COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Factsheets providing details of actions in the Action Plan for nature, people and the economy Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions An Action Plan for nature, people and the economy
Date: 2017-04-27
Institutions: Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission
Subjects: EU environmental policy, action programme, application of EU law, biodiversity, economic activity, environmental law, environmental protection, protected species, sustainable development

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 27.4.2017  SWD(2017) 139 final   COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Factsheets providing details of actions in the Action Plan for nature, people and the economy Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions An Action Plan for nature, people and the economy {COM(2017) 198 final}  
 
ACTION 1:  
Update, develop and actively promote, in all EU languages, guidance on  
(a) site permitting procedures, species protection and management as well as sector-specific 

guidance;  

(b) integrating ecosystem services into decision-making  

Objective: Improving guidance and knowledge and ensuring better coherence with broader 
socioeconomic objectives (Priority A) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

(a)  The  Commission  services  have  issued  guidance  documents  on  site  permitting 
procedures1,2, species protection3 and management4, as well as sector-specific guidance5. The 
Fitness  Check  has  revealed  the  need  for  updating  them  and  developing  new  sector-specific 
guidance,  with  the  aim  of  clarifying  the  flexibility  provided  by  the  Nature  Directives, 
promoting  strategic  planning  and  early  screening  of  plans  and  projects,  combined  and 
streamlined  assessment  procedures,  (e.g.  under  the  Nature  Directives,  the  Strategic 
Environmental Assessment Directive6, the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive7 and 
the Water Framework Directive8) and applying cost-effective approaches to their application. 
Furthermore, based on the findings of a recent study9, the Commission will engage with the 
stakeholders  and  Member  States  in  a  process  to  analyse  ways  of  streamlining  permitting 
procedures  in  the  most  strategic  networks  (in  particular  the  Trans-European  Transport 
Network  (TEN-T)  and  its  cross-border  connections10).  In  a  recent  performance  audit  on 
Natura  2000  implementation,  the  European  Court  of  Auditors11  has  recommended  to  the 
Commission  to  increase  its  efforts  to  promote  the  dissemination  and  application  of  its 
guidance documents. 

1 "Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6 (3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC", see 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/natura_2000_assess_en.pdf  

2 "Managing Natura 2000 sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the 'Habitats' Directive 92/43/EEC", see 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/provision_of_art6_en.pdf  
3 "Guidance document on the strict protection of animal species of Community interest under the 'Habitats' 

Directive 92/43/EEC", see 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/guidance/pdf/guidance_en.pdf  

4 "Guide on hunting under the Birds Directive (updated in 2008)" see 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/docs/hunting_guide_en.pdf, "Key 
Concepts document on Period of Reproduction and prenuptial Migration of huntable bird Species in the EU", 
see http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/key_concepts_en.htm  

5 "Guidance on Aquaculture and Natura 2000 - Sustainable aquaculture activities in the context of the Natura 

2000 Network", "Inland waterway transport and Natura 2000 - sustainable inland waterway development and 
management in the context of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives", "Wind energy developments and Natura 
2000" and "Non-energy mineral extraction and Natura 2000" – see 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/guidance_en.htm  

6 Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, OJ 

L 197 of 21.07.2001, p. 30 

7 Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 
2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (EIA 
Directive), OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1 

8 Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ 327 of 

22.12.2000, p. 1 

9 Study on permitting and facilitating the preparation of TEN-T core network projects, 

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites/transport/files/2016-12-permitting-facilitating-ten-t.pdf  

10 The Commission plans to carry out an impact assessment process in 2017-2018 to identify the most effective 
ways  of  streamlining    permitting  procedures  at  national  and  EU  levels  with  a  view  to  facilitating  the 
implementation of TEN-T projects of common interest  

11 European Court of Auditors Special Report No 1/2017: More efforts needed to implement the Natura 2000 

network to its full potential - http://www.eca.europa.eu/en/Pages/DocItem.aspx?did=40768 

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Under  this  action,  the  Commission,  in  close  cooperation  with  Member  States  and 
stakeholders will: 
  Update  the  interpretative  guidance  document  on  provisions  of  Article  6  of  the  Habitats 

Directive on the conservation and management of Natura 2000 (by 2017) 

  Update  the  methodological  guidance  on  Article  6(3)  and  6(4)  of  the  Habitats  Directive 
(by  2018)  on  the  permitting  requirements  for  plans  and  projects  likely  to  have  a 
significant effect on Natura 2000 sites, also addressing issues relevant for the Projects of 
Common Interest (PCI) under the Trans-European Transport and Energy Networks (TEN-
T/TEN-E) 

  Update  the guidance on species protection rules under the Habitats Directive (by 2018) 
  Update  the  "Key  concepts  document  on  the  period  of  reproduction  and  prenuptial 

migration of huntable bird Species in the EU" (by 2019) 

  Develop a new guidance on hydropower and Natura 2000  (by 2017) 
  Develop a new guidance on electricity transmission facilities and Natura 2000  (by 2017) 
  Update guidance on wind energy and Natura 2000  (by 2019) 
  Develop new guidance on Natura 2000 and fisheries under the common fisheries policy 

rules (by 2018) 

(b)  Ecosystems  and  their  services  (i.e.  the  benefits  that  flow  from  nature  to  people  and  the 
economy)  are  the  natural  capital  that  underpins  Europe's  socio-economic  fabric,  the 
prosperity and the wellbeing of its citizens. However, they are often not fully considered in 
decisions or not properly priced in market transactions.  

This action seeks to pull together the growing knowledge and European and international best 
practices  into  guidance  on  incorporating  ecosystems  and  their  services  into  planning  and 
decision-making  at  the  EU,  national  and  sub-national  levels.  This  will  include  the 
identification  of  co-benefits  of  nature  protection.  The  guidance  will  address  a  range  of 
decision-making  procedures,  promoting  the  use  of  tools  and  approaches  based  on  the 
Mapping  and  Assessment  of  Ecosystems  and  their  Services  (MAES)12,  Natural  Capital 
Accounting  (NCA)13  (including  existing  MAES  methodological  reports  and  first  pilot  EU 
ecosystem  services  accounts  expected  by  end  2017),  results  from  the  EU  research  and 
innovation framework programme related to ecosystem services evaluation and valorisation, 
Member  States'  experience.  It  will  also  promote  synergies  with  the  deployment  of  Green 
Infrastructure and restoration activities14. 

Under this action, the Commission, together with Member States and stakeholders will: 
  Develop guidance and a set of practical tools to support the integration of ecosystems and 
their services into planning and decision-making processes at local, regional, national and 
EU levels (by 2018)  

  Provide capacity building measures for authorities, planners and developers (2018-2019) 

The above package will assist planners and decision-makers to: 
     incorporate the value of ecosystem services into the cost-benefit analysis of policies, plans 

and investment decisions; 

     incentivise  innovative  approaches  to  project  planning  in  order  to  maximise  potential  net 

positive impacts on ecosystems; 

     implement  best  practices  for  plans  and  projects  to  minimise  and  compensate  for 

unavoidable residual impacts on ecosystems and their services. 

12 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/knowledge/ecosystem_assessment/index_en.htm 
13 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/capital_accounting/index_en.htm 
14 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm 

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This will aim to support the design of plans and investment decisions that can achieve socio-
economic objectives combined with sustaining or enhancing the multiple services ecosystems 
provide.  It  will  also  contribute  to  implementing  Europe's  climate  mitigation  and  adaptation 
policies  and  plans.  Measures  for  awareness  raising,  best  practice  exchange  and  capacity 
building will link with existing platforms such as the Business@Biodiversity platform15 and 
the  forthcoming  BioEconomy  Knowledge  Centre  of  the  Commission,  run  by  the  Joint 
Research Centre (JRC). 
For both a) and b) above, the Commission will  
  Translate the above guidance documents in all official languages (2018-2019) 
  Make easy-to-read summaries of guidance documents available online in all official EU 

languages  (2018-2019) 

  Provide an online 'Frequently Asked Questions and Answers' on Natura 2000 (2017) 

The Commission, the Committee of the Regions, Member States and stakeholders will 
  Actively promote and disseminate the above guidance documents to improve local uptake 

(2017-2019) – see Actions 5, 6, 13. 

15 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/business/index_en.htm#  

4 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
 
 
 
ACTION 2:  
Establish  a  support  mechanism  to  help  Member  State  authorities  address  key  challenges  in 
applying  the  permitting  requirements  of  the  Birds  and  Habitats  Directives  for  Natura  2000 
and species protection rules 

Objective: Improving guidance and knowledge and ensuring better coherence with broader 
socioeconomic objectives (Priority A) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

In addition to recognising the need for further development and promotion of EU guidance 
documents,  the  Fitness  Check  underlined  the  need  for  strengthening  support  to  competent 
authorities  with  a  view  to  smart  application  of  permitting  for  Natura  2000  and  species 
protection  rules.  Such  support  mechanisms  already  exist  with  a  targeted  mandate  (e.g. 
JASPERS16 under cohesion policy) or are being developed (e.g. Task Force for the setting-up 
of Single Investment Teams17 for projects under the 'Juncker Plan'18). 

Member  States  can  also  use  technical  assistance  under  the  European  Structural  and 
Investment  Funds  (ESIF)  to  reinforce  their  administrative  capacity.  However,  it  emerges 
from the Fitness Check that there are issues related to permitting/species protection for which 
a  support  mechanism  may  be  needed  by  national  and  regional  authorities.  These  issues 
include  the  interpretation  and  application  of  legal  requirements,  the  length  of  procedures, 
access  to  guidance,  best  practice,  knowledge  and  information,  as  well  as  stakeholder 
involvement. 

