Guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests – Scoping Document Expert Group on Management of Natura 2000 Milan Janák 21st March 2012, Brussels

New initiative to develop guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests – objectives: Joint-initiative DG ENV and DG AGRI: Contribute to improvement of conservation status of habitats and species dependent on forests in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020 targets Clarify the implementation of Birds and Habitats Directives Promote (where appropriate) more integrated management of forests in Natura 2000 areas, by strengthening partnership / involvement of stakeholders and the forest sector in management of Natura 2000 network

New initiative to develop guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests : Two phases: Phase 1: Initial scoping exercise to get a ‘tour d’horizon’ on the key issues related to forests in Natura 2000 Phase 2: start developing guidelines through bottom up and participatory process with key stakeholders Different approach to guideance development as compared to the sector guidance docs which focussed on Art 6.3

Natura 2000 and forests ‘Challenges and opportunities’ - Interpretation guide, 2003 Facilitate understanding of the mechanics of the Habitats Directive among various stakeholders Propose general guidelines and recommendations for dealing with forest areas within Natura 2000 facilitate communication between different stakeholders; Give a framework of non-mandatory guidelines for management of Natura 2000 forest sites Partly outdated – EU 15 Vs EU 27 – done at a time when little experience with managing N2000 istes Parts still relevant: general requirements; operational-level guidelines for (sustainable) forest management in Natura 2000;

New Guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests – Background/scoping Document Basic facts on Natura 2000 sites and forests Key forest habitat types Key forest species Overview of most significant forest habitats /uses by biogeographical regions Potential contribution of forest management in Natura 2000 to EU biodiversity strategy Pressures and threats to forests in Natura 2000 Global environmental concerns Other environmental threats Forestry practices

Forests and Other Wooded Land in EU and Natura 2000 % of Natura 2000 which is forest ranges in 7.53 (UK) – 79.17% (CY) % of total forest within Natura 2000 ranges in 6.14 (UK) – 52.53% (BG) Coutry Total Natura 2000 (km²) Total N2K Forest Area (km²) % N2K which is Forest EUROSTAT Forest & OWL in 2010 Total Forest in N2K (%) EU 751 368 382 009 50,84% 1 777 570 23,10%

New Guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests – Background Scoping Document Nature legislation requirements for Natura 2000 forests Summary of EU nature legislation Design and implementation of suitable measures for the management of forest in Natura 2000 Forest Management plans and Natura 2000 Nature conservation & forestry – key future challenges Policy issues and management options Land use changes Property rights and financing issues Links to the Forest Europe process

New Guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests – Key issues to consider: Potential key issues to be considered for guidance: Clarification of the different conservation goals for forests in N2000 based on a better understanding of what is in N2000 Eg are they annex I forests/ habitats for forest species/ forests with no specific designation but in N2000 - different management regimes / restrictions required ... Different management approaches to forests considering their current land uses, land ownership as well as biogeographical variations Ways to better reconcile and integrate EU nature legislation requirements into existing forest policies and practices

New Guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests – Key issues to consider: Clarify the relationship between Sustainable Forest Management and N2000 requirements SFM sometimes insufficient to meet N2000 obligations; when to consider non-intervention? When are Article 6.3 procedure required for forest activities where there is a forest plan in place – key principles and approaches Financing forest management in N2000 – how to improve access to funds

New Guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests – working methodology: The guidance document will developed through dialogue with all interested parties start by asking stakeholders what they would like to see in terms of guidance – no prefixed format but to remain clear about over focus which is about managing forests in N2000 Gather ideas, views and experiences through technical workshops . This aims to engage forest stakeholders in an open process designed to address their key concerns and where they can play an active role Information and views collected from workshops can then be used to develop a first draft guidance document Expert Group on Natura 2000 management will also be consulted to ensure consistency with other on-going initiatives Case studies will be used to highlight good practices, win-wins etc

Thank you for your attention!