NATURA 2000 AND FORESTS: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

DRAFT DOCUMENT (03/03/2014) – Version 2

INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1 What is this guidance for?.............................................................................................1 Who is this guidance for?..............................................................................................1 What can you find in this document?............................................................................1

1. THE PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE BIRDS AND HABITATS DIRECTIVES AND NATURA 2000..................................................................................................................11.1 The Birds Directive and the Habitats Directives.................................................................11.2 The Natura 2000 network...................................................................................................11.2.1 Establishment of the Natura 2000 network – site selection.............................................11.2.2 Protection and management requirements for Natura 2000 sites (Article 6 of the Habitats Directive).....................................................................................................................11.2.3 Setting conservation objectives.......................................................................................11.2.4 Establishing the necessary conservation measures (Article 6.1 of the Habitats Directive)...................................................................................................................................11.2.5 Identifying the resources needed for managing Natura 2000 sites (Article 8 of the Habitats Directive).....................................................................................................................11.2.6 Improving the connectivity of the Natura 2000 network (Article 10 of the Habitats Directive)...................................................................................................................................11.3 Species protection over their whole range (Article 12 of the Habitats Directive, Article 5 of the Birds Directive)....................................................................................................................11.4 Assessing conservation status for habitats and species of EU interest (Article 17 of the habitats Directive).....................................................................................................................11.5 Assessing conservation status for bird species (Article 12 of the Birds Directive).............11.6 Introduction of non native species......................................................................................1

2. FORESTS IN EUROPE AND PRINCIPLES OF FOREST MANAGEMENT........................12.1 Forests in Europe. Policy and legal context........................................................................12.2 History and ecological context of European forests and their importance for biodiversity. 12.3 Goods and ecosystems services provided by forests.........................................................12.4 Forests in Natura 2000, forest habitat and species of EU interest.....................................12.4.1 Forests in Natura 2000....................................................................................................12.4.2 Forest habitats and other habitats linked to forests in the Natura 2000 network.............12.4.3 orest species of Community interest................................................................................12.4.4 onservation status of forest habitats and species of Community Interest........................12.4.5 Main pressures and threats to forest habitats and species of Community Interest.........1

3. NATURA 2000 AND FORESTS: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS........................................13.1 Conservation objectives and measures in Natura 2000 forests.........................................13.2. Assessing and monitoring conservation status and measures in Natura 2000 forests.....13.3 Forest management in Natura 2000...................................................................................13.4 Management plans in Natura 2000.....................................................................................13.5 Communication, co-operation and involvement of stakeholders........................................13.6 Financing conservation measures in Natura 2000 forests..................................................13.7 Forest management and the species protection regime under the Habitats and the Birds directive.....................................................................................................................................1

ANNEX 1 - Glossary.................................................................................................................1ANNEX 2 - Examples / Case studies........................................................................................1ANNEX 3 - Forest habitats included in annex ii of the Habitats Directive.................................1ANNEX 4 - Species of community interest associated to forests.............................................1ANNEX 5 - Conservation status of forest habitatsANNEX 6 - Forest ecosystem services according with CICES classification...........................1

INTRODUCTION

What is this guidance for?

The goal of this guidance document is to assist Member State administrations and key partners and stakeholder groups, who are responsible for forest management and nature conservation, in developing and promoting forestry systems and practices, especially within Natura 2000 areas, that will help maintain and improve the conservation status of rare and threatened habitats and species of EU importance.

The objectives of this guide are:

i. Improving understanding of the provisions of the Habitats and Birds Directive in relation to forests

ii. Facilitating and guiding the implementation of the Directives, in particular on forest Natura 2000 sites (answering to the most frequent implementation questions)

iii. Addressing the integration of forestry/silvicultural activities and nature conservation objectives in Natura 2000

iv. Highlighting some of the benefits of Natura 2000 in forests and the importance of involving stakeholders

v. Sharing best practices

The guide provides an overview of the main issues to consider as regards the relationship between forests and Natura 2000 and offers a range of practical ideas, examples and recommendations on managing forests in Natura 2000 sites, based on good practice experiences from across the EU.

The guidelines have been prepared through an active dialogue with relevant stakeholders (forest and environmental authorities, forests’ organisations, environmental NGOs..) in order to find ways to encourage a more integrated approach to the management of forests in Natura 2000 areas, and to strengthen in particular the partnership approach.

The document is intended to provide a useful source of advice and ideas for Member States and stakeholders. As such it reflects only the views of the European Commission and is not of a legally binding nature. The Habitats and Birds Directives are enshrined in the principle of subsidiarity and it is for Member States to determine the measures to be taken to manage their Natura 2000 sites in accordance with Article 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 of the Habitats Directive.

The present guidance is therefore not prescriptive in its intent, but rather aims to offer a useful source of information and advice to help Member States implement their obligations under the Habitats and Birds Directives.

Who is this guidance for?

The target audience of this technical guidance document includes the main actors involved in the management of forest in Natura 2000, e.g. forest and nature conservation authorities and administrations, foresters, landowners, forest groups and unions, nature conservation advisors and site managers.

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It is expected that the guidance document could also support Member States/regions in the elaboration of new or improved sets of Natura 2000 conservation oriented measures under the Common Agricultural Policy for the new programming period 2014-2020.

What can you find in this document?

Chapter 1: presents the overall policy context and provides a brief introduction to the Natura 2000 network and the EU’s political commitments to stop the loss of biodiversity in Europe.

Chapter 2: describes the forest context in Europe, explains the importance of forest habitats and species of EU importance, identifies which Natura 2000 habitats and species are linked to forests…

Chapter 3: provides answers to answering to frequently asked questions about forest management and implementation of conservation measures in Natura 2000.Annexes:

Annex 1: Glossary

Annex 2: presents examples that illustrate different experiences form Member States in implementing forest management in Natura 2000.

Annex 3: provides a list of forest habitats included in the Natura 2000 network, their surface and coverage in the network

Annex 4: provides a list of species of EU interest associated to forests

Annex 5: presents the Conservation Status of forest habitats of Community Interest by biogeographical region

Annex 6: presents an overview of ecosystems services provided by forests

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1. THE PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE BIRDS AND HABITATS DIRECTIVES AND NATURA 2000

1.1 The Birds Directive and the Habitats DirectivesThese two Nature Directives are the cornerstones of the EU’s biodiversity policy. They aim at protecting rare and endangered species across their entire natural range within the EU through a series of protection provisions.

The general objective of both Directives is to achieve favourable conservation status for the natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora of Community interest1 and to maintain the populations of naturally occurring wild bird species at a level which ensures their survival over the long term. Member States shall take the appropriate measures to attain this objective also taking account of economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics.

The Habitats and Birds Directives require Member States, amongst others, to designate sites under the Natura 2000 Network to ensure the conservation of the habitat types and species of EU importance covered by the two Directives. It is important to recall that core areas for these species and habitats are included in Natura 2000. The sites designated under both Directives form a coherent network aimed at achieving favourable conservation status for those habitats and species at bio-geographical level. Each site has a contribution to make to that objective.

Other measures are foreseen within the two Directives for the protection and conservation of species and habitats of EU importance outside Natura 2000 (see section 1.4).

1.2 The Natura 2000 networkThe Habitats Directive sets the rules for the creation of the Natura 2000 network, the designation of the relevant sites for the network, their legal protection and management regimes.

The Natura 2000 network is the centrepiece of the EU nature and biodiversity policy. It is a EU wide network of over 26,000 natural areas covering a surface of 949,910 km2 on land and on sea. The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. On land, Natura 2000 covers 17,5% of the EU’s surface. It is comprised of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated by Member States under the Habitats Directive2, and also incorporates Special Protection Areas (SPAs) which are designated under the Birds Directive3. Many sites have been designated according to both Nature Directives, either in their entirety or partially, so in many cases both protection status overlap.

1 The habitat types listed in Annex I and species listed in Annexes II, IV or V to the Directive. Species of Community interest means species which, within the European territory are: (i) endangered, except those species whose natural range is marginal in that territory and which are not endangered or vulnerable in the western palearctic region; or(ii) vulnerable, i.e. believed likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the causal factors continue operating; or(iii) rare, i.e. with small populations that are not at present endangered or vulnerable, but are at risk. The species are located within restricted geographical areas or are thinly scattered over a more extensive range; or (iv) endemic and requiring particular attention by reason of the specific nature of their habitat and/or the potential impact of their exploitation on their habitat and/or the potential impact of their exploitation on their conservation status.2 Directive 93/43/EEC. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm3 Directive 2009/147/EC http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/birdsdirective/index_en.htm

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Natura 2000 Terrestrial sites Marine sites

Total number of sites 26 193 2 360

Total surface 768 141.98 241 536.42

Source: Natura 2000 barometer. July 2013

1.2.1 Establishment of the Natura 2000 network – site selection Sites are selected and designated as part of the Natura 2000 network because they include the most important areas for the conservation of habitats types and species protected under the two nature directives. The sites of the network therefore play a central role in relation to the conservation of European biodiversity. The selection of Natura 2000 sites under the Habitats Directive is made in accordance with a set of criteria specified in Annex III of the directive and has been assessed and agreed among Member States and the European Commission through a series of Biogeographical Seminars, taking into account the need to provide a sufficient coverage for each habitat type and species in the network and to ensure the coherence of the network. Under the Birds Directive, the most suitable areas for the conservation of species listed in annex I and for regularly occurring migratory species are designated, bearing in mind the need for protection of their breeding, moulting and wintering areas and staging posts along their migration routes.

1.2.2 Protection and management requirements for Natura 2000 sites (Article 6 of the Habitats Directive)

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Once a site has been included in the Natura 2000 Network, Member States are required to manage and protect it in accordance with the terms of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive4. Article 6 contains three key provisions; it requires Member States to:

Establish the necessary conservation measures, on each site, which correspond to the ecological requirements of the protected habitat types and species of Community interest present (Article 6.1);

Prevent any damaging activities that could significantly disturb these species or deteriorate their habitats or protected habitat types present (Article 6.2)5.

Assess potential effects and protect the Natura 2000 sites from plans and projects likely to have a significant effect on the site by setting out a series of procedural and substantive safeguards (Article 6.3 and 6.4).

Within this structure, it can be seen that Natura 2000 sites are not strictly protected areas where all activities are systematically excluded. Human presence and activities are in principle recognised as an integral part of the sites. Natura 2000 supports the principle of sustainable development and use of natural resources. Its aim is not to exclude economic activities, but instead to set the parameters by which these can take place whilst safeguarding Europe’s most threatened and valuable species and habitats.

1.2.3 Setting conservation objectives To ensure that each Natura 2000 contributes fully to reaching this overall target of FCS, it is important to set clear conservation objectives for each individual site. These should define the desired condition, within that particular site, of each of the species and habitat types for which the site was designated. This can be done quantitatively or qualitatively6.

It is also advisable that each MS/region first defines conservation objectives at the national or regional level for all habitat types and species of Community interest present on their territory, taking into account their conservation status as assessed under article 17 of the Habitats Directive (at biogeographical level) and the need to contribute to achieving favourable conservation status for every habitat and species in each biogeographical region7. This provides a useful basis to set conservation objectives at site level while taking into account the contribution that each site can make to achieve favourable conservation status. For instance, the Wallon region has set general conservation objectives for all the habitats and species present in Wallonia and requests that these are taken into account when defining the corresponding objectives in every Natura 2000 site.

4 Cf. EC's guidance document: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/provision_of_art6_en.pdf5 Articles 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 of the Habitats Directive apply to Special Protection Areas designated under the Birds Directive6 The Commission has published an explanatory note on establishing conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites. See: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/docs/commission_note2.pdf.7 At the biogeographical level, conservation objectives could also be agreed among Member States that share the distribution area of a habitat type or a species in order to maintain the conservation status for those habitat types and species that have been assessed as favourable, or to improve the conservation status for those habitat types and species that have been assessed as unfavourable -inadquate or –bad. The new biogeographical process could contribute to defining these objectives.

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1.2.4 Establishing the necessary conservation measures (Article 6.1 of the Habitats Directive)The Habitats Directive requires that the necessary conservation measures are established in every Natura 2000 site. They involve, if need be, appropriate management plans specifically designed for the sites or integrated into other development plans, and appropriate statutory, administrative or contractual measures which correspond to the ecological requirements of the natural habitat types in Annex I and the species in Annex II present on the sites. (art. 6.1). The conservation measures shall contribute to the maintenance or improvement of the condition of the habitats and species present on the site while taking into account the economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics. Conservation measures are designed in order to achieve the conservation objectives of a site. They can include both active management and restoration works, as well as passive or ‘non-deterioration’ or preventive measures8.

How these conservation measures are to be implemented will vary from site to site depending on the site-specific conditions (ecological factors, socio-economic context, etc.). Article 6.1 allows a large degree of flexibility in this respect, and leaves it up to each Member State to decide what are the best conservation measures and how they are to be implemented.

1.2.5 Identifying the resources needed for managing Natura 2000 sites (Article 8 of the Habitats Directive)It is crucial to identify the financial needs for appropriate management of the Natura 2000 sites in order to optimise their contribution to the conservation of habitats and species of Community interest. The identification of the necessary conservation measures (eg. in management plans and other instruments) must be accompanied by the identification of their cost and the financial resources needed for their implementation. It may be necessary to properly estimate the cost of all the measures but also the consequences of their implementation, especially when some restrictions or adaptation of existing forest management are proposed, which may imply a loss of income that needs to be compensated. Transactions costs may also be considered as these can now be financed under some EU funds (eg. EAFRD).

In order to ensure a better use of the opportunities available for managing Natura 2000 sites under EU funds, particular attention will need to be paid to more strategic multi-annual planning approach to Natura 2000 financing. Many Member States have prepared prioritised action frameworks (PAFs) for financing Natura 2000, which identify the strategic priorities and the measures to be carried out for the period 2014-2020 as well as the funding instruments to be used to implement those measures9.. PAFs are intended as planning tools aimed at identifying key priorities and providing an integrated overview of how to achieve them having regard to different financing instruments.

8 The Commission has published an explanatory note on establishing conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites. See:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/comNote%20conservation%20measures.pdf9 SEC(2011) 1573 final

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1.2.6 Improving the connectivity of the Natura 2000 network (Article 10 of the Habitats Directive)The Habitats Directive requests Member States to encourage the management of features of the landscape which are of major importance for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species of fauna and flora

The EU Biodiversity Strategy also aims to improve connectivity between Natura 2000 sites and in the wider environment through the development of green infrastructure. On 5 May 2013, the European Commission published a new Strategy to promote the Green Infrastructure across Europe10.

Many of Europe’s habitats are highly fragmented and at risk of further fragmentation as a result of ongoing developments and land-use changes. Habitat fragmentation is considered one of the key pressures in forests, together with climate change, water scarcity, fires, storms, pests and invasive species11.

Taking into account that climate change acts as a further stressor for biodiversity and that protected areas alone will not be sufficient to safeguard biodiversity from the impacts of climate change, it is necessary to create and maintain corridors between protected areas. This becomes apparent when looking at the Natura 2000 map12 from which it is obvious that some regions have mainly designated isolated areas.

Forests outside the N2000 network can have an important role to play in achieving improved connectivity between Natura 2000 sites.

1.3 Species protection over their whole range (Article 12 of the Habitats Directive, Article 5 of the Birds Directive)The Habitats Directive also includes provisions for the protection of species of Community interest within the whole territory of Member States. For species and sub-species listed in Annex IV (over 400 species) a strict protection regime must be applied across their entire natural range within the EU, both within and outside Natura 2000 sites. These protection obligations must be interpreted in terms of the overall aim of the Directive, i.e. the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora in the European territory.

Annex IV lists the species of Community interest in need of strict protection over their whole distribution area, while Annex II includes the species of Community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation (Natura 2000 sites). Many species of EU interest are included both in Annex II and Annex IV. Some are only included in Annex IV or in Annex II (see further details in Annex 3 to this document).

10 Communication from the Commission: Green Infrastructure (GI) (COM(2013) 249 final) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/ . The Commission uses the following definition for Green Infrastructure: “a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. It incorporates green spaces (or blue if aquatic ecosystems are concerned) and other physical features in terrestrial (including coastal) and marine areas. On land, Green Infrastructure is present in rural and urban settings”.11 Reporting on European Forest Fragmentation: Standardized Indices and Web Map Services http://www.earthzine.org/2012/07/05/reporting-on-european-forest-fragmentation-standardized-indices-and-web-map-services/12 The EEA‟s internet tool „Natura 2000 Viewer‟ provides the opportunity to zoom from the continent level to the local level. See: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu

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A listing in Annex II was chosen for species for which the conservation of their (often quite specific) habitat is the principal factor determining their survival. The protection and management of sites were selected here as the appropriate instrument. The group of species listed in Annex IV may be less suited to conservation by only establishing protected areas, but instead needs protection of the species populations and of the most important parts of their habitat (i.e. their breeding sites and resting places) throughout the territory of a Member State. This is because of the specific threats they face, the measures needed to counteract them, the species’ pattern of occurrence (e.g. scattered) or the type or specific character of their habitat13.

