Eurosite annual report 2016 final by Eurosite

Eurosite Annual Report 2016 1

About this Annual Report Unless otherwise stated all images © Eurosite Page 5 right courtesy of K. Rabski Page 5 left and 10 courtesy of K. Skordas Page 8 left courtesy of LIFE Page 9 courtesy of P. Eckersley

Contents 1. 2. 3.

Letter from the Eurosite President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Timeline of key activities 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Implementing the Eurosite Strategy 2015-2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Objective 1: Networking for Europe’s nature Priority Activity 1: Workshops and field meetings on key issues – recognizing the importance of face to face contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Embracing Estuaries - Management of Natura 2000 sites in Estuaries and Sea Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Atlantic Natura 2000 Biogeographical Seminar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Language Course: English for Nature Protection Specialists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eurosite Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Twinning Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Priority Activity 2: An online platform to allow Members to request and receive specialist information relevant to their needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Priority Activity 3: Working groups on interesting / specific issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New working groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Objective 2: A Gold Standard for information Priority Activity 1: Advice on site management in relation to conservation and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Database Filemaker Pro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Natura 2000 branding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Eurosite Twinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..........7 Eurosite Integration Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 8 Farmer’s Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...........8 European Private Land Conservation Network (ELCN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Priority Activity 2: Training events – at various levels to suit Members’ needs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Priority Activity 3: Technical information about funding, project management and legislative changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Objective 3: Advocacy for site-based nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Priority Activity 1: Representation for Members at European level to provide a role in policy making. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Priority Activity 2: Timely information to Members about what is happening at EU level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Priority Activity 3: Effective communication channels with the EC, working in both directions, on policy and funding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Objective 4: Building a strong future Priority Activity 1: Work with ECNC and other partners to develop funding and project opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ELCN & Farmer’s Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..........9 Friends of Eurosite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 9 Memorandum of Understanding with ECNC - European Center for Nature Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Priority Activity 2: Secure and develop present funding: membership fees and EU funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Priority Activity 3: Create clear financial projections (1-5 years) and build a financial reserve to improve cash flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.

The Eurosite Network - as of December 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The Report of the Treasurer 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Contact us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Eurosite Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eurosite Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eurosite members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friends of Eurosite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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1. Letter from the Eurosite President The year 2016 has been quite a dynamic and interesting ride. It was filled with inspiring, new collaborations, and the creation of two brand new Eurosite working groups. The Eurosite community has put in profound effort to increase knowledge and further expand effective practices in field monitoring of natural sites. With the improvement of nature conservation management and practice as a common purpose of every individual and organisation within the network, intense developments were made towards all four Eurosite objectives. It would be impossible to carry out Eurosite’s mission and vision without the trust and engagement of our members, the dedicated Eurosite Board and Council and the hardworking Secretariat staff. I would like to express my gratitude to all of you. Furthermore, I hope you will enjoy reading our Annual Report, as it is the written summary and proof of what a united network can accomplish when its nodes join forces. Stefan Versweyveld Eurosite President

“Working together toward a common vision and sharing knowledge is what makes the Eurosite network great. Its strength lies in its diversity, while simultaneously achieving goals in unison.” Stefan Versweyveld, Eurosite President

2. Timeline of key activities 2016 26 January Attendance at New Island Archipelago Reception, organised by the Dutch Province of Flevoland (Brussels)

31 March Launch of the new Eurosite website

23 February Eurosite’s President Stefan Versweyveld meets with EC’s Mr. Kremer to discuss the realisation of a Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process thematic networking event on estuaries (Brussels) 13 April Eurosite’s President participates in the panel and represents Eurosite at the International Fitness Check Symposium (Bunschoten)

18 April Attendance at EU Expert Group meeting on the management of Natura 2000 (Brussels)

18 April Kick-off of the the Eurosite Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Working Group

26 April Attendance at European Habitats Forum (EHF) meeting (Brussels)

31 May Eurosite’s LandLIFE Project wins LIFE award for being one of the five best LIFE information projects (Brussels)

1-3 June Eurosite and its member ATEN offer an English Language Course for nature protection specialists (Arles)

