Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process

Transcription

1 Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process Thematic Networking Event Towards a shared ecological rationale for more integrated implementation of the Nature and Water Directives Sarród, Hungary, November 2017 Networking Event Programme

2 Background Discussions of how to better integrate decision-making and action under the nature (Habitats and Birds) and water (Water Framework and more recently Floods) Directives now have a considerable history, at both European-level and within individual Member States. Importantly, these exchanges have stressed the value of working with nature to maximise synergies between the Directives. European-level discussions led to the development of a Frequently Asked Questions document (European Commission, 2011), seeking to help Member States address the interface between the Directives. This has been useful in many respects, particularly in relation to characterising legal differences. The need for further work on rationalising approaches to the nature and water Directives has been highlighted as a priority in workshops held in a number of biogeographic regions. Interactions between the Directives extend beyond the geographical boundaries of the Natura series and into the wider environment, through the concept of favourable conservation status and the need to manage catchments in ways that allow the objectives of water-related Natura sites to be met. There are many different types of activity where better integration would be valuable, including monitoring, reporting and technical evaluation, stakeholder engagement, local governance arrangements, regulatory decision-making, practical management and development of innovative policy and operational measures. Sitting underneath all of these possibilities, a clearer ecological and biodiversity rationale for operational decision-making across the Directives would help to create a more favourable environment for common cause and synergies, which would facilitate practical integration across all of these different activities. Purpose This event will provide a platform for a technical specialist discussion about better integration of decision-making processes and actions under the Birds and Habitats Directives and Water Water Framework and Floods Directives in the European Member states. The purpose of the meeting is to bring together the specialists to share their experiences on the ecological and technical consistency of implementing the Nature Directives, to share approaches for integrated decision-making by using case studies. Participants will work on principles for ecologically-based decision-making under the Nature and Water Directives. Key principles of the integration relate to:

3 1. the use of natural ecosystem function as a spatial planning template for freshwater, wetland and wider biodiversity conservation, providing a common language between biodiversity and water decision-making; 2. explicit consideration of ecological relationships between Natura 2000 habitats and species features and with natural ecosystem function, to allow integrated decision-making that recognises and protects the needs of Natura 2000 features; 3. differentiation of decision-making between Natura 2000 sites and the wider environment, based on the level of precaution and restoration ambition and the treatment of socio-economic practicalities. An additional objective is to initiate a cross-regional freshwater specialist network focused on information exchange on ecological elements of decision-making associated with Natura objectives and wider favourable conservation status of Habitats Directive habitats and species. Target Audience The subject matter is relevant to all biogeographic regions. A focus on broad principles rather than specific habitat types and species, using different habitats and species as illustrations, will help to maximise the relevance of the workshop to all attendees. Specialists attending should have a sound ecological understanding of the Nature Directives and the Water Framework Directive and its implementation. There is also a need for delegates who are experienced in implementing practical measures under the nature and water directives, in order to ensure that discussions are grounded in practical realities. Registration Because of limited capacities we can only invite about 30 participants. Please, pre-register under this link: Confirmation of participation will be sent in the beginning of November. Costs Participants are asked to cover their own transportation and accommodation costs. Materials, lunch and field trip will be covered by the organizers. If you would like to present a case study from your country and/or have any questions regarding the event please Monika Kotulak at kotulak@ceeweb.org

