Introduction

Natura 2000 and European Biodiversity: The Private Offer

Thierry de l’Escaille

ELO Secretary-General

Introduction

“Without additional efforts, in particular from the private and civic sector, the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy cannot be reached”

- Tisselhof, D. “Alternative Ways to Support Private Land Conservation”

- Tisselhof, D. “Alternative Ways to Support Private Land Conservation”

Introduction

“Regulation alone cannot achieve an optimal land use compatible with conservation objectives ”

For conservation on private lands to work, we need to create a positive engagement with landowners, and recognise the importance of creating a countryside that is sustainable and profitable.

- Tisselhof, D. “Alternative Ways to Support Private Land Conservation”

Introduction

Natura 2000 conservation on private lands can be bigger than agri-environment schemes, regulatory constrictions, or mandatory management plans.

The ELO promotes a number of projects and programs to demonstrate the positive results achieved through cooperation with landowners and managers.

Introduction

However, we must make one important recognition when it comes to private land management:

- Land managed by private landowners

- Land managed through NGO’s or communities

The first must pay for itself, the second is paid for by others through grants, donations, etc.

Introduction

The projects developed by the European Landowners’ Organization are designed to be positive, both for nature and for the farmers’ budget.

ELO Projects

Wildlife Estates Label

LIFE+ 3watEr Project

The Wildlife Estates label

Private commitment for public goods

Over 1.000.000 hectares, 150 estates

Recently added Poland, Bulgaria

New partners in France and Belgium

Independent assessment and methodology created by scientific committee.

ELO Projects: WE Label

ELO Projects: WE Label

To achieve the WE Label, the estate or territory must complete the following levels of assessment:

Level I: Agree to follow the Charter and its 10 commitments

Level II: Complete the Questionnaire and Evaluation and submit to Independent auditing

ELO Projects: WE Label Ten Commitments of the WE Charter

1. Identify the estate’s manager

2. Develop a long-term integrated wildlife plan

3. Maintain records and monitoring of the integrated plan

4. Undertake sustainable shooting, stalking and/or fishing

5. Manage a sustainable balance of game, wildlife and their habitats

6. Improving, where possible, biodiversity and species protection

7. Compliance with all national and international legal requirements

8. Adherence to the Charter on Hunting and EU’s Guide on hunting

9. Maintain active community engagement

10. To apply within 2 years to the level 2 accreditation

Level 2 of the Wildlife Estates Label:

Complete a comprehensive questionnaire based on biogeographical regions

The Questionnaire follows specific indicators in which the territory is to be evaluated

The Questionnaire is reviewed by the National Evaluation Committee

Evaluators are trained by the Scientific Committee and Secretariat

ELO Projects: WE Label

ELO Projects: LIFE+ 3watEr

ELO Projects: LIFE+ 3watEr Our LIFE + 3Water project in Belgian Limburg concluded at the

end of April 2014.

The project delivered huge benefits for the visibility of cooperation between different stakeholders Natura 2000 areas

‘Triple E’ approach (Ecology, Economy, and Education) as the key to successful programmes.

3WatEr won the Natura 2000 Award in the category ‘reconciling interests and perceptions’

ELO Projects: LIFE+ 3watEr 3watEr engages with landowners in Natura 2000 areas

The most positive way we have found is to have ‘local champions’ – land managers with a positive vision who are well known with their neighbours.

The re-structuring of government funds, with equal access for NGOs and landowners has secured its long-term future.

3watEr partners respect the needed for local, profitable businesses to remain in the N2000 area

Future Landowner Engagement Private landowners need to be viewed as full partners in biodiversity protection

It is not only the state and NGOs who can manage land

Policies that priorities NGOs confiscate the opportunities of landowners to demonstrate their abilities

We need a more inclusive idea of nature conservation that promotes not just farmers and NGOs but ALL countryside stakeholders.

Future Landowner Engagement Private landowners need to be viewed as full partners in biodiversity protection

Our projects demonstrate that it is better and cheaper to work with landowners through positive policy instruments

Land acquisition by NGOs and the state is not always better; private land management will take just as good or even better care – it is their property!

Future Landowner Engagement What Does the European Countryside Need from the EU Biodiversity Strategy and Natura 2000?

Ensure that the intention of Natura 2000 is well understood by Member States, and not used as a strict tool to prohibit positive land management

Find a better integration of Natura 2000 and the Common Agricultural Policy, especially with the greening measures.

Future Landowner Engagement The integration of biodiversity into land managers’ practices needs to be common place:

Better farm advisory services are needed; farmers currently do not have enough contacts with non-industry advice

Those living in the cities (75% of Europe) must also become more aware of the full cost of their consumption

A model of payment for the provision of public goods

Conclusion

Thank you for your attention

elo@elo.org

@EULandownersOrg