Member States must establish a strict protection system for animal species listed in annex IVa in their natural range, prohibiting inter alia the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing, hibernation and migration and the deterioration or destruction of breeding sites or resting places (article 12 Habitats Directive). As regards plant species, the cutting, uprooting or destruction of such plants in their natural range in the wild must be prohibited, among other (article 13 Habitats Directive).

The Birds Directive contains similar provisions regarding bird species protection and requests Member States to establish a general system of protection for all species of birds covered by the Directive, prohibiting, inter alia, the destruction, removal of or damage to, their nests and eggs and disturbance of these birds particularly during the period of breeding and rearing, in so far as disturbance would be significant having regard to the objectives of this Directive (article 5 Birds Directive)

1.4 Assessing conservation status for habitats and species of EU interest (Article 17 of the habitats Directive)Conservation status and trends of all habitat types and species of Community interest are assessed every 6 years by Member States using a standard methodology to facilitate aggregation and comparisons between Member States and biogeographical regions.

The conservation status is assessed as being either ‘favourable’, ‘unfavourable-inadequate’ and ‘unfavourable-bad’, based on four parameters as defined in Article 1 of the Directive. Where there is great uncertainty it is also possible to report the conservation status as ‘unknown’.

The parameters used for assessing the conservation status of habitats are: range, area, structure and functions, including is typical species, and future prospects; for species the parameters used are: range, population, habitat of species and future prospects. The assessments of the four parameters are combined following an agreed method to give an overall assessment of conservation status. The conservation status of each habitat type and species either at the Member State or at the EU level is assessed separately for each biogeographical region in which it occurs, as the favourable conservation status has to be reached at the level of the biogeographical regions where the habitats and species are present.

Threats and pressures are also assessed for each habitat type and species using a standard typology and defining their intensity.

13 Guidance document on the strict protection of animal species of Community interest under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Availalble at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/guidance/pdf/guidance_en.pdf

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Conservation status (Article 1 of the Habitats Directive)

The conservation status of a natural habitat will be taken as ‘favourable’ when:- its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing, and- the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and- the conservation status of its typical species is favourable.

The conservation status of a species will be taken as ‘favourable’ when:- population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and- the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and- there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

The European Topic Centre for Biological Diversity of the European Environment Agency prepares integrated assessments across bio-geographical regions based on the Member States’ reports and using an agreed methodology14.

1.5 Assessing conservation status for bird species (Article 12 of the Birds Directive)Article 12 of the Birds Directive also requires reporting by Member States that should make possible an assessment of whether the requisite measures have been taken to maintain the population of all species of naturally occurring birds in the wild state in the Member States’ European territory. Until now, the reporting under Article 12 has primarily reflected the legal transposition and technical implementation on the national level. In early 2008 however it was agreed to start exploring a new system of bird reporting, which would deliver data on the actual state and trends of bird populations, similar to the reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. A new reporting format under Article 12 has been developed jointly by Member States, the Commission and contracted experts, to be used for a first reporting round under the new system by the end of 2013.

1.6 Introduction of non native speciesThe Habitats Directive (Article 22) requests Member States to ensure that the deliberate introduction into the wild of any species which is not native to their territory is regulated so as not to prejudice natural habitats within their natural range or the wild native fauna and flora and, if they consider it necessary, prohibit such introduction. Introduction of non-native species, accidently or deliberately, into a natural environment where they are not normally found, can have serious negative consequences for their new environment. In particular Invasive Alien Species represent a major threat to native plants and animals in Europe, causing damage worth millions of Euros every year. The European Commission has published a proposal for a Regulation on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species15.

1414The website on article 17 reporting provides more details of the Member State assessments of conservation status and the biogeographic assessment (including maps and data sheets) and a detailed technical report15 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/index_en.htm

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2. FORESTS IN EUROPE AND PRINCIPLES OF FOREST MANAGEMENT

2.1 Forests in Europe. Policy and legal contextForests and other wooded land cover over 40% of the EU’s land area, with a great diversity of character across regions. Ecologically, the EU’s forests belong to many different bio-geographical regions and have adapted to a variety of natural conditions, ranging from bogs to steppes and from lowland to alpine forests. Afforestation and natural succession have increased the EU’s forest area by around 0.4 % per year over recent decades16.

The EU’s forests vary from small family holdings to state forests or large estates owned by companies. About 60 % of the wooded land in the EU is privately owned, while about 40% are public forests17 18.

About 10 percent of the forests in Europe are protected under national protection schemes with the main objective to conserve biodiversity. Nearly a quarter of the EU’s forest area is protected under Natura 2000. The area of protected forests in Europe has increased by around half a million hectares annually over the last 10 years due to policies to improve biodiversity. The degree of forest protection for biodiversity varies considerably within Europe: in Northern Europe and in some Eastern European countries, restrictive protection with no or minimal intervention is often applied to forest areas with high natural value19.

As regards forest management, there is a long tradition in the EU in sustainable management of forests and the forest policy and legal frameworks generally promote the multifunctional management of forests that fully takes into account the natural values and the ecosystems services they provide.

The concept of multi-functional and sustainable forest management lies at the heart of the EU Forest Strategy and is widely acknowledged in Europe. This concept integrates all the important benefits that forests can yield to society (ecological, economic, protective and social functions). The objectives of forestry are increasingly more oriented towards sustainable forest management with still increasing attention being given to the environmental and social functions of forests (biodiversity, water resources, CO2 sequestration, recreation,…).

It is generally recognised that forest ecosystems with a good ecological condition and high biodiversity are more resilient to natural threats while preserving their timber production capacities. However, forestry is not automatically always supportive to the site-specific biodiversity conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites. Closer cooperation between Natura 2000 management authorities and forest owners and managers, and pro-active involvement of the latter in the establishment of conservation objectives and measures will help achieving real partnerships for the benefit of Natura 2000.

The Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (Forest Europe) has adopted a series of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management (SFM), including the maintenance, conservation and appropriate enhancement of biological diversity 16 EU Forest Strategy. 201317 Private ownership refers to land owned by individuals, families, communities, private co- operatives, corporations and other business entities, non-governmental organisations, nature conservation associations and other private institutions. Public ownership refers to land owned by the State, administrative units of the public administration or institutions or corporations owned by the public administration.18 Source: Rural Development in the EU, Report 2012. Context indicator 5: Forestry Structure19 State of Europe’s Forest 2011

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in forest ecosystems, and facilitating the evaluation of progress towards it20.

Yet, not all the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites can be reached through applying the general principles of sustainable forest management. Some more specific issues may need to be considered at the individual site level to address the conservation of the species and habitat types of Community interest present on a site. For instance, regular forestry with timber harvesting may not allow for sufficient amounts of dead wood required by certain species (e.g. saproxylic invertebrates) and may need to be adapted in order to be able to achieve the site's conservation objectives.

The EU Forest Strategy21 requests that Member States “should achieve a significant and measurable improvement in the conservation status of forest species and habitats by fully implementing EU nature legislation and ensuring that national forest plans contribute to the adequate management of the Natura 2000 network by 2020.

The EU Biodiversity strategy 2020 sets specific targets to improve the conservation status of all habitat types and species protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives and ensure good management of the Natura 2000 network (Target 1). It also tries to promote Forest Management Plans or equivalent instruments, in line with Sustainable Forest Management (Target 3b) for public forests and other areas receiving support from EU Rural Development Funds.

The Rural Development Policy considers forests and forestry among its six priorities, which include promoting sustainable management of forests (priority 2), and restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry, considering Natura 2000 as focus areas (priority 4).

Finally, the Water Framework Directive, which aims at achieving good ecological status for EU waters, considers the riparian forests as an important element for the classification of the ecological status of surface waters.

2.2 History and ecological context of European forests and their importance for biodiversity

Most of Europe is potentially covered by so-called climax forest vegetation, with in Central Europe a clear dominance of beech forests and in the Mediterranean region of different Oak-forest types. In most regions of Europe, this potential forest vegetation has disappeared since many centuries and has been replaced by more or less artificial or semi-natural forests that have been systematically managed and used for multiple products and functions.

In natural untouched or non-managed forests trees can grow very old (e.g. beech: 400-600 years, oaks: 700 - >1000 years). In such forests the stages of forest development include senescent and decay-phases in a spatial mosaic with all other forest phases. Age structure of the forest is very diverse and gaps exist in the canopy, usually rich in different dead wood-structures and dimensions, and with rich herbal vegetation.

A large proportion of the EU biodiversity is therefore adapted and linked to forests, using almost all specific resources of forests. This is not only true for species living exclusively in

20 LINK to Forest Europe Criteria on SMF21 COM(2013) 659

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“closed” forests, but also for other species, especially many invertebrates species require a mosaic of closed forest and forest gaps.

Saproxylic species (approximately 20-30% of the whole species diversity in Central Europe) have individual needs for particular habitat characteristics of old trees or dead wood. A considerable proportion of these species can only be maintained with dead wood-proportions of about 30-40 m3 per hectare. A number of species however need even higher amounts of dead wood, from100 m3 per hectare up to the natural situation in virgin forests. Among these species are especially fungi-species and saproxylic beetle species, but also some birds.Some major changes encountered in managed forests as compared to undisturbed forests and their possible consequences include the following:- The life span of trees is significantly reduced as compared to the potential life span,

with as consequence that some dead wood associated habitats or species cannot develop or persist for a longer time

- Conversion of mixed age classes into one age-class stands- Focus on few main tree species (reduced tree species diversity) - The spatial mosaic of different forest phases is disrupted and species depending on

habitat mosaics within the forest ecosystem cannot develop or survive or regenerate- Increased fragmentation (genetic isolation)- A very high proportion of saproxylic species is often endangered, on the verge of

extinction or at least redlisted with some degree of threat.

2.3 Goods and ecosystems services provided by forests

Forests provide a range of services to society such as wood, fodder and other non-wood forest services such as pollution control, soil protection and formation, nutrients cycling, habitat provision, water (quality and quantity), air quality regulation, cultural and recreational services and disturbance regulation. Some services are not part of the market but are crucial to humans, for example, regulating services such as those related to climate.

The multiple services provided by forest ecosystems, from habitat provision for animal and plant species to timber production, explain the multi-sectoral and multi-objective character of current EU forest policies. From this perspective, environmental and anthropic pressures on forests need to be anticipated when establishing site-specific conservation objectives and measures.

The relevance of forest Natura 2000 sites is further highlighted because these sites are of particular importance for maintaining or achieving favourable conservation status of species and habitat types of Community interst.

The EU process on the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services – MAES (Maes et al. 2013) adopted the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES22) in order to support a consistent classification of services for ecosystem mapping and assessment. Forest ecosystem services have been grouped in three main categories:

o provisioning services: forest production of biomass, water and energy.o regulating and maintenance services: non-market services and services for maintaining

nursery populations and habitats

22 http://cices.eu/

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o cultural services: physical settings, locations or situations that produce benefits in the physical, intellectual or spiritual state of people

Annex 6 provides an overview of the services provided by forest ecosystems on the basis of CICES classification and the work implemented in MAES (Maes et al. 2014).

Despite the many uncertainties implicit in valuing ecosystem services, a recent report (ten Brink et al., 2011) suggests that the value of flow of ecosystem services from the terrestrial Natura 2000 network would be between €200 and €300 billion per year (€ as of 2011). This is equivalent to between 2% and 3% of the EU’s GDP. Of this amount a relevant proportion corresponds to forest Natura 2000 sites.

2.4 Forests in Natura 2000, forest habitat and species of EU interest

2.4.1 Forests in Natura 2000Approximately there are 380,000 km² of forests in Natura 2000 sites, which represents about 50% of the terrestrial surface of the network23. Nearly a quarter of the EU’s forest area is protected under Natura 2000, and much of the rest is home to species protected under EU nature legislation. There are important differences among Member States in the area of forests under Natura 2000, varying from 6.4% in the United Kingdom to 53.1% in Bulgaria24.

Source: Rural Development in the EU, Report 2013.

23 Based on figures in the State of Europe’s forests report 2011, table 32, page 97, plus own calculations using the Natura 2000 database and Eurostat data from report STAT/11/85. 24 Rural Development in the EU, Report 2012. Context indicator 10: Natura 2000

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2.4.2 Forest habitats and other habitats linked to forests in the Natura 2000 networkThe forest habitat types that are protected under the Habitats or the birds Directive and contribute to the Natura 2000 network include: forest habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, forest habitats not listed in Annex I that provide habitat for species and other Annex I non-forest habitats that are linked to forests.

Forest habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (habitats for which Special Areas of Conservation have to be designated)

Annex I forest habitat types are defined in the Habitats Directive as: (sub)natural woodland vegetation comprising native species forming forests of tall trees, with typical undergrowth, and meeting the following criteria: rare or residual, and/or hosting species of Community interest.

83 Forest Habitat Types are listed on Annex I of the Habitats Directive, including 28 priority habitats25. Moreover other habitats as wooded dunes (2180-Wooded dunes of the Atlantic, Continental and Boreal region and 2270-*Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus pinaster), and Sclerophillous grazed forests (dehesas) with evergreen Quercus spp (6310) shall be considered (see Annex 1 to this document for further details).

Annex I forest habitat types belong to the following broad categories:

- Forests of Boreal Europe, including Western Taïga, several types of Fennoscandian broad-leaved deciduous forests and evergreen forests, Nordic subalpine/subarctic forests, wooded pastures and deciduous swamp Woods- Forests of Temperate Europe, including many different types of beech and oak forests, bog woodland, alluvial and riparian forests, some particulart types of fir and pine forests, steppe woods- Mediterranean deciduous forests, including different types of beech forests and oak woods, chestnut forests, cypress forests and riparian galleries- Mediterranean sclerophyllous forests, including several types of oak forests typical of the region, wild olive and carob forests, laurel forests, Palm Groves, and Holly forests. - Temperate mountainous coniferous forests, inlcuding some types opf spruce, larch and pine forests- Mediterranean and Macaronesian mountainous coniferous forests, including some types of fir, pine and endemic juniper forests, Sandarac, European Yew and Cedar forests.

INCLUDE PICTURES

Forest habitats not listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive :

Other forests present in Natura 2000 sites which are core habitats for species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive or Annex I of the Birds Directive or other migratory bird species may require protection and conservation measures to ensure the conservation of the species they host. 25 priority natural habitat types means natural habitat types in danger of disappearence, which are present on the territory of Member States to which the EU Treaty applies and for the conservation of which the Community has particular responsibility in view of the proportion of their natural range which falls within the territory of Member States to which the EU Treaty applies; these priority natural habitat types are indicated by an asterisk (*) in Annex I.

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Non-forest habitats linked to forests

Non-forest habitats linked to forests, such as grasslands in open forest areas, wetlands inside the forest, rocky habitats, scrubs and heaths, are also needed to maintain forests biodiversity and are very important to enhance connectivity among the sites of the Natura 2000 network.

2.4.3 Forest species of Community interest Many species are associated to forest habitats, which provide mainly water, food and shelter, including breeding or mating places. 197 species from Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive are linked to forests, including: 25 amphibians, 10 reptiles, 41 mammals, 48 invertebrates and 73 plants)26. 91 out of the 195 birds listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive are considered to be key forest species27 (see Annex 4 to this document for further details)

OVERVIEW OF THE DIFFERENT GROUPS OF FOREST SPECIES (BASED ON THE USE OF THE FORESTS HABITAT THEY MAKE)

INCLUDE PICTURES

2.4.4 Conservation status of forest habitats and species of Community InterestA first detailed assessment of conservation status of habitats of Community interest for the period 2001-2006 indicated that forests habitats group is bad in general. In fact, just 21% of the forest habitat types were in favourable condition. Unfavourable-bad’ assessments prevail across all regions for most of the forest habitat types, particularly for the forests of boreal and temperate Europe. Almost half of the assessments in the group of priority forests were ‘unfavourable-bad’ compared to 30% of the assessments for the non-priority forests.

REPLACE.WITH RECENT ASSESSMENT (ART. 17 REPORTS DELIVERED IN 2013, NOT YET COMPLETE FOR ALL MS)

CONSERVATION STATUS OF FOREST HABITATS OF EU INTEREST (200-2006)

Source: Art. 17 reports from 2007

Regarding the conservation status of the species linked to forests ecosystems, only 15% of the assessments are favourable while 52% are unfavourable. The Macaronesian and Boreal

26 EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline (EEA, 2010). Annex III27 Scoping document

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regions have the highest percentage of favourable assessments (respectively 30 % and more than 40 %)28.

CONSERVATION STATUS OF SPECIES OF EU INTEREST IN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS (2000-2006)

Source: EEA. http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/article-17-database-habitats-directive-92-43-eec

INCLUDE GRAPHS WITH CONSERVATION STATUS OF FOREST HABITAT TYPES AND SPECIES FROM LAST REPORT (2013), WHEN COMPLETE DATA WILL BE AVAILABLE, AND DESCRIBE CHANGES (IMPROVEMENT OR DETERIORATION IN STATUS) FROM PREVIOUS REPORT

GRAPHS CAN BE PREPRED BY: GROUPS OF HABITAT TYPES, E.G. TEMPERATE FORESTS, BOREALS FORESTS, MEDITERRANEAN DECIDUOUS FORESTS, ETC.

2.4.5 Main pressures and threats to forest habitats and species of Community InterestTO BE UPDATED WITH DATA FROM ART. 17 REPORTING 2007-2012 WHEN AVAILABLE.

The reporting exercise under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive performed in 2007 included the identification of the major pressures and potential future threats to the habitats and species of Community interest. The data provided by the Member States are, however, difficult to analyse as the list of threats, pressures and activities was not sufficiently detailed and moreover the approach to the analysis differed considerably across the Member States.

This prevents a more in-depth analysis. However, on the whole ‘Agriculture and forestry’ and ‘Natural processes’ have been reported as the most important pressures and threats. The high profile of ‘Agriculture and forestry’ is not surprising as the habitats of potential agricultural or forestry interest represent a very high proportion of the habitats of Community interest.

For species, ‘Agriculture and forestry’, ‘Natural processes’ and ‘Pollution and other human impacts/activities’ represent the major pressures and threats. Many species are associated with forests or semi-natural agricultural habitats or are affected by changes in this component of the landscape. Unsustainable forest management, abandonment of the pastures, modification of the cultivation practices, removal of dead trees, removal of hedges, 28 http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/conservation-status-of-forest-related-2

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inappropriate fertilisation and use of pesticides are the most frequent pressures and threats from the category ‘Agriculture and forestry’ (EEA, 2010).

The major challenges for forest habitats and species in Natura 2000 are in certain cases related to unsustainable forest management , but also to activities or processes reported under ‘Natural processes’ and ‘Pollution and other human impacts/activities’. This also includes global environmental concerns such as fragmentation and climate change The question of forest fires is more ambiguous but fires have a significant impact on the management of Natura 2000 sites. Other environmental factors must also be considered, such as pollution, pathogens, alien species, storms...

The challenge to improve the conservation status of Natura 2000 forests will differ between biogeographical regions depending on their characteristics. More specific pressures and threats must therefore be identified during the preparation of the new guidance document.

For the purpose of the Article 17 reporting, the Habitats Committee has adopted a new list of threats, pressures and activities related to forestry for teh reporting perioid 2007-2012. This new list is more complex, more structured and clearer in the meaning and description. It provides preliminary information on particular issues related to forest practices that need to be addressed. Planting, replanting, clearance and use of biocides, hormones, chemicals, removal of dead and dying trees are some of the main factors appearing in this list. However, other categories such as removal of forest undergrowth or grazing in forest may have also positive effects on forest habitats and species. The threats and pressures will also be ranked in order of importance.

However, pressures and threats obviously can be very different from one site to another so they must be analysed for each specific site.

TABLE - OVERVIEW OF MAJOR PRESSURES AND THREATS TO FOREST HABITATS AND SPECIES OF COMMUNITY INTEREST (BASED ON INFORMATION FROM ARTICLE 17 REPORT AND OTHER SOURCES)

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3. NATURA 2000 AND FORESTS: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

3.1 Conservation objectives and measures in Natura 2000 forests

3.1.1. Are Natura 2000 forests managed only for biodiversity?Natura 2000 forests can be managed with a view to achieving multiple functions. However, forest management in Natura 2000 sites should respect the site-specific Natura 2000 conservation objectives and contribute to achieving such objectives.

3.1.2 What are conservation objectives? At which level should they be established?Site-specific conservation objectives define as precisely as possible the state or condition we want to achieve for the relevant habitat types and species on the site, in terms of maintenance or restoration of favourable condition for them. Conservation objectives are the basis on which the site-specific conservation measures should be defined. It is therefore important to design clear and accepted conservation objectives. Given that the conservation objectives need to be framed in the context of the overall attainment of favourable conservation status, a broader set of conservation targets may be needed at higher levels and for the contribution of the network towards this overall goal. Where a Member State has decided to set conservation objectives at the higher level the targets for achieving favourable conservation status should be defined at national, regional or biogeographical levels within the Member State or at an even broader level (biogeographical or EU). (Commission Note on setting conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites)

3.1.3. On what basis site-specific conservation objectives are established?Conservation objectives should reflect the importance of the site for the maintenance or restoration, at a favourable conservation status, of the habitat types and species present on the site and for the coherence of the Natura 2000 Network. The general objective of achieving Favourable Conservation Status for all species and Habitat types listed in Annexes I and II of the Habitats Directive needs to be translated into site level conservation objectives. Therefore identifying the contribution a particular site can make to achieving favourable conservation status for the habitats and species present on the site provides the basis for setting site level conservation objectives. When adopting conservation objectives for a particular Natura 2000 site, Member States should also take into account the threats of degradation or destruction to which the site is exposed. (Commission Note on setting conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites)

3.1.4. Who has the responsibility to set up conservation objectives? Member States, trough their competent authorities, must set conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites. The Habitats Directive provisions indicate the need for establishing site-related conservation objectives as a necessary reference for identifying site-related conservation measures and for carrying out appropriate assessments of the implications of plans and projects for a site.

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3.1.5 How can forest owners contribute to the achievement of conservation objectives? Forest owners and forest managers generally have a very good understanding of previous land management that has led to conservation successes or failures. It is important to enable a two-way discussion with the authorities about how site-specific conservation objectives and measures can best be defined and how forest management can best contribute to achieving the objectives. Forest owners and forest managers must have a good knowledge and understanding of the conservation objectives at all levels, and particularly at the site level and the way they are expected to contribute to them. Clearly communicating the site´s conservation objectives and its contribution to higher level conservation objectives should help improve their awareness and commitment.

3.1.6 On what basis are conservation objectives established? Conservation objectives should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Accepted, Realistic and Timely). Therefore when Member States establish site specific conservation objectives they can set priorities while taking account the socio-economic feasibility which can differ from one site to the other for the same habitat or species..

3.1.7. What are the implications of conservation objectives established at site level on individual forest holdings? The conservation objectives have to be taken into account in the management of forest holdings where the respective habitats and species targeted by them occur.. In such cases, it should be possible to reach agreements on the management requirements that need to be considered at the level of individual forest holdings.

3.1.8. Where can I find information on the conservation objectives for a given site?The conservation objectives are often specified within the site designation decisions or acts. They can also be included and eventually further elaborated in the context of site management plans or other instruments.Furthermore, Member States need to provide easily accessible information on conservation objectives in relation to forest habitats and species. They also need to ensure that conservation objectives can be presented in ways that are relevant and easily understandable to forest owners and managers.

3.1.9. What are conservation measures? Conservation measures are measures and actions that are established with a view to achieving the site-specific conservation objectives. The conservation measures contribute to the maintenance or improvement of the conservation status of the habitats and species of Community interest present on the site. They must correspond to the ecological requirements of such habitat types and species present on the site (article 6.1) and take into account their actual condition as well as the threats and pressures to which habitat types and species are exposed. When establishing conservation measures, the economic, social and cultural contexts need to be taken into account, as well as regional and local characteristics. Conservation measures should be identified and agreed with all involved parties so that they can be effectively implemented.

3.1.10. Is there a mandatory legal framework for conservation measures?For special areas of conservation, Member States shall establish the necessary conservation measures (article 6.1 of the Habitats Directive). In Case C-508/04 the Court of Justice has stated that this is not an option but an obligation for Member States: “It is apparent from Article 6(1) of the Directive that the ‘necessary conservation

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measures’ must be adopted in all cases, and not ‘if need be…’. Conservation measures can be established in management plans specifically designed for the sites or integrated into other development plans, and/or through appropriate statutory, administrative or contractual measures.

3.1.11. What are ecological requirements of habitat types and species present on a site?The ecological requirements of habitat types and species involve all the ecological needs, including both abiotic and biotic factors, which are deemed necessary to ensure the conservation of the habitat types and species, including their relations with the physical environment (air, water, soil, vegetation, etc.). These requirements rest on scientific knowledge and should be defined on a case-by-case basis, which means that the ecological requirements can vary from one species or habitat type to another within a site but also for the same species or habitat type from one site to another. Available national and regional sources can be consulted to gather relevant and detailed information about ecological requirements of habitat types and species of EU interest to support management29. The Commission has also published management models for some habitats which provide relevant information in this regard (e.g. for 9070 Fennoscandian wooded pastures, 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests, 9360* Macaronesian laurel forests (Laurus, Ocotea), 9530* (Sub-)Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines30.

3.1.12. Are conservation measures intended for nature conservation only or are they also compatible with forest management measures? Forest management measures can contribute to the conservation of habitat types and species in Natura 2000 sites. Therefore conservation measures should where possible benefit from sylvicultural measures.

3.1.13. How are conservation measures linked with conservation objectives? Conservation measures are the actual mechanisms and actions to be put in place for a Natura 2000 site with the aim of achieving the site's conservation objectives.

3.1.14. Who does establish the appropriate conservation measures? Member States must designate Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and establish the necessary conservation measures required under Article 6.1. This was confirmed by the Macaronesia case (C-90/10) which found that a Member State had failed to fulfil its obligations “by failing to adopt and apply, in accordance with Article 6(1) and (2) of Directive 92/43/EEC, the appropriate conservation measures and a protection system to prevent the deterioration of habitats and significant disruption to species, ensuring the legal protection of the special areas of conservation corresponding to the sites…”.

3.1.15. How should conservation measures be formulated?Conservation measures should be described with sufficient detail to ensure an efficient implementation. The precise location and a description of the means and tools required for their implementation, as well as information on the roles and responsibilities of the different actors involved should be provided. In order to define and establish adequate and feasible conservation measures, it is necessary to have a sound information base on the existing conditions in the site, on the species and habitats status and the main pressures and threats that can affect them, on the existing land uses and stakeholders

29 E.g. Cahier d’habitats (FR), Bases Ecológicas (ES), JNCC resources (UK), species action plans, strategies, etc.30 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/habitats/models_en.htm

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interests, etc. The language used when describing the conservation measures should aim to be clear in order to make them widely understandable.

3.1.16. How can a forest landowner/manager know about the necessary conservation measures and conservation objectives?The conservation measures established for the sites should be transparently available for the general public (e.g. on websites or official registers) It is important to communicate the conservation measures and objectives of the site to all relevant stakeholders at an early stage in the process.

3.1.17. Are all conservation measures mandatory?Conservation measures can have a voluntary or a binding character, depending on the national, regional or local circumstances and the decision of the competent authorities. It is important to define clearly what, if any, necessary conservation measures are required by law, and specify to whom and to which land these obligations apply. It is also necessary to make all information easily and clearly available on voluntary / contractual measures.

3.1.18. Can conservation measures be adapted after some time?The conservation measures should be reviewed and adapted when required, e.g. on the basis of the actual results of the measures already done. It is important also to set a timeline to review the conservation measures taken, in terms of their suitability for, and progress towards, achieving the conservation objectives in order to check appropriateness, measurability and implementation.

3.1.19. How to assess whether the current forest management is in line with the appropriate conservation measures (forest management not detrimental or favourable to achieving conservation objectives)? Member States must take appropriate measures to avoid deterioration. Where existing use leads to deterioration this needs to be corrected.

3.1.20. Are there conservation measures that are easy to implement and have a favourable impact on the habitats or the species whatever the conservation objectives? There are measures which contribute to many ecological requirements of the habitat types or the species listed in the directives (keeping "habitat trees" and deadwood, etc.). However on Natura 2000 sites it is important that conservation measures target the needs identified in the conservation objectives. .

3.1.21. How to deal with conservation measures which imply investments (restoration works) or restrictions of use (income foregone)?

3.1.22. Can conservation measures be similar for different Natura 2000 sites or need they to be site-specific? Conservation measures must correspond to the conservation objectives set for each site and are usually site specific. However, similar measures may be needed in different Natura 2000 sites that have similar characteristics and objectives.

3.1.23. What is a Natura 2000 management plan? Management plans for Natura 2000 sites are used to formulate the site’s conservation objectives together with the measures necessary to attain these objectives. Management plans are often used as a tool to guide managers and other interested parties in dealing with the conservation of Natura 2000 sites, and to involve the different socio-economic stakeholders and authorities in implementing the necessary

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conservation measures that have been identified. Management plans are a useful tool for ensuring the implementation of Article 6.1 provisions is done in a clear and transparent way, enabling all stakeholders to be informed about what Natura 2000 sets out to achieve and engaging their active participation in this discussion. Management plans may also help identifying the funding for the measures and achieving better integration with other plans.

3.1.24. Is it compulsory to have a Natura 2000 management plan for a Natura 2000 site? The Habitats Directive does not require the preparation and implementation of management plans for Natura 2000 sites. The Commission, however, recommends the establishment of such plans, where appropriate, as a very useful instrument for the transparent and efficient preparation and implementation of the necessary conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites. The choice is left to the Member States, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. Although management plans for Natura 2000 sites are only suggested in the Habitats Directive as being one among different possible instruments for establishing conservation measures, such plans seem to be a preferred option for most Member States and are even considered obligatory in many of them.

3.1.25. Are there any tools to help preparing a Natura 2000 management plan? Guidance for the preparation of Natura 2000 management plans, for the formulation of conservation measures as well as for conducting the management planning process in Natura 2000 sites is available on the European Commission's website31 and in many countries. Financial support is also available from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) for the drawing up and updating of plans for Natura 2000 sites and other areas of high nature value (Article 20 of Regulation EU No1305/2013).

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3.1.26. Who should be involved/consulted when establishing Natura 2000 management plans?It is important to consult and involve all relevant stakeholders in the preparation of management plans; in particular forest owners and forest managers have a key role to play in the process where forests are concerned. Their participation in planning and preparing the conservation management of a Natura 2000 site allows taking into account their views and can provide an excellent opportunity also to engage them in the implementation of appropriate measures in Natura 2000 forests. It is important to communicate the conservation objectives for the site to all relevant stakeholders at an early stage in the process. Current good practice in many EU MS involves ensuring the active contribution of all relevant stakeholders, e.g. through setting up steering groups or committees to develop conservation management.

3.1.27. Are there possible alternatives to Natura 2000 management plans?As above mentioned (see question 3.1.24), management plans for Natura 2000 sites are an option and there are other possibilities to establish the necessary conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites, such as statutory, administrative and contractual measures. Natura 2000 management plans can be stand-alone documents or can also be ‘integrated into other development plans’. Sectoral management plans (e.g. on forestry, agriculture, water) can also set conservation objectives and specific measures for Natura 2000 sites. In the case of an integrated plan, it is important to ensure that clear targets and conservation measures are set for the relevant habitats and species

31 European Commission guide "Establishing conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites" – sson available on EC's website

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present on the site. Furthermore, national, regional or European conservation action plans for certain species or habitats (also sometimes referred to a species action plans) can also be used to guide the necessary conservation measures to be implemented on Natura 2000 sites, as these can propose and define conservation measures in different sites and locations and serve as a tool to implement those measures in the relevant sites.

EXAMPLES:

- Conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites (forest habitats and species)

- Conservation measures for forest habitats and species in Natura 2000 sites

- Elaboration of Natura 2000 management plans with participation of stakeholders

3.2. Assessing and monitoring conservation status and measures in Natura 2000 forests

The goal of the Habitats Directive is to reach favourable conservation status for all the habitats and species listed in Annexes I and II of the Directive and to maintain the populations of naturally occurring wild bird species at a level which ensures their survival over the long term.

