About 100 participants from governmental and stakeholder organisations in eight Member States attended the second Atlantic Biogeographical Seminar from 25 to 27 October 2016. The seminar was hosted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland. Organised by Eurosite as part of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process, the event aimed to improve and strengthen the implementation of Natura 2000 in the Atlantic region and ensure progress towards the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets.

Specific attention was given to drafting a roadmap of actions for further cooperation on the improvement of the conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats at the biogeographical level.

During four field visits participants saw the threats and issues, management practices and management planning approaches being applied in different Natura 2000 sites. The participants shared experiences about related issues and management approaches in their countries. The field visits provided excellent food for thought for the discussions in the working groups, which identified common issues and potential practical solutions to: integrated management approaches to Natura 2000; adaptive approaches to agriculture and nature conservation; communication and stakeholder engagement; and setting conservation objectives.

The seminar outcomes will be compiled into a report and made available on the Natura 2000 Communication Platform.

Eurosite is a member of the consortium of partners led by our member ECNC that support the EC in the development and implementation of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process.