Kerstin Sundseth, Ecosystems LTD Elaborating EC Guidance for inland waterways in and around Natura 2000 sites Kerstin Sundseth, Ecosystems LTD

EU Biodiversity Action Plan EU Policy Framework EU Sustainable Development Strategy 6th Environment Action Programme EU Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats & Birds Directives NATURA 2000 NETWORK Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

EU Guidance on Nature Directives Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Sector Specific Guidance Non Energy Extractive industries Wind Energy developments Ports and Estuaries Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Wind Energy guidance CHAPTER 1: Purpose of the guidance CHAPTER 2: Wind energy developments in the EU CHAPTER 3: The EU’s Policy framework and legislation on Nature and Biodiversity CHAPTER 4: Potential impacts of wind energy developments on nature and wildlife CHAPTER 5: The importance of strategic planning CHAPTER 6: Step by Step procedure for wind farms developments affecting Natura 2000 Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Analysing the potential effects Potential effects at different phases in wind energy development Effects on different species and habitat types Methods for assessing & monitoring effects Cumulative effects …. Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Strategic planning A review of benefits and best means – eg for appropriate siting of wind farms Case studies on good practice examples of how this has been applied in different regions/ countries Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Step by step procedure for wind farm developments affecting Natura 2000 sites Screening: Gathering information for screening Determining if there is a significant effect Carrying out an Appropriate Assessment Purpose, timing, who does what, steps involved Scoping and further information gathering (incl studies and research) Assessing impacts on sites conservation objectives Searching for mitigation measures Alternative solutions IROPI and compensation Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Guidance on inland waterways Comments from 1st meeting: Recognise complexity of rivers as dynamic ecosystems – imp to take on board not just species /habitat protection but also ecological processes Don’t re-invent the wheel – build on what already exists Address issues at both policy level and project level – give strategic guidance by also site level advice Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Guidance on inland waterways Comments from 1st meeting: Conflicts often arise if issues not tackled in right way early on in planning process – promote more integrated, multi-stakeholder approach Promote good practice examples, incl win-wins to show how it can be done in practice Make the document practical , user-friendly and ‘communicative’ Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Objective of the guidance doc to provide guidance on how to ensure that activities related to the development and use of inland waterways are compatible with EU’s nature legislation (esp Habitats & Birds Directives, WFD) Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Scope of the guidance doc Focus is on issues related specifically to inland waterway transport in and around Natura 2000 sites – whilst recognising this has to be set in context, ie highlight multifunctional role of rivers and dynamic ecological processes at play Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Putting ‘meat on the bones’ Some of the challenges: striking the right balance between science and process management - ie explaining how to carry out AAs / identifying possible effects on nature and wildlife Identifying the right sources of information as well as practical examples Keeping the focus (not try to solve all questions) without ending up too sector ‘blind’ Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09

Urgent call for background material !!! This year’s work plan First draft before end of year – Urgent call for background material !!! ks@ecosystems.be Ecosystems LTD 2nd EC Rivers WG – Oct 09