The  newly  issued  Environmental  Implementation  Review  (EIR)  reports19,  that  include 
significant  sections  dealing  with  nature 
identify  specific 
issues/challenges for the authorities in different countries. Moreover, country specific needs 
might emerge from structured bilateral follow up discussions (Action 5). In this context, one 
of the proposals in the EIR is "Providing tailored support to Member States' experts directly 
by  their  peers  in  other  Member  States20:  Peer  exchange  is  an  important  means  to  improve 
mutual learning and expertise and to make sure that tested solutions are passed on to others. 
The Commission is establishing a corresponding tool for the Member States under the EIR."   

legislation  and  policy, 

Furthermore,  innovation  deals21,  which  are  voluntary  cooperation  between  the  EU, 
innovators,  and  national,  regional  and  local  authorities,  can  support  stakeholders  and 
authorities  in  the  implementation  of  the  Nature  Directives.  They  can  provide  innovative 
solutions  that  help  achieve  the  Directives'  objectives  while  at  the  same  time  clarifying 
perceived  regulatory  obstacles.  They  can  help  create  legal  certainty  within  the  existing 
legislative  framework,  including  on  the  basis  of  guidance  on  the  Nature  Directives  (see 
Action 1).  

Under this action, the Commission will: 

16 It provides assistance upon request mainly for the preparation of major projects to be submitted for co-
financing under the cohesion policy http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/special-support-
instruments/jaspers  

17  The  Task  Force  has  been  created  to  pursue,  at  EU  level,  a  stronger  convergence  of  the  timelines  of  the 

different procedures regarding strategic infrastructure investment projects  

18 European Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe (EC IPE) - COM/2016/0764 final Investment Plan for 

Europe: evaluations give evidence to support its reinforcement - http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52016DC0764  
19 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eir/index_en.htm   
20 See page 14 of the Communication -  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eir/pdf/comm_en.pdf     
21 https://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-deals/index.cfm?pg=about  

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  Identify,  in  cooperation  with  them,  Member  States  in  need  of  targeted  support  on  key 
challenges, including of a structural nature, in relation to the application of the permitting 
requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives for Natura 2000 and species protection 
rules (by 2017) 

  For  the  identified  Member  States,  support,  including  through  providing  opportunities 
under LIFE Environmental Governance & Information, the setting up of ad hoc training 
programmes  and  support  mechanisms  for  administrations  dealing  with  the  permitting 
requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives for Natura 2000 and species protection 
rules (2017-2019) 

  Encourage Member States to make full use of the EIR Peer to Peer mechanism to spread 
best practice and transfer know-how between national and regional authorities for issues 
related  to  the  permitting  requirements  of  the  Birds  and  Habitats  Directives  for  Natura 
2000 and species protection rules (2017-2019) 

  Encourage Member States to make full use of JASPERS as regards EU co-financed major 
projects  as  well  as  of  other  available  assistance  through  the  Structural  Reform  Support 
Service (SRSS) (2017-2019) 

  Based on the experience gained from the current pilot action, explore widening the scope 
of  innovation  deals  to  the  Nature  Directives,  in  order  to  clarify  perceived  regulatory 
obstacles  and  apply  innovative  solutions  that  can  support  implementation  of  the  Nature 
Directives (2018-2019). 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
ACTION 3:  
Improve knowledge, including through enhanced and more efficient monitoring, and ensure 
public online access to data necessary for implementing the Directives (e.g. satellite imagery 
from the Copernicus programme) 

Objective: Improving guidance and knowledge and ensuring better coherence with broader 
socioeconomic objectives (Priority A) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

Inadequate  knowledge  and  poor  access  to  data  were  identified  in  the  Fitness  Check  as 
obstacles  to  implementation  of  the  Birds  and  Habitats  Directives.  Some  stakeholders 
highlighted that information on Natura 2000 sites is often inadequate or unavailable from the 
competent  authorities,  resulting  in  additional  costs  and  time  consuming  authorisation 
procedures  for  project  developers.  The  information  available  at  EU-level  is  primarily 
generated  in  the  context  of  monitoring  and  reporting  under  the  Directives  but  also  through 
regular updating of the Natura 2000 documentation provided by Member States and managed 
by  the  European  Environment  Agency  (Natura  2000  viewer22,  Standard  Data  Forms23  & 
maps).  Despite  improvements,  there  are  still  significant  knowledge  gaps  and  differences 
between Member States, notably in relation to the level of update, accuracy and completeness 
of  Natura  2000  Standard  Data  Forms,  the  availability  of  data  on  conservation  status  and 
trends  of  species  and  habitats  and  the  contribution  and  effectiveness  of  the  Natura  2000 
network  to  the  achievement  of  the  objectives  of  the  Directives.  These  gaps  need  to  be 
addressed, to ensure an adequate knowledge base for successful implementation. Innovative 
ways to include regional and local authorities and citizens in improving knowledge need to be 
promoted. 

in 

technical  advances 

the  availability  of  high-resolution  satellite 

imagery 
Recent 
(Sentinels)24, and in using digital technology offer high potential to support implementation 
of  the  Directives  at  all  levels.  Developments  in  terms  of  ecosystem  accounting  can  also 
provide  support  (see  also  Action  1).  There  are  also  many  initiatives  on  the  websites  of 
national  nature/environmental  authorities25.  The  full  implementation  of  the  INSPIRE 
Directive26  will  also  facilitate  the  active  dissemination  of  data  related  to  nature  and 
biodiversity. Furthermore, “Citizen science” is becoming an important source of information, 
as  dedicated  smartphone  applications  allows  citizen  scientists  to  provide  geo-coded 
biodiversity information27. 

Under  this  action,  the  Commission  with  Member  States  and  the  European  Environment 

22 http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/#  
23 Each Natura 2000 site has a unique identification form called Standard Data Form (SDF), prepared by 

Member States using an agreed format and providing relevant information for management and protection, 
including an ecological evaluation of the protected species and habitat types present on the site 

24 The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing a new family of missions called Sentinels specifically for 

the operational needs of the Copernicus programme 
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Overview4  

25 A 2015 study for the Commission assessed the availability of online official information relating to the Nature 
Directives and the extent to which spatial data are compliant with the INSPIRE Directive (which aims to 
ensure that spatial data are usable in an EU and cross-border context) and provided recommendations on how 
information could be improved for the Nature Directives. Peters, R.L., et al (2014) Active dissemination of 
environmental information in relation to the Birds and Habitats Directive. Study Contract 
ENV.D.4/ETU/2013/0063r. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/aarhus/pdf/siif_report.pdf    

26 Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2007 establishing an 

Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE) 

27 E.g. the App developed by JRC allowing citizens to report to authorities on Invasive Alien Species in Europe 

(currently for 37 species)  

7 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
Agency will: 
  Update and improve the on-line Natura 2000 viewer in order to better display information 

necessary for implementing different requirements of the Directives (by 2018) 

  Improve data quality, by making a systematic assessment of the coherence of the data-sets 
provided by Member States, followed by discussions in relevant expert groups (by 2019) 
  Support  the  creation  of  a  European  regional  GEOSS28  to  accelerate  the  uptake  of  open 
Earth  observation  data,  information  and  knowledge  allowing  citizens'  access  to  data 
relevant to the Natura 2000 network (2017-2019) 

  Assess the most recent progress in satellite-based remote sensing as a support for better 
implementation of the Nature Directives, develop a pilot online tool for a near real-time 
tracking of changes to high-nature value grasslands in Natura 2000 sites and support the 
generation  of  relevant  spatial  datasets  to  monitor  land  use  and  land  use  changes  in  and 
around Natura 2000 sites under the EU Space programmes29 (2017-2019) 

  Promote the further development and use of alternative information sources on status and 
trends of protected sites and biodiversity in the EU, including through a targeted support 
of citizen science projects (2017-2019) 

  Further  work  on  defining  the  concept  of  Favourable  Reference  Values  and  establishing 
values  for  certain  habitats  and  species  as  a  basis  for  debate  in  the  frame  of  the 
biogeographical process  (2017-2019) 

Member States should: 
  Enhance  monitoring  and  fill  the  gaps  in  knowledge  on  the  Natura  2000  network,  the 
conservation  status  and  trends  of  species  and  habitats,  the  effectiveness  of  the  Natura 
2000  network  and  its  contribution  to  achieving  the  Directives'  objectives,  including  in 
view of the next reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive and Article 12 of the 
Birds Directive due in 2019 (2017-2018) 

28 EuroGEOSS. GEOSS is the Global Earth Observation System of Systems 
29 Copernicus, Galileo 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
ACTION 4:  
Complete the Natura 2000 network, especially filling gaps for the marine environment, and 
put in place the necessary conservation measures for all sites  

Objective: Building political ownership and strengthening compliance (Priority B) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

The establishment and effective management of the Natura 2000 network is a core objective 
of the Nature Directives. While the establishment of the terrestrial component of the Natura 
2000 network is largely complete, there are still important gaps for the marine environment, 
particularly offshore, requiring additional sites to be proposed by the Member States. These 
additional  efforts  should  also  be  consistent  with  the  achievement  of  the  objectives  of  the 
Marine Strategy Framework Directive30 (MSFD) aiming at meeting the 'good environmental 
status ' of EU marine waters by 2020 and with international agreements. 

Once  the  sites  are  adopted  by  the  Commission  as  Sites  of  Community  Importance  (SCI) 
under the Habitats Directive, Member States have up to six years to designate them as Special 
Areas of Conservation (SAC) and to establish the necessary conservation measures to meet 
the conservation objectives for the sites. Similar measures are required for Special Protection 
Areas  (SPA)  designated  by  Member  States  under  the  Birds  Directive.  These  conservation 
measures  can  involve  the  establishment  of  management  plans  specifically  designed  for  the 
sites or integrated into other development plans, and/or appropriate statutory, administrative 
or  contractual  measures.  According  to  the  available  information,  out  of  the  22.419  SCIs  in 
January 2010, one third had not been designated as SACs by January 2016, i.e. the expiry of 
the 6-year deadline.  Furthermore, even though there are large differences between Member 
States  in  the  extent  to  which  they  have  developed  the  necessary  conservation  measures,  by 
the end of 2012, only 50 % of sites were reported to have sites management plans.  

The Fitness Check has highlighted strong stakeholder awareness and cooperation as a major 
factor for success in establishing conservation measures. As Natura 2000 is not restricted to 
national  parks  and  nature  reserves  but  is  based  on  a  wider  concept  of  conservation  and 
sustainable  land  use,  involving  significant  areas  under  private  ownership,  engaging  land 
owners, land users and stakeholders is necessary to achieve this objective. 

