What is the importance of marine conservation for biodiversity? The marine environment is subject to multiple policies transcending fisheries, sustainable energy (off-shore wind turbines), maritime transport and Natura 2000. Often, just as in the terrestrial environment, competing priorities can present major practical problems for Natura 2000 site managers who are more often involved in the coastal environment.

The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC, the Birds and Habitats Directives, are now entering their implementation phase in the marine environment. What are the new roles site management organisations have to fulfill as Protected Areas are extending from coastal areas to the high seas? How are they involved in the process? How do the various policies fit together and how they can help site management organisations in the delivery of nature conservation objectives?

This workshop was led by the Eurosite Marine and Coastal Working Group, in collaboration with the EUROPARC Atlantic Isles Section. Working with members and partners, our aim was to ensure that the views of nature conservation organisations working in marine and coastal areas have opportunities to input.

Leader: Nicole Nowicki, Eurosite, The Netherlands

Case study 1: Fotios Papoulias, European Commission, DG Environment, Europe

Case study 2: Purificació Canals, Medpan, United Kingdom

Case study 3: Udo Engelhardt, Reefcare International Pty Ltd, Germany