22 June Kick-off of the Eurosite Wetlands and Climate Change Working Group

15-16 September Eurosite co-organised the ‘Embracing Estuaries - Management of Natura 2000 sites in Estuaries and Sea Ports’ Workshop (Hamburg)

28 September Meeting with EC’s Sylvia Barova to discuss Natura 2000 Branding (Brussels)

11-12 October The Eurosite Secretariat participates in member recruitment and retention training (London)

25 - 27 October Attendance at the Atlantic Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process Seminar (Ireland)

10 November Eurosite Annual General Meeting (Greece)

30 November - 1 December Twinning Workshop

17-18 October Eurosite President attends the Annual Meeting of CEEweb for Biodiversity

7-9 November Workshop ‘Ecosystems at yout Service’ (Greece)

21-22 November Attendance at European Habitats Forum (EHF) meeting (Brussels)

20 December Meeting with EC’s Francois Kremer to present the results of the Twinning Workshop (Brussels)

3. Implementing the Eurosite Strategy 2015-2020 Following the adoption of the new Eurosite Strategy 2015-2020 in January 2015, a draft proposal from the Eurosite Board was considered and a new Mission, Vision, Value Proposition Statement and four Key Objectives agreed upon. The following actions were implemented in line with the agreed Eurosite objectives. Objective 1: Networking for Europe’s nature – Eurosite is recognised as a vital, relevant and active network organisation with a solid, essential agenda for European nature Priority Activity 1: Workshops and field meetings on key issues – recognizing the importance of face to face contact The clear prioritization of this activity reflects the central role that networking and field meetings have played over Eurosite’s 27 year history. That is why Eurosite is a member of the ECNC-led consortium delivering the implementation of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process, which clearly prioritises the importance of networking and knowledge sharing. In 2015, the European Commission, with support from the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process consortium, launched the next phase of the Process (2015-2017), which builds on the success of previous Biogeographical Seminars and Thematic Networking events organised around key issues during the Seminars. In 2016, there were six Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process networking events, two of which were co-organised by Eurosite.

The Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process - networking Embracing estuaries - Management of Natura 2000 sites in Estuaries and Sea Ports 15-16 September 2016, Hamburg, Germany Eurosite supported the Elbe Habitat Foundation in organising the workshop in cooperation with the EU Commission and the Hamburg Ministry of Environment and Energy. It was supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation and funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety. The two-day workshop was part of the Biogeographical Process of the Atlantic Region. The workshop’s main goal was to encourage dialogue between scientists, practitioners and policymakers, and to encourage their collaboration on the challenges of managing Natura 2000 sites and implementing management plans in estuaries and sea ports. The workshop summary report is available on the Natura 2000 Communication Platform: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/platform/events/201_ management_of_natura_2000_sites_in_estuaries_and_sea_ports_en.htm

Second Atlantic Natura 2000 Biogeographical Seminar 25-27 October 2016, Ennistymon, Ireland About 100 participants from eight Member States attended the Second Atlantic Biogeographical Seminar. Organised by Eurosite as part of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process, the event aimed to improve and strengthen implementation of Natura 2000 in the Atlantic region and ensure progress towards the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets. Specific attention was given to drafting a road map of actions for further cooperation on the improvement of the conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats at the biogeographical level. During four field visits participants saw the threats and issues, management practices and planning approaches being applied in different Natura 2000 sites. They provided excellent food for thoughts for the working groups, which identified common issues and potential practical solutions to: integrated management approaches to Natura 2000; adaptive approaches to agriculture and nature conservation; communication and stakeholders engagement; and setting conservation objectives. Eurosite had the lead role in preparing for and organisation of the Seminar, as a member of the consortium of partners led by our member ECNC that support the EC in development and implementation of Natura 2000. The workshop report can be found on the Natura 2000 Communication Platform: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/ platform/documents/atlantic_seminar/atlantic-seminar-report-Ireland-oct-2016-final-draft_en.pdf

Language course: English for Nature Protection Specialists 1-3 June, Arles, France Eurosite member Aten and Eurosite, in collaboration with A&C Customised Training Solutions, offered a tailor-made English language course for Nature Protection Specialists. The course was designed to improve one’s overall level of English, especially focusing on broadening vocabulary customised to the particular field of nature conservation.

