Green Infrastructure and Natura 2000 EXPERT GROUP ON THE MANAGEMENT OF NATURA 2000 Brussels, 22 February 2010 Green Infrastructure and Natura 2000 Marco Fritz European Commission DG ENV B2 – Bio-diversity unit

Green Infrastructure should build on already implemented nature and biodiversity conservation approaches such as the combination of species-oriented and multifunctional habitat networks, the integration of nature conservation into land use practices, measures to reduce barrier effects.

Green Infrastructure not connectivity only! Ecosystems and habitats: fragmentation mostly through land-use changes+transport/energy infrastructure and intensification "Green Infrastructure“: tool and structure >> Giving space to ecosystems >> maintain and create landscape features which guarantee that ecosystems continue to deliver their services such as provision of clean water, productive soils attractive recreational areas contribute to natural mitigation of and adaptation to climate change

Green Infrastructure Consists in natural and man-made elements (such as reforestation zones, green bridges, fish migration channels, green urban areas, high nature value farmland or forest areas). Ensures efficient and sustainable use of land by integrating interacting functions or activities on the same piece of land. Maintains ecological coherence as essential condition for healthy ecosystems, which are vital to ensure that the functional elements of ecosystems can continue to interact, both between themselves and with their physical environment.

Green Infrastructure Robust multi-functional system of protected and unprotected green areas to strengthen ecosystems resilience and enable migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species (Art. 10 HD) Structures need to be integrated in decisions on land use planning Art. 1, 3, 4, 6, 10, 18 and Annex III of Habitats Directive; Guidance notes Art. 3 and 4 of Birds Directive

connectivity as ligaments Natura 2000 as backbone connectivity as ligaments Green Infrastructure as muscles Green veining 6

Green Infrastructure Added value of Green Infrastructure: multifunctional use for greening transport and energy strengthening the functionality of ecosystems for delivering goods and services mitigating and adapting to climate change effects, for acting as barriers against erosion, and for enhancing the quality of life (health, tourism, conserving historic and cultural heritage) financial investments possible, "bankable term"

Example: Floodplain forest Local scale: enhancing recreation area, planting trees harbouring key species of healthy floodplain ecosystems Regional scale: connecting ecological networks, increasing their coherence. Timber production, limitation of pesticides inflow, stops soil erosion National or river basin scale: increasing flood retention capability Biogeographical or global scale: carbon storage function, climate change resilience Restoration as part of lower Danube flood risk mitigation scheme: €180 million. Compares very favourably to the €400 million damages caused by floods in this region in 2005 alone 8

Green Infrastructure Green infrastructure will play a substantial role in the EU's post-2010 biodiversity policy and particularly in the further implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directive. Integration into all relevant policy sectors.

Green Infrastructure: Priorities 1: Making the concept operational common understanding, aims agreed and benefits realised 2: Integrating it into other policies synergies with other policy areas, instruments, responsibilities 3: Developing coherent approach to spatial planning strategic, sustainable planning: multi-scale approach 4: Explore funding possibilities TEEB. Take use of funding revisions. New partnerships 5: Link to international agenda CBD work – COP10 in Nagoya

http://ec. europa. eu/environment/nature/home http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/home.htm Workshop March 09 http://green-infrastructure-europe.org