3.2.1. Monitoring Natura 2000 sites is key to assess the effectiveness of conservation measures. Who should monitor the Natura 2000 sites? How should they be monitored?Monitoring activities in Natura 2000 sites in relation to the proposed conservation measures should have a main purpose: to assess the actual implementation of the planned conservation measures and their effectiveness in meeting the conservation objectives for the site. The monitoring mechanisms should include measurable and clearly verifiable objectives, and could include a system of indicators to facilitate the follow-up and evaluation of results. Monitoring in Natura 2000 is usually under the responsibility of competent authorities and site managers. As regards forest habitats and species and the measures carried out in forests, close co-operation between forest and nature conservation managers is very useful. This may involve a more extensive use of forestry’s data collection campaigns in form of standardised repeated forest inventories to gather conservation relevant information particularly on very large forest areas (wide-spread habitat types). For instance, in the German National Forest Inventory (Bundeswaldinventur, BWI-2012) the forest habitat types as well as factors leading to their disturbance have been addressed during the regular inventory field work.

3.2.2. What are the obligations as regards monitoring in Natura 2000 sites?Article 17.1 requires Member States to provide information concerning the conservation measures taken in Natura 2000 sites as well as an evaluation of the impact of those measures. The new reporting format under article 17 (adopted for reporting on the period 2007-2012) requests information that should allow evaluating the contribution of the Natura 2000 network to the conservation status of habitats and species and the efficiency of the network. This includes, inter alia, information about the number of Natura 2000 management plans and the percentage of the network area covered by such plans, measures taken to ensure the coherence of the Natura 2000 network according to article 10, Natura 2000 coverage for each habitat types and species,

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conservation measures taken in the network and effectiveness of each measure in maintaining, enhancing or reaching favourable conservation status (FCS) of each habitat types and species, and trends for each habitat type and species within the 2000 network (the latter is optional).

3.2.3. Are there other ways to monitor forest holdings? Monitoring and assessment of the condition of forests included in the forest holding and of the impact of forest activities is considered good practice in sustainable forest management. Forest management certification standards (e.g. FSC) consider monitoring and assessment among their principles and criteria.

3.2.4. How are the results of monitoring taken on board? e.g. in order to implement adaptive management.

3.2.5. How is the conservation status assessed? At national or biogeographical level, at site level or at forest holding level? Conservation Status is assessed across all national territory, or by biogeographical region within a country where 2 or more regions are present, and should consider the habitat or species both within the Natura 2000 network and in the wider countryside.Some Member States (e.g. Austria, Germany, United Kingdom) have developed methods for the evaluation of features (habitat types or species) at a local (site) scale, often using an indicator-based assessment. (Guidelines on art. 17 reporting).

3.2.6. Is there an obligation as regards achieving favourable conservation status at each individual forest holding? No, favourable conservation status should be reached in the whole range of a habitat or a specie within each biogeographical region.

3.2.7. If the concept "conservation status" does not apply at site level, what does apply at site level and forest holding level? The term "Conservation Status" is defined in Article 1(e) and 1(i) of the Habitats Directive as a term describing the overall status for a habitat type or species in a biogeographical region. This conservation status is now regularly assessed in the frame of the 6-yearly progress reports according to Art.17 of the Habitats Directive. The assessment of sites according to criteria in Annex III of the Habitats Directive includes an assessment of the 'degree of conservation' of a habitat type or species in a specific site. Care should be taken when using the expression ‘conservation status’ to ensure that it is clear if the reference is to a Natura 2000 site or to an assessment for a biogeographical region. In the revised Standard Data Form for Natura 2000 sites (adopted in 2011) the term ‘conservation status’ is replaced by “degree of conservation” when talking at site level in order to reduce confusion of the terms. (Guidelines on art. 17 reporting)

3.2.8. How can the species or habitats conservation status be assessed if there is no sampling at individual forest holding?

EXAMPLES:

- Conservation status and potential threats to Natura 2000 forest habitats in Slovenia

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3.3 Forest management in Natura 2000

3.3.1. Why almost 50%of the Natura 2000 network is composed of forests? (recognize the importance of forests on biodiversity and the fact that many forests have been managed in a biodiversity-friendly manner up to now. Recognize the importance of some man-made habitats (wooded pastures in Sweden, montados in Portugal, dehesas in Spain). But stress the need for progress as regards conservation status of habitats and species.

3.3.2. Are Natura 2000 forests managed only for biodiversity?Natura 2000 forests can be managed with a view to achieving multiple functions. However, forest management in Natura 2000 sites should respect the site-specific Natura 2000 conservation objectives and contribute to achieving such objectives.

3.3.3. Is there a specific sylviculture for Natura 2000 forests?The specific conditions and contexts in Natura 2000 sites and their forest habitats and species of Community interest determine a variability of possible management approaches. Semi-natural forest habitats, such as wooded pastures, montados and dehesas, for instance, are linked to human management practices and need maintaining such practices. Other habitat types may need to be restored or require a more protective approach that may limit or restrict productive or recreational functions. The existing management of the forest and the interactions among the activities carried out in the site and the conservation needs of habitats and species concerned must be duly taken into account. Management approaches must be defined on a case-by case analysis.

3.3.4. Must 'old-growth' Natura 2000 forests remain untouched?Old growth forest areas deserve special attention among Natura 2000 forest sites. In the EU, such forests are now limited to small pockets in managed complexes or to certain regions with specific ecological and social conditions, such as northern Fennoscandia. The degree of human interference will depend on the forest type and species and can vary for a particular habitat or species from one site to another.

3.3.5. How can a forest owner/manager know the limits of a Natura 2000 site on his property? This information should be available in the documents issued for the designation of the sites, in management plans or other official records. Some Member States provide detailed mapping of Natura 2000 sites through appropriate tools that are publically available (e.g. on web sites). Other communicate the relevant information to landowners and other key stakeholders.

3.3.6. What type of information should a Natura 2000 map contain?Identifying Natura 2000 forests firstly requires a precise indication of the site borders and the mapping or otherwise locating of the key forest habitats and species of Community interest present on the site and the areas used by protected species associated to forests. Such information is also relevant for forest plans or inventories.

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The map should also include information on the nature of other forests and land cover, as well as on the property status (public/private) where available.

3.3.7. Is forest management according to the SFM criteria enough to comply with Natura 2000 requirements? (not always, it depends on the Natura 2000 conservation objectives. Biodiversity is part of the SFM criteria but 1) sometimes there is a need to go beyond (e.g. when restoration is needed), 2) sustainable forest management sometimes does not allow to reach certain objectives (e.g. in particular as regards old trees/deadwood and associated species).

3.3.8. Same question for certified forests (PEFC and FSC)

3.3.9. Forest habitats in the EU have in general a rather bad conservation status (see art. 17). What are the main improvements needed to make progress? Depending on the results of the assessment for the different parameters considered, it may be necessary for instance to improve the structure and functions or to expand the area of a habitat type in unfavourable status, or to increase the population, improve the habitat or increase the area occupied by a species in unfavourable status.

3.3.10. Forests are dynamic ecosystems which are managed over the long term. How this specific aspect can be made compatible with Natura 2000 conservation objectives? (provided that it is enshrined in a forest management plan or that there exist other guarantees, one can accept a turnover (disappearance and renewal) of certain Natura 2000 habitats (e;g. heather). Address the issue of "forest natural/artificial regeneration" here)

3.3.11. Forest management rely also on non-indigenous species. Is it compatible with the requirements of Natura 2000 (to be dealt in the context of the conservation objectives? (The size of the site as well as other factors will have an influence).

3.3.12. Forest Natura 2000 sites often include habitats which are not covered by the Habitats Directive. Do they need to be restored or can they be managed as usual? (on a case by case basis according to the Natura 2000 conservation objectives and the nature of the habitat).

3.3.13. Do Natura 2000 always imply forest management modificationsNatura 2000 will not modify forestry activities as long as the conservation objectives can be reached. In some cases, adaptations or restriction on certain activities may be needed to meet the conservation objectives set on the site.

3.3.14. How to deal with possibly contradictory conservation measures? (cf. conservation objectives).

3.3.15. How to deal with outbreaks of diseases in Natura 2000 sites which can have a significant economic impact (e.g. bark beetle), also outside of it?

3.3.16. Secondary (man-made) habitats have sometimes a high nature interest but do not correspond to a Natura 2000 habitat. How should such stands be managed? Should they be restored in the initial habitat? Such secondary habitats might be important species’ habitats. To be considered in view of the conservation objectives. More broadly how to manage possible conflicting conservation measures?

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3.3.17. Is it always realistic to achieve conservation objectives by implementing conservation measures within a forest area? (No. there are sometimes external factors impacting forests that need to be tackled, e.g. air/water pollution).

3.3.18. Climate change will most probably have an important impact on forests. Can forest management measures be taken to mitigate the impact of climate change when a Natura 2000 habitat is concerned? Improving the conservation status or degree of conservation of a forest also increases its resilience and its capacity to cope with the effects of climate change.

3.3.19. When can/should non-intervention be an option? When is it really needed?It may be applied to forest areas with high natural value (old growth forests, etc.) or may be needed over some areas in order to avoid effects on breeding and resting sites for birds, e.g. defining suitable distances of non-intervention from those sites (ref. to Annexes Vertes, Guidelines in Castilla y Léon, Management guidelines for Natura 2000 forests in Bulgaria, etc). The setting-aside of core areas exclusively for nature conservation purposes has to be considered in the case of especially rare or valuable habitats whose conservation status would otherwise decline or in order to conserve undisturbed habitats in natural conditions (ref. AuT-Konzept, guidance on management of Natura 2000 forests in Sweden). This approach is also applied in Sustainable Forest Management, which require setting aside a percentage of the forest areas under commercial exploitation to allow their natural evolution. (Make a link with connectivity issue, stepping stones)

3.3.20. How to take into consideration the presence "other wooded lands" (shrubs, rocky areas, etc.) corresponding to Natura 2000 habitats? (can be considered in the conservation objectives as they are usually valuable habitats in the forest context, which can be preserved).

3.3.21. Does the size of a Natura 2000 site influence its management to achieve the conservation objectives? (depending on the size of the site there may be different management approaches. Large sites allow for more flexibility in the implementation of the necessary measures) In smaller Natura 2000 sites embedded in areas with a more intensive land use, the management tends to promote the recovery or enhancement of the forest habitats by adapting the forestry management and by implementing specific conservation and restoration measures.

3.3.22. Should the ownership status (public, private, communal) of the forests influence the management of forests designated as Natura 2000 sites?Management must correspond to the conservation objectives but in fact the ownership of the forest has an influence on the possibilities to implement the necessary conservation measures. Working with small landowners requires adequate resources to involve a motivate people in the implementation of suitable measures and forestry practices. Small landowners often need technical support and additional organization and association measures that would require specific funds to help them to promote and improve cost-efficiency on efforts and management. It is also relevant to consider the need to set up networks of landowners so that measures can achieve an adequate coverage and extent.

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3.3.23. Do forests outside the N2000 network have a role to play in the context of N2000?Management of forest lands outside Natura 2000 can be used to improve the ecological connectivity of the network. This may be of particular importance for certain habitat types that are significantly threatened by fragmentation. Some countries are addressing this issue in national or regional strategies (e.g Ecoforests in Latvia).

3.3.24. What does mean "avoiding deterioration"?On Natura 2000 sites, the Habitats Directive requests that Member States shall avoid the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species as well as any significant disturbance of the species for which the sites have been designated (art. 6.2). This has to be properly considered in the management of forests in Natura 2000 sites, in particular where some utilization of the forests is made which could cause such deterioration or disturbance.Appropriate measures, restrictions or limitations can be included for instance in the elaboration of forest management plans, so as to ensure that forestry activities are carried out in a way that prevent any possible disturbance to species or the deterioration of the habitats of EU interest. Guidance on how to avoid possible impacts on habitats and species of EU interest are available in some countries and regions in the EU. In France, for instance, specific Annexes to the Regional Schemes for forestry management (the Annexes Vertes) indicate a number of obligations and recommendations that should be followed by forest owners and managers to get approval of their forestry plans. In Spain, the Castille and Leon region has issued guidance on the management of forest management that is compatible with the conservation of birds and bat species associated with forest habitats. This guidance is useful for management of forest in and outside Natura 2000 sites and is also described in chapter 3.7.

3.3.25. Is it an obligation for all forest owner/manager to avoid the deterioration of natural habitats and habitats of species as well as the disturbance of the species for which the site has been designated in the forests designated as Natura 2000 sites?

3.3.26. Who will verify the non-deterioration obligation and how to do it?

3.3.27. Is non-intervention a possible option to achieve conservation objectives?

3.3.28. What kind of forest management measure could deteriorate a forest designated as Natura 2000 site? (e;g. drainage, possibly clear felling, soil compaction, etc.)

3.3.29. What can be considered as a plan or project likely to have a significant impact?

3.3.30. Is the recurrent forest management a plan or a project?

313.3.32. In case of a plan or project likely to have a significant impact (possibly new road, fire prevention measures, drainage, important change in the structure/composition of forest stands, etc.), what is the procedure to follow and what are the implications? Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive establishes a protection system for Natura 2000 sites that prevents adverse effects from plans or projects on the sites. It requests to

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assess potential effects of any plans and projects likely to have a significant effect on the site. In the forest context this applies to Forest management plans and forestry activities that may have an impact on forest habitats and species of Community interest, afforestation projects and other activities linked to the management of forests (eg. forest tracks, measures to prevent forest fires, etc.).An Appropriate Assessment of possible effects on habitats and species of Community interest is required only where a preliminary assessment (screening) determines that there might be significant effects from a plan or project on the site. Adequate mitigation measures should be included in the plan or project, which can only be approved if it has been ascertained that there will be no adverse effects on the integrity of the site.

3.3.33. Can plans or projects outside Natura 2000 sites also require an appropriate assessment procedure according to Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive? No, where a plan or project outside a Natura 2000 site is likely to have an impact on the site, e.g. drainage upstream, and Appropriate Assessment is required).

3.3.34. Do new or reviewed forest management plans in line with the site's conservation objectives need to be submitted to an appropriate assessment (under Art. 6.3 of the Habitats Directive)? Where a forest management plan integrates the relevant conservation requirements in line with the site conservation objectives and it can be concluded that it will nor have any significant effect on the site, the appropriate assessment will not be necessary.

EXAMPLES: Forest management in Natura

- Forest management through collaboration in the Vallée de la Loue du Lison

- Management of public forests in Natura 2000 sites in South East Belgium

- Forest exploitation compatible with Black Vulture conservation in a private forest in Spain

- Forests for capercaillie in the Vosges Mountain (France)

- Guidance for the conservation of old trees and dead wood DE - AuT-concept in Baden-Württemberg, Germany

- Management of wooded pastures in Sweden

- Forest management for old growth specialist species in commercial forests in Poland

3.4 Management plans in Natura 2000

3.4.1. How to ensure that site's conservation objectives and/or Natura 2000 management plans contribute to achieving favourable conservation status at biogeographical level? Setting conservation objectives for each biogeographical region within a country is a good practice and may help deciding on conservation objectives at site level, eg. by identifying the sites that can best contribute to achieving favourable status for a habitat type or a species. Strategic planning can be useful to identify the most appropriate and feasible way to implement the actions needed to maintain or improve conservation status of forest habitat types and species at the national, regional or biogeographical level.

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3.4.2. Can a Natura 2000 management plan also cover silvicultural objectives and measures?Where no forest management plan exist, for example for smaller Natura 2000 forests or forests divided into multiple properties, a Natura 2000 management plan may cover Natura 2000 objectives and forestry measures that are necessary for reaching these objectives, as well as the management of other functions and services of the area, such as recreation.

3.4.3. Not all forests have a forest management plan. Is it compulsory to have a forest management plan in a Natura 2000 site? It will depend on national rules. Forest management plans or forest development plans are required in many Member States for some types of forests, for the sustainable use of forests, i.e. for timber production and utilization of other non-timber products. It can also include other aspects, eg. a forest management plan for a public forestry unit usually involves economic, social and various environmental aspects. Forest management plans are prepared primarily for forest holdings or management units. However, many forest holdings are not covered by forest management plans. National or Regional Forest Plan or Strategies can also guide forest management at higher level. The EU Biodiversity Strategy requests that “by 2020, Forest Management Plans or equivalent instruments, in line with Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), are in place for all forests that are publicly owned and for forest holdings above a certain size (to be defined by the Member States or regions and communicated in their Rural Development Programmes) that receive funding under the EU Rural Development Policy so as to bring about a measurable improvement in the conservation status of species and habitats that depend on or are affected by forestry and in the provision of related ecosystem services as compared to the EU 2010 Baseline” 32.