4 ORGANIZERS About Chris Mainstone Chris Mainstone is a senior freshwater habitat specialist with 30 years of experience in the assessment and management of freshwater ecosystems. He has worked extensively on the Habitats Directive, including Natura notifications and objective-setting, assessment and reporting on favourable conservation status, and the development of management strategies. He also has considerable experience of the Water Framework Directive, including work on the technical annexes of the Directive prior to its enactment, and in developing ecologically-based approaches to the integration of decision-making under the WFD and HD. He has worked for the statutory nature conservation agency in England (now Natural England) for nearly 20 years. About Werner Rehklau Werner Rehklau has worked in different positions around water management and nature conservation for seven years before joining the Bavarian Environmental Agency in Since then he has worked in different units responsible for landscape development, river restoration and alpine natural hazards. In the N2K unit he joined in 2009 he is particularly responsible for the reporting and monitoring of river habitat types and alpine habitat types. Additionally he works in the field of joint implementation of BHD WFD together with colleagues from other departments. He is an expert for alpine river ecosystems. About CEEweb for Biodiversity CEEweb for Biodiversity is a network of non-governmental organizations in the Central and Eastern European region working for 20 years in 20 countries. Our mission is the conservation of biodiversity through the promotion of sustainable development. CEEweb works through advocacy, influencing decision making, common projects, capacity building, networking and awareness raising. About Fertő-Hanság National Park The Ferto-Hanság National Park is situated in the North-West boundary of Hungary. It was established in The area includes the former Iron Curtain zone as the reed-marshes of Ferto-lake, the present wetlands and moors of Hanság, and the riverside wetlands along the river Répce. This is an international national park with ha territory in Hungary and other ha in Austria. There is the Hungarian Centre of the NP is called as Heron Castle in Sarród village built, in 1993.

5 The characteristic wildlife and specific weather and geographical conditions of Ferto-lake area are unique in Europe. The lake, with its surrounding wetlands, is one of the largest bird-paradises in Central Europe and also an important resting area on the migration route of numerous species of waterfowl and waders. The lakeshore is the habitat of halophiton vegetation of the saline puszta-lake. There are many rare protected plant species of pannon hill-steppes on the western Ferto-side hills. The birdlife of the saline lakes and the halophiton plants of the Hungarian puszta can be seen easily in the eastern lakeshore area. There are tourist paths, information boards and birdwatch-towers there, helping the visitor s access. The main attraction of the western hills is the years old ancient stone quarry at Fertorákos village, which had been managed already by the Romans. The visitors can discover many fossils on the ancient shallow see-shore area, closing them in the Lajta-limestone that has been here for more million years of the Earth-historical periods. There are some remaining marshes, moors, swamps, bogs and some lakes in the Hanság part of the national park which were able to survive the big canalisation and drying activities on the former large continuous wetlands in the last century. There are three main mosaic areas in Hanság belonging to the national park with valuable wildlife. The Hanság landscape had been altered significantly during the last two centuries. The Ferto-Hanság National Park was going to restore the previous area conditions, and began the reconstruction of former wetlands. The smallest mosaic area of the Ferto-Hanság National Park are the riverside wetlands along the river Répce, including marshy grasslands and one of the biggest oak-ash-elm gallery forest of Hungary. The Ferto-Hansag National Park is a RAMSAR area, Unesco Bisphere Reserve and Natura 2000 site too. Lake-Ferto itself is a World Heritage area in both countries (A/H) since 2001.

6 About the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process The Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process is an initiative of the European Commission. The purpose of the Biogeographical Process is to help Member States to manage Natura 2000 as a coherent ecological network, whilst exchanging experience and best practice, addressing objectives and priorities and enhancing cooperation and synergies. Consensus building through the participation of diverse stakeholders is a key tool in the essential dialogue required for the effective management of Natura 2000 sites. European Centre for Nature Conservation-ECNC is the lead contractor to support the European Commission in the development and implementation of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process. This includes a continuing series of networking events (Seminars, conferences, workshops, ad hoc expert meetings, study visits, etc.). ECNC does this with support from their sub-contracted consortium partners: CEEweb for Biodiversity, Eurosite, ELO (European Landowners Organization), the EUROPARC Federation and ILE-SAS. In this framework, this workshop has been organised as a thematic networking event benefiting from ideas coming from several biogeographical regions. The Natura 2000 Platform is a web based resource that facilitates and underpins the face-to-face networking of the Process and provides information about upcoming events, as well as reports and documents from previous events. The platform contains a forum, through which stakeholders and experts can ask questions and make contact with others involved in Natura 2000 management, as well as contribute news about their projects and other Natura 2000 related activities. Visit the Natura 2000 Communication Platform: ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/platform/index_en.htm And subscribe to the newsletter: europa.us9.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=ac8d4b8c6b271053f5f53f05a&id=40aaee6943 For more information contact: natura2000platform@ecnc.org