Eurosite Annual Meeting 7-10 November 2016, Serres, Greece This year’s Annual Meeting was hosted by Eurosite member Hunting Federation of Macedonia & Thrace (KOMATH). The meeting was attended by approximately 50 participants from all over Europe. As an integral part of the meeting, Eurosite Economics and Ecosystem Services Working Group organised a seminar ‘Ecosystems at your Service’. It covered the topic of ecosystem services and how these can help site managers in increasing support for the management and protection activitities in their sites. The most valuable parts of the seminar were three training workshops related to this topic (Towards a market system for nature credits?; Natural Capital - getting others involved; Tools and assessments of ecosystem services), which were very much appreciated by participants. The meeting also served as an opportunity for the Eurosite Board and Council to meet, as well as to have the official Annual Members Meeting. The Wetlands and Climate Change Working Group used the opportunity to have an in-person meeting to present the work of the group to the broader network. Participants paid a registration fee to cover the costs of the event. Overall, the seminar was very well received. All participants were very enthousiastic, The plenary session was scored with 8.6, and the three thematic workshops scored on average 7.75 (out of 10). Summaries of the seminar’s keynotes and workshops were published in the form of a thematic eNewsletter focusing on ecosystem services. As a result of the seminar, four new members have joined the Economics and Ecosystems Working Group. The thematic eNewsletter can be found at http://us3.campaign-archive1.com

Twinning Workshop 30 November - 1 December 2016, Ackerdijkse Plassen & Tiengemeten, the Netherlands In response to the demand coming from the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process, and in consultuation with the Nature Protection Unit of DG Environment, Eurosite organised a workshop focusing on the development of the Natura 2000 Twinning Framework. Hosted by Eurosite member Natuurmonumenten, the workshop was attended by 24 participants. It was an opportunity to look backand learn from past experiences in twinning and discuss and design the countours of a new framework. It should capture the outcomes and lessons learned from cooperation between Natura 2000 sites and make these learning point accessible to the wider site management community. Such a (formal) framework will hugely benefit the exchange of knowledge and experience between both public and private Natura 2000 managers accross Europe. The results of the workshop were presented to the European Commission during a meeting with delegates from DG Environment on 20 December 2016. More information: http://eurosite.org/events/eurosite-twinning-workshop/ Priority Activity 2: An online platform to allow Members to request and receive specialist information relevant to their needs To construct such a platform, information was collected during 2016. Additionally, the structure for a thematic guidance section on the Eurosite website was developed. Thematic pages currently under development include the following topics: management planning, communication, ecosystem services, monitoring, forestry, funding, green infrastructure, climate change, invasive species, marine and coastal, tourism and wilderness. Further topics will be considered based on the demand for information coming out of the Eurosite Network. Eurosite Working Groups will have an important role in collecting and generating the knowledge to populate the thematic guidance section pages. Priority Activity 3: Working groups on interesting / specific issues In 2016, the work of our Economics and Ecosystem Services Working Group has continued. The Working Group has met in person several times during the year at the offices of Staatsbosbeheer in Amersfoort. The Working Group had a key role in organising the thematic seminar during the Annual Meeting in Serres, Greece: Ecosystems at your service. Furthermore, Mr. Jan Veenstra took over the chairing of the Working Group from Mr. Hans Schiphorst. New working groups Given the importance given to working groups by the members, in our application for a 2016-2017 LIFE Framework Partnership Agreement, which we were successful in securing, we committed to re-establish the Eurosite Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Working Group and launch a new Working Group on Wetlands and Climate Change. These working groups also make use of the Trelllo platform and hold meetings regularly. They started to carry out their activities in April and June 2016. The Wetlands and Climate Change Working Group is chaired by the Eurosite Secretariat, whereas the Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Working Group is chaired by Ms. PhĂŠnia Marras - AĂŻt Razouk.

Objective 2: A Gold Standard for information – Eurosite is recognised as the leading source of information about best practice in nature site management and related European policy matters Priority Activity 1: Advice on site management in relation to conservation and development Database Filemaker Pro For the further development of a database, an expert was hired to build a professional database with Filemaker Pro. The database provides the opprtunity to store extensive relevant information about our contacts and members, as for example their expertise, interests and needs. In addition, it allows the Secretariat to track the engagement within the network. It enables us to identify gaps with regards to member needs and expectations and it contributes to maintaining member satisfaction. Natura 2000 branding In aiming to promote the benefits of Natura 2000 to society, a branding campaign was prepared for kick-off in early 2017. Most effort was invested in the development of the branding website. The website is part of the Natura 2000 branding campaign, in that it stresses the benefits Natura 2000 can provide to local economies. It showcases products produced in Natura 2000 areas accompanied by inspiring background stories about the collaborations and socio-economic benefits related to those products. By sharing these successful and positive stories the campaign aims to trigger new partnerships between site managers, farmers and local businesses, and improve perceptions of and increase support for the Natura 2000 network. In 2016, the complete website was developed, and the first batch of products and background stories were collected.

www.natura2000branding.eu

Eurosite Twinning Twinning has always been an important part of Eurosite’s work. In 1987 – the European Year of the Environment – the European Natural Sites Twinning Programme was launched with the financial support of the European Commission and to support the cooperation of nature conservation management organisations from across Europe. Eurosite was born from this Twinning Programme, and ever since then we have been facilitating twinnings of natural sites across Europe. The final report of the previously mentioned Twinning Workshop collates the experience in twinning to-date of Eurosite, its members and other organisations in Europe who have experience in twinning. The report distills the most important lessons learned. Based on these, it presents a number of recommendations for the development of a functional European Natura 2000 Twinning Framework: - streamlining the twinning process; - stakeholders and their role in twinning; - defining the users of twinning; - possible role of Eurosite and partners; - way forward and next steps. Read the Eurosite Twinning Guidelines: http://issuu.com/eurosite

Eurosite Integration Fund The Eurosite Integration Fund was put in place to offer financial support to members when travelling to Eurosite workshops, meetings, seminars or other events. In 2016, through the integration fund we were able to support 10 members and working group members. Farmer’s Pride Eurosite has attempted to connect with academia throughout 2016. The attempt was successful in that a Horizon 2020 Proposal was submitted and awarded. The Farmer’s Pride project will be executed in 2018-2020. European Private Land Conservation Network (LIFE ELCN) In 2016 a proposal was developed for the Development of a European Private Land Conservation Network (ELCN) and submitted to the LIFE Preparatory Call for Proposals. The proposal was successful and it is expected that the project will begin in 2017. Eurosite has the leading role in the networking and project communications. If the project is successful, Eurosite will become the secretariat for the newly established Network after the project has ended. The ELCN network will be officially launched during the Eurosite Annual Meeting in 2019, which will also be the final conference of the project. This LIFE project is led by NABU (Germany), and other partners are Natuurpunt (Belgium), Montis (Portugal), Fundacion Biodiversidad (Spain), Fundatia ADEPT (Romania), ELY Centre Lapland (Finland), IMA Europe (EU) and WWF Oasi (Italy). Priority Activity 2: Training events – at various levels to suit Members’ needs Trainings that were given this year comprise the two training sessions given by the Economics and Ecosystem Working Group during the Annual General Meeting in Serres, Greece and the English language course for Nature Protection Specialists. All these trainings are described under Priority Activity 1 of Objective 1 of this report. Priority Activity 3: Technical information about funding, project management and legislative changes Through our website, social media and monthly eNewsletter we have shared the latest information about funding and site management, as well as updates on legislative changes and developments in European environmental policy. Probably the most important topic in this field was the Fitness Check evaluation of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. The final evaluation report was published by the Commission on 16 December 2016, concluding that, within the framework of broader EU biodiversity policy, the Directives remain highly relevant and are fit for purpose. However, there is a need for a substantial improvement in their implementation in close partnership with local authorities and different stakeholders in the Member States to deliver practical results on the ground for nature, people and the economy in the EU. Eurosite has closely followed this topic by regularly publishing updates throughout the year, in several of the 12 monthly eNewsletters. In addition, two thematic eNewsletters were published in 2016, prepared with the support of the Eurosite Working Groups. Following the Annual Meeting a thematic newsletter about ecosystem services was published with the support of the Economics and Ecosystem Services Working Group, covering the topic of how to incorporate ecosystem services into practical site management. Wetlands and Climate Change Working Group has supported the preparation of a thematic newsletter on managing the wetlands as a naturebased solution to climate change. Objective 3: Advocacy for site-based nature – Eurosite provides the advocacy that is required at the EU level to provide political and practical support for site-based nature conservation in Europe Priority Activity 1: Representation for Members at European level to provide a role in policy making In 2016, Eurosite attended a number of key meetings and events in Brussels in order to represent the members and ensure that the members remain informed about the latest nature-related policy processes: •

In April, Eurosite’s President represented Eurosite at the International Fitness Check Symposium;

• European Habitats Forum meeting: In April and November, Eurosite’s Network Development Manager Kristijan Čivić attended a meeting of the European Habitats Forum in Brussels;

• Expert Group on the Management of Natura 2000: In April Kristijan Čivić attended the 14th meeting of the Expert Group on the Management of Natura 2000 on behalf of the Eurosite network;

• Green Week 2016: Eurosite and Eurosite member Xarxia de Custòdia del Territori‘s LandLife Project wins LIFE Award for Nature for being among the best LIFE information projects;

• Eurosite’s President attended the Natura 2000 Awards Ceremony.

Priority Activity 2: Timely information to Members about what is happening at EU level We regularly provide our members with relevant news and updates in EU policy development. While using our communication channels (website, social media and the eNewsletter) to keep the Eurosite network informed, we also ensure that we send a report back to members about meetings and events attended in Brussels. This provides many of our members, who do not have the resources to attend such events, with a valuable service. Both the website and the eNewsletter contain a ‘Brussels section’ especially for the purpose of transmitting information on what is happening on EU level.

Priority Activity 3: Effective communication channels with the European Commission, working in both directions, on policy and funding Eurosite has been a reliable partner of the European Commission ever since our establishment in 1989. The emphasis of this cooperation has always been on building a two-way relationship with the European Commission. In 2016 there have been multiple occasions on which Eurosite Board and Secretariat had meetings with the European Commission. One of these occasions was when Eurosite’s Communications and Membership Officer Hanneke Wijnja and Eurosite President Stefan Versweyveld had a meeting with EC’s Sylvia Barova to discuss the branding of Natura 2000 and the corresponding products campaign. On another instance, Network Development Manager Kristijan Čivić and Eurosite President Stefan Versweyveld met with representatives of DG Environment Nature Protection Unit to discuss the outcomes of the Twinning Workshop and the possibilities of working together in the future on the development of a Natura 2000 Twinning Framework. Such meetings and attending European events are viewed as a communication channel with the European Commission of great importance. Participation in the European Habitats Forum (EHF) is considered particularly valuable, due to the European Commission’s view of the EHF as repesentatitive of the EU environmental NGOs. Objective 4: Building a strong future – Eurosite is a resilient organisation with the human and financial resources necessary to deliver the expectations of the members Priority Activity 1: Work with ECNC and other partners to develop funding and project opportunities ELCN & Farmer’s Pride In 2016 Eurosite successfully developed proposals for a LIFE project (ELCN) and a Horizon 2020 project (Farmer’s Pride). The European Private Land Conservation Network and the Farmer’s Pride project will both last three years.

Friends of Eurosite Throughout 2016 there have been exploratory talks with CEEweb for Biodiversity concerning their intention of becoming a ‘friend of Eurosite’. Given the clear complementary aims of Eurosite and CEEweb for Biodiversity, particularly regarding the exchange of knowledge and experience, geographic coverage, and a number of common themes addressed by the two networks, both organisations explressed interest to formalise their working relationship. CEEweb for Biodiversity is a network of non-governmental organisations in the Central and Eastern European region working for 20 years in 20 countries. The mission of CEEweb is the conservation of biodiversity through the promotion of sustainable development. CEEweb works through advocacy, influencing decision making, common projects, capacity building, networking and awareness raising. It targets its members, local, national and international decision makers, NGOs and NGO networks, companies and the scientific community. Friends of Eurosite are nature conservation related organisations or networks with which we have a long-term working relationship. Friendships are formalised through a Friends of Eurosite agreement, which sets out the goals for the friendship and is reviewed on an annual basis. The Migratory Birds for People Programme (MBP) has been a friend of Eurosite since July 2015.

Memorandum of Understanding with ECNC - European Center for Nature Conservation During Eurosite’s 2014 Annual Meeting in Haarlem (Netherlands), Eurosite members voted in favour of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Eurosite and ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation. The MoU is a formal agreement that outlines our commitment to work closely together. Eurosite has already worked with ECNC for a number of years and cooperation between Eurosite and ECNC has continued to increased since we are based in the same offices in Tilburg. Especially since this the relocation of our office, it became clear there are synergies between the work that the two organisation do and that we could benefit from one another’s expertise. ECNC is a research and policy focused organisations, and this compliments Eurosite’s focus on site management. “I highly value the Memorandum of Understanding between Eurosite and ECNC. It provides an excellent basis for increasing effective cooperation in various fields - from staff operations to project cooperation and sharing facilities. It is a true pleasure to work with Eurosite” - Rob Wolters, Executive Director ECNC In 2016, both organisations regard the MoU as essential and desirable. It has been managed proactively throughout the year by regular meetings that have mainly discussed operational and project-related matters. For the coming third year of the MoU, more strategic matters on how even closer working can be achieved will be considered. Joint working has been taking place in the following areas: • EC Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process ; • Eurosite’s Economics and Ecosystem Working Group: ECNC has been playing a role, most recently in Eurosite’s Annual Meeting in Serres, November 2016; • Communications: sharing news items and databases; • Eurosite Secretariat staff Hanneke Wijnja and Kristijan Civic are both long-standing ECNC employees and retain some of their working time with ECNC. ECNC is considering moving to a new office within the same building and would like Eurosite to join them in an open-plan office in which both organisations work in the same space, while keeping the integrity of individual organisations. Priority Activity 2: Secure and develop present funding: membership fees and EU funding Compared to 2015 Eurosite received slightly less membership fee income in 2016. We welcomed new individual members, but sadly also received a couple of resignations. Fortunately we had been successfull in securing EU NGO Funding for 2016/17. In 2015, Eurosite successfully applied for an EU NGO Framework Partnership Agreement for the years 2016 and 2017, based on the new Eurosite Strategy 2015 - 2020, which we wrote together with our members. To realise an expanding Eurosite network and membership base, Eurosite’s Senior Project and Finance Officer Carlijn Poirters and the Communications and Membership Officer Hanneke Wijnja attended a training on membership retention and recruitment. It created a clearer insight into tactics for ensuring membership satisfaction and therefore a higher retention rate, as well as effective approaches for recruiting new members. Lessons learned were converted into a retention strategy in October 2016. A start has been made with a recruitment strategy that will be further developed in 2017.

Priority Activity 3: Create clear financial projections (1-5 years) and build a financial reserve to improve cash flow Eurosite’s main aim in 2016 was to closely monitor the budget and cash flow and to review any outstanding membership fees. As a result, the financial result for 2016 was quite well: we were able to add an amount to our reserves to improve cash flow. Eurosite aims to participate in multi-annual contracts, such as the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process service contracts, which will help to make clearer financial projections for years to come.

4. The Eurosite Network - as of December 2016 Eurosite Board

President Stefan Versweyveld Natuurpunt Belgium

Sergi Marí Xarxa de Custòdia del Territori, xct

Secretary

Treasurer

David Parker Individual member

Fedde Koster Non-member

United Kingdom

Netherlands

Anita Prosser Non-member

Kazimierz Rabski Society for the Coast (EUCC-Poland)

United Kingdom

Poland

Artemis Yiordamli Terra Cypria - the Cyprus Conservation Foundation

Spain

Cyprus

On behalf of all members of the network, our grateful thanks are extended to them for their service on the Board.