3.4.4. Natura 2000 management plans are established at site level whereas forest management plans are established at holding's level. How to make them compatible?Conservation objectives set for the Natura 2000 site should be taken into account as appropriate in the forest management plans at holding’s level. Forest management plans may incorporate nature conservation requirements. Conversely, a Natura 2000 site management plan shall include requirements for specific forest conservation and management measures.

3.4.5. Is it compulsory to integrate N2000 management plans and forest management plans?No, but this is recommendable since it is expected that there is adequate integration of both plans. For example, the Forest Europe initiative requests that “Forest management planning should aim to maintain, conserve and enhance biodiversity on ecosystem, species and genetic level and diversity at landscape level” (Pan-European criteria and indicators for SFM adopted at the MCPFE in Lisbon, 1998. Resolution L2).

3.4.6. Can Natura 2000 conservation objectives and measures be integrated into existing forest management plans?Forest management plans and Natura 2000 management plans do not have the same purposes and goals, and usually they also differ in their legal basis and authorities

32 As defined in SEC(2006) 748.

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responsible for their definition and implementation. However, where a forest management plan already exists for a Natura 2000 forest, and where it is legally and practically possible, it may be very practical and efficient to integrate the relevant Natura 2000-management conservation objectives and measures into this plan.A forest management plan includes strategic and operational sections and covers many aspects, ranging from economic, such as timber and other goods production, to recreational and to nature conservation and protection. This wide and flexible spectrum of objectives and activities generally holds sufficient room to incorporate the Natura 2000 objectives and measures. In the case of adequate integration of Natura 2000 conservation objectives and measures into a forest management plan, this would mean that such a plan is not likely to have any significant effect on the site, so that an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives (article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive) would not be necessary. A number of Member States have formulated guidelines, rules or other guidance tools to facilitate the integration of Natura 2000 needs in forest management planning.

3.4.7. What are the benefits of integrating N2000 management plans and forest management plans?In the case of adequate integration of Natura 2000 conservation objectives and measures into a forest management plan, this would mean not only better coherence and less burden but also that such a plan is not likely to have any significant effect on the site, so that an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives (article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive) would not be necessary. When neither a forest management plan nor a Natura 2000 management plan exist it might be appropriate to establish an integrated management plan covering both forestry and Natura 200 conservation measures.

3.4.8. What are the challenges of integrating Natura 2000 management plans and forest management plans?Forest management plans and Natura 2000 management plans do not have the same purposes and goals, and usually they also differ in their legal basis and authorities responsible for their definition and implementation. In practice, complete integration in the sense of having a unique plan or fusing both plans into one may be complex because circumstances may do not support this approach for different reasons, e.g. when there is a variety of different forest owners, public and private, many of which do not have a forest management plan or are not required to have one; SCI/SAC boundaries and property boundaries do not match; the public involvement process that is required for Natura 2000 management planning in many countries is not part of the forest management planning process; etc.

3.4.9. Do existing forest management plans need to be adapted to take into account Natura 2000 management plans? Is there an interest to do so?Yes, an existing forest management plan should take into account the conservation objectives in order to make it compatible with the Natura 2000 management plan and to ensure a consistent management. It is advisable to integrate into a forest management plan the Natura 2000-management requirements and the conservation measures to which the plan can contribute for the relevant habitat types and species present in the site.

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3.4.10. Do new or reviewed forest management plans in line with the site's conservation objectives need to be submitted to an appropriate assessment (under Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive)? In the case of adequate integration of Natura 2000 conservation objectives and measures into a forest management plan, an appropriate assessment would not be necessary. Avoiding deterioration (art. 6.2) is always the preferred option. Forest management plans should be designed in a way that avoid any possible negative effects and wherever possible contribute positively to achieving the conservation objectives of the site.

• 3.4.11. What type of other information is needed at the beginning of a Natura 2000 management process?It will be necessary to identify the forest owners and forest managers and to collect as much information as possible about any other relevant stakeholders that need to be involved or consulted in the management planning process. It is also important to gather the best available information on the conservation status of habitat types and species of Community interest present on the site and the main pressures and threats acting on those habitats and species. Other impacts or threats form external sources, such as pollution or climate change effects, need also to be taken into account.

EXAMPLES: Integration of forest management and Natura 2000 management:

- Integrating Natura 2000 management plans into forest management plans in Poland- Natura 2000 management planning in Baden-Württemberg, Germany- Forest management in Slovenia. Strategic approach to integration and funding- Forest and Natura 2000 management in Navarra, Spain- Basic principles and criteria for the application of measures to improve conservation

status of birds in forests in Austria- Elaboration of a forest management strategy for the protection of bugs and bats in the

Natura 2000 region of Kamp-Kremstal, Austria- Management guidelines for NATURA 2000 forests in Bulgaria- Manual on criteria of forest management compatible with the conservation of birds and

bats linked to forest habitats. Castilla y León, Spain- Forest management plans: addressing biodiversity issues within everyday forest

management. France- Guidelines for the elaboration of Forest management plans in Natura 2000 in Portugal- Developing guidance for woodland expansion within Golden eagle SPAs in Scotland.

Guidance for reforestations in Golden eagle areas. United Kingdom

3.5 Communication, co-operation and involvement of stakeholders

3.5.1. What can be the role of stakeholders (in particular of forest managers) in the implementation of Natura 2000? Forest owners and local forest managers have a key role in the implementation of Natura 2000 and there is a need to have them on board from early stages. Forest owners have the responsibility for the implementation of policy decisions on the ground and hence they have to be seen as key partners in the development and successful implementation of Natura 2000.The preparation and development of management plans that address the conservation

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of forests in Natura 2000 sites usually need to be agreed with all relevant stakeholders in order not to cause an excessive economic loss or other detrimental effects to those that can use the forest in a sustainable way.

3.5.2. What can kind of stakeholders are concerned as regards Natura 2000 in forests? Considering that Natura 2000 aims to contribute to ensuring biodiversity while taking into account socio-economic and cultural requirements, all relevant stakeholders should be previously identified and involved in the preparation and development of management that address the conservation of forests in Natura 2000 sites. Different stakeholders are to be considered in relation to Natura 2000 management. Authorities, forest owners and managers are most relevant in decision making processes, while other stakeholders need also to be taken into account, in particular local communities and other land users, NGOs, hunters, anglers, etc.

3.5.3. Why is it important to involve the different stakeholder groups in the establishment of nature conservation objectives and Natura 2000 management plans?Public participation in planning and preparing the conservation management of a Natura 2000 site allows taking into account the views of the people that live and work or use the site and can provide an excellent opportunity to create a social atmosphere more favourable to environmental conservation. The likelihood of success will be greatly enhanced if the different stakeholders are engaged in and committed to the management of the site.Participation can be carried out throughout the process of management planning with the relevant management instrument made available for public consultation prior to its eventual approval and publication. Early consultation and involvement of stakeholders from the first stages usually requires a multidisciplinary and professional approach.

3.5.4. Why involving non-forest players in a professional issue (forest management)? Involving non-forest players is an opportunity for solving some problems (e.g. excessive game pressure) and for benefiting from others' knowledge and experience. Taking into account that forest conditions depend from a range of stakeholders (foresters, hunters, tourist sector, etc.) the communication with them is basic for reaching an integrated management.

3.5.5. What kind of information should be made public? Open, public access to all information about conservation objectives and measures is important. Forest owners and forest managers should be well informed aboutd the need for conservation measures and how setting conservation objectives for their forests within the Natura site can play an important role in achieving national and regional targets.

3.5.6. How can stakeholders be informed about the constraints/opportunities offered by Natura 2000?Communication with stakeholders on conservation objectives and management options for forests in Natura 2000 shall be based on information sharing. Promoting dialogue is crucial to enable participation in the preparation of management plans, design and implementation of forest management and conservation and sylvicultural measures in Natura 2000. This requires:- Developing appropriate communication and information strategies.- Communication on the objectives of Natura 2000.

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- Defining and discussing possible management options.This may involve establishing a multi stakeholder working group or committee if necessary, developing a process of meetings and consultations, etc.Communication, dialogue and consultation techniques may include: stakeholders roundtables, newsletters and other dissemination means; utilization of the appropriate terminology; establishment of demonstration sites.Different communication and cooperation strategies and techniques may be worth to develop depending upon the target group: public/private; small/large landowners.Open, public access to all information is extremely important, in particular information on conservation objectives, obligations, recommendations, agreements, both at site and national level

3.5.7. Are there communication obligations in Natura 2000 legislation?Although there are no explicit communication obligations in the Habitats Directive, the Commission has stressed the importance and the need to communicate the objectives of Natura 2000 to the wider public and in particular to all relevant stakeholders for the management of the sites. Furthermore, Member States use to inform and involve relevant stakeholders in the management planning of Natura 2000 sites and have established procedures for public consultation during the preparation of management plans.

3.5.8. What can I expect as a forest owner or manager with regard to communication on conservation objectives?Member States' competent authorities should engage in a dialogue with stakeholders, particularly forest owners and managers, and provide easily accessible information on strategic targets and conservation objectives in relation to forest habitats and species. They also need to ensure that conservation objectives can be presented in ways that are relevant and easily understandable to forest owners and managers.

3.5.9. Are there any tools such as advisory services that could help to develop a participatory process in a Natura 2000 site?Participatory planning requires providing relevant information for the various interested parties and enabling interdisciplinary, technically well-founded actions. Perception is based on the amount and quality of information. This will require the identification of all target groups and ad hoc information planning involving different means, tools and materials that are adequate to each group. It is important to consider their understanding of and misunderstandings on Natura 2000 and forests.Furthermore, the implementation of Natura 2000 could include processes to build local capacities for the management of Natura 2000 areas. This can be supported with advisory services.Consultation and involvement of all relevant actors in the management of Natura 2000 forest sites should include: - Identification of all relevant stakeholders.- Establishing a multi stakeholder working group or committee if necessary.- Mapping values, rights, resources, lands and territories and assess impacts.- Participatory Impact Assessment – define positive and negative impacts. - Inform affected stakeholders.- Negotiate mitigation, compensation and benefit-sharing.- Facilitation in case of conflicting claims. Procedures on conflict resolution.- Set up a participatory monitoring model involving all stakeholders since the beginning: what to monitor, how, when, where, by whom.

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- Implementing Advisory services

EXAMPLES:

Examples on how different Member States have made use of participatory processes or other stakeholder involvement means to facilitate the integration of Natura 2000 conservation objectives into forest planning and management.

- Participatory process for implementing Natura 2000 in a forest area

- Participatory impact assessment

- Implementation of advisory services

- Procedures for conflict resolution

- Communication strategy (if possible with website link)

- Information strategy (if possible with website link)

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3.6 Financing conservation measures in Natura 2000 forests

3.6.1. Do Natura 2000 conservation measures always entail costs?

Not always. There are some conservation measures that do not entail any cost and which can be implemented trough voluntary agreements (e.g. Natura 2000 Charters in France). However, working with small forest owners usually requires adequate resources to involve a motivate people in the implementation of suitable measures and forestry practices. Small landowners often need technical support to help them to improve management.

3.6.2. Should the cost of some measures always be compensated?

The introduction of some conservation measures and adaptations to forestry practice may need to be compensated in private forests. These may be subject to grants, contractual agreements, tax breaks, technical assistance, etc. in order to compensate owners for income foregone, services rendered to society as a whole and, if applicable, capital depreciation. It must also be taken into account that some measures would allow to make savings (natural regeneration instead of plantation, diversified vegetation, reduction in game damage, etc.). Moreover some measures do not imply important changes and do not require financing or compensation while they can deliver benefits over the long term.

3.6.3. Can conservation measures generate new revenues/services or have a positive economic impact?

Yes, for example more angling/hunting possibilities, higher touristic interest, sometimes only over the long term: less soil compaction, more resilient forest, etc. ( to be further developed)

3.6.4. Should additional cost incurred or incomes foregone be supported by forest owners/managers only?

No. There are financial resources available to cover such costs, e.g. from EU funds, in particular the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The EAFRD Regulation also allows compensation for transaction costs in the forestry measures. "Transaction cost" means an additional cost linked to fulfilling a commitment, but not directly attributable to its implementation or not included in the costs or income foregone that are compensated directly; and which can be calculated on a standard cost basis.

3.6.5. What can be considered as additional cost or an income foregone?

According to the EAFRD Regulation (1305/2013), payments should contribute to covering additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitments undertaken and should only cover commitments going beyond relevant mandatory standards and requirements, in accordance with the "polluter pays principle".

3.6.6. How to deal with the cost of conservation measures implemented for nature conservation goals?

Article 8 of the Habitats Directive acknowledges the need to provide EU co-financing for the implementation of the necessary conservation measures in the Natura 2000

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network. There are financing opportunities to partly cover the costs of conservation measures in the main EU funds, but there is also a high potential for contributing to forest management and conservation through national and regional programmes and, in some cases, by using innovative financing tools from private sources.

3.6.7. What are the main financing opportunities at EU level for Natura 2000?

As far as EU funds are concerned The Common Provisions Regulation33 requires that the main EU Funds, including the EAFRD and the Structural Funds34 shall support eleven thematic objectives, including that of ‘preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency’35.Current funding for Natura 2000 forests is mostly available via agricultural and rural development policies, except for project based funding under LIFE+. However, several studies on the necessary funds for the implementation of Natura 2000 in the EU demonstrate that there is a considerable gap between the amount that would be needed for Natura 2000 and currently available funds. This is especially true for forestry because the amount spent is relatively low when compared to agriculture.Co-financing of forestry measures under the Rural Development Regulation has been and will remain the main means of EU-level funding. Regarding the new programme 2014-202036, the main forestry measures from previous period have been maintained although there are a few novelties. For example, the investments for improving the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems (Art. 25). According to the updated plans, €5.4 billion from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development have been earmarked for forestry measures in 2007-201337. Although it will depend on Member States’ Rural Development Plans, the use of these funds should be dedicated to contributing to the objectives of the EU Forest Strategy, and in particular to ensuring that EU forests are demonstrably managed according to sustainable forest management principles.The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) allows for allocation of funds to biodiversity, particularly under the objective of preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency, including through natural heritage, Natura 2000 and green infrastructure. The fund also allow for the allocation of funding to transnational, cross-border and interregional cooperation, which can benefit Natura 2000 sites and species.The European Social Fund (ESF) can support capacity building aimed at the creation of new job opportunities related to Natura 2000 and small businesses.LIFE is the main EU funding instrument dedicated to the promotion of the environment and, though the fund is small, it provides catalyst funding to best practice or demonstration projects on forest conservation that are then expected to find long-term

33 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of 17 December 201334 The main EU funds, which will be known collectively as the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds are: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).35 Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of 17 December 201336 REGULATION (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament37 Communication on a EU Forest Strategy, 2013

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funding from other sources. In the period 2014-2020 ir also include a new sub-programme for Climate Action38. Finally, the Research Programme (called Horizon 2020 in the new financing period 2014-2020) also offers possibilities to finance research that may be relevant for forest conservation management.

3.6.8. What are the measures under Rural Development Regulation that can support funding for forests under Natura 2000? Regarding the new programme 2014-202039, the main forestry measures are under article 30 - Natura 2000 and Water Framework Directive payments, and article 34 - Forest-environmental and climate services and forest conservation. Several other measures may also contribute to the successful implementation of Natura 2000 interventions and investments, such us: article 22 (afforestation and creation of woodland), article 23 (establishment of agroforestry systems), article 24 (prevention and restoration of damage to forests from forest fires and natural disasters and catastrophic events), article 25 (investments improving the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems), article 26 (investments in forestry technologies and in processing, in mobilising and in the marketing of forest products), article 20 (basic services and village renewal in rural areas) and article 35 (cooperation). Forest management plans or equivalent instruments in line with sustainable forest management are required in forest holdings above a certain threshold (to be determined by Member States) to receive payments from the measure of “Forest-environmental and climate services and forest conservation” (art. 34). Drawing up of forest management plans or equivalent instruments can be financed under article 35, which requires co-operation involving at least two entities. Management plans for Natura 2000 can also be financed (art. 20) and Natura 2000 payments are available to private forest holders and associations to compensate for additional costs and income foregone resulting from disadvantages in Natura 2000 areas related to the implementation of the Habitats Directive (art. 30).

3.6.9. Can private owners benefit from Natura 2000 measure under Rural Development Regulation? Yes, in fact the majority of the relevant measures in the Rural Development Regulation are aimed at private forest-holders and their associations. Some other beneficiaries, depending on the specific measure, are also public forest-holders, municipalities, other private law and public bodies and their associations, natural persons and other land management bodies.