Under this action, Member States will, in line with the applicable deadlines in the Directives: 
  Complete the designation of Natura 2000 at land and at sea  
  Establish  and  implement  the  necessary  conservation  objectives  and  measures  for  all 
Natura  2000  sites,  ideally  in  the  framework  of  site  management  plans  or  equivalent 
instruments  

Under this action, the Commission will (2017-2019):  
  Support Member States in delivering the above two sub-actions, including by: 

o  Providing  EU  co-financing  of  site  management  plans  preparation  and 

implementation (see also Actions 8, 9, 10, 11) 

o  Facilitating  the  exchange  of  best  practices  among  Member  States  and  the 
development of common goals to ensure coherence of conservation objectives and 
measures at biogeographical level (see also Actions 6, 13) 

o  Holding  dedicated  bilateral  meetings  with  competent  authorities,  encouraging 
Member States to actively involve all relevant stakeholders at an early stage in the 

30 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a 

framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy, OJ L 164, 25.06.2008, p. 19 
9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
process  of  designation  of  sites  and  preparation  and  implementation  of  the 
necessary  conservation  measures,  including  site  management  plans  (see  also 
Actions 5 and 6) 

o  Further  developing  methodologies  and  criteria  to  assess  the  coherence  of  the 
marine  protected  areas  network,  including  the  marine  Natura  2000  sites,  in  full 
cooperation with the four European Regional Seas Conventions31 

  Strengthen  enforcement  action  of  relevant  legal  obligations  (i.e.  Articles  4(1),  4(4)  and 

6(1) of the Habitats Directive and Articles 4(1) and 4(2) of the Birds Directive)  

  Support Member States to improve synergies while implementing the Nature Directives, 
the  Water  Framework  Directive32  (WFD),  the  Nitrates  Directive33,  the  Marine  Strategy 
Framework  Directive34  (MSFD),  the  Floods  Directive35  (FD),  and  the  Invasive  Alien 
Species Regulation36, through building on the existing guidance37 

  Facilitate  the  development  of  fisheries  measures  under  the  common  fisheries  policy 
(CFP)38 for marine Natura 2000 sites, to meet the conservation objectives of habitat types 
and species protected under the Nature Directives  and in line with  the objectives  of the 
MSFD.  This  will  include  supporting  the  effective  functioning  of  the  regionalisation 
approach  under  the  CFP39  and  ensuring  the  necessary  measures  for  the  conservation  of 
habitats and species are included in the proposals for fisheries multiannual plans40  

  Facilitate  interactions  between  Regional  Seas  Conventions  and  Regional  fisheries 
management  organisations  in  developing  conservation  measures  to  comply  with 
environmental legislation 

  Develop  an  adaptation  strategy  to  deal  with  potential  effects  of  invasive  species  and 
climate change on fisheries in the Mediterranean (by 2018), under the implementation of 
the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) new mid-term strategy 
(2017–2020)  towards  the  sustainability  of  Mediterranean  and  Black  Sea  fisheries  that 
encompasses, in particular, a target on minimizing and mitigating unwanted interactions 
between fisheries and marine ecoystems.  

31 In Europe, there are four cooperation structures, the Regional Sea Conventions, which aim to protect the 

marine environment and bring together Member States and neighbouring countries that share marine waters: 
- The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment in the North-East Atlantic of 1992 (further to 
earlier versions of 1972 and 1974) – the OSPAR Convention (OSPAR) 
- The Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment in the Baltic Sea Area of 1992 (further to the 
earlier version of 1974) – the Helsinki Convention (HELCOM) 
- The Convention for the Protection of Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean of 
1995 (further to the earlier version of 1976) – the Barcelona Convention (UNEP-MAP) 
- The Convention for the Protection of the Black Sea of 1992 – the Bucharest Convention 

32 See footnote 8 
33 Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution 

caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, OJ L 375 of 31.12.1991, p. 1 

34 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a 

framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy, OJ L 164, 25.06.2008, p. 19. 
35 Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment 

and management of flood risks, OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27 

36 Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the 

prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 
35 

37 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/starter_guide.pdf  
38 Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the 
Common Fisheries Policy amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and 
repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 
2004/585/EC (OJ L 354 28.12.2013 p.22) 

39 Under Article 11 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 
40 Under Articles 9 and 10 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 

10 

 
 
 
                                                            
11 

 
 
 
 
ACTION 5:  
Use the new Environmental Implementation Review process for dedicated bilateral meetings 
with national and regional authorities to develop agreed roadmaps to improve implementation 
and consult with landowners and other stakeholders on implementation challenges 

Objective: Building political ownership and strengthening compliance (Priority B) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

implementation  of  EU  environmental 

The  Environmental  Implementation  Review  (EIR)  is  a  newly  developed  tool  to  help 
strengthen 
the  Nature 
Directives41. The EIR complements existing activities aimed at improving implementation of 
the  environmental  acquis,  notably  compliance  assurance  through  infringement  procedures. 
The EIR provides a new framework, which includes setting up a structured implementation 
dialogue with each Member State, aimed at addressing structural problems and responding to 
the  needs  of  each  Member  State.  Transparency  and  wide  participation  of  relevant 
stakeholders from different sectors and different levels of administration are key elements of 
this framework.  

legislation, 

including 

Under this action, the Commission and Member States will (2017-2019): 
  In  the  framework  of  the  EIR  structured  dialogue,  hold  dedicated  bilateral  meetings, 
involving  national  and  regional  authorities  competent  for  implementation  of  the  Nature 
Directives.  Based  on  individual  Member  States'  needs,  key  actions  to  improve 
implementation will be identified and agreed in common implementation roadmaps, with 
milestones  and  deliverables.  These  dedicated  bilateral  meetings  will  take  place  at  least 
once  for  all  Member  States  in  the  course  of  2017-2019  and  will  be  followed,  as 
appropriate, by other meetings. These meetings will focus on key implementation issues, 
in particular: 

o 

the  overall  strategy  for  reaching  favourable  conservation  status  and  for  Natura 
2000  management,  any  structural  problems  in  each  Member  State  impeding 
completion of Natura 2000 and the  establishment of conservation objectives and 
necessary conservation measures for the sites (see also Action 4) the adequacy of 
and  planning  for  financing/resources/capacity  (see  also  Action  8),  possible 
obstacles  faced  during  appropriate  assessment  of  plans  and  projects  (see  also 
Action 1), how to tackle diffuse sources of pollution or other broad drivers (e.g. 
water over-abstraction) that cause deterioration to protected habitats and species 
o  governance  approaches  and  effectiveness  of  cooperation,  e.g.  among  different 
parts  of  the  Member  States  administration  at  central  level  (e.g.  between  the 
Ministry  for  the  environment  and  the  Ministry  for  agriculture  or  fisheries  or  the 
Ministries  in  charge  of  permitting  for  extracting  mineral  resources),  between 
central  and  regional  levels,  between  administration  and  stakeholders  and  with 
neighbouring Member States 

o  raising awareness, capacity and understanding of legal requirements, including in 

relation to other environmental legislation such as SEA42/EIA43 and WFD44 

o  facilitating  efficient  implementation  approaches,  including  by  promoting  the  use 

of relevant EU and national guidance (see also Action 1)  

o  emphasising  the  need  to  actively  engage  landowners  and  other  stakeholders, 

especially in management planning for the Natura 2000 sites 

  Hold back to back meetings with private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders in national 

41 See COM(2017) 63 final 
42 See footnote 6 
43 See footnote 7 
44 See footnote 8 

12 

 
 
 
 
                                                            
capitals 

  Follow up the implementation of the agreed roadmaps. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
ACTION 6:  
Bring  together  public  authorities  and  stakeholders  from  different  Member  States  at  the 
biogeographical region level to address common challenges, including on cross-border issues 

Objective: Building political ownership and strengthening compliance (Priority B) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

In  2012, the European Commission  launched  the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process45, a 
multi-stakeholders'  co-operation  process  at  the  biogeographical  level46,  including  seminars, 
workshops  and  cooperation  activities  to  enhance  effective  implementation,  management, 
monitoring,  financing  and  reporting  of  the  Natura  2000  network.  The  Natura  2000 
Biogeographical  Process  is  supported  by  a  web-based  Natura  2000  Communication 
Platform47 where relevant documents and useful links to an events' calendar are available.  

The Fitness Check has revealed that effectiveness of the Directives has been constrained by, 
among  other  factors,  the  lack  and  insufficient  targeting  of  funding,  limited  stakeholder 
awareness and cooperation, and gaps in knowledge. It has also highlighted the need to put in 
place effective conservation systems, enabling delivering of the Directives' objectives, having 
full regard to the socio-economic context in which they operate. 

In  a  recent  performance  audit  on  Natura  2000  implementation  the  European  Court  of 
Auditors48  has  recommended  to  the  Commission  to  increase  its  efforts  to  promote  the 
dissemination and application of the results of the biogeographical seminars, and promote the 
exchange of best practices on cross-border cooperation. 

Under this action, the Commission, in cooperation with Member States and stakeholders will 
(2017-2019): 
  Refocus the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process to enable it to better contribute to the 
establishment  of  coherent,  effective  and  efficient  conservation  systems  for  the  Natura 
2000 network throughout the EU through: 

o 

o 

improved  coherence  in  evaluating  conservation  status  of  protected  habitats  and 
species and setting conservation objectives and priorities at biogeographical level 
identification  and  promotion  of  best  practices  in  conservation  management 
approaches  to  deliver  conservation  results  at  biogeographical  level,  also  with  a 
view  to  seizing  funding  opportunities  (see  also  Actions  8,  9,  10,  11)  and  to 
identifying  actions  that  deliver  multiple  ecosystem  service  benefits,  e.g.  climate 
resilience and mitigation  

o  strengthened  cooperation  and  sharing  of  experience  on  common  challenges  and 
opportunities,  such  as  communication  and  stakeholder  involvement,  multiple 
benefits of the Natura 2000 network and cross-border issues, e.g. the potential of 
supporting green infrastructure. 

