Posted on November, 08 2007

As the EU’s Natura 2000 network of specially protected sites – its “safety net for nature” – is gradually extended to the new Member States, the focus is increasingly on involving different interests and stakeholders the practical implementation of the network on the ground.

In Romania, WWF and the Royal Dutch Society for Nature Conservation have just launched a project to promote awareness of Natura 2000 among key stakeholder groups, from government to business, and to foster their active involvement in implementation of the network. The biogeographic seminars for determining Natura 2000 sites in Romania are expected to be held in April 2008.

The 18-month project will contribute to implementation of the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives, and especially Natura 2000 in Romania by:

• Supporting the inter-ministerial working group on Natura 2000 that was recently created by the Romanian Ministry of Environment and Water, and which currently includes representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture and Forests, Interior, Finance, Transportation and Tourism;

• Raising awareness and promoting understanding of Natura 2000 and related requirements, implications and opportunities, particularly among key stakeholders including the most relevant government ministries, foresters and forest owners and private businesses;

• Demonstrating and promoting stakeholder involvement in Natura 2000 management through the creation of stakeholder platforms for Natura 2000 in the regions of Maramures in northern Romania and the Danube Delta.

The EU’s Natura 2000 network of specially protected sites is the cornerstone of EU nature conservation policy and a key instrument for achieving the EU’s aim of halting biodiversity loss by 2010. Nearly 20% of the territory of the older EU member states is currently protected under Natura 2000.

Contact: Andreas Beckmann, WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme