The interface between nature directive
and “acquatic” environmental
directives
Stefan Leiner, DG ENV
European Commission
Nature Directors Meeting
Denmark, 22 May 2012
Purpose
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EU policies and legislation on water (WFD), marine (MSFD), nature
(Birds/Hab dir), biodiversity (EU strategy 2020) closely interlinked
(objectives, provisions, reporting/information flow)
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Need to enhance integration and streamlining  more effective
implementation
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Joint discussion document for Nature/Biodiv, Water and Marine directors:
state of play, way forward
Relevant joint activities
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FAQ documents
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Relevant sector-specific guidance
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links between WFD&Birds/Hab dir (completed)
links between MSFD&Birds/Hab dir (under finalisation)
Possible consolidated policy paper on links among all areas, drawing on FAQs and
Nat/Biod Dir meet 5/2012 and WFD/MSFD workshop 6/2012
ports&estuaries (completed)
inland waterways (under finalisation)
Fisheries
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Development of common methodology for assessing impact of fisheries on marine
N2000 areas (under finalisation) – also relevant to other MPAs
Support to MS coordinated efforts (eg. Doggerbank)
Implementation of MSFD Descriptor 3 (fisheries) linked to Target 4 Biod Str and to
CFP – possibly joint expert groups
Relevant joint activities
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MPA designation/management
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Streamlining of reporting / information flow
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2012 critical for achieving substantial progress in marine Natura 2000 designations
(Action 1 EU Biod Str)
Link-up with other MPAs under MSFD/regional conventions  coherent network
Stronger cooperation between respective expert groups
Avoid duplications of reported data, synchronise reporting cycles
Integrate existing information flows and status assessments (eg. Under Art. 17 HD
and 12 BD), WISE/BISE similarities
Streamlining developments in ecosystem-based approaches and services
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Ecosystem-based approach an objective under EU Biod Str (Target 2), embedded in
MSFD, relevant to water management / RBMPs under WFD
Mapping/assessment of ecosystem services and economic value, integration in
accounting/reporting systems (Action 5 EU Biod Str)
Closer cooperation between
Nature/Biodiv, Water, Marine Directors
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Issues for discussion
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Proposal to agree to
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How to maximise synergies?
Priority areas of cooperation to be developed?
MS experience in integrated implementation?
EU – Commission action needed?
Acknowledge/support work undertaken so far to clarify links, promote streamlining,
provide guidance
Work together on fisheries-related issues, link with CFP
Collaborate on establishment/management of MPAs
Increase efforts for streamlining/harmonising reporting
Outcome of these discussions to be reported to Water and Marine directors
meetings  overall conclusions to be reflected in respective
implementation frameworks/bodies, regular updates at future director
meetings