  Agree biogeographical-level roadmaps for cooperative action  
  Complete the second round of Natura 2000 Seminars49 and organize thematic events in all 

biogeographical regions, including the marine regions  

  Further develop the Natura 2000 Communication Platform to make it more user-friendly 

45 See http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/seminars_en.htm  
46  The  Habitats  Directive  refers  to  the  nine  following  biogeographical  regions:  Alpine,  Atlantic,  Black  Sea, 

Boreal, Continental, Macaronesian, Mediterranean, Pannonian and Steppic 
47 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/platform/index_en.htm  
48 See footnote 11 
49 By the time of publication of this Action Plan, 8 Natura 2000 Seminars have been organized since 2012 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
and effective 

Under this action, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions will (2017-2019): 
  Actively promote engagement by national and regional authorities and by stakeholders in 

the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process  

  Use the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process to disseminate and promote EU guidance 

(see also Action 1)  

  Use 

the  Natura  2000  Biogeographical  Process 

to  promote  and  contribute 

to 

implementation of Species and Habitats Action Plans (see also Action 7)  

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
ACTION 7:  
Further  develop  Species  and  Habitats  Action  Plans  for  the  most  threatened  species  and 
natural habitats as well as stakeholder platforms on the coexistence with conflict species (e.g. 
large carnivores) 

Objective: Building political ownership and strengthening compliance (Priority B) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

Since 1993 the EU has funded the development of Species Action Plans for around fifty of 
the most threatened species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive50. A 2010 evaluation51 of 
the  Plans  for  twenty-three  of  these  species  revealed  that  well-resourced  and  coordinated 
implementation  efforts  deliver  species  recovery  results.  EU  management  plans  have  also 
been developed for thirteen huntable bird species52 listed in Annex II of the Birds Directive in 
unfavourable  status  and  for  three  species  protected  under  the  Habitats  Directive53.  The  EU 
has  also  collaborated  with  relevant  biodiversity  Conventions  and  Agreements54  on  the 
development  of  international  plans,  which  provide  a  wider  framework  in  which  EU  action 
takes  place.  These  plans  provide  information  about  the  status,  ecology,  threats  and  current 
conservation measures for each species and list the key actions that are required to improve 
their  conservation  status  across  their  range  within  the  EU.  Each  plan  is  the  result  of  an 
extensive  process  of  consultation  with  individual  experts  in  Europe  as  well  as  competent 
Member States' authorities and International Conventions and Agreements.  EU action plans 
have  not  yet  been  prepared  for  habitat  types,  although  management  models  have  been 
developed for 25 protected habitat types, in order to help site managers preparing their own 
site-specific management plans55. 

Both the State of Nature in the EU report56 and the Fitness Check have highlighted the need 
to urgently address the on-going decline of protected species and habitats, many of which are 
still in unfavourable conservation status. The Fitness Check has also highlighted the need to 
address  the continuous challenge  posed  by certain  protected  species  that  come  into  conflict 
with some human activities such as agriculture. This concerns most notably large carnivores 
and  Cormorants  for  which  stakeholder  dialogue  and  information  platforms57  have  been 
created to promote good practices and practical solutions under the Nature Directive for co-
existence between humans and these species.  

Building  on  current  experience,  this  action  will  focus  on  species  and  habitats  with 
unfavourable  conservation  status,  suffering  significant  decline,  and  having  restricted  ranges 
across several Member States.  The new and updated action plans will also have regard to key 

50 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/action_plans/index_en.htm     
51 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/action_plans/docs/Final%20report%20BirdLif
e%20review%20SAPs.pdf  

52 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/managt_plans_en.htm     
53 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/action_plans/index_en.htm     
54 e.g. The Berne Convention, The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Agreement on the Conservation 

of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), Eurobats 

55 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/habitats/models_en.htm 
56 COM (2015) 219 final - http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/pdf/state_of_nature_en.pdf     
57 An EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores was set up in June 2014 involving 

different stakeholder groups with the aim "To promote ways and means to minimize, and wherever possible 
find solutions to, conflicts between human interests and the presence of large carnivore species, by 
exchanging knowledge and by working together in an open-ended, constructive and mutually respectful way" 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/carnivores/coexistence_platform.htm    
A cormorant platform collecting information and best practice has also been created: 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/cormorants/home_en.htm 

16 

 
 
 
                                                            
pressures  and  threats  on  species  and  habitats,  including  the  increasing  challenges  posed  by 
climate change. 

Under this action, the Commission, Member States and stakeholders will:  
  Develop and implement the following action plans 

o  a new EU multispecies action plan covering forty-four bat species (by 2017) 
o  a  new  EU  multi-species  action  plan  for  eight  lowland  breeding  waders 
(Haematopus  ostralegus,  Vanellus  vanellus,  Calidris  alpina,  Calidris  pugnax, 
Gallinago gallinago,  Numenius  arquata, Limosa limosa  and Tringa  totanus)  (by 
2018) 
two  new  EU  species  action  plans  for  marine  birds  (Puffinus  yelkouan  and 
Hydrobates monteiroi) (by 2018) 

o 

o  six  EU/international  action  plans  for  the  following  species:  Gypaetus  barbatus, 
Aegypius  monachus,  Pelecanus  crispus,  Streptopelia  turtur,  Melanitta  fusca  and 
Oxyura leucocephala (by 2018) 

o  a  minimum  of  two  plans  for  the  most  threatened  habitat  types,  having  regard  to 

the recent European Red List of Habitats58 (by 2019) 

  Implement  in  the  EU  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  on  the  conservation  of 
migratory birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU), under the Convention on 
Migratory Species59  (by 2017-2019) 

  Make fully operational a system to track implementation of the Species Action Plans (by 

2018) 

  In  the  framework  of  the  LIFE  EuroSAP  project60  establish  a  "European  Bird  Species 
Coordination  Group"  in  support  of  development,  coordination  and  implementation  of 
species action plans (by 2018) 

  Further  support  stakeholder  platforms/fora 

including  at 
biogeographical  level  and  within  the  framework  of  international  Conventions  and 
Agreements,  to  exchange  experience,  knowledge  and  co-operate  in  addressing  conflicts 
between  people  and  protected  species  (e.g.  large  carnivores,  Cormorants,  geese)  (2017-
2019) 

to  promote  dialogue, 

  Contribute to the adoption of a comprehensive regional management plan for red coral, in 
the Mediterranean under the implementation of the General Fisheries Commission for the 
Medterranean (GFCM) new mid-term strategy (2017–2020) towards the sustainability of 
Mediterranean  and  Black  Sea  fisheries  that  encompasses,  in  particular,  a  target  on 
minimizing and mitigating unwanted interactions between fisheries and marine ecoystems 
(by 2018). 

The Commission, the Committee of the Regions, Member States and stakeholders will 
  Actively  promote  and  disseminate  the  above  Species  and  Habitats  Action  Plans  to 

improve their implementation (2017-2019) (see also Actions 5, 6, 13) 

  Actively  promote  engagement  in  the  stakeholder  platforms  by  national  and  regional 

authorities and by relevant stakeholders (2017-2019) (see also Actions 6, 13). 

58 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/knowledge/redlist_en.htm  
59 http://www.cms.int/raptors/en/legalinstrument/birds-prey-raptors 
60 http://www.birdlife.org/europe-and-central-asia/project/life-eurosap  

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
ACTION 8:  
Strengthen investments in nature  
(a) Help  Member  States  to  improve  their  multiannual  financial  planning  for  Natura  2000 

through the update of their Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs),  

(b) Propose  a  10%  increase  in  the  LIFE  budget  dedicated  to  projects  supporting  the 
conservation of nature and biodiversity , while keeping the overall budgetary envelope of 
the LIFE programme unchanged 

(c)  Stimulate private sector investment in nature projects 

Objective:  Strengthening  investment  in  Natura  2000  and  improving  synergies  with  EU 
funding instruments (Priority C) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

The Fitness Check identified funding shortages as a key obstacle to implementation. There is 
a  need  to  improve  financial  planning  as  well  as  testing  and  developing  investment  sources 
additional to public ones.  

a)  Article  8  of  the  Habitats  Directive  provides  a  legal  basis  for  EU  co-f  inancing  of 
conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites and foresees the establishment of a mechanism 
for strategic planning of Natura 2000 funding through the establishment of Prioritised Action 
Frameworks (PAFs). Member States developed their PAFs identifying Natura 2000 funding 
needs  and  priorities  as  well  as  intended  sources  of  financing  in  view  of  the  2014-2020 
Multiannual  Financial  Framework  (MFF).  Whereas  PAFs  were  variable  in  their  degree  of 
ambition and quality, they have made a positive contribution to securing funding for Natura 
2000  under  EU  funding  instruments.  The  European  Court  of  Auditors  (ECA)  performance 
audit of Natura 200061 found that the approved programming documents under different EU 
funds  did  not  necessarily  reflect  all  the  needs  for  Natura 2000  identified  in  the  PAFs. 
According  to  ECA  the  combination  of  incomplete  or  inaccurate  information  in  the  PAFs, 
with  their  insufficient  integration  into  the  programming  documents  for  the  2014-2020 
funding period62, points to the need to strengthen the PAF exercise to ensure consistency of 
EU funding for Natura 2000. ECA recommended to the Commission to give guidance to the 
Member  States  on  improving  the  quality  of  PAFs  and  on  estimating,  in  a  reliable  and 
harmonised  manner,  planned  and  actual  support  for  Natura  2000  from  EU  funding 
programmes. ECA gave also recommendations to Member States. 

