Project
Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process
Natura 2000 is the European network of protected areas, areas protected under the Birds and Habitats Directive. Natura 2000 is in fact the largest network of protected areas in the world, covering over 18% of Europe’s territory! The European Commission launched the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process (BGP) in 2012 to share knowledge among stakeholders and governments, and to enhance an effective implementation of Natura 2000. It is a co-operation process at the biogeographical level and uses seminars and networking events to address and discuss common problems and exchange results and ideas.
In this project, we will support the European Commission in organising these seminars and networking events per biogeographical region (Boreal, Atlantic, Alpine, Continental, Mediterranean, Macaronesian, Marine). In preparation of the events, we will collect ideas that will be discussed with the Commission and fine-tuned with the Steering Committee or a group of experts. An example of questions that are addressed are: how are Natura 2000-conservation objectives and favourable reference values set among different countries? How should we deal with trans-boundary management of Natura 2000 areas? Which lessons can be learnt from conservation of dune habitats? Or: what are the lessons learnt from the Art. 17 reporting?
Through our consortium network we have access to experts and stakeholders in different regions of Europe, which will be important for the delivery of support services.
From Wageningen Environmental Research, Theo van der Sluis, Irene Bouwma, Anne Schmidt, Linda Oud and Lawrence Jones-Walters are involved. From Wageningen Marine Research, Oscar Bos.
Consortium
- Wageningen Environmental Research (Netherlands)
- Wageningen Marine Research (Netherlands)
- NatureBureau Ltd. (United Kingdom) https://www.naturebureau.co.uk/
- Regional Environmental Centre (Hungary) http://www.rec.org/
- Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia) https://www.emu.ee/en/home/
- TerraEcogest (Spain) http://terracentro.org/en/
- Mãe d’água (Portugal) www.maedagua.pt



