Abstract
The EU goal to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010 has not been reached. Therefore, the Council
of the European Union has formulated a vision for 2050. Among others, it concludes that a
speed up of the completion of the Natura 2000 network is needed. However, the functional
connectivity within the Natura 2000 network is regarded still insufficient. To improve spatial
cohesion of Natura 2000 the establishment of a Green Infrastructure is recommended. A Green
Infrastructure is defined as an interconnected network of natural areas, including agricultural
land, greenways, wetlands, forest reserves, native plant communities and marine areas that
naturally regulate storm flows, temperatures, flood risk and water, air and ecosystem quality.
The Council of the European Union calls on to further develop the concept of Green
Infrastructure.
In this paper we analyse governance structures which can be used to improve the
network functioning of Natura 2000, especially by developing a Green Infrastructure. Since most
of the rural areas between Natura 2000 sites are owned by farmers, we focus on instruments
from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The term “rural” in this paper is used in a regional
sense. Regions may be defined as levels from an environmental scale perspective, i.e. using
environmental (hydrological, biogeographical) boundaries. However, regions may also be
defined on a social, economic or administrative scale. Land use has environmental
consequences that differ markedly depending on the pattern of remaining habitat and the size
and proximity of disturbances to ecologically sensitive areas. Both natural and man-made
amenities have to be taken into account. However, this increases the problems to determine the
spatial level for analysis.
This paper presents some recommendations for potential governance structures within
the CAP, which can contribute to spatial cohesion in favour of Natura 2000 on a regional,
national and international level, especially by means of developing a Green Infrastructure. The
analysis is conducted using new institutional economics theory. The paper ends with some
recommendations for potential instruments within the CAP, which can contribute to spatial
cohesion in favour of Natura 2000 on a regional, national and international level.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Book of abstracts of the Scaling and governance conference 2010, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 11-12 November 2010 |
Place of Publication | Wageningen, the Netherlands |
Publisher | Wageningen UR |
Pages | 69-70 |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Event | Scaling and Governance Conference 2010 - Wageningen, Netherlands Duration: 10 Nov 2010 → 12 Nov 2010 |
Conference/symposium
Conference/symposium | Scaling and Governance Conference 2010 |
---|---|
Country/Territory | Netherlands |
City | Wageningen |
Period | 10/11/10 → 12/11/10 |