SPLAN-Natura Towards an integrated spatial planning approach for Natura th January, 2017 Brussels. Commissioned by DG Environment

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1 SPLAN-Natura 2000 Towards an integrated spatial planning approach for Natura 2000 Commissioned by DG Environment 17 th January, 2017 Brussels V. Simeonova (Ph.D.)

2 Drivers towards integrating Biodiversity conservation objectives in sectoral policies Polices: Nature Directives and Natura 2000 other environmental legislation Fitness check report European Semesters Research: Ecological networks & habitat connectivity Ecosystem services Population viability Societal challenges: Sustainability goals and socio-economic needs

3 Spatial development and competing claims Social equity Sustainable spatial development Natura 2000 and Land Use Pressures Economic growth Environmental quality

4 Methodology: policies, scales, practices Policy background Assessment of coherence between spatial planning, sectoral policies and Natura 2000 Spatial Planning Scale EU, Member States, local context Best practices Spatial planning for Natura 2000 in different sectors

5 Coherence between spatial planning, Natura 2000 and sectoral policies 5

6 Understanding the role of Spatial Planning? Coordination of spatial dimension of sectoral policies dealing with tensions and contradictions among sectoral policies. Long-medium-term strategies for territories, dealing with land use and physical development, coordinating sectoral policies ESP Compendium: methods to influence the future distribution of activities in space, creating a more rational territorial organization of land uses...to balance demands for development with the need to protect the environment ensure social and economic development Measures to coordinate the spatial impacts of sectoral policies to achieve a more even distribution of economic development between regions than would otherwise be created by market forces, and to regulate the conversion of land and property uses. 6

7 How spatial planning usually works? approval of plans and projects strategy directing spatial development Coordinate policy objectives of different sectors Strategic long term vision for territorial development Methodology: tools to integrate, balance and collaborate

8 How Spatial Planning implements Natura 2000? Land use pressures Spatial planning policy Sectoral legislation Sectoral plans Spatial plans Natura 2000 policy (Nature Directives) Assessment of impacts of spatial plans and projects on Natura 2000 (article 6)

9 Spatial Planning of the Member Sates Variety of planning systems with differences in: Priorities embedded in spatial planning policy regarding nature conservation (scope) No unified and systematic approach to spatial planning for Natura 2000! Spatial planning families in Europe Governance levels at which spatial planning addresses these priorities (competences) Instruments that spatial planning provides Cross-cutting effect of spatial planning policy Actors involved 9

10 Integrated Spatial Planning for Natura 2000? to maintain the spatial coherence of Natura 2000 trade-offs between sectoral developments and nature conservation to achieve an effective long term implementation process.

11 SPLAN Natura 2000 findings 11

12 Spatial Planning and Natura 2000: Towards an Integrated Spatial Planning Approach Key messages: Integration of the Birds and Habitats Directives provisions in spatial planning processes is indispensable. Implementing an integrated spatial planning approach needs progress Shared governance practices, based on co-ordination and co-operation among different governmental levels and across sectoral policies. 12

13 Key messages: Decentralization of spatial planning competences and responsibilities Local authorities need sufficient administrative and knowledge capacity Considering land-use development trends and pressures on Natura 2000 Foreseeing mitigation of impacts on the connectivity and functionality of the network. 13

14 Land use pressures: present and future Key message: Ongoing urbanisation, intensification of agriculture and land abandonment. Future: in peripheral regions land abandonment, renewable energy. In non-peripheral regions, urbanisation, infrastructure, transport, renewable energy, agriculture In the marine area: extraction of non-living resources, tourism and recreation. 14

15 Synergy between sectoral policies, spatial planning and Natura 2000 Key message: Evident synergy between sectoral policies and Nature Directive (guidelines for applying integrated spatial planning approaches) A number of successful planning practices and lessons learned Stakeholder participation and consultation and representation of actors from different sectors. 15

16 EU funds and Natura 2000 Key messages: Variety of funding measures to improve the functionality and connectivity of Natura 2000 and enhance synergy between spatial planning processes of the MSs. Synergy between different EU funding instruments in order to enhance the impact of these funds on nature conservation and Natura 2000 implementation 16

17 The Natura 2000 network across borders Functional connectivity by cross-border planning. Cross-border initiatives not yet a common practice. Lack of strategic guidance, transaction costs and understanding of benefits. Cross-border collaboration to be embedded in the Habitat and Birds Directives Cross border spatial planning for Natura 2000 part of Life+ and Territorial Cooperation. 17

18 Spatial planning technologies for Natura 2000 GIS tools: reliable information basis and decision-support tools. Harmonisation of data, common standards for information use. Impacts of development plans on Natura 2000, can be assessed based on different data at different spatial scales. Innovative GIS decision-support tools to enhance public participation and solicit wide-range of experts and public opinions. 18

19 Key conclusions Policy frameworks Natura 2000: an integral part of long term strategies for spatial planning Spatial planning systems of the Member States need to be enhanced with regard to the need to implement the Nature Directives ( e.g. Natura 2000 a priority objective within long term spatial plans (5-10 years); 19

20 Key conclusions Process and Knowledge Development of spatial plans need to be based on ecological knowledge and principles and be developed by interdisciplinary teams of experts; SEA, EIA and AA need to be based on sector-specific impact assessment criteria on ecological connectivity (e.g. guidelines per sector, update guidelines). Early engagement of stakeholders will ensure the quality, legitimacy, and the public support for the plan 20

21 Towards an integrated spatial planning approach for Natura 2000! Coordination across scales of planning Stakeholders early involvement Consultation and participation Collaboration across sectors Ecological knowledge on impacts and measures Strategic vision Shared responsibilities and competences Institutional capacity to link strategies with spatial plans Sectoral developments Decision-support tools