The Commission together with Member States and stakeholders will: 
  Review the success of the development/application of the PAFs under current MFF and 
draw  lessons  with  a  view  to  improving  the  applicability  of  this  tool  and  enhance  co-
benefits for more efficient use of resources (by 2017) 

  Update the PAF format in agreement with Member States  to ensure a more harmonised 
approach  to  calculation  of  costs  and  identification  of  conservation  objectives  and 
measures including clear priorities and possible synergies with other sectors and policies 
(such  as  green  infrastructure)  to  reflect  socio-economic  benefits  of  investing  in  Natura 
2000,  e.g.  in  relation  to  its  climate  change  mitigation  and  adaptation  potential,  human 
health and wellbeing (by 2017)  

  Launch  a  process  with  Member  States  for  updating  their  PAFs  ahead  of  the  post-2020 

61 See footnote 11  
62 This conclusion is also corroborated by the findings included in a report prepared for the Commission in 2016 
‘Integration of Natura 2000 and biodiversity into EU funding (EARDF, ERDF, CF, EMFF, ESF). See p. 52: 
‘Integration  of  priorities,  specific  objectives  and  measures  linked  to  Natura 2000  …  has  been  achieved  to 
varying degrees in the national programmes analysed … in general the planned measures do not cover all the 
needs identified in the PAFs for all habitats and species that require conservation or restoration actions’ 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
MFF in line with Article 8 of the Habitats Directive (by 2018)  

  Promote awareness about the updated PAFs within the Commission and among Member 
States authorities, targeting those in charge of programming under different EU policies 
(as soon as updated PAFs are available, at the latest by 2019) 

  Support the preparation of LIFE integrated projects for Natura 2000, which would focus 
on  key  priorities  identified  in  PAFs  –  aiming  for  at  least  one  project  being  initiated  in 
each  Member  States  by  2019,  which  may  include  cross-border  actions  that  improve 
ecological connectivity and overall coherence of the network 

  Draw  lessons  and  share  experience,  including  through  dedicated  workshops,  from 
ongoing LIFE integrated projects (2017-2019) to develop strategic recommendations for 
investment in the management and coherence of Natura 2000.    

b)  Although  it  is  a  relatively  small  EU  funding  instrument,  the  evidence  provided  in  the 
Fitness  Check  highlighted  the  strategic  role  that  the  EU  LIFE  programme63  plays  in 
supporting  implementation  of  the  Nature  Directives.  LIFE  Nature  &  Biodiversity  projects 
deliver  high  value  for  money  and  can  support  a  much  wider  range  of  measures  for  both 
management  and  restoration  of  Natura  2000  sites  than  other  EU  funding  instruments, 
including communication and outreach activities. As such, LIFE has significant capacity for 
developing  partnerships  for  effective  and  efficient  implementation.  Furthermore,  the  LIFE 
Regulation  for  2014-2020  provides  for  a  possibility  of  funding  management  of  the  Natura 
2000 network and improving its coherence through 'integrated projects' on condition that they 
implement  the  PAFs.  The  current  LIFE  programme  stipulates  that  a  minimum  of  55%  of 
budgetary  resources  allocated  to  action  grants  shall  be  dedicated  to  projects  supporting  the 
conservation of nature and biodiversity. The Commission is empowered, albeit not obliged, 
to  adopt  a  delegated  act  to  increase  this  percentage  by  a  maximum  of  10%,  resulting  in  a 
minimum of 60,5%, provided that the total funds requested for nature/biodiversity over two 
consecutive  years  (meeting  minimum  quality  requirements)  exceed  by  more  than  20%  the 
available budget. This condition is fulfilled, as the requested funds in 2014 and 2015 largely 
exceed the budget by more than 150%.  

Under this action, the Commission will: 
  Propose  in  2017  to  avail  of  the  possibility  under  the  LIFE  Regulation  to  increase  the 
Nature  and  Biodiversity  envelope  by  10%.  This  additional  EU  co-funding  for  LIFE 
Nature projects would contribute to accelerate the speed of achievement of the objectives 
of the Nature Directives. This would also enable further development of LIFE Integrated 
Projects  for  Nature  in  the  Member  States,  thus  strengthening  capacity  for  larger  scale 
territorial action. 

c)  Private  land  conservation  is  an  innovative  approach  for  engaging  the  private  sector  in 
nature  conservation.  Recent  studies  carried  out  for  the  European  Commission64  as  well  as 
exchanges  with  international  partners65  have  shown  that  the  use  of  specific  advisory  tools 
aimed  at  promoting  private  land  conservation  (e.g.  through  covenants,  conservation 
easements,  private  protected  areas,  fiscal  benefits,  etc.)  has  considerable  potential  to 

63 LIFE began in 1992 and to date there have been four complete phases of the programme (LIFE I: 1992-1995, 
LIFE  II:  1996-1999,  LIFE  III:  2000-2006  and  LIFE+:  2007-2013).  The  LIFE  2014-2020  Regulation 
establishes  the  Environment  and  Climate  Action  sub-programmes  of  the  LIFE  Programme  for  the  next 
funding period, 2014–2020. The budget for the period is set at €3.4 billion in current prices 

64 See report on Alternative Ways to Support Private Land Conservation 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/publications/lifepublications/generalpublications/documents/support_lan
d_conservation.pdf  

65 See summary of discussions at 2015 GreenWeek 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/features/2015/gw2015.htm 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
contribute  to  the  overall  targets  set  by  EU  nature  legislation  and  biodiversity  policy. 
Examples in other countries (e.g. US, Canada etc.) show that this approach can lead to very 
positive results and provide complementarity to land acquisition, compensation or regulatory 
approaches.  As  a  large  share  of  the  Natura  2000  network  is  privately  owned,  an  increased 
involvement  of  private  owners  is  essential  for  successful  management  of  the  network.  The 
studies  carried  out  clearly  show  that  these  tools  are  so  far  only  used  to  a  limited  extent  in 
most  Member  States,  are  very  heterogeneous  and  poorly  known.  In  the  framework  of  the 
LIFE programme, the Commission is co-funding a first targeted preparatory project, the aim 
of which is to set up a European network of private land stewardship organisations.  Private 
sector  investment  is  also  supported  under  the  Natural  Capital  Financing  Facility  (NCFF)66 
whereby the European Investment Bank provides loans and investments in funds to support 
projects  which  promote  the  preservation  and  improvement  of  natural  capital,  including  for 
adaptation  to  climate  change,  in  the  Member  States.  Finally,  under  the  EU  Business  and 
Biodiversity  platform67,  the  Community  of  Practice  on  finance  and  biodiversity  (EU  CoP 
F@B) serves as a forum for dialogue between financial institutions to share experiences, raise 
awareness and promote best practices at EU level on how to integrate biodiversity and natural 
capital into mainstream financial activities and foster investments in natural capital as a new 
asset class.  

Under this action, the Commission will: 
  Support  additional  pilot  projects,  specifically  targeted  at  landowners'  organisations  and 
their  constituency,  that  significantly  contribute  to  testing  the  applicability  of  tools  for 
private land conservation in Natura 2000 sites under the LIFE programme (2017-2019) 
  Further support biodiversity-related projects under NCFF with the aim of securing 9 to 12 

projects within the implementation period (2017-2019)  

  In the framework of the EU CoP F@B, contribute to the transition towards a sustainable 
financial sector by encouraging better integration of biodiversity into financial activities 
in support of better coherence of the Natura 2000 network (2017-2019) 

  Identify  with  Member  States  and  other  stakeholders  best  practices  on  investment  for 
extractive  operations  and  for  land  rehabilitation  and  restoration  by  non-energy  mineral 
extractive industry, in order to complement the existing guidance on non-energy mineral 
extractive industry68 (2018). 

66 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/financial_instruments/ncff.htm. The main aim of the NCFF is to 
demonstrate  that  loans  for  investments  in  natural  capital  projects  can  generate  revenues  or  save  costs,  whilst 
delivering  on  biodiversity  and  climate  adaptation  objectives,  through  a  pipeline  of  replicable,  bankable 
operations that will serve as a "proof of concept". NCFF can support projects relating to Payments for Ecosystem 
Services, Green Infrastructure, Innovative pro-biodiversity and adaptation investments and Biodiversity offsets 
within and outside Natura 2000 
67 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/business/index_en.htm  
68 "Non-energy mineral extraction and Natura 2000",  
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/neei_n2000_guidance.pdf  

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
ACTION 9:  
Promote synergies with funding from the common agricultural policy, including effective use 
of Natura 2000 payments and agri-environment-climate measures, the development of result-
based schemes,  support  to  farmers through Farming  Advisory Services, and innovation and 
knowledge 
the  European  Innovation  Partnership  for  Agricultural 
through 
Productivity and Sustainability 

transfer 

Objective:  Strengthening  investment  in  Natura  2000  and  improving  synergies  with  EU 
funding instruments (Priority C) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

The  Fitness  Check69  has  highlighted  that  the  overall  continuing  decline  of  species  and 
habitats  associated  with  agriculture  shows  the  need  for  more  effective  integration  with  the 
common  agricultural  policy  (CAP)  in  order  to  reach  biodiversity  objectives.  Although 
ensuring  the  sustainable  management  of  natural  resources  is  specifically  stated  as  an 
objective  in  Article  4  of  Regulation  1305/2013  and  the  CAP  2014-2020  provides  for 
supporting  measures  in  favour  of  biodiversity,  impacts  on  the  ground  depend  also  from 
Member State and farmers' implementation choices. Policy coherence is also being assessed 
in  the  framework  of  on-going  work  on  modernising  and  simplifying  the  CAP70.  The 
establishment  of  conservation  objectives  and  measures  for  Natura  2000  sites  is  central  to 
ensuring better targeting of available funding opportunities (see also Action 4).  

In a recent Special report on Natura 2000 implementation71, the European Court of Auditors 
(ECA) (para 84) found that "as regards EU funds, no specific performance indicator system 
providing  data  on  whether  the  supported  measures  have  produced  the  expected  outputs, 
results  and  impacts  for  the  Natura  2000  network  was  in  place"  and  recommended  to  the 
Commission  to  establish  cross-cutting  Natura  2000  indicators  for  all  EU  funds  for  the  next 
programming  period.  The  Commission  accepted  this  recommendation.  ECA  gave  also 
recommendations to Member States.  