Eurosite Council Jussi Päivinen

Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services

Finland

Xavier Gayte

Aten

France

Jean Jalbert

Tour du Valat - Centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

France

Lydia Alvanou

Authority for the Management of the Protected Area of Axios Loudias Aliakmonas Estuaries

Greece

Harry Koenders

Staatsbosbeheer

Netherlands

Teo Wams

Natuurmonumenten (supported by Patrick Nuvelstijn)

Netherlands

Anna Willińska

Kampinos National Park

Poland

Viorica Bisca

Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority

Romania

Josefin Olsson

Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

Sweden

Eurosite Members Belgium -- Natuurpunt Cyprus -- Terra Cypria, the Cyprus Conservation Foundation Czech Republic -- The Krkonose Mountains National Park

Netherlands -- Brabants Landschap -- Crossbill Guides Foundation -- ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation -- Foundation for Restoring European Ecosystems (FREE Nature) -- Natuurmonumenten -- Staatsbosbeheer -- Vanellus Vanellus

Finland -- City of Turku, Environmental and City Planning Department -- Natural Heritage Services of Metsähallitus

Poland -- Kampinos National Park -- Society for the Coast (EUCC-Poland)

France -- Agence des aires marines protégées -- Aten -- Conseil Général de la Gironde -- Eden 62 -- Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin -- Parcs Nationaux de France -- Tour du Valat - Centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Romania -- Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority (DDBRA)

Germany -- Landesamt für Umwelt, Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz Brandenburg (LUGV) Greece -- Authority for the Management of the Protected Area of Axios Loudias Aliakmonas Estuaries -- Hunting Federation of Macedonia & Thrace (KOMATH) -- Management Body of Samaria (White Mountains) National Park Hungary -- Ministry of Rural Development -- Pro Vértes Public Foundation Ireland -- National Parks and Wildlife Service Italy

WWF Oasi

Lithuania -- Lithuanian Fund for Nature Luxembourg -- Ministère du Développement Durable, département de l’environnement

Slovenia -- Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation Spain -- Department of Agriculture, Husbandry, Fishing and Natural Environment (Government of Catalonia) -- Fundació Catalunya - La Pedrera, Àrea de Territori i Medi Ambient -- Lliga Per A la Defensa Del Patrimoni Natural (DEPANA) -- Xarxa de Custòdia del Territori, xct Sweden -- The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency United Kingdom -- A Rocha International -- Conservation Management System Consortium -- Forest Enterprise Scotland -- Natural England -- Natural Resources Wales -- Scottish Natural Heritage -- The Wildlife Trusts Individual members -- Stefan Avramov, Bulgaria -- Nicole Nowicki, France -- Irene Bouwma, Netherlands -- Roelof Heringa, Netherlands -- Hans Hofland, Netherlands -- Feiko Prins, Netherlands -- Nel Sangers, Netherlands -- Jan Veenstra, Netherlands -- Jovita García Collado, Spain -- David Parker, United Kingdom -- Francis Staub, United Kingdom

Friends of Eurosite The Friends of Eurosite membership category is intended for organisations or networks that Eurosite works closely with, but who are not able to join the network. We welcomed our first Friend of Eurosite, the Migratory Birds for People programme, in 2015. Staatsbosbeheer, Wetlands International, Wetland Link International and LĂ¤nsstyrelserna initiated the Migratory Birds for People programme in 2009, in order to connect a network of wetland visitor centres along the East Atlantic Flyway. The purpose of the network is the exchange of knowledge and experience between the participating centres and thus to enhance communication with the public about the importance of wetland sites along the East Atlantic Flyway.

5. Report of the Treasurer 2016 The year 2016 has been a good financial year for Eurosite. We worked on several projects and could again hire more staff members. We had a positive financial result of 29,122 euro for the year 2016. The EU NGO Specific Grant Agreement supported the start of the implementation of our new strategy (2015-2020) greatly. The organisation also continued its involvement in the EC’s Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process through two service contracts, led by ECNC. These diverse European Union funds helped us to increase our activities and visibility in Europe and improve our financial position. Eurosite’s fincancial situation, however, remains delicate as project funds are usually paid in instalments, which means that Eurosite needs to prepay a lot of costs. Also, several Eurosite members are still struggling with their budgets for international cooperation. We managed to control the cash flow and successfully applied for the European Commission Specific Grant Agreement for 2017, as part of the current Framework Partnership Agreement. We also applied for other LIFE funding and Horizon 2020 funds. It remains important to maintain and grow the membership and to continue applying for additional funds to support the further implementation of our mission for the years to come.

