International policy
Eurosite rallies in Brussels on behalf of Members’ site management interests. Working with Members and partners, Eurosite positions the network and the collective expertise it represents.
In particular, Eurosite focuses on the following issues:
- The full implementation of the EU Birds and Habitats Directive – the cornerstone of European nature conservation legislation - as key to achieving the targets of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020.
- The clear view of the new Commission that economic growth is the most important policy area for Europe and the implications this has for environmental policy given that economies are dependent on the natural environment.
There is a strong case to be made that such challenges can only be truly addressed by acting on a pan-European scale. Eurosite and its network has a unique and powerful role to play; ensuring that Natura 2000 is managed as a network of sites rather than as a series of discrete natural areas. Following the Mid-term review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 it is anticipated that leading up to and beyond 2020 the EU policy arena will rapidly evolve. Given this situation, Eurosite works to ensure improved implementation of the Nature Directives, as this is the only way to achieve the current and future EU and global biodiversity goals.
Demand for economic growth and changes in climate are amongst the biggest threats to our natural environment. This requires integrated responses and action between people and nature, policy makers and practitioners, nature conservation organisations and others impacting on the environment.
European Habitats Forum
One of the arenas where Eurosite represents the interests of its members is the European Habitats Forum (EHF) – assembling leading European nature conservation organisations and coordinates communication between them and the European Commission.