The importance of training and awareness Hanns Kirchmeir, E.C.O. Institute for Ecology In Cooperation with: Federal Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein Technical University of Vienna

Gap Analysis legal procedures for the application of directives management and organizational structures ecological assessment socio-economic dimension

Transnational tools and strategy for the better management and implementation of Natura 2000 sites Joint Transnational Action Plans Common Monitoring Tool Tools for further implementation: – Training Needs Assessment – IPAM Expert System – Financial Portfolio Results:

Joint transnational action plans Goal Consistent methodology and structure all over Europe Target group Decision makers (assignment) Protected area manager or consultancy (preparation) Requisites Comprehensive information on the target species or habitat Personal contact to nature conservation experts from different countries

3 Action plans for species White stork (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) Pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii)

3 Action plans for habitats Calcareous fens (7210, 7230) Coastal habitats (2110, 2120, 2130, 2250 Freshwater habitats (3130, 92A0)

Monitoring Tool Content: – Definition of a monitoring method Goal: – Allow evaluation of current conservation status of habitats and species – Specific action planning on the management level Objective: – To monitor the effectiveness of conservation actions Methodological approach: – developed in a transnational process of knowledge exchange

All gaps show: Missing capacity individual competence organization and network financial resources

To tell the truth: planning and managing Protected Areas is a hard work. Integration of different interests ! Communicating! Marketing! Deciding! Financing! Creating benefits! Diversity of categories ! International requirements, regional demands ! Diversity of approaches! Diversity of technical issues ! Permanent lack of ressources !

There are three golden rules, how to properly manage a Protected Area. Unfortunately, nobody knows them. Undoubtably, highly skilled and motivated personalities are the key to sucess. Protected Areas: Solution

The Vision: The knowledge exchange system of protected areas exchange inside the PA – old and young staff exchange by involving the knowledge of regional stakeholders

Individual Competence job profile for the management of protected areas is missing Technical competencies: languages, IT, accounting, maintenance, etc.) Tools and skills for Protected Areas: visitor management, finances, conservation, law enforcement, etc. Integrated Management of Protected Areas Technical staff, rangers, field guides Middle management level Directors, heads of administration

Exemplary individual competencies Exemplary institutional competencies = sum of all individual competencies

Gained success Within the Be-Natur project we provided 33 trainings with local stakeholder involvement

Observed findings: Barriers for Trainings Organisationally – No appraisal for knowledge/skill improvement – no money for training – no time for staff training

Stakeholder involvement and Awareness rising Young people are important … but don’t forget decision makers!!!

Results for young people Didactic brochure on wetland habitats

But also adult people have been reached By trainings Excursions Stakeholder involvement

Finding of Stakeholder involvement: Protected Manager in place + Communication capacity = Private landowners will implement measures

Organization and network every site should be supported and supervised by a competent and trained person This person/institution serves as the direct contact for all stakeholder groups coordination and networking between individual sites installation of a centralized institution would significantly improve and foster the effectiveness of current management (Natura 2000 Centers of Excellence)

Self assessment of management status Sharing of results and experiences Searching for specific information and new developments The system consists of three components – Self-assessment – Recommendations – Knowledge Base Presentet tool: IPAM – Self Assessment and Knowledge Base

The toolbox refers to the life cycle and the integrated management approach Training contents ww.ipam.info

Financial Portfolio for Protected Area Management “ The performance of a protected area is closely linked to the financial resources of the site” Financial „gap analysis“ giving an orientation on the financial planning of protected areas Visualisation of the complexity of funding strategies

Sources of funding International: – Multilateral banks – Global Environment Facility (GEF) – Bilateral development co- operation agencies etc. – … National- level: – Taxes, levies, surcharges and tax incentives – Tax deduction schemes – Grants from private foundations – … Site-level: – User fees – Cause-related marketing – Adoption programmes – …

Basic scheme showing the system of prioritizing among finance mechanisms

Thank you for your attention!