Under this action, the Commission will:  
  Carry out an evaluation of the impact of the CAP on biodiversity, including on the use of 
financial resources for biodiversity protection and Natura 2000 and the use of the Natura 
2000  measure  to  compensate  beneficiaries  for  additional  costs  and  income  foregone 
resulting from the implementation of the Nature Directives (2018-2019) 

  Encourage the full and effective use of the financial resources available for Natura 2000 
sites  and  wider  biodiversity  protection  in  the  period  2014-2020  under  the  European 
Agricultural  Rural  Development  Fund  (EARDF)  drawing  upon  the  lessons  learnt  and 
identified best practices, as well as  existing guidance72 and policy73. This will be through 
workshops, bilateral dialogue with Managing Authorities, in view of possible proposal for 
modifications to Rural Development Programmes and by showcasing the identified best 
practices  in  available  fora  (e.g.  European  Network  for  Rural  Development  and  the 
National Rural Networks) (2017-2019) 

  Encourage  Member  States  to  extend  the  designation  of  their  Permanent  Grassland  as 
Environmentally  Sensitive  Permanent  Grassland  in  designated  Natura  2000  sites  (2017-
2018) 

69 See SWD(2016) 472 final, sections 6.4.4 and 7 
70 https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/consultations/cap-modernising/2017_en and 

https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/simplification_en   

71 See footnote 11 
72 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/financing/index_en.htm  
73 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
  Assess  existing  experience  on  result-based  payment  schemes  for  farmers  under  Rural 
Development,  identifying  opportunities  and  limitations  as  well  as  potential  areas  of 
application in order to promote their wider use (2017-2018) 

  Continue  promoting  innovation  and  knowledge  exchange  via  the  network  for  the 
European  Innovation  Partnership  for  Agricultural  Productivity  and  Sustainability  (EIP-
AGRI),  in  particular  by  taking  up  the  results  of  the  High  Nature  Value  farming  focus 
group (2017-2018)  

  In  response  to  the  ECA  recommendation  to  the  Commission  to  establish  cross-cutting 
Natura  2000  indicators  for  all  EU  funds  for  the  next  programming  period,  without 
prejudice to the outcome of the upcoming discussions on the next multiannual financial 
framework (MFF) programming period, consider improvement to existing indicators and 
the possibility to establish new ones, where relevant (2017-2018)  

Member States should:  
  Assess  the  current  use  of  financial  allocations  for  biodiversity  protection  and  Natura 
2000, including the Natura 2000 measure to compensate beneficiaries for additional costs 
and income foregone resulting from the implementation of the Nature Directives (2017-
2019) 

  In  response  to  the  ECA  recommendation  to  Member  States  to  ensure  appropriate 
coordination  between  all  authorities  involved  in  the  management  of  Natura  2000  sites, 
ensure that agricultural and environmental authorities share relevant  information  for the 
management of Natura 2000 sites, including on conservation objectives and measures for 
Natura  2000  sites,  on  the  allocation  and  uptake  of  rural  development  measures,  and  on 
application of cross compliance  (2017-2019) 

  Support  training  and  awareness  raising  for  farmers  and  other  relevant  stakeholders  in 
rural areas, e.g. forest owners, in particular through Farming Advisory Services about the 
measures  implementing  the  Nature  Directives.  These  measures include  the  Natura  2000 
sites  conservation  measures,  as  defined  in  the  site  management  plans  or  equivalent 
instruments,  as  well  as  measures  established  in  national/regional  legislation  to  avoid 
deterioration  of  habitats  and  disturbance  of  the  species  for  which  the  sites  have  been 
designated, as  well  as measures  to  implement  species  protection  rules which  also apply 
outside Natura 2000 sites (2017-2019).   

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
ACTION 10:  
Increase awareness of cohesion policy funding opportunities and improve synergies  

Objective:  Strengthening  investment  in  Natura  2000  and  improving  synergies  with  EU 
funding instruments (Priority C) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

Cohesion policy for the 2014-2020 period provides investment support, capacity building and 
cooperation  opportunities  for  biodiversity  and  nature  protection.  Furthermore,  sustainable 
development,  including  biodiversity  protection,  is  horizontally  mainstreamed  across  the 
investments and there are a number of measures put in place to ensure that possible negative 
impacts on the environment from investments in some other areas are avoided or mitigated 
(e.g. SEA and EIA requirements, approval of large projects, technical assistance).  

In  terms  of  financing,  about  EUR  4  billion  is  allocated  from  the  cohesion  policy  funds  to 
biodiversity  and  Natura  2000  sites  for  the  period  2014-2020  covering  a  broad  range  of 
projects  (e.g.  planning,  conservation,  management  and  capacity  building).  The  majority  of 
Member  States  (22)  have  planned  such  interventions  in  their  operational  programmes  and 
these  are  also  included  in  the  interregional,  transnational  and  cross-border  cooperation 
programmes.  Many  of  these  programmes  also  include  green  infrastructure  measures  under 
various investments priorities (e.g. for connecting habitats, flood protection, regeneration of 
cities and of brownfield sites). 

Threats to biodiversity are also addressed in the action related to cities as part of the Urban 
Agenda for the EU and in the framework of EU Macro-Regional Strategies (MRSs), which 
cover  the  Baltic  Sea,  Danube,  Adriatic-Ionian  and  Alpine  Regions.  The  EU  Covenant  of 
Mayors also promotes the use of nature based solutions that enhance climate resilience while 
at the same time promoting nature conservation and sustainable management. 
In a recent Special report on Natura 2000 implementation74, the European Court of Auditors 
(ECA) found that "as regards EU funds, no specific performance indicator system providing 
data  on  whether  the  supported  measures  have  produced  the  expected  outputs,  results  and 
impacts for the Natura 2000 network was in place" and recommended to the Commission to 
establish  cross-cutting  Natura  2000  indicators  for  all  EU  funds  for  the  next  programming 
period. The Commission accepted this recommendation. ECA gave also recommendations to 
Member States.  

Under  this  action,  to  support  the  cohesion  policy  funds'  managing  authorities  and 
stakeholders in making full use of the available opportunities for increased synergies with EU 
Nature legislation, the Commission will: 
  Prepare  a  short  guidance  on  the  available  support  under  cohesion  policy,  identify  best 
practices,  and  provide  information  on  the  benefits  of  Natura  2000,  including  green 
infrastructure  that  supports  the  coherence  of  the  network.  Use  this  guidance  to  raise 
awareness through workshops and in bilateral meetings (2017-2018) 

  Provide  regional  actors,  under  the  Interreg  Europe  policy  learning  platform  on 
environmental  protection75,  with  targeted  information  on  nature  (policy  briefs,  database 
on best practices, experts' helpdesk) and support their cooperation (2017-2018)  

  Encourage the countries (EU and non-EU), regions and stakeholders involved in the EU 
MRSs to develop projects/initiatives with a macro-regional relevance on nature protection 
in the regions covered (2017-2018)  

74 See footnote 11  
75 http://www.interregeurope.eu/policylearning/environment-and-resource-efficiency/  

23 

 
 
 
                                                            
  Launch a partnership under the Urban Agenda for the EU on Sustainable  Land use and 
Nature  Based  Solutions.  Promote  and  discuss  biodiversity  and  nature  based  solutions, 
where relevant, in other partnerships (e.g. on Climate adaptation, Circular economy, Air 
quality)  and  other  relevant  initiatives  (e.g.  Covenant  of  Mayors).  In  addition,  and  in 
support of the partnership on Sustainable Land Use and Nature Based Solutions, launch a 
call  under  Urban  Innovative  Actions76,  which  provide  funding  to  cities  to  test  novel 
solutions for selected sustainable urban development themes (2017-2019) 

  In  response  to  the  ECA  recommendation  to  the  Commission  to  establish  cross-cutting 
Natura  2000  indicators  for  all  EU  funds  for  the  next  programming  period,  without 
prejudice to the outcome of the upcoming discussions on the next multiannual financial 
framework (MFF) programming period, consider improvement to existing indicators and 
the possibility to establish new ones, where relevant (2017-2018). 

76 http://www.uia-initiative.eu   

24 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
ACTION 11:  
Improve  synergies  with  the  common  fisheries  policy  and  the  integrated  maritime  policy, 
including more effective use of the financing opportunities available 

Objective:  Strengthening  investment  in  Natura  2000  and  improving  synergies  with  EU 
funding instruments (Priority C) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

The Fitness Check has highlighted a broader coherence of the current legal framework of the 
common fisheries policy (CFP) and the Nature Directives compared to the past. Although the 
coherence  with  the  broader  integrated  maritime  policy  (IMP)  was  not  assessed,  there  are 
important  opportunities  to  improve  synergies  with  its  main  instruments,  including  by 
strengthening  investment  in  Natura  2000  through  relevant  funds  in  view  of  the  common 
objective of safeguarding marine biodiversity. This would address the Fitness Check findings 
related to funding shortages for Natura 2000 and the Directives' implementation in general. 

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) provides financial support to biodiversity 
protection  and  Natura  2000  sites.  For  the  2014-2020  period,  Member  States  have  allocated 
over  18  million  euros  through  their  EMFF  Operational  Programmes  to  support  the 
management,  restoration  and  monitoring  of  Natura  2000  sites  and  other  marine  protected 
areas; to promote more selective fishing gear to avoid accidental by-catch of species (marine 
mammals, seabirds) and to support aquaculture providing environmental services. Moreover, 
10% of the integrated maritime policy part of the EMFF is allocated for the Marine Strategy 
Framework Directive (MSFD) purposes, which also include biodiversity protection. 

The Maritime Spatial Planning Directive77 requires Member States to develop spatial plans for 
their seas and oceans by April 2021, applying an ecosystem-based approach. Ecosystem-based 
maritime  spatial  planning  (MSP)  can  provide  for  both  blue  growth  and  good  environmental 
status, including effectively-managed Natura 2000 sites and green and blue infrastructure. The 
EU  MSP  Platform constructed  and  managed  under  the  assistance  mechanism  is  already 
showcasing  best  practices/experiences  in  ecosystem-based  maritime  spatial  planning  in 
Europe.  

In a recent Special report on Natura 2000 implementation78, ECA found that "as regards EU 
funds,  no  specific  performance  indicator  system  providing  data  on  whether  the  supported 
measures  have  produced  the  expected  outputs,  results  and  impacts  for  the  Natura  2000 
network was in place" and recommended to the Commission to establish cross-cutting Natura 
2000 indicators for all EU funds for the next programming period. The Commission accepted 
this recommendation. ECA gave also recommendations to Member States.  