7 Workshop Programme Outline Chair: Monika Kotulak, Werner Rehklau, Chris Mainstone Wednesday 15th November :00-14:00 Registration, welcome tea and coffee 14:00-14:15 Welcome message 14:15-14:40 The Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process explained TBC, Unit B3- Nature, European Commission, DG Environment 14:40-15:05 Nature and Water Directives: similarities and differences. TBC 15:05-15:30 LIFE program; examples of directive integration in the field TBC 15:30-16:00 Tea and Coffee 16:00-17:15 Introduction to the technical content of the meeting Concepts, issues, outcomes, discussion paper Chris Mainstone, Natural England Learning from ECONAT Werner Rehklau, Bavarian Environment Agency Short round table discussion 17:15-17:30 Setting up the network of specialists : idea, function, work planning 17:30-17:45 Explanation of the programme and field trips Monika Kotulak, CEEweb, and Ferto Hansag NP 18:00-19:00 Dinner

8 20:00-21:00 Knowledge market: Knowledge exchange and networking, focusing on the use of ecological principles and the special status of Natura sites to generate agreed objectives and outcomes on water-related sites Thursday 16th November: field trip and best practices Chair: NP Fertö Hansag 08:30-13:00 Field trip Trip to the Hanság wetlands and river Répce area of the National Park all partners will be picked up by the bus at their accommodation places 13:00-14:00 Lunch at the Gránátos Restaurant in Fertőd Chair : Werner Rehklau, Bavarian Environment Agency 15:00-18:00 Best practices case studies Exploring how Member States use ecological rationale and the special status of Natura sites to integrate the implementation of WFD and BHD with possibilities of upscaling and lessons learned in 4-6 case studies. TBC 16:15 16:45 Tea and Coffee 19:00-20:00 Dinner

9 Friday 17th November: developing principles for integrated implementation and setting up the network : Before breakfast: an optional field visit to the Eastern lake shore area of Fertő-lake, to visit migrating northern geese, eagles and other wild fowls 9:00-13:00 Working Groups and plenary session Developing principles for integrated implementation and setting up the network 10:30-11:00 Tea and Coffee 13:00-14:00 Lunch 14:00-14:30 Summary of work done in Working Groups 14:30-15:00 Setting up the network Planning actions 15:00-15:30 Closing Official program ends----- Expected results 1. A publication with proposals for an ecologically based rationale for more integrated implementation of the water and nature directives, including case studies. 2. Initialization of a network of ecological specialists working on the harmonisation of technical approaches to freshwater Natura 2000 features and better integration with implementation of the water directives.

