Central Europe

This report draws on lessons learned from observations made at seven case study sites, all of which permit economic activities, especially recreation, that are not harmful to the biological values and natural functions of the area. There is now a need to translate these experiences into policy instruments. The guidelines, summarised in some 20 pages, offer sound and well-documented advice on how to proceed.

The implementation of Natura 2000 in the New EU Member States of Central Europe is a long process which began with the signing of Accession Treaties in the beginning of the 1990s and will continue for several years. Environmental NGOs have been lobbying for proper designation and implementation of Natura 2000 sites with the involvement of civil society. This publication, prepared by several experts from nature protection organisations, gives a picture of this process.

Large areas previously occupied by Warsaw Pact forces have been vacated in Central and Eastern Europe after the political changes in 1989 and 1990. Many of these areas are potentially rich in natural resources and variety of habitats.

This report draws on lessons learned from observations made at seven case study sites, all of which permit economic activities, especially recreation, that are not harmful to the biological values and natural functions of the area. There is now a need to translate these experiences into policy instruments. The guidelines, summarised in some 20 pages, offer sound and well-documented advice on how to proceed.