1. Summary of Scoping Document and feedback
Presentation by:
Kerstin Sundseth
Ecosystems LTD/ THE N2K GROUP
Brussels

2. JOINT INITIATIVE DG ENV /DG AGRI
WHY A GUIDANCE DOC?
Forests cover around 50% of Natura 2000 Network
Many different types of forests in N2000 – complex issue
Forests in Natura 2000 are a multifunctional resource and provide many valuable ecosystem services to society
First guidance from 2003 is now largely out of date
JOINT INITIATIVE DG ENV /DG AGRI

3. THE PROCESS
Guidance to be developed through a participatory process involving key stakeholders, Member State authorities, NGOS, and relevant Commission services
Phase 1: Initial scoping exercise to get a ‘tour d’horizon’ on the key issues related to forestry and Natura 2000
Phase 2: start preparing guidance document based on dialogue and discussions with key players
Stakeholder workshops to share views and experiences
Working groups to comment on and help draft guidance doc

4. THE SCOPING DOCUMENT Purpose of the scoping document:
Compile some basic facts on forests in Natura 2000
Outline key provisions of EU nature legislation relating to forests in Natura 2000
Identify existing pressures and concerns of the forest sector regarding nature legislation and of nature sector on forestry in Natura 2000
Identify issues that could be addressed in the guidance document

5. THE SCOPING DOCUMENT Three questions asked 35 replies received
Consultation – 3 months July to October
Three questions asked
Have the key issues and challenges been correctly identified?
Are there other issues you consider should be taken into account?
Are there any good practice experiences/backgroun material you can recommend for further analysis?
35 replies received

6. MAIN ISSUES RAISED Scope of the guidance document:
Divergence of views: focus specifically on EU Nature legislation or examine how to deliver also BAP 2020 targets and actions relating for forests?
Natura 2000 sites only or EU protected forest habitats and species outside as well ?
General consensus to cover forest and other wooded land

7. MAIN ISSUES RAISED Objectives of the guidance document
EC Guidance really needed? Some questions its utility. If so then doc must allow enough flexibility - management approaches are very different from one country to another
Strong support for a document presenting examples of good practice/ win-wins/ practical solutions
Should offer practical tools to help forest sector manage forests in Natura 2000 and ‘make life easier’

8. MAIN ISSUES RAISED
Need to develop better understanding of EU nature directives
Explain objectives and provisions of the nature Directives esp:
the motivation behind designation – why and what for?
Art 6 (not just non deterioration but also improving conservation status)
What does Favourable conservation status mean in practice
setting conservation objectives for Natura 2000

9. MAIN ISSUES RAISED
Clarification and discussion on specific provisions:
Art 6.1 Active management / non- intervention management
Coordination/ integration of forest plans / Natura 2000 management plans
Article 6.3 appropriate assessments on forest activities
Financing

10. MAIN ISSUES RAISED Links with SFM and other EU forest initiatives
Relationship between SFM and Natura 2000 objectives ?
Stakeholder dialogue
Mutli stakeholder participation and consultation is essential
Give Guidance for MS to better commmuncate with stakeholders on management options for forests in N2000

11. MAIN ISSUES RAISED Correct use of terminology
Addressing key issues of concern
Climate change, fragmentation, forest fires, invasive species, grazing and hunting, deadwood, bioenergy, WFD, recognition of ecosystem services….
Correct use of terminology

12. Next Steps BUT LET’S DISCUSS
The scoping document will not be revised – it has served its purpose
BUT
All comments received on the document and during meeting will help orientate the development of the future ‘guidance’ document
LET’S DISCUSS