Regulations and management plans in Natura 2000 sites
Project Summary
The project “Preparation of Special Environmental Studies, Special Reports and Management Plans for sites of the Natura 2000 Network” is implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Energy. It involves preparation of Special Environmental Studies, draft Presidential Decrees and Management Plans in accordance with the provisions of laws designating protected areas in Greece. Based on documentation provided by the project, the Ministry of Environment and Energy will propose Presidential Decrees and Management Plans for all Greek Natura 2000 sites.
This task is very important for the country, both in relation to the conservation of nature and biodiversity and in relation to its obligations towards the European Union, and in particular to the implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives.
Project duration: 2019-2024.
Funding: Operational Program Y.ME.PER.AA 2014-2020.
The Role of EKBY
EKBY participates in the technical and scientific coordination of the preparation of Special Environmental Studies, draft Presidential Decrees and Management Plans for Natura 2000 sites in Greece. Specifically, it collaborates with environmental consultant ENVECO A.E. (main contractor for the technical and scientific coordination contract) and a host of other environmental consultants and experts. As part of its tasks, EKBY participates, among other things, in the following: drawing up detailed instructions and a standard for the preparation of Special Environmental Studies and of guidelines to harmonize Management Plans; coordinating and overseeing the drafting of Presidential Decrees and Management Plans so that there is a unified approach in terms of methodology, structure and format of deliverables; cooperating with pertinent agencies and other involved bodies; developing a database and geographic information system to record zones and management measures in protected areas; organizing consultation and public participation processes.
Results
The project provides the required data and information to the Ministry of Environment and Energy for the designation of protected areas, the delineation of protected zones, the regulation of land uses and activities within the zones, and the identification of suitable conservation and management measures in all Greek Natura 2000 site. In doing so, the project lays out the foundation for addressing shortcomings in regulations and planning in order to enhance the protection and management of Natura 2000 sites in Greece. The project is not complete and its deliverables are not publicly available in their final form.