Under this action the Commission and Member States will:  
  Facilitate  full  and  effective  use  of  the  financial  resources  allocated  for  biodiversity 
protection  and  Natura  2000  sites  in  the  period  2014-2020  under  EMFF  and,  where 
feasible, promote increased allocations and uptake, by: 

o  assessing  the  current  use  of  financial  allocations  for  biodiversity  protection  and 

Natura 2000 (by 2017) 

o  drawing  lessons  and  identifying  best  practices,  especially  with  regard  to  projects 
related to the identification and designation of the Natura 2000 sites in the marine 

77  Directive  2014/89/EU  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  23 July  2014  establishing  a 

framework for maritime spatial planning OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 135–145 

78 See footnote 11  

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
environment  and 
the  necessary 
conservation  objectives  and  measures  for  marine  sites79  (see  also  Action  4)  (by 
2017) 

the  establishment  and 

implementation  of 

o  facilitating  Member  States'  use  of  existing  opportunities  for  financing  projects 
related to the Nature Directives' implementation and biodiversity protection under 
EMFF, on the basis of the lessons learnt and identified best practices, as well as of 
the  existing  guidance80  and  policy81  (2018-2019).  This  will  be  done  through 
workshops,  expert  group  meetings,  bilateral  dialogue  with  Managing  Authorities 
and  by  showcasing  the  identified  best  practices  in  all  available  fora,  including 
European Maritime Day 2018 or 2019  

  In  response  to  the  ECA  recommendation  to  the  Commission  to  establish  cross-cutting 
Natura  2000  indicators  for  all  EU  funds  for  the  next  programming  period,  without 
prejudice  to  the  outcome  of  the  upcoming  discussions  on  the  next  multiannual  financial 
framework (MFF) programming period, consider improvement to existing indicators and 
the  possibility  to  establish  new  ones,  where  relevant  (2017-2018)  and  the  possibility  to 
develop ex-ante conditionalities 

  Launch  a  study  on  ecosystem-based  maritime  spatial  planning  under  the  integrated 
maritime  policy  work  programme  and  showcase  best  practices/experiences  in  applying 
ecosystem-based maritime spatial planning in Europe (2017-2018).  

79 Article 40(1)(d) and (e) of Council Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of 15 May 2014 on the European Maritime 

and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 

80 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/financing/index_en.htm  
81 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
ACTION 12:  
(a) Provide guidance to support the deployment of green infrastructure for better connectivity 

of Natura 2000 areas;  

(b) Support  nature-based  solutions  projects  through  EU  research  and  innovation  policy  and 

Horizon 2020 funds 

Objective:  Strengthening  investment  in  Natura  2000  and  improving  synergies  with  EU 
funding instruments (Priority C) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

(a)  The  Fitness  Check  has  revealed  that  the  Natura  2000  network  alone  cannot  deliver  the 
Directives' objectives. Habitat and landscape management and restoration measures through 
Green  Infrastructure  (GI)82  are  needed,  both  within  and  outside  Natura  2000  sites,  with  a 
view  to  achieving  favourable  conservation  status  of  protected  habitats  and  species  and 
ensuring 
the  Natura  2000  network,  whilst  delivering  multiple 
environmental,  economic  and  social  benefits  through  enhanced  ecosystem  services,  such  as 
climate  change  mitigation  and  adaptation.  According  to  recent  studies83,  such  EU-level 
strategic investments in Green Infrastructure would have the potential to provide even greater 
benefits per € invested than the current GI policy implementation and funding allocation. 

the  coherence  of 

Under  this  action,  the  Commission,  in  close  cooperation  with  Member  States  and 
stakeholders, will: 
  Publish  a  report  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council  of  the  European  Union,  the 
European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions,  on  the 
review of progress  of the  implementation  of the EU Green  Infrastructure Strategy. This 
report will further inform the development of the proposed way forward on strategically 
investing in Green Infrastructure in the European Union84 (by 2017) 

  Develop guidance providing a strategic framework for further supporting the deployment 
of  EU-level  Green  Infrastructure,  containing  a  series  of  guidelines  on  objectives, 
priorities  and  selection  criteria85  for  Green  Infrastructure  projects  of  European  interest 
that  contribute  to  the  goals  of  the  Nature  Directives,  including  through  improving 
connectivity  of  Natura  2000  sites  in  a  cross  border  context,  with  a  view  to  identify 
projects  to  be  prioritised  with  appropriate  funding,  at  a  scale  which  transcends 
administrative boundaries, so as to enhance the delivery of essential ecosystem services 
throughout the EU territory (by mid-2018). Members of the EU Working Group on Green 
Infrastructure  Implementation  and  Restoration  (WG  GIIR)  will  continue  to  be  regularly 
consulted and associated to the development of this initiative, as well as the Coordination 
Group  on  Nature  and  Biodiversity,  and  Nature  Directors.  The  proposed  strategic 
framework will allow for a more integrated approach in the current multi-annual financial 
framework (MFF) through integrating different funding sources, as in the LIFE integrated 
projects. This will also provide some lessons that can be taken into account for the next 
MFF.  

82 Green (and blue) Infrastructure is referring to the spatial and functional biodiversity structure and related 
elements, which are part of a strategically planned network aimed at maximising the delivery of those 
ecosystem benefits. This is based on the understanding that the delivery of ecosystem services is enhanced if 
these ecosystems are connected though green infrastructure 

83 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/studies/index_en.htm  
84 Elements of conclusion are already available in the mid-term review of the Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, and 

the Environmental Implementation Review reports 

85 Such as connectivity or the capacity of ecosystems to provide ecosystem services 

27 

 
 
 
 
                                                            
(b)  There is also growing experience  with  European-funded research and innovation policy 
on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)86 that demonstrates how healthy ecosystems contribute to 
economic  and  social  development,  if  prioritised.  Horizon  2020  demonstration  projects87, 
promoting  strategic  investments  in  innovative  nature-based  solutions,  can  help  support 
Member  States'  authorities,  businesses  and  stakeholders  in  building  a  sound  economic  case 
for investing in Green Infrastructure across a range of policies, and contribute to the goals of 
the Nature Directives.  

Whilst  NBS  projects  are  focused  on  developing  and  testing  innovative  solutions  locally, 
including  consolidating  the  evidence  base  recognising  economic,  social  and  environmental 
values  and  potential  returns  from  strategic  investments,  this  experience  and  knowledge  can 
also  contribute  to  build  up  a  spatial  and  functional  network  of  Green  Infrastructure  at 
European level with Natura 2000 as its backbone.  

Under this action, the Commission, in close cooperation with stakeholders, will: 
  Actively develop and disseminate the evidence base on nature-based solutions, including 

the exchange of knowledge and best practices to improve local uptake (2017-2019)  

  Invest  in  a  range  of  demonstration  projects  on  nature-based  solutions  which  test  and 
develop  innovative  approaches  on  the  ground  on  how  investing  in  nature  provides 
multiple benefits (2017-2019) 

  Explore  how  nature-based  solutions  demonstration  projects  can  support  the  proposed 

strategic deployment of EU-level Green Infrastructure (point (a) above) 

  Propose  nature-based  solutions  as  one  of  the  2018  potential  themes  for  the  Knowledge 
Exchange Platform (KEP), a cooperation between the Committee of the Regions and the 
European  Commission  (DG  Research  &  Innovation)88  to  share  knowledge  on  research, 
innovative products and best practice in response to societal challenges faced by local and 
regional authorities in Europe (2018-2019). 

The communication and outreach activities foreseen in the action plan will help promote the 
guidance and activities foreseen in (a) and (b). 

86 https://ec.europa.eu/research/environment/index_en.cfm?pg=nature-based-solutions  
87 Through the analysis of demonstration projects funded through the Horizon 2020 calls 2016-2017, of case 
studies on nature-based solutions collected in 2017, and results from Horizon 2020 projects on innovative 
financing and governance of nature-based solutions 

88 KEP action plans are prepared by the European Commission jointly with the Committee of the Regions 

Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) Secretariat; they are 
subject to endorsement by the Committee of the Regions SEDEC Commission  

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
ACTION 13:  
Support  knowledge  exchange  and  engagement  of  local  and  regional  authorities  through  a 
joint platform with the Committee of the Regions 

Objective:  Better  communication  and  outreach,  engaging  citizens,  stakeholders  and 
communities (Priority D)  

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

The  Fitness  Check  has  revealed  that  the  lack  of  priority  given  to  the  Directives' 
implementation at national, regional and local level and limited expertise and enforcement by 
many  competent  authorities  have  been  among  the  major  factors  that  have  reduced  their 
effectiveness and efficiency. Engagement of local and regional authorities, including through 
exchange  of  knowledge  and  experience,  are  therefore  essential  steps  towards  achieving  the 
Directives'  objectives  and  helping  reconcile  and  "build  the  bridge"  between  nature,  people 
and the economy.   

Local and regional authorities can  play an important  role for the future of Europe  and they 
have  a  key  role  in  practical  implementation  of  EU  environmental  legislation,  including  the 
Nature Directives, on the ground. The Committee of the Regions members are ambassadors 
of Europe in their regions, cities and municipalities. A Committee of the Regions/European 
Commission  Technical  Platform  for  Cooperation  on  the  Environment89
  was  launched  in 
December  2012  with  the  aim  of  fostering  dialogue  on  local  and  regional  problems  and 
solutions in the application of EU environment law. Moreover, the Committee of the Regions 
has recently launched the "Reflecting on Europe" initiative90, involving direct dialogue with 
citizens  and  young  people  on  Europe's  achievements  and  future  challenges,  as  well  as  the 
Committee  of  the  Regions  Local  Events91,  which  are  also  aimed  at  engagement  on  the 
ground.  

