1. Atlantic Natura 2000 Seminar
Preparatory Workshop
Atlantic Natura 2000 Seminar
The Hague, The Netherlands
20-21 June 2012

2. Atlantic Process SC SC SC WS SC S BD Consult BD Improve
Background document
P-S Document
Seminar document
18.01
02.03
27.03
20.06
04.07
02.12
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

3. Key documents Background document (knowledge)
Where we are in management
Problems/threats
‘Living document’
Seminar document (focusing discussions)
Possible solutions
Possible recommendations / conclusions for management and cooperative actions
Seminar report / conclusions
Based on Seminar documents and discussions at the seminar

4. Objective of the preparatory Workshop
Preparation of the Atlantic Seminar
- based on the present knowledge base (scoping document/background document) and findings of the four working groups:
- initial proposals for Seminar conclusions and recommendations to be included into the draft Seminar Document

5. Four working groups: 1. Coastal and dunes – Germany/Belgium
2. Grasslands - France
3. Heaths and bogs – UK/Ireland
4. Lakes and rivers – The Netherlands

6. Basic questions to be discussed:
1. What are the common problems/issues in management of habitats over the biogeographical region?
2. What special management measures are required to accommodate habitats and key associated species?
3. What are the potential solutions to these problems?
4. Are there concrete possibilities for cooperation/cooperative action linked to the preferred solutions that could be launched at the seminar?

7. Cross cutting themes identified, prioritized and discussed in Working Groups
1. How do these cross cutting themes impact on favourable conservation status?
2. What are the potential ways forward / approaches to these cross cutting themes?
3. Are there concrete possibilities for cooperation/cooperative action linked to the preferred solutions that could be launched at the seminar?

8. Natura 2000 & the new biogeographic process
Is more than a network of protected areas !
A network of
people and sectors working together
experts exchanging knowledge
practitioners sharing experience and best practice

9. The New Biogeographic Process is
focusing on improving the management of Natura 2000 sites and aiming at FCS of selected habitats and species;
directly linked to targets 1 & 2 of the EU biodiversity strategy;
not an instrument to assess progress of MS,
based on voluntary cooperation between all actors;
strongly depending on active involvement of MS and stakeholders / NGOs.
Natura 2000 Seminars

10. The process includes
the identification of barriers and bottlenecks that hamper habitat management;
the shared formulation of practical management solutions and effective recommendations;
knowledge management - not additional reporting ;
no additional burden on Member States for information gathering (ref.: Article 17). Knowledge comes from MS experts, NGOs, expert groups and other habitat/species experts.
Natura 2000 Seminars 10

11. The process enhances
networking and cooperation between experts and practitioners;
the coordination and facilitation of cross boundary and in-country projects (LIFE nature and other projects);
the exploration of opportunities & synergies (e.g. for cross-border cooperation);
the pooling and dissemination of habitat management expertise.
It also provides a Communication platform with free access to information
Natura 2000 Seminars 11

12. Working together & networking is a continuous process (with the ‘Background Document’ being a living document)
Working together requires permanent (and voluntary) engagement of actors
Natura 2000 Seminars and workshops are periodic events for the formulation of practical management solutions and effective recommendations towards achieving FCS

13. Good luck!