Natura 2000 and Europe’s Forest. Understanding and Tackling Implementation Challenges
Abstract
Forests are key ecosystems for conserving Europe’s biodiversity and an important focus of the protected area network Natura 2000 – the EU’s cornerstone nature policy. They are also essential for delivering multiple ecosystem goods and services to human societies. Yet, forest biodiversity conservation under Natura 2000 faces several challenges which may trigger conflicts during the implementation of the network. The BiodivERsA-funded BeFoFu project has investigated both ecological challenges related to the management of protected forests and governance challenges related to the implementation of Natura 2000. This Policy Brief describes these socio-ecological challenges, presents key research results, and outlines policy solution pathways towards improving the effectiveness of Natura 2000 with regards to the conservation and sustainable management of Europe’s forests.