Under this action, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions will together: 
  Organize  a  conference  to  officially  present  the  Action  Plan  to  relevant  authorities  and 

stakeholders (6/06/2017) 

  In  the  framework  of  the  Joint  Technical  Platform  for  Cooperation  on  the  Environment, 
organize  workshops,  seminars  and  conferences  aimed  at  promoting  local  and  regional 
authorities'  smart  and  effective  implementation  of  the  Nature  Directives,  also  in 
cooperation  with  European  associations  of  local  and  regional  authorities  such  as  the 
Covenant of Mayors (2017-2019) 

  Organize  debates  in  EU  cities  and  regions  with  local  and  regional  stakeholders,  and 
seminars to exchange knowledge and good practice among EU cities and regions on the 
Nature  Directives  implementation,  including  in  the  framework  of  the  Committee  of  the 
Regions Local Events initiative upon the initiative of Committee of the Regions members 
(2018-2019)   

  In  the  framework  of  the  "Reflecting  on  Europe"  initiative,  organize  local  events  across 
Europe, mainly in the form of "citizens' debates" upon the initiative of Committee of the 

89  The  Technical  Platform  does  not  involve  any  formal  agreement  but  represents  a  shared  approach  to  certain 
communication  activities  of  mutual  interest.  It  was  launched  with  a  symbolic  handshake  by  former 
Commissioner  Potočnik  and  Committee  of  the  Regions  Vice-President  Mercedes  Bresso  at  the  close  of  an 
implementation-themed conference co-organised by Committee of the Regions and DG ENV on 5 December 
2012.  The  Technical  Platform  became  one  of  the  actions  referred  to  in  the  European  Commission's  2012 
Communication  on  better  implementation  in  the  area  of  environment  (COM(2012)95  final)  adopted  on 
7.3.2012. See http://ec.europa.eu/environment/legal/platform_en.htm  

90 http://www.cor.europa.eu/en/events/Pages/debate.aspx  
91 http://cor.europa.eu/en/events/Pages/cor-local-events.aspx 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
Regions members, regions, provinces, cities and their national associations, dedicated to 
the Nature Directives and the benefits provided by healthy ecosystems and nature (2017-
2019). 

These  initiatives will be used  to support outreach on the Action Plan  and to  reengage  local 
and regional authorities, stakeholders and the public, especially young people, with a positive 
agenda towards EU nature protection policy. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
ACTION 14:  
Support recognition of good management of Natura 2000 sites and awareness-raising of the 
Nature Directives through relevant fora, availing of new technologies and outreach activities, 
and strengthen links between natural and cultural heritage, especially in the context of 2018 
as European year of cultural heritage 

Objective:  Better  communication  and  outreach,  engaging  citizens,  stakeholders  and 
communities (Priority D) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

Stakeholder  awareness  and  engagement  have  been  highlighted  as  key  factors  affecting 
achievement of the Directives' objectives. Good practices emerging from the Fitness Check 
demonstrate  that  good  involvement  of  landowners,  users  and  other  stakeholders  in  the 
process of establishing management plans or equivalent measures is essential for the effective 
and  efficient  management  of  Natura  2000  sites.  This  helps  create  ownership,  embrace 
approaches  that  are  sustainable  in  the  socio-economic  context  and  adapted  to  local 
specificities. The Fitness Check has also revealed that biodiversity is of widespread interest 
and concern to EU citizens, with 61% of Europeans believing the EU should better inform its 
citizens  about  its  importance92  and  there  is  increasing  recognition  of  the  human  health  and 
social inclusion benefits from nature.  

The Fitness Check has also underlined the need to promote the multiple ecosystem services 
delivered by Natura 2000 to ensure that the conservation and sustainable use of sites in the 
network  also  benefits  local  communities  and  economies,  particularly  by  exploiting  the 
potential for sustainable tourism and green jobs. There is increasing recognition of the strong 
interconnections  between  natural  and  cultural  heritage  in  Natura  2000  and  the  need  for 
integrated  management  of  these  assets.  Conferences  in  Greece93  and  in  Italy94  in  2014 
identified  a number of options to strengthen these links. This can in turn boost recreational 
and eco-tourism activities and deliver green jobs and additional revenues for the management 
of Natura 2000 sites as long as they are managed in such a way as not to negatively impact 
the sites95. 

Under  this  action  the  Commission,  the  Committee  of  the  Regions,  Member  States  and 
stakeholders will: 
  Support recognition for good management of Natura 2000 sites by: 

in 

o  Further  developing  the  Natura  2000  award,  a  pan-European  award  recognising 
excellence 
the  management  of  Natura  2000  sites  and  conservation 
achievements,  showcasing  the  added  value  of  the  network  for  local  economies, 
and  increasing  public  awareness  about  Europe's  valuable  natural  heritage  (2017-
2019) 

o  Developing  and  testing  the  feasibility  of  systems  aimed  at  recognising  positive  
management of Natura 2000 sites, including recognition of the multiple ecosystem 
services  they  provide  (e.g.  'name&fame',  twinning  of  sites)  and  at  sharing 

92 

http://ec.europa.eu/COMMFrontOffice/PublicOpinion/index.cfm/Survey/getSurveyDetail/instruments/SPECI
AL/surveyKy/2091      

93 Cultural Landscapes in Natura 2000 sites: towards a new policy for the integrated management of cultural and 

natural heritage, Athens, 2014 

94 This resulted in the agreement on the so-called “Charter of Rome” under the Italian Presidency of the Council 

of the European Union 

95 The IMP budget line is also supporting the maritime tourism sector, through grant actions, to develop tourist 
routes (above and below water) based on the natural and cultural heritage of the sea – i.e. helping economic 
operators gain sustainable economic benefit from Natura 2000 sites 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
information, expertise and good practice between site managers, including online 
learning opportunities  (2018) 

  Support awareness raising on the Nature Directives and Natura 2000, by:  

o  Proclaming the 21st May as the European Natura 2000 day96 (15/5/2017) 
o  Showcasing  the  benefits  and  opportunities  provided  by  Natura  2000  for  further 
integration  with  other  EU  policies  in  all  available  fora,  such  as  the  European 
Week of Regions and Cities, Covenant of Mayors, Interreg Europe policy learning 
for  Rural 
platforms,  EU  Macro-regional  Strategies,  European  Network 
Development  and  National  Rural  Networks,  EU  Business  and  Biodiversity 
platform, etc. (2017-2019) 

o  Developing a Natura 2000 application for mobile phones, so people could locate, 
explore  and  learn  about  the  protected  species  and  habitats  in  Natura  2000  sites 
(2017-2019)  

  Strenghten links between natural and cultural heritage by: 

o  Evaluating  the spatial  overlaps between  Natura 2000 and cultural heritage areas, 
in cooperation with UNESCO/World Heritage Sites and Council of Europe (2017)   
o  Examining  the  potential  synergies  and  opportunities  for  tapping  into  natural  and 
cultural heritage in Natura 2000 areas to generate economic benefits, employment 
opportunities and to support key sectors such as sustainable tourism (2018)   

o  Identifying  and  disseminating  good  practice  case  studies  for 

integrated 
management  of  natural  and  cultural  heritage  in  Natura  2000  and  increasing  its 
recognition  (e.g.  through  the  sustainable  tourism  award)  and  awareness  (among 
site managers, users, stakeholders, policy makers), especially in the context of the 
2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage (2017-2018) 

o  Exploring  the  benefits  of  uptaking  and  upscaling  the  results  of  R&I  projects  on 
cultural  landscapes  in  Natura  2000  sites  and  explore  synergies  with  large-scale 
demonstration  projects  launched  under  Horizon  2020  on  heritage-led  rural 
regeneration (2018-2019) 

o  Organising joint local events at European Heritage Days and exploring integration 
options under the EU heritage prize/Europa Nostra awards and the Nature awards, 
and synergies with the European Capital of Culture (2017-2018) 

o  Identifying good practice for further supporting investment in Natura 2000 areas 
of  high  cultural  value  through  public  and  private  funding  and  promoting 
synergistic  use  of  available  EU  funds  in  the  fields  of  environment,  culture, 
education and regional development (2018).  

96 The date of adoption of the Habitats Directive and of the first LIFE Programme, which plays an essential role 

in supporting implementation of the Nature Directives 
32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
ACTION 15:  
Involve  young  people  actively  in  measures  dealing  with  societal  needs  by  giving  them  the 
opportunity  to  get  involved  in  nature  protection  in  Natura  2000  sites  (European  Solidarity 
Corps) 

Objective:  Better  communication  and  outreach,  engaging  citizens,  stakeholders  and 
communities (Priority D) 

Description of the action, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines:  

On  7  December  2016  the  European  Commission  launched  the  European  Solidarity  Corps 
which  aims  to  provide  young  people  with  opportunities  to  participate  in  a  wide  range  of 
solidarity  activities  at  home  or  abroad,  throughout  the  EU.  The  European  Solidarity  Corps 
offers opportunities for volunteering, traineeships or jobs that will provide young people with 
a  chance  to  gain  invaluable  experience,  develop  their  skills  and  make  a  contribution  to 
society.   

The  initial  phase  for  the  Solidarity  Corps  was  launched  in  December  2016  with  the  first 
placements starting in Spring 2017. With the support of the LIFE programme, this offers the 
chance  to  contribute  to  the  in-country  management  of  Natura  2000  sites.  Activities  may 
include the monitoring of species and habitats, ecological restoration activities, reforestation 
and tree planting and care, wildfire prevention, identification and eradication of invasive alien 
species, environmental clean-up (e.g. marine litter).  

In 2017 the European Solidarity Corps will be consolidated by a dedicated legal framewiork. 
It  will  offer  the  opportunity  to  young  people  willing  to  show  solidarity  to  go  to  another 
Member State and experience different practices to tackle the challenges of nature protection 
and disaster prevention, while gaining invaluable experiences for future occupation. 

Under this action, the Commission for the period of 2017-2019, with the active support from 
the Member States and in close cooperation with stakeholders, will: 
  Carry out LIFE preparatory actions for young people under the European Solidarity Corps 

for the conservation of Natura 2000 sites. This will focus on in-country activities  

  Contribute  through  EU  funding  to  offer  young  Europeans  cross-border  volunteering 
opportunities  or  professional  experience  in  the  field  of  disaster  prevention  and  nature 
conservation. 

33