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

2. Forests and Other Wooded Land in EU and Natura 2000
% of Natura 2000 which is forest ranges in (UK) – 79.17% (CY)
% of total forest within Natura 2000 ranges in (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 within N2K (%) EU
50,84%
23,10%

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
Initiate and 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Partly outdated – EU 15 Vs EU 27
Parts still relevant: general requirements and operational- level guidelines for (sustainable) forest management in Natura 2000; recommendations for biodiversity-conscious forestry on protected areas

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

5. 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 to EU biodiversity strategy
Pressures and threats to forests in Natura 2000
Global environmental concerns
Other environmental threats
Forestry practices

6. 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 and forestry – key challenges for the future
Policy issues and management options
Land use changes
Property rights and financing issues
Links to the Forest Europe process

7. New Guidance on Natura 2000 and Forests – Key issues to consider:
Conservation goals for different forests in N2000 – annex I forest habitats Vs forest for species Vs other forests – result in different regimes / management / restrictions...
Different approaches to forests considering biogeographical regions, ownership, main uses etc. but keeping overall objective of contributing to improving the conservation status forest species and habitats
How to avoid detrimental practices Vs best encourage positive effects of forest management
Sustainable Forest Management and (Vs?) N2000 requirements – SFM sometimes insufficient to meet N2000 obligations; when to consider non- intervetion?
Different objectives, instruments and approaches of various policies influencing forests – how to best reconcile those with EU nature legislation requirements
Forest management plans and Article 6.3 procedure – key principles and approaches in different Member states
Financing forest management in N2000 – how to improve access to funds

8. 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 need 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 dedicated technical workshops .This will engage forests stakeholders in an open process designed to address their key concerns and guidance needs 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 which will be further discussed within dedicated working group.
Expert Group on Natura 2000 management also consulted to ensure consistency with other on-going initiatives
Case studies will be used to highlight good practices and illustrate different habitats / biogeographical regions / measures / policies and approaches

9. Thank you for your attention!