3.6.10. Can public owners benefit from Natura 2000 measure under Rural Development Regulation? Yes, but in some measures just under well specified and justified cases. For example, in case of state owned land, support for afforestation and creation of woodland (article 22) and for forest-environmental and climate services and forest conservation (article 34) can only be granted if the body managing such land is a private body or a municipality.

38 Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the establishment of a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 614/200739 REGULATION (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament

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3.6.11. Are there other financing opportunities and incentives at national and regional level?

Yes, there is also a high potential for contributing to forest management and conservation through national and regional programmes. In some Member States there are voluntary agreements to implement management that is favourable to the conservation of the site and/or forestry contracts for the preservation of species and habitats that are financed through national funds. In return, landowners also take advantage of incentives such as property tax exemptions and other tax benefits (e.g. in France.). In addition, in some others Member States the general rule is that landowners are always entitled to full compensation for income foregone in Natura 2000 areas where the designation of forest habitats means that they can’t use the forest for timber production (e.g. in Sweden).

3.6.12. Are there any innovative financing opportunities through the private sector?

Yes. In view of public budget constrains, new approaches need to be developed that may involve innovative financing tools from private sources such as donations, eco-sponsoring, eco-labelling, ecotourism or others. Private funding sources will not replace public funding but may add to it in a sensible manner. (To be further developed).

EXAMPLES:

- Financing with EAFRD funds:

Financing the management of wooded pastures in Sweden

Maintenance of ‘dehesas’ in Spain

Voluntary agreements and forestry contracts in France

Forestry contracts in France

- National and regional programmes:

Native Woodland Scheme in Ireland

METSO programme in Finland

Compensation payments in Natura 2000 in Sweden

National investments in the Slovenian “Eco-cells”

Voluntary agreements and financial incentives in France

- Some other examples (more information need to be gathered):

Natura 2000 measure under RD

"Innovative" financing

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3.7 Forest management and the species protection regime under the Habitats and the Birds directive.

3.7.1. Does the management of forests outside the Natura 2000 network need to be adapted because of Natura 2000? As above-mentioned, Natura 2000 will not modify forestry activities as long as the sites’ conservation objectives can be reached. However, where activities carried out outside a Natura 2000 site may have adverse effects on the conservation of the site, suitable measures should be taken to avoid those effects. Moreover, protection provisions apply to species protected under the Habitats and Birds Directives over their whole range, which can make necessary to adapt forest management or certain forestry and silvicultural practices also outside Natura 2000 sites to ensure their protection (see also below).

3.7.2. My forest is not designated as a Natura 2000 site. Are the Birds and Habitats Directives relevant also for forests situated outside Natura 2000 areas? The Habitats and Birds Directive include provisions for the protection of species over their whole range. Member States must take the requisite measures to prevent disturbance of the species protected under the directive, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing, hibernation and migration, and the destruction of breeding sites or resting places. These provisions apply within the whole territory of Member States and of course to all forests and forest land. The measures to be taken involve mainly protecting core areas, as breeding sites and resting places from destruction, deterioration or disturbance. These provisions are relevant to forest management as many species of EU interest use forests for breeding, rearing or resting.The protection regime under Article 6 (2), (3) and (4) applies to all activities, plans or projects that may have an importantnegative impact on a Natura 2000 site. It does not matter whether such activities, plans or projects are located inside or outside a Natura 2000 site. What counts is their potential impact on a site.Furthermore, forests outside the N2000 network can have an important role to play in achieving improved connectivity between Natura 2000 sites. The Habitats Directive (Article 10) requests Member States to encourage the management of features of the landscape which are of major importance for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species of fauna and flora. Such measures may also affect forests and forest land that are not designated as a Natura 2000 site.Finally, the Habitats Directive (Article 22) requests Member States to ensure that the deliberate introduction into the wild of any species which is not native to their territory is regulated so as not to prejudice natural habitats within their natural range or the wild native fauna and flora and, if they consider it necessary, prohibit such introduction.

3.7.3. Does the mere presence of a species protected under the Birds or Habitats Directive imply management changes? Not always. This will depend on the particular circumstances of each situation, the possible effects of forestry practices and the species status. For instance, the characteristics of a species, such as its conservation status, may justify more specific or intense protection measures. In some cases, it may only require adopting adequate measures to avoid disturbing the species during breeding, rearing, hibernation or

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migration periods. However, breeding sites and resting places require strict protection because they are crucial to the life cycle of animals and are very important parts of a species’ entire habitat, needed to ensure its survival. Their protection is directly connected with the conservation status of a species and measures taken should aim to safeguard the ecological functionality of breeding sites and resting places. Thus, such sites and places should not be damaged or destroyed by human activities so that they can continue to provide all that is required for a specific animal to rest or to breed successfully.With regard to forest management, a variety of approaches and tools have been developed in different Member States to address this issue, including detailed forestry planning and prior approval of forest management plans that must include the requisite preventive mesures, regulations, best practice codes or the pre-notification of felling proposals to permit environmental authorities to intervene where known populations of protected species may be involved.

3.7.4. What can be considered as an imperative reason of overriding public interest in the case of forests?

3.7.5. How to deal with very common strictly protected species in forests? As above-mentioned, codes of good practice are used to implement sustainable forest management that is compatible with the conservation of protected species. For instance, a detailed manual on forest management compatible with the conservation of birds and bats linked to forest habitats in Castilla y León defines the measures that should be applied to protect those species. Other tools can involve cooperation with competent authorities, such as the approach followed in Finland to enhance the protection of the breeding sites and resting places of the flying squirrel (Pteromys volans), where a forest owner must notify the regional forest authorities before cuttings take place, including map and a short description of planned cuttings. All known breeding and resting places of the squirrel are stored in a database. If a planned cutting site matches information in the database, a formal decision is taken by the environmental authorities. The landowner, the forest company concerned and the regional forest authority are informed. The decision includes a detailed description of the site and a map indicating the location of the breeding sites and resting places. It also lays down what measures, if any, are allowed.In sustainable forests management, the use of the habitat by protected species is taken into account to include the relevant measures that may imply spatial or temporal restrictions to forestry activities, and other appropriate measure.

EXAMPLES:

- Manual on criteria of forest management compatible with the conservation of birds and bats linked to forest habitats. Castilla y León, Spain.

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ANNEX 1. – GLOSSARY

Conservation status: conservation status of a natural habitat means the sum of the influences acting on a natural habitat and its typical species that may affect its long-term natural distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of its typical species within the territory of the Member States to which the EU Treaty applies. Conservation status of a species means the sum of the influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long-term distribution and abundance of its populations within the territory of the Member States to which the EU Treaty applies.

Ecological requirements: involve all the ecological needs, including both abiotic and biotic factors, which are deemed necessary to ensure the conservation of the habitat types and species, including their relations with the physical environment (air, water, soil, vegetation, etc.).

Natural forest: a forest composed of indigenous trees and not classified as forest plantation. (FAO, Forest Ressources Assessment 2000).

Non intervention management. Non-intervention management aims, where necessary, to allow natural processes by preventing disturbance by human activities that would have significant effects on biodiversity (Wilderness guidelines)

Old growth forest. Old growth forest stands are stands in primary or secondary forests that have developed the structures and species normally associated with old primary forest of that type.

Primary forest: a forest that has never been logged and has developed following natural disturbances and under natural processes, regardless of its age. In much of Europe, primary forest has a different connotation and refers to an area of forest land which has probably been continuously wooded at least throughout historical times (e.g., the last thousand years). It has not been completely cleared or converted to another land use for any period of time. Source: CBD, definitions taken from the Report of the ad hoc technical expert group on forest biological Diversity (http://www.cbd.int/forest/definitions.shtml)

Secondary forest: a forest that has been logged and has recovered naturally or artificially. Not all secondary forests provide the same value to sustaining biological diversity, or goods and services, as did primary forest in the same location. In Europe, secondary forest is forest land where there has been a period of complete clearance by humans with or without a period of conversion to another land use. Forest cover has regenerated naturally or artificially through planting. (CBD, see above)

Seminatural forest. A stand which is composed predominantly of native trees and shrub species which have not been planted. Also, afforest stand which has developed gradually or accidentally, as its location or site quality was not suited for intensive exploitation or production-oriented management (e.g. in mountainous regions). This kind of reconstruction of the natural forest cover can be or has been achieved by using various silvicultural practices, e.g., natural regeneration or selective thinning and in some cases also planting. Source: http://glossary.eea.europa.eu

Sustainable forest management: ‘The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems’. Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe, Helsinki 1993.

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ANNEX 2 - EXAMPLES / CASE STUDIES (TO BE FURTHER DEVELOPED AND COMPLETED)

AVOIDING DETERIORATION AND ASSESSING POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF FOREST MANAGEMENT ON NATURA 2000

Green Annexes, a tool for management of forests with protected habitats and species in France

The Green annexes "Natura 2000" are a reference document for management of forests with presence of habitat types and species protected by the Habitats and Birds Directive. These annexes to the Regional Schemes for forestry management (SRGS) are written by the Regional Centers of Forestry Property (CRPF) in partnership with the administrations. For each habitat type and species or group of forest species of Community interest present in the region, particular management requirements (obligations) and recommendations (recommendations) are set. In Natura 2000 sites, the owner must present a management document according to these rules to get a permit, which can enable it to be exonerated from the assessment of impacts provided all the required measures are properly integrated n its forestry plan. Otherwise, the management plan for the forest cannot be approved.The Annexes Vertes specify the precautionary measures required (obligatory) or recommended in order to avoid effects on breeding and resting sites for birds present on the sites are set, e.g. defining suitable distances of non-intervention from those sites. For example in Britain, there is an obligation to o respect a period of quietude from February to July in an area of 80 meters around breeding areas. In areas to be cut, the trees holding nests must be preserved and an area of about 0.3 ha (30 m) around those trees must be kept with minimal intervention, etc.Include further examples of obligations & recommendations from other Annexes Vertes...

Guidance on Appropriate Assessment procedure for forestry activities in Ireland

The Forest Service undertakes screening, and where necessary, an appropriate assessment in relation to applications for consent, grant approval and licensing for various forestry activities, in order to evaluate projects within the context of any potential impact on a Natura site (SACs and SPAs). The Forest Service has developed in 2012 an Appropriate Assessment Procedure (AAP), which sets out the general procedures involved with these activities. The document also incorporates specific AAP requirements regarding Hen Harrier SPAs and SACs designated for Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

For the Hen Harrier, these specific procedures apply in relation to applications for consent/grant approval/licences involving certain forestry operations which have the potential to disturb Hen Harrier breeding activity within and surrounding SPAs designated for the species, including timber felling, timber extraction to roadside, timber loading at roadside, mechanical cultivation for both afforestation and reforestation, forest road construction, etc. The recommended mitigation measures for this species include, for example, to create areas for biodiversity enhancement (ABEs) in the 20% of the project area or to limit the disturbance operations within so called ‘Red Areas’ (areas centred on known Hen Harrier nesting areas) during the breeding season.

With respect to the requirements regarding the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, these will apply to all potentially impacting forest operations within the catchments of FPM populations in rivers designated as SACs for the species. The requirements describe a range of measures intended to reduce potential negative impacts on the species arising from forest operations

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and supplement all other Forest Service Guidelines and regulations. The situations where the FPM requirements apply are afforestation, thinning, clear felling/reforestation, forest road works and aerial fertilisation. In these situations, a completed Form A (Site Description) and Form B (Mitigation Measures) must be submitted with the application.

Possible mitigation and appropriate measures for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel include, for example, the creation of effective buffer zones or strips to filter and retain suspended solids and nutrients in drainage water, sediment traps, timing of operations, drainage patterns, limitation of fertiliser application, minimization of the use of herbicides and insecticides use of low impact silvicultural systems, etc.

Further information: Irish Forest Service, 2012 (a). Appropriate Assessment Procedure. Information Note. 2012 (b). Forestry and Freshwater Pearl Mussel Requirements: Site Assessment and Mitigation Measures.http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/grantandpremiumschemes/schemescirculars/

Forest Design Plans in Scotland. United Kingdom

On the national forest estate planning for Natura 2000 sites and features is incorporated into Forest Design Plans. Legislation requires to undertake an appraisal under the Habitats Regulation and this can lead to an “Appropriate Assessment” for any activities which could impact on qualifying Natura 2000 features. The policy and legislation relating to assessments is described in detail on SNH’s web at http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/international-designations/natura-sites/habitats-regulations-appraisal/ Forestry Commission Scotland is a competent authority to undertake assessment and has created specific guidance for forestry entitled ‘Guidance Note 18 – Appropriate assessments for the implications for conservation of a Natura site’, which can be found at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6t6cez (Source: Questionnaire sent by Moira Baptie)

Methodological guide for the analysis of forest planning in Natura 2000 in the Castilla y Leon Region (Spain)

The Methodological guide is an illustrative and consultative document that includes recommendations on the analysis of the forest planning in front of the assessment of its potential effects on Natura 2000. It aims to facilitate the assessment foreseen in the art. 6.3 of the Habitats Directive as well as to harmonize it with other possible pieces of legislation dealing with the same issue. It seeks also, in a wider sense, to facilitate the consideration of Natura 2000 requirements in forest planning and routine operation by forest managers and technicians in order to integrate them in their work. Add further details

INTEGRATION BETWEEN FOREST MANAGEMENT AND NATURA 2000 MANAGEMENT

Integrating Natura 2000 management plans into forest management plans in Poland

In Poland, most of the areas included in the Natura 2000 network are situated within forest territories. They account for 40% of land managed by the State Forests National Forest Holding and cover over 2.8 million ha. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) located in the State Forests cover the area of 2.1 million ha (29.2% of SF land), and SACs cover 1.5 million ha (21.4%). Designation of Natura 2000 areas resulted in activation and integration of actions on nature protection undertaken by units of the State Forests (SF), local self-governments, NGOs and the scientific community. Sustainable forestry is executed by means of forest

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management plans (FMPs) prepared every 10 years and developed by the State Forests. A part of the FMP is the Nature Conservation Program, and currently FMPs are developed in cooperation with the bodies supervising the Natura 2000 network (e.g. the D.G for Environmental Protection).

Pursuant the Act on Protection of Nature, on the territory managed by SF and included in Natura 2000, the protection tasks shall be realized by the local forest district manager in accordance with the provisions of the Plan of protection tasks (PPT) or else the Plan of protection (PP) of a given Natura 2000 area. The latter are prepared within the framework of programs subsidized by the EU with participation of all relevant stakeholders. In practice, the protection tasks for Natura 2000 areas situated within SF territory determined by experts elaborating the PPTs are subject of consultations/agreement with SF representatives and afterwards they are incorporated as modifications into relevant FMPs.

Natura 2000 management planning in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.Rare forest habitats (all Annex I habitats) in this region have been mapped in detail by the Forest Research Institute of Baden-Württemberg, in order to form the basis for forest management planning, and their protection has been implemented regularly in forest management plans and maps. For each SAC/SPA, management planning starts with a formal information provision process and an official start date. Landowners and other stakeholders are informed about the objectives and process of Natura 2000 management planning and invited to participate and discuss. Habitats and species are also mapped in detail and assessed and if necessary for their conservation/restoration or improvement, suitable management measures are described.Forest management planning takes into account the specific protection objectives of the SAC so that forest management measures do not contradict protection objectives. The resulting draft management plan is presented formally to stakeholders offering them the opportunity to discuss the proposed protection measures. The same process for incorporating rare forest habitat mapping and forest inventory into Natura 2000 management planning, is used for incorporating Natura 2000 conservation objectives and management measures into forest planning.Case Study presented at the 2nd Workshop Workshop on Natura 2000 and Forests. 23/05/2013. Available on Circabc.See also Eustafor booklet “Natura 2000 management in European State forests”.http://www.eustafor.eu/failid/File/Publications/Eustafor_Natura2000_web.pdf

Forest management in Slovenia. Strategic approach to integration and funding

From 2005 there has been an integration process of Natura 2000 needs into forest management in place. This process can be summarized in the following steps:- development of nature guidelines- increasing cooperation between relevant public services- management zoning for forests- common integration of nature measures- upgrade of forestry indicators

This process has been supported by concrete planning and technical tools such as: LIFE Natura 2000 Slovenia management model, participation and integration methodology, etc. The Slovenia Forest Service and the Institute for Nature Conservation have participated in parallel developments of Forest management plans (10 years cycle) and Management of Natura 2000, to establish concrete forest/nature measures based on respective forest

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/Natura 2000 objectives. Forest reserves and the so-called Eco-cells have been established based on the limitation of forestry activity. Potential conflicts with private owners have been identified. Financing and co-financing the forest investments has been purely national for the period 2007-2013. For the period 2014-2020 Slovenia is preparing a proposal that will include payments for Ecocells (areas with restricted forestry) in private forests trough Forestry Environmental Payments (RDP funds).

