Biological diversity is a common heritage of all European
countries. At present this heritage is in danger, the conditions
of the natural habitats are declining and the number of endangered
species is growing. The purpose of Natura 2000 is to preserve
biological diversity in the EU member states through including
sites based on the Birds and the Habitats Directives. CEE
countries still host species and habitat types that have nearly
vanished from Western Europe or do not occur there at all,
and thus bring an amazingly rich nature and wildlife into
the European Union. The overall objective of the working group
is to support Gothenburg target "Halt biodiversity loss
by 2010".
The goal of the Natura 2000 Working Group is to help the
Natura 2000 network to be established and to function properly
in CEE countries, as well as to work towards minimizing threats
to biodiversity in the CEE region caused by human activities.
The involvement of NGOs from the new member states is important
in order to achieve a smooth establishment of the Natura 2000
network. The goals will be achieved by enhancing the level
of cooperation, awareness raising, capacity building, facilitation
of the exchange of knowledge and expertise as well as by serving
as a watchdog and influencing policy makers at national, EU
and international level for giving higher priority to biodiversity
conservation the Natura 2000 Working Group.
With suggestions or questions please contact Sarolta
Tripolszky, coordinator of the Working Group.
