming? A public entity that takes responsibility for the environment? Or an ad-hoc agency that contains the two components? At what level? Local, regional, national? European? What can be the contribution of farmers' associations? What are the best means of communication to mobilize the farmers?

8 The future CAP and Natura 2000 The Commission has set out its views on the importance of Union funding for biodiversity and nature protection in the next multiannual financial framework in its Communication on 'A budget for Europe 2020' in which it clarified that the effective management and restoration of Natura 2000 protected areas is central to attainment of the EU 2020 biodiversity target of halting and reversing the decline of biodiversity in the EU. And also that "at EU level, a strengthened integrated approach using the various EU sectoral funds, ensuring their consistency with the priorities of Natura 2000 action frameworks, together with an enhanced LIFE Biodiversity strand, will provide a strong basis for the new Natura 2000 financing strategy.

9 The future CAP and Natura 2000 The integrated approach was chosen to ensure that the management of the sites is part of wider land and water management policies. Following this approach opportunities for funding Natura 2000 have been included in each of the relevant EU funds for financing period: sectoral proposals on cohesion funding, fisheries policy, the LIFE financial instrument for the environment and climate action and the Common Agricultural Policy. Thank you.