10 Venue of the Workshop It is the so called Kócsagvár (H-9435 Sarród Rév-Kócsagvár, GPS: N 47 38' 18.70, E 16 51' ), situated in Sarród village in Hungary. This is not only a National Park Center, but also an environmental education and information centre. Getting to Sarród By car The place of the conference (Kócsagvár in Sarród village) can be find easily by the GPS coordinate: GPS: N 47 38' 18.70, E 16 51' From the direction of city Győr: Use the payable highway M85. Before You arrive at Csorna city area, You must leave this highway and follow the main road 85. Follow the road passing through Csorna and other settlements. After You pass through village Vitnyéd, very soon You must leave the main road, turning to the right (North) direction of Fertőendréd. Follow the road. The next town is Fertőd. At the cross You must turn to the right (North). Follow the road, and at the center of Fertőd You will find the direction-board Sarród. Turn to the right (North) here, go through the village, and Kócsagvár is situated at the right side of the road at the North end of the village. From the direction of Pamhagen (A): Follow the road, until You arrive at the town Fertőd. At the road junction You must turn to the right (West). Follow the road, and at the center of Fertőd You will find the direction-board Sarród. Turn to the right (North) here, go through the village, and Kócsagvár is situated at the right side of the road at the North end of the village. From the direction of city Sopron: Follow the main road 85, until You arrive at Fertőszentmiklós. Turn to the left (North) at the traffic lights. Follow the road, until You arrive at the center of Fertőd. Turn the right (East) at the cross here, and suddenly You will find the direction-board Sarród. Turn to the left (North) here, go through the village; Kócsagvár is situated at the right side of the road at the North end of the village. By train You must arrive at Fertőszentmiklós railway station. It is only 5 km from the center. We will organise free transfer from the station. Please, inform us about your arriving time before! Contact Fersch Attila ferschattila@gmail.com, phone:

11 By plane Use the Vienna Airport. We can organise a shuttle to and back to the airport by minibuses. The price of the one way of the shuttle is 5000 HUF/person, including all taxes. Please, inform us about your arriving time before! Contact Fersch Attila ferschattila@gmail.com, phone: Staying in Sarród 8 other rooms are pre-booked for the conference period in the Park Panzió in Sarród. It is situated in Sarród village, with 500 meters from the conference place. The room price is: 30 EUR/room/night, including breakfast and tourism tax too. Participants can book room individually sending to the hotel: parkpanzio@t-online.hu web: 11 other rooms are pre-booked in Rábensteiner Hotel in Fertőd. This hotel is situated 2 km-s distance from the conference place. All participants, who book accommodation here, will be transferred to the conference place and back by the free conference-minibus service of the organiser Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate. The price of the room is 30 EUR/room/night HUF tourism tax/person/night, but including breakfast. Participants can book room individually sending to the hotel: viktor@rabensteiner.hu web:

12 Field trip sites Hanság wetlands and the river Répce Formerly a ha wetland, which dried up for the end of 1960s. The remaining wetlands are part of protected area of the National Park. Its extension is about hectares. The wetland reconstruction project of Hanság started in 2001 and tries to restore the open wetlands and the marshes. The most frequent amphibian species are the Water Frog, the Moor Frog and the EU-wide endangered European Fire-bellied Toad. The re-flooded Nyirkai-Hany was quickly detected by breeding and migratory birds and the area became a wetland of international importance (ramsar site) in 2006, particularly for the Ferruginous Duck, Garganey, Common Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Eurasian Bittern, Purple Heron. The floodplain of the Répce river is composed of protected flood-meadows and alluvial forests. The protected area includes the woods, wide floodplain and wet meadows. Their survival depends upon centuries old traditional management. Characteristic for this landscape are the Large Pink and the Siberian Iris plants. An ecologically important plant is the Great Burnet, being the feeding plant of the butterfly Scarce Large Blue. Eastern lake shore area of Fertő lake Along the eastern and south-eastern shores of the lake lies a belt of saline and marsh meadows. In the deeper lying regions, seasonally covered by water, the Common Glasswort, the Herbaceous and the Hungarian Seepweed and the Camphor can be found. On the extended saline meadows the Sea Aster blossoms in autumn; the meadows are grazed with Hungarian Grey Cattle, Racka Sheep and Water Buffalo. Habitat reconstruction realized on some 600 Hectares tries to replace the swampy areas that were left behind each time after the floods of the Lake Fertő, which following the introduction of regulation (end of the 19th, beginning of the 20th century). The area is a popular bird watching site.

13 The workshop is hosted by the Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate and is organised in partnership with CEEweb for Biodiversity. This event is made possible with funding from the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Seminar Process. Contact Monika Kotulak at for any questions you might have regarding the event. This publication is produced with support of the European Union. The information and views set out in it are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union.