The European Commission – DG Environment at EUROPARC Conference 2017

The European Commission – DG Environment was represented at the highest level at EUROPARC Conference 2017. Read about the important message they brought to EUROPARC members by three members of the DG Environment.

A welcome message from Karmenu Vella

Due to Agenda incompatibility, Mr. Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, sent us an important video highlighting the need for a better connection between nature and people. Mr Vella stressed that

protected areas raise awareness of the value of nature and they deliver multiple benefits. But we need a better connection to nature and for t, at we need good city plans, that integrate nature and green spaces.

After a first welcoming video-message at EUROPARC Conference 2016, the Commissioner highlighted the work of EUROPARC “in the promotion of protected areas and development of sustainable tourism”.

The EU Action Plan for nature, people and the economy

Presentation by Humberto Delgado Rosa, Director for Natural Capital

Following the inspirational video-message of Mr Vella, Humberto Delgado Rosa, Director for Natural Capital on the Directorate-General Environment, shared with us how the EU is working towards a positive leap for the future of nature and people in Europe. The recently launched “Action Plan for people, nature and the economy” was the main topic of his presentation.

Mr Delgado Rosa briefly described the Fitness Check Process (that the basis of the Action Plan), detailed the 4 priority areas of action, highlighting the “essential role of regional and local authorities” in implementing the Action Plan and EUROPARC’s key-role has a partner in delivering the Action Plan.

Download the presentation here

Practical workshop by Micheal O’Briain, Deputy Head of Nature Unit

Managing Natura 2000 sites EU Action Plan for nature, people and the economy: how it helps Protected Area managers, and vice versa? was the title of Mr. O’Briain presentation on Workshop 6: The Laws of Nature. During the workshops, participants got a practical insight practical on how Protected Areas are expected to contribute to the Action Plan objectives and the tools the EU is developing to smoother the process for all involved stakeholders.

Download the presentation here and read more about the outcomes of the workshop here.

Cooperation with DG Environment

For the past years, EUROPARC office in Brussels has been nurturing a strong relationship with the Directorate-General Environment. Several meetings have been held with the Commissioner Karmenu Vella and , where we represented our members needs and provided direct input from the field on the achievement of the EU Nature Directives. Moreover, in June, we organised the first  Cpmmission a view fwith several meetings and events organised in partnership