Forest and Natura 2000 management in Navarra, SpainNavarra region holds 650,000 ha of Forest land (65% of the total surface area). 246,000 ha in Natura 2000, most of them in forest land. Ownership is very fragmented. A participatory process was developed for forest managers, forest owners and N2000 managers working together for better integration of forestry and nature conservation.The integration process was based on the following basic ideas: "Conservation is and should be a key part of forest management policy and practices” “If forest management practices are the right ones, Natura 2000 is not a problem, it should be an opportunity”; “Forest owners are and should be key elements of the process”; “Government integration is essential, as in some cases different Government units are in charge of the same territory”. Conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites were incorporated into the forest management plans along the other management objectives. An essential element was the integration of N2000 actions in forest grants campaigns. Some key issues for the success was to increase (10%) all forest grants in the municipalities included in N2000 and establish subsidies of 100% for the specific measures established as indicators in the Conservation Plans. Natura 2000 and forest management competences were integrated in the same Government unit, which is also considered of a crucial relevance by the promoters.

Basic principles and criteria for the application of measures to improve conservation status of birds in forests in AustriaCooperation between between the Austrian Federal Forests (Österreichische Bundesforste ÖBf) and BirdLife Austria was developed to elaborate basic principles and criteria for the application of measures to improve conservation status of birds in forests and to implement them on the territory of the Austrian Federal Forests (state owned). The specific goals have been to increase the populations of endangered bird species, to improve forests management taking into account nature conservation needs and to include suitable practices (nature and bird protection aspects) into daily work of ÖBf. The formulation of quantitative targets and costs estimate were also among the objectives of this initiative. Key measures identified included:- Increase of the amount of decaying wood- Preservation of biotope trees (large trees of previous tree generations)- Preservation of mature tree stands as biodiversity islands (≥ 120 years)- Diversified forests egdes- Promote natural rejuvenation and pioneer tree species- Establishing natural tree compositionThese measures were applied in three ÖBf districts as a pilot experience. Particular decisions regarding the location and management of biodiversity islands, as well as the application of other measures, were made in cooperation with bird ecology experts. According to the experience from this pilot experience, the conservation component aimed at the protection of old-growth specialists can be implemented into daily forestry practice. Moreover, neither the large-scale workplan reorganization, nor additional financial expenditures are necessary. The “biodiversity island” concept was accepted as especially

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interesting and its implementation was developed both on temporary and on permanent basis.Case study presented at the 2nd workshop on Natura 2000 and Forests

Elaboration of a forest management strategy for the protection of bugs and bats in the Natura 2000 region of Kamp-Kremstal, AustriaThe objective of this strategy is the successful conservation and protection of these populations of bats and xylobiontic fauna which are significant on a central European scale. The major task is to develop feasible ways of protection and maintenance, via the creation of an adequate management strategy. Requirements for the implementation of specific measures for bugs and bats conservation are specified in this forest management strategy, which are to be integrated into current forest management operations. This includes the development of a checklist of measures for the conservation of the Habitats Directive species in the day-to-day life of the forest..

Management guidelines for NATURA 2000 forests in BulgariaIn September 2009, the Bulgarian State Forest Agency adopted new management prescriptions for beech forests, aimed at the conversion of coppiced beech stands and coniferous plantations into mixed high-stem beech forests. More recently, a team of forestry experts from NGOs and the State Forest Agency prepared management guidelines for NATURA 2000 forests. In addition to basic “nature-oriented” rules, new set of guidelines introduced specific measures and restrictions, aimed at the preservation and restoration of natural forest characteristics. In particular, these addressed none-intervention zones, natural disturbance regimes, buffer zones, dead wood and primary species composition.

Manual on criteria of forest management compatible with the conservation of birds and bats linked to forest habitats. Castilla y León, SpainThis manual establishes criteria for forest management consistent with the conservation of species of birds and bats associated with forest habitats. The Manual explains how to apply on the ground some measures and restrictions (timing, buffer areas) to prevent possible negative effects on protected bats and bird species. The provisions involve different measures, e.g: defining areas of maximum 15 ha to exclude forest activities for the conservation of some of the target species; restriction to human activities in the vicinity of the nesting areas of certain bird species throughout their breeding period; exclude from felling the so called "nesting trees" of endangered or vulnerable species and other forest raptors; protective measures on streams and riparian vegetation; establishing refuge areas for fauna, etc.Concerning birds, the manual deals in a particular way with the measures required for the conservation of the Imperial eagle, the Black vulture and the Black Stork, all species responsible for the declaration of Natura 2000 sites in the region.http://rednatura.jcyl.es/natura2000/Normativa%20y%20documentos%20de%20interpretaci%C3%B3n/Manual%20gesti%C3%B3n%20forestal%20compatible%20con%20aves%20y%20quirop.pdf

Forest management plans: addressing biodiversity issues within everyday forest management. FranceThe Office national des forêts (ONF, the French State Forest Management Organisation) addresses biodiversity issues in forest management by taking all relevant environmental issues into account when drawing up the forest management plans and when implementing the whole felling process. Specific felling and forestry working rules have been defined in national bills in order to achieve this aim. For example, ONF is dealing with old tree and dead

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wood conservation via several measures. In order to limit soil settling, harvesting tracks are also set up through the stands. Moreover, ONF has set up 6 naturalist networks among its staff, which include specialists in the following fields: birds, insects, habitats and flora, mammals, herpetology and mycology. Their aim is to develop and integrate knowledge about natural heritage, to favour biodiversity consideration in forest management.

Guidelines for the elaboration of Forest management plans in Natura 2000 in Portugal

Guidelines on the steps to be taken for the elaboration of Forest management plans in Natura 2000, which include considering the conservation objectives, the ecological requirements of the habitats and species present in the site, the cartography and other information available for habitat types and species of Community interest, etc. Examples of measures that can be taken to make compatible forestry activities with the conservation of certain habitat types and species are also provided in an annex.

Developing guidance for woodland expansion within Golden eagle SPAs in Scotland. Guidance for reforestations in Golden eagle areas. United KingdomA study was carried out to elaborate recommendations for reforestations in Golden eagle areas. These include:- Avoid planting wet/boggy ground or area of high prey importance eg rabbit warrens- Keep ridges free & avoid core range around nest (may be 2-3km radius but variable)- Areas of low prey importance (eg bracken ground, short or improved grassland) can be planted with minimal or even beneficial impact- Study of individual eagle territories will inform assessment- Scale and design of new woodlands is critical. If sited appropriately these may enhance eagle live prey availabilityThe recommendations are based on mathematical modelling to predict eagle territories. This is a low-cost, robust & reliable model available to land managers who wish to undertake land management in golden eagle territories.

PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLANS PREPARATION

Sustainable management of forests in Natura 2000 sites in Smolyan region, BulgariaIn Bulgaria, large parts of protected areas, including the Natura 2000 sites, are wooded areas falling under the responsibility of the national forestry authorities. These forests are managed on the basis of ten-year forest management plans, which need to be adapted to the needs of Natura 2000 and incorporate its conservation objectives. A project aimed at integrating Natura 2000 requirements into forest management in the Smolyan region. Main activities undertaken were:1) Synchronization of forestry actions planned in forest management plans with the Natura 2000 objectives. This started with a wide participatory process involving all stakeholders, to be followed by the development of criteria for the integration of Natura 2000 conservation objectives into forest management plans at site level in two areas.2) Development of local capacity for sustainable forest management in Natura 2000 sites. A process of knowledge transfer was a key issue for the success of this project. Workshops, training activities and study tours were arranged for stakeholders, including topics such as forestry methods and techniques adequate for Natura 2000 sites, and the use of existing financial mechanisms for sustainable forest management. A very effective way to involve stakeholders in the planning and execution of activities is to include them in capacity building

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processes on the topics covered by the project and that they will have to confront later on the day-to-day management.3) Establishment of civil group for management of SCI “Tsigansko gradishte”. Consolidation of such a civil group required a detailed analysis of all potential local stakeholders and develop a careful process of meetings and consultations.http://greenbalkans.org/natura2000/smolyan_project/file.index.file/lang.2/

Natura 2000 network in Tullnerfelder Donau-Auen, Austria.BIOSA (Biosphere Austria, Association for dynamic nature) has been working since January 2011 to develop a network with forest owners in the Natura 2000 protected area Tullnerfelder Alluvial Zone, for the implementation EU Nature directives in the forest. The aim is to improve and promote the direct communication with the landowners and the joint implementation of forestry measures in the forest habitats within a Forestry development programme, according to the conservation objectives of the management plan for the Danube floodplains. Besides establishing a project group and nominate a property owner-representative of all community leaders and stakeholders as a contact point for matters relating to the implementation of Natura 2000 in the forest, a contact person for the forest owners in the project area is available in the forest administration. Besides the technical implementation of the measures, the communication between all stakeholders is one of the main tasks in this project.http://www.biosa.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=68&lang=de

STRATEGIC FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

National strategy on forest protection and guidance on management of protected forests in SwedenThe Swedish Strategy for formal protection of forests is designed to help identify the most valuable forest sites for long-term protection, and is based on knowledge about the distribution of HNV forest and threatened forests species, as well as landscape consideration. The management guidance describes the most important management measures needed to improve or maintain the ecological conditions in the protected forests. The main pillars of the National Strategy are:- Dialogue and cooperation: in order to get formal protection and voluntary set aside of core sites. Land owners are considered as important partners for managing and developing the biodiversity within the forest landscape.- The landscape perspective. The strategy identifies the landscape as an arena for cooperation (both forest and the agricultural landscape).- Value-based approach. The basis for formal protection according to the strategy is that an area which has been prioritized to become a nature reserve, a habitat protection area or where there should be a conservation agreement should come from a forest core site with high nature conservation values. Forest types for which Sweden has an international responsibility to conserve (broadleaved forest, coniferous forest on chalk, etc.) have been identified as priority forest types. Protection of forest should to as large extent as possible be coordinated with protection of other conservation values e.g. water environments and the agricultural landscape. Importance should also be given to the consideration of recreation, cultural values, reindeer management and other local community interests. - The model for prioritizing site selection. The strategy applies a model for prioritizing site selection based mainly on their joint forest nature conservation values. - Monitoring and evaluation. Each government department shall annually on a county by county basis produce an annual plan for working with formal protection, which will be

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evaluated. Monitoring and evaluation of formally protected areas concerns both areas where protection has formally been decided upon and areas that have been bought or compensation has been paid and where formal protection is planned.Case study presented at the Second Workshop on Natura 2000 and Forests. 23/05/2013. Available on Circab

COST ANALYSIS AND ESTIMATE OF RESOURCES NEEDED FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Analysis of the natural and economic impacts of the Habitats Directive on the basis of case study forest enterprises in Germany

The study was based on management plans as well as on operational objectives on the habitat types 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests and 9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests. On the basis of the analysed FFH management plans in the federal territory, the most common conservation measure for beech habitat types is, in the first place, the conservation, respectively the increase, of habitat trees, dead wood and (islets) of old-growth trees. Of great importance are, furthermore, management plannings for the conservation of habitat-typical woody species, such as for example through the regeneration and promotion of habitat-typical woody plants, protection of rare local tree species (e.g., wild service tree) as well as the gradual removal of non-habitat typical tree species, in particular Douglas fir and common spruce. In addition, a sufficient share of trees has to be maintained in the maturity stage. Some examples of the identified impacts are presented below.Designation of habitat- and biotope-trees The designation and the conservation of habitat- and old-growth trees were rated as a permanent loss of productive area by 20 of 21 case study forest enterprises. This loss of productive forest area was rated by the majority as between 3 to 4 % of the habitat type area. A maximum value of about 10 % was reached in one case study forest enterprise. In connection with this planning of measures (as well as the preservation of an adequate percentage of mature stands) a higher risk for people was estimated through dead wood in treetops as well as decay and consequently higher costs for harvesting and liability for premises. The increased additional costs for extraction were indicated in the range be-tween 1.5 €/harvested m³ up to 2 €/harvested m³. Preservation of an adequate percentage of stands in the maturity stage Two effects of impacts through the planning of measures for the preservation of an adequate percentage of mature stands were stated by the case study forest enterprises. On the one hand a postponement of the harvesting of mature stands because of a low share of old trees was mentioned, which equals a prolongation of the rotation period and can lead to a devaluation of the mature timber through, e.g., decay and red heartwood, and, on the other hand, a limitation of options to shorten existing rotation periods as a reaction to changing framework conditions. Additional ongoing administrative costs As further impacts on forest management in FFH areas additional ongoing FFH administrative costs for the enterprises of on average 2 €/ha/annum was identified, e.g., for co-ordination with the lower Nature Conservation Authorities prior to management measures or for the selection and marking of old-growth and biotope-trees.Project FFH-Impact: Implementing the Habitats Directive in German forests. Executive summary of a case study on the economic and natural impacts on forest. Institute of Forest Based Sector Economics in cooperation with Becker, Borchers and Wippel consultancy, the Department for Forest Economics and Forest Inventory of the University of Göttingen and the Faculty of Law of the University of Hamburg.

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EXAMPLES OF FOREST MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATON MEASURES IN NATURA 2000 SITES

Forest management through collaboration in the Vallée de la Loue du Lison, France

Different types of forest Natura 2000 contracts were signed with forest communities. For example, the forest contract with the town of Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne helped restore a floodplain forest community interest using an alternative technique: the cable-mat. The cost of this operation for the town was funded by Natura 2000. Several islands of old growth forest were established with municipalities, to promote the development of related old wood species. As compensation for the non-exploitation of wood for a period of 30 years, forest communities have received financial compensation. Awareness raising activities for professionals in the forest were also organized in order to take better account of streams and associated aquatic fauna during forestry activities and exploitation.

Source: Case study presented at the second workshop on Natura 2000 and forests, avaialble on Circabc.

Management of public forests in Natura 2000 sites in South East Belgium The Regional Forest Department-DNF of Wallonia manages close to 100,000 ha of public forests in Natura 2000. This department has adopted measures and modified both silvicultural techniques and forest management to enhance diversification, habitat and species conservation and natural regeneration. Identification and establishment of forest reserves has proved to be easy and low costing. The aim is to try to maintain a favourable conservation status in combination with the commercial management of forests in Natura 2000 forest sites. Some examples of measures taken include:

- Combining thinning operations and the maintenance of deadwood trees and trees of high biological value- Identifying and establishing forest reserves- Norway spruce stands clearcuts- Diversifying forest edge vegetation- Adapting the timing of silvicultural and logging operations to avoid interference with the birds reproductive season - Restoration actions

Forest exploitation compatible with Black Vulture conservation in a private forest in SpainCommercial exploitation of Pinus sylvestris private forest (over 2,000 ha) in a SPA in central Spain is compatible with the conservation of an important population of Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus). The forest management is mainly addressed to timber production, although other objectives also include forest regeneration, recovery of the vegetation cover where absent or damaged, soil protection and water regulation and biodiversity conservation, including particular animal and plant species.

A LIFE Nature project at the early 2000 allowed the integration of Natura 2000 objectives and criteria into private commercial forest management.

Outstanding measures adopted include:- Establishment of a fluent cooperation process - Early reviews of the Forest Management Plan to include requirements following the

protected areas plans and guidelines.

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- Detailed studies (forest management actions, elements potentially disturbing the Black Vulture population, potential trees to host a nest, etc.)

- Restrictions to the forestry activity (timing, limiting operations around nestyong areas)- Reforestation to increase biodiversity

As a main result, the Black vulture population steadily increased in the last decades.

Forests for capercaillie in the Vosges Mountain (France)

Within a LIFE+ project carried out from 2010 to 2013, specific conservation measures for capercaillie have been undertaken, for example, the establishment of old-growth stands, or ‘islets’, in municipal forest. there are two kind of ‘islets’: temporal, where forestry will be stopped for 30 years, or partial, where operation is possible but larger timber is maintained for 30 years. This action has been done under Natura 2000 contracts and currently more than 800 ha of islets have been established in communal forests.

