Natura 2000 - Addressing conflicts and promoting benefits
This brochure should be helpful to you, especially if you are affected by a conflict situation related to the management of Natura 2000 sites.
Given the scale, scope and ambition of the Natura 2000 network, conflicts are to be expected in its establishment and management. However, addressed in a proactive way, conflict can be managed or resolved in most cases. The challenge is how to deal effectively with 'on-site' conflict situations when they arise. Understanding the mechanisms and reasons of conflict is essential to finding workable solutions and developing sustainable management practices.
Left unaddressed or ignored, conflict can become a major threat, which can prevent reaching Natura 2000 objectives, be they at site, national or European level. This brochure and accompanying reports should be helpful to you, especially if you are affected by a conflict situation related to the management of Natura 2000 sites.
Background
The project 'Dealing with conflicts in the implementation and management of the Natura 2000 network - best practices at the local / site level' was commissioned by DG Environment in January 2009.
The aim of the project was to promote best practices for achieving a good balance between potentially conflicting interests related to the use and management of Natura 2000 sites, ensuring the engagement of different groups of stakeholders (including the public) into the protection and proper management of the sites and their ecological values.
Specific objectives of the project were:
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to assess causes of conflicts surrounding the management and use of Natura 2000 sites;
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to identify and review examples of best practices;
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to formulate practical recommendations to avoid and resolve conflicts.
A European-wide review and five country studies were carried out to assess primary sources of conflict and the strategies that had been developed to resolve them. Also, 24 case studies of best practice regarding conflict resolution on site level from 12 countries were collected, described and analysed. In addition, one European and three regional workshops were organised, attended by 133 participants from different groups of landowners and land users (economic sectors, NGOs, protected area administrations) to discuss their views and experiences on the management of Natura 2000 areas. The project was led by Alterra (Wageningen, UR) in partnership with Eurosite and ECNC- European Centre for Nature Conservation.
Project resources
- Natura 2000 - Addressing conflicts and promoting benefits
- Current practices in solving multiple use issues of Natura 2000 sites: conflict management strategies and participatory approaches
- Dealing with conflicts in the implementation and management of the Natura 2000 Network: a review of 24 best practice case studies
- Summary workshop report: conflict management in the Natura 2000 Network