Fedde Koster Treasurer, Eurosite Table 1: Balance as of 31 December 2016 31-12-2016

31-12-2015

ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Fixed assets

Equity Equity

31-12-2016

31-12-2015

€32,728

€3,606

€11,975

€2,219

€3,236

€1,430

€152,724

€45,161

€200,663

€ 52,416

Tangible fixed assets Furniture and office equipment

€2,123

€1,017 Current liabilities

Trade creditors Taxes and social securities Other liablilities and accruals and deferred income Current assets Trade and other receivables Trade receivables

€64,798

€5,122

Other receivables, deferred assets

€61,346

€17,397

Cash

€72,396

€28,880

TOTAL ASSETS

€200,663

€ 52,416 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Table 2: Profit and loss account for the year 2016

1/2/3

2016 realisation

2015 realisation

EXPENDITURE

2015 realisation

INCOME

EC NBP service contract 2 (NBP2)

€9,388

€15,931 EC NBP service contract 2 (NBP2)

€9,388

€15,931

EC NBP service contract 3 (NBP3)

€33,198

€8,660 EC NBP service contract 3 (NBP3)

€33,198

€8,660

EU NGO Specific Grant Agreement

€130,188

Sub-total project / service contract expenses

€172,774

€24,591

€105,763

€116,702

EU NGO Specific Grant Agreement

€24,591 Sub-total project / service contract

revenue Membership and registration fees

Wages and salaries Wages and salaries attributed to projects

€106,666 - €102,042

€90,837 Allocation to projects -€11,285 Sub-total membership / registration

-€50,876 €54,887

€116,702

€2,383 Other project revenue

-€574

€10,000

€9,426

€227,661

€150,719

fees

Other labour expenses

€55

Accommodation expenses

€652

€6,311 Other revenues

Office expenses

€578

€7,448

€19,106

€24,413

€404

€13,914

Activity and event expenses General expenses Sub-total general operating expenses

€25,419

€134,021 Sub-total other revenue

Bank charges

€190

€396

Depreciation

€156

€429

Sub-total financial expenses

€346

€825

TOTAL EXPENDITURE RESULT

€198,539 €29,122

€159,437 TOTAL INCOME

-€8,718

Proposed resolutions 2016: As Treasurer, I would like to ask the Eurosite members to consider the following resolutions for the financial year 2016 and to carry them unanimously during the Annual General Meeting 2017, Espoo, Finland, 26 September 2017: Resolution n° 1 The Eurosite Council, having listened to the reading of the Financial Report of the annual accounts for the financial year ended upon 31 December 2016, approves the report of the annual accounts of the financial year which states a result of 29,122 Euro. On 31 December 2016, Eurosite therefore has a reserve of 32,728.00 Euro. In consequence, the General Assembly discharges without reserve the Administrative Council of its responsibility in the execution of its mandate for the financial year that has been closed. Resolution n° 2 The General Assembly confers all powers to the bearer of a copy or an extract of the present record of its decision in order to carry out all legal formalities.

1 2 3

Part of the membership fee income has been assigned to project activities as required co-funding from own resources. The sub-total membership / registration fees represents the membership fee and registration fees income which was not assigned to project activities. NBP2 is our working title. The service contract is titled “Maintenance of the Communication Platform and Support to the New (Natura 2000) Biogeographical Process” (Contract n° 07 0307/2013/SER/666771/B.3) NBP3 is our working title. The service contract is titled “Support for the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process” (Contract n° 070202/2015/714450/ SER/ENV.B.3)

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Eurosite is working to create a Europe where nature is cared for, protected, restored and valued by all We do this by providing practitioners with opportunities to network and exchange experience on practical nature management. We are a network of site managers, non-governmental and governmental organisations, and individuals and organisations committed to our vision. Our members are based across Europe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the Atlantic islands to the Black Sea; and from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. Nature knows no boundaries: we believe the future protection and conservation of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nature will only be achieved through international cooperation. Interested in what we do? Take a look at our website to find out more and consider becoming a member. Together we can make a difference.

This Annual report was made with support from the European Union. The sole responsibility lies with the author - the Agency is not in any way responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

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