Environmental engineering works are also achieved in forests were capercaillie is present or nearby presence area to permit a recolonization of the zone by birds. The main purpose is to promote blueberry by cutting seedlings trees or young trees and increase the light quantity that arrive on the soil. There is also a working programme in order to restore favourable habitat for capercaille. Also a specific guide of forestry management that benefits capercaillie in the Vosges mountain was written, where specific advice and recommendations to maintain or create a favourable habitat for the species can be found. This work has brought together many partners: local authorities, private and public foresters, NGO, researchers, the state. The main purpose of writing this guide was to find a common language between foresters and capercaillie experts. In order to help foresters to apply proposals given in the guide, training sessions were organised. The main tool of this formation is a training exercise of marking trees. Also several pedagogical actions for pupils have been accomplished through collaboration between the different actors in this educational support. The document of objectives (Docob) for this site has also been redacted through a wide consultation process where more than more than 300 people have been involved.

Guidance for the conservation of old trees and dead wood DE - AuT-concept in Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHabitat trees and a certain amount of dead wood are both essential elements for forest biodiversity. They are crucial parameters for evaluating the preservation status of Annex I forest habitats in SACs. Furthermore, both structure elements are essential for the protection of a whole number of Annex II and Annex IV woodland species and other rare or protected species, among them many birds. Whereas the Annex II species will be dealt within SAC management plans, it is necessary to protect Annex IV and other protected species wherever they exist, within and outside of SACs. In 2008, ForstBW decided to develop a concept for the conservation of old trees and dead wood (Alt- und Totholzkonzept, AuT-Konzept) that (1) sufficiently fulfils the requirements of a good preservation status of Annex I forest habitats and (2) of certain Annex II and Annex IV species, (3) fulfils the requirements of harvesting safety and (4) follows economic principles, (5) can be integrated in standard forest management measures and (6) can be monitored and readjusted according to monitoring results (controlling).The AuT-Konzept consists of three protection elements:1. Single habitat trees with crucial structures such as large woodpecker holes, eyries or other known essential breeding sites of protected species to be marked and protected.

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2. Groups of around 15 habitat trees to be identified, marked, mapped, and not harvested. This would enable them to grow large and old and develop a whole range of habitat structures.3. Small forest stands – the so called “waldrefugien”– of high protection value to be set aside completely so that they can develop untamed and decay naturally.Since 2010, the concept for the conservation of old trees and dead wood has been integrated in standard forest management measures over the whole of Baden-Württemberg’s state forest, in and out of SACs.

Management of wooded pastures in SwedenWooded pastures (9070) cover the whole spectrum of semi-natural forests that have been common in Sweden: extensively grazed coniferous forest, old oak pastures, former wooded meadows that have been transformed to pastures, etc. In the wooded pastures (9070), grazing and other kinds of traditional management (pollarding, clearance from overgrowth etc) are considered necessary to maintain the habitat structure and qualities. Historically the forests (as part of the areas outside the fields and meadows) were the main grazing areas – and for long periods they were more important as pastures than as sources of timber.The wooded pastures are included among the types of pastures for which farmers can apply for CAP funding (the agricultural side of CAP). There is a specific payment for the more forest-like wooded pastures. Due to the coverage/presence of many trees, there have been some problems with getting acceptance from EU for the eligibility of some of these areas for CAP payments – especially pillar 1 payments.

Forest management for old growth specialist species in commercial forests in PolandThis experience involves the designation of particular sites in commercial forests that are excluded from regular management practices in order to serve as refugees for dead-wood dependent specialized species. Specific rules for the location, creation and maintenance of “decaying wood-rich sites” has been set, taking into account mainly location (buffer zones around lakes, rivers, etc.), and economic factors (stands where commercial use is anyway restricted, access difficult, and/or potential timber extraction is of low value).The total area of sites designated for decaying wood specialists does not exceed 3% of total forest area within the management unit (usually 2-3%). In practice the management of these sites should contribute to the increase of decaying wood resources, as well as to the diversification of stand structure by leaving standing and fallen dead trees, small openings, uproots and cavities in the forest. None-intervention management is in most cases the best way to achieve these goals, however it is optional, not obligatory.

MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT

Conservation status and potential threats to Natura 2000 forest habitats in SloveniaThe Slovenian Forestry Institute and the Slovenian Forest Service have tested the possible use of selected forest-stand based indicators for evaluation of conservation status across Natura 2000 forest habitats in Slovenia. This evaluation used the existing forest management system and two levels of ICP Forests monitoring as sources of data on criteria such as the size of habitat, tree composition, developmental phase and stand regeneration, growing stock and increment, dead wood, and level of naturalness of habitat.Despite the large number of factors threatening the Slovenian forests, the high level of parameters investigated indicates the favourable conservation status of forest habitat types. However, the additional focus on the EU priority habitat types and on rare habitat types at a national level has been suggested to improve the existing forest management planning

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system. It has also been recommended that additional forest-relevant indicators specific to particular habitat types should be incorporated into the system.

IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY

Ecoforests in LatviaForest lands managed by the Joint – Stock Company “Latvijas valsts meži” (LVM) has been dedicated to maintain nature values and integrated management. New protected areas in the areas managed by LVM, of high importance for biological diversity, the so called Ecoforests, have been established where, besides nature protection measures, additional voluntary measures to maintain rare species and habitats have been developed.The development and management of the Ecoforests is one of first steps in the Baltic region towards implementing conservation of species and habitats of EU importance outside the Natura 2000 sites which aims also to improve connectivity of the network. Since 2011, special management plans and monitoring programme of species and habitats have been carried out to ensure surveillance of nature values in Ecoforests.

Case study presented at the second workshop on Natura 2000 and Forests. Available on Circabc.

FINANCING AGROFORESTRY WITH EAFRD FUNDS

Financing the management of wooded pastures in SwedenWooded pastures (9070) cover the whole spectrum of semi-natural forests that have been common in Sweden: extensively grazed coniferous forest, old oak pastures, former wooded meadows that have been transformed to pastures, etc. The wooded pastures are included among the types of pastures for which farmers can apply for CAP funding (the agricultural side of CAP). We even have a specific payment for the more forest-like wooded pastures. Due to the coverage/presence of many trees, there have been some problems with getting acceptance from EU for the eligibility of some of these areas for CAP payments – especially pillar 1 payments.

Maintenance of ‘dehesas’ in SpainThe agri-environment schemes implemented in Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucia (and Castilla y Leon under ‘forest environment’) include management requirements for no or limited cereal/leguminous/ fodder cropping (common in more intensively managed parts of ‘dehesas’), stocking densities of between 0.1 and 1.0 LU/ha and other restrictions to avoid over-grazing, to ensure the maintenance of landscape features (eg stonewalls), to maintain or increase tree density (Quercus, Olea), requirements for their pruning and regeneration as well as shrub management and some voluntary commitments such as grazing exclusion areas or organic cropping. The measure can be combined with another agrienvironment scheme for the protection of local breeds – pig, cattle, sheep and others – which traditionally support the dehesa habitats (6310), and organic rearing of livestock. Sources: Ecologic, 2006a; Rauschmayer et al, 2009; SEO and Birdlife International, 2011

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Compensating the owners of protected forests for restrictions due to the designation as Natura 2000 sites in GermanyIn Baden Württemberg, a societal dialogue process called “forest programme” started in 1999 in order to discuss important forest-policy fields. According to this process the private forests can not be burdened with further constraints unless adequate compensation for economic impediments is granted. The issue of where the limit of societal restrictions on individual property rights lies, and with it the limit of services that are not remunerated financially but are reasonably expected from the forest owners raised to be of high importance for the elaboration of new financing conceptions. For these purpose some economic incentives were created mainly through contractual measures (nature conservation contracts, eco-sponsoring, etc.) that are currently ongoing. Source: Documentation to the forest programme process in Baden Württemberg (Forest BW.pdf)

Natura 2000 contracts in "Valleys of the Loue and Lison", France. Reconciling forestry activities and conservation of biodiversity has been a priority and a major challenge in the preparation of the Document d’objectifs (Docob), i.e. the management plan for the Natura 2000 site "Valleys of the Loue and Lison". For reaching the conservation goals, several Natura 2000 contracts were signed with the forest communities. For example, the forest contract with the town of Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne helped restore a floodplain forest of Community interest using an alternative technique: the cable-mat. Several islands of old growth forest were established with municipalities, to promote the development of related old wood species. As compensation for the non-exploitation of wood for a period of 30 years, forest communities have received financial compensation both from EU funds (55%) and national budget (45%).Case study presented at the 2nd workshop on Natura 2000 and Forests

Ireland’s Native Woodland Scheme. A tool for the management of Natura 2000 woodlandThe objective of the Native Woodland Scheme (NWS) is to protect, enhance and expand Ireland’s native woodland resource and associated biodiversity, through appropriate management and planting. Where compatible, the scheme also encourages the growing of quality hardwood.The Scheme comprises two separate elements: Element 1 - Conservation, which is focussed on protecting and enhancing existing native woodland; and Element 2 - Establishment, which is focussed on creating new native woodland. The Scheme is strongly underpinned by ecological principles. All projects must reflect the most appropriate native woodland type for each site and species selection is based on the soil type and classification referred to above. Funding is provided by way of a grant, provided the work has been satisfactory and the desired results obtained. The NWS has been operating for 12 years, it has enjoyed considerable success and has been welcomed by landowners faced with the dilemma of how best to manage their woodlands which have become economically unprofitable.http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/forestry/grantandpremiumschemes/2012/NativeWoodlandEstablishmentScheme.pdf

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ANNEX 3 - FOREST HABITATS INCLUDED IN ANNEX II OF THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE

Coverage of habitats by the Natura 2000 network’Percentage of overlap for of all habitats in each biogeographical region (Note: an empty field indicates that no distribution map was provided.)

ALPINE REGIONhabitatcode Distribution(km²) (Art17) N2Koverlap (km²) Percentage9010 54599 42788 789040 100236 73031 739050 34896 13031 3790609070 7300 1200 169110 97488 44030 459120 16900 9900 599130 126144 69590 559140 39522 22907 589150 90072 53113 599160 6327 2138 349170 18256 6464 359180 131433 77083 5991B0 300 300 10091D0 78983 41444 5291E0 206445 115547 5691F0 15413 5642 3791G0 14230 7774 5591H0 18033 11300 6391I0 12800 4000 3191K0 14500 12900 8991L0 2800 2200 7991M0 8600 2700 3191Q0 8200 5700 7091R0 1900 1300 689210 1300 1300 1009220 300 300 1009240 4753 4286 909260 12144 6868 5792A0 6277 3974 639340 14674 11208 769410 123476 66245 549420 58594 36469 629430 56945 36124 639530 8459 7394 879540 500 500 1009560 8200 4000 499580 100 100 100

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ATLANTIC REGIONhabitatcode Art17Distribution(km²) N2Koverlap (km²) Percentage9110 70848 47780 679120 167392 67122 409130 210981 80515 389150 39596 19794 509160 110740 58975 539170 8972 7828 879180 213900 44100 219190 289949 73830 2591A0 93700 38100 4191C0 10100 4300 4391D0 203460 55678 2791E0 574256 268434 4791F0 24830 16547 6791J0 5000 2200 4491T0 871 0 09230 133696 49295 379240 11647 5000 439260 28247 8700 3192A0 12438 9638 779330 58200 1700 39340 59474 22948 399380 12595 8023 649560 2149 1548 729580 2100 1600 76

BOREAL REGIONhabitatcode Art17Distribution(km²) N2Koverlap (km²) Percentage9010 834120 394657 479020 267928 66500 259030 54662 20400 379040 21335 14568 689050 568947 175442 319060 377947 55645 159070 436213 77747 189080 556297 134223 249110 15700 8400 549130 14700 3600 249160 151800 25200 179180 152527 34054 229190 45400 10200 2291D0 628947 277480 4491E0 403930 66757 1791F0 78600 5500 791T0 4600 1600 35

CONTINENTAL REGIONhabitatcode Art17Distribution(km²) N2Koverlap (km²) Percentage9010 8300 1100 139020 10800 2700 259070 14700 7000 48

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9080 9300 6000 659110 516212 282142 559120 66738 21761 339130 536143 300270 569140 42911 18823 449150 136050 85154 639160 381221 174540 469170 456881 153478 349180 349815 205548 599190 300240 80942 2791B0 100 100 10091D0 436231 145772 3391E0 1055091 519678 4991F0 98094 58626 6091G0 16186 9471 5991H0 14786 6553 4491I0 25973 5878 2391K0 11900 8700 7391L0 9892 8092 8291P0 4800 1600 3391R0 2000 900 4591T0 20151 2424 1291U0 7007 2427 359210 4600 4600 1009220 1800 1800 1009260 18953 14009 7492A0 20803 17468 849340 7100 7100 1009410 98622 42635 439430 5500 2500 459530 1588 1449 919540 800 800 100

MACARONESIAN REGIONhabitatcode Art17Distribution(km²) N2Koverlap (km²) Percentage91D0 1600 600 3892D0 5200 2500 489320 4800 1700 359360 6000 1000 179370 4600 3300 729550 4700 4400 949560 7000 0 0

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MEDITERRANEAN REGIONhabitatcode Art17Distribution(km²) N2Koverlap (km²) Percentage9110 12500 8200 669120 30300 15800 529130 9000 6000 679140 1200 700 589150 48004 32805 689160 1200 800 679180 45597 24997 559190 540 540 10091B0 72259 13600 1991E0 128350 84240 6691F0 11231 7231 6491H0 6700 6700 10091M0 26400 0 09210 12778 12778 1009220 4000 4000 1009230 105877 70456 679240 89861 66480 749250 2400 2200 929260 78555 57359 739270 3000 2800 939280 6600 6300 959290 5400 4900 9192A0 344383 235644 6892B0 3800 3200 8492C0 33800 30100 8992D0 172809 13846 779310 1000 1000 1009320 55420 40136 729330 77013 57212 749340 395669 266335 679350 6500 4800 749370 700 700 1009380 23800 8900 379390 1900 1800 9593A0 1700 1100 659410 500 400 809430 22993 14094 619510 1500 1500 1009520 700 700 1009530 54360 41030 759540 127396 74387 589560 45788 27598 609570 700 500 719580 7500 5400 729590 400 400 100

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PANNONIAN REGIONHabitat code Art17Distribution(km²) N2Koverlap (km²) Percentage9110 22963 10400 459130 36349 19125 539150 12825 8325 659170 2900 1700 599180 36910 17825 489190 2100 1100 5291D0 100 0 091E0 109235 64378 5991F0 70181 37415 5391G0 61548 31165 5191H0 41360 21507 5291I0 52464 16875 3291K0 12868 5655 4491L0 18401 10814 5991M0 53716 27960 5291N0 11500 3300 29

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ANNEX 4 - SPECIES OF COMMUNITY INTEREST ASSOCIATED TO FORESTS

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62

63

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ANNEX 5 CONSERVATION STATUS OF FOREST HABITATS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST BY BIOGEOGRAPHICAL REGION (2000-2006)

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ANNEX 6 - Forest ecosystem services according with CICES classification (Source: Maes et al., 2014)

Section Division Group Class

Provisioning

NutritionBiomass

Reared animals and their outputs

Wild plants, algae and their outputs

Wild animals and their outputs

WaterSurface water for drinkingGround water for drinking

MaterialsBiomass

Fibres and other materials from plants, algae and animals for direct use or

processingMaterials from plants, algae and animals for

agricultural useGenetic materials from all biota

WaterSurface water for non-drinking purposesGround water for non-drinking purposes

Energy Biomass-based energy sources Plant-based resources

Regulation & Maintenance

Mediation of waste, toxics and other nuisances

Mediation by ecosystems

Filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation by ecosystems

Mediation of flows

Mass flowsMass stabilisation and control of erosion

ratesBuffering and attenuation of mass flows

Liquid flowsHydrological cycle and water flow

maintenanceFlood protection

Gaseous / air flowsStorm protection

Ventilation and transpiration

Maintenance of physical, chemical, biological conditions

Lifecycle maintenance, habitat and gene pool

protection

Pollination and seed dispersalMaintaining nursery populations and

habitatsPest and disease

controlPest control

Disease controlSoil formation and

compositionWeathering processes

Decomposition and fixing processes

Water conditions Chemical condition of freshwaters

Atmospheric composition and

climate regulation

Global climate regulation by reduction of greenhouse gas concentrations

Micro and regional climate regulation

Cultural

Physical and intellectual

interactions with biota,

ecosystems, and

Physical and experiential interactions

Experiential use of plants, animals and landscapes in different environmental

settings. And physical use of landscapes in different environmental settings

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landscapesIntellectual and representative

interactions

Scientific, educational, heritage, cultural, entertainment and aesthetic

Spiritual, symbolic and

other interactions with

biota, ecosystems, and

landscapes

Spiritual and/or emblematic Symbolic and sacred and/or religious

Other cultural outputs Existence and bequest

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