NATURA 2000 and Water Framework Directive (CIS 2010-2012) Biodiversity Coordinating Group 2 June 2009 Jorge Rodriguez Romero WFD Team, DG ENV.D.2, & François Kremer, DG ENV. B.2, European Commission

Background Water Directors meeting Paris: water and biodiversity should be a priority for 2010-2012 On-going initiatives and workshops discussing the links between WFD - Habitats/Birds Directives (BHD) On-going work between DG ENV Water Unit and Biodiversity Unit on a “Frequently Asked Questions” about the links between WFD – BHD First discussion at the SCG meeting March 2009 on a potential CIS activity – positive feedback received from several MS (DE, FR, NL) and stakeholders

Why? To date CIS has not worked on this issue Up to now WFD implementation shows little attention to the obligations related to protected areas and specifically to areas protected under HBD – although good examples as well Important synergies between both policies – WFD ecological status contributing to HBD objectives Potential conflicts between the directives have been identified as well To stimulate the dialogue and contact between the water and nature protection communities and provide recommendations / guidance on implementation

What? Paper distributed at the SCG meeting in March 2009 identified potential areas in which WFD – BHD links should be explored and others have been suggested Environmental objectives (WFD Ecological status/potential vs BHD Favourable Conservation Status) Monitoring Links groundwater – surface water in protected areas (e.g. wetlands) Management tools (WFD River Basin Management Plans – Natura 2000 sites management plans) Timing issues New developments…

How? Group bringing together MS and stakeholder experts from the water and nature protection areas Experts from Member States nominated by the Water Directors and the Biodiversity Co-ordination Group / Nature Directors Chaired by DG ENV + volunteer Member State(s) Start with a (well prepared) workshop in 2010 on the basis of DG ENV FAQ paper Experience of Member States linking first river basin management plans and nature protection objectives Potential development of recommendations/guidance for 2nd RBMP (to be decided later on the basis of the workshop outcome)

Conclusion The proposal to establish a joint working group was supported by the Water Directors at their meeting on 28 May 2009. Nature Directors are invited to nominate an expert by Member State for participation in the planned working group.