WRITTEN QUESTION P-0372/03

by Véronique Mathieu (EDD) to the Commission

(7 February 2003)

Subject: Funding of the Natura 2000 programmes

For some time now the provisions of the Natura 2000 plan, particularly those relating to zoning, have been gradually put into practice. This environmental conservation programme will have certain effects on the economic activities of the zones concerned. However, one question still does not seem to have received a clear answer: that of the funding of Natura 2000. The second pillar of the CAP is often mentioned. What is the exact situation?

Among the costs incurred, some NGOs mention the renting and/or purchase of land situated in the Natura 2000 zones. This raises a number of questions: what reasons will be given for these purchases? Who will be able to act as purchaser of the land? And, above all, what will happen to agriculture in these areas?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2003)

State of play regarding financing of Natura 2000

Natura 2000 is the European ecological network established by the 1992 Habitats Directive(1). Its main purpose is the protection of wild species and habitats of European significance. Article 8 of the Habitats Directive was drafted in recognition of the financial burden that Natura 2000 might place on Member States, particularly those Member States with a higher concentration of species and habitats. It therefore provides for Community co-financing of measures required for the implementation and ongoing management of Natura 2000.

In order to address co-financing issues in a comprehensive and effective way, the Commission set up an independent Working Group on Article 8 in December 2001. The Working Group brought together experts and representatives from a number of Member States, stakeholder groups and non-governmental organisations. On 6 December 2002 the Final Report of the Working Group was submitted to the Commission.

The Working Group agreed that three main options should be examined for securing future co-financing for Natura 2000, as follows:

- Option 1: using existing Community funds, notably Rural Development Regulation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Structural and Cohesion Funds and the LIFE-Nature instrument, but modifying these in order to ensure better delivery against Natura 2000 needs;

- Option 2: enlarging and modifying the LIFE-Nature instrument to serve as the primary delivery mechanism; or

- Option 3: creating a new funding instrument dedicated to Natura 2000.

The report will be used as an input for preparing a Communication to the Council and the Parliament on the Financing of Natura 2000 envisaged in 2003, which will outline a coherent framework for co-financing Natura 2000.

Costs incurring with regard to Natura 2000 sites

There is a wide range of potential measures and activities necessary for the designation and management of Natura 2000 sites, and for which funding may be required. Activities can relate to the pre-designation phase, or only follow after a site is designated. They can be one-off investment-type actions, such as land acquisition or the restoration of damaged habitats or features, or they may involve actions over extended periods, such as the regular active management of vegetation and other features, and site or species monitoring.

In the report of the Working Group a table illustrates a range of management activities for the designation and management of Natura 2000 sites, which the Working Group considered, should be generally eligible for Community funding. Land purchase is listed as one of those activities.

No decision on this issue has been taken yet. It will be treated in combination with an implementation framework for the co-financing following the envisaged Communication on financing Natura 2000.

(1) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.