Resolution CM/ResDip(2015)2
on the renewal of the European Diploma for Protected Areas awarded to
the National Park Weerribben-Wieden (Netherlands)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 3 June 2015
at the 1229th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies)

 

The Committee of Ministers, under the terms of Article 15.a of the Statute of the Council of Europe,

Having regard to Resolution Res(65)6 instituting the European Diploma for certain protected landscapes, reserves and natural features, as amended by Resolution CM/ResDip(2008)1 on the revised regulations for the European Diploma for Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution Res(95)20 on the award of the European Diploma to the De Weerribben Nature Reserve (Netherlands);

Having regard to Resolution CM/ResDip(2010)8 on the renewal of the European Diploma for Protected Areas awarded to the De Weerribben Nature Reserve (Netherlands) and to its extension to the De Wieden Nature Reserve (Netherlands);

Taking note of the Government of the Netherlands’ wish for a joint European Diploma to the National Park Weerribben-Wieden when renewing the diploma in 2015;

Taking into consideration the expert’s report presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists on the European Diploma for Protected Areas on 13 March 2015;

Having regard to the proposals of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention,

Renews the European Diploma for Protected Areas awarded to the De Weerribben Nature Reserve and to its extension to the De Wieden Nature Reserve, jointly presented under the name “National Park Weerribben-Wieden”, until 3 June 2020;

Attaches the following condition to the renewal:

1.             urge the responsible authorities to adopt the joint Natura 2000 management plan, by the end of 2016, as an official and binding document which will be considered as covering the requirements of the European Diploma;

Attaches the following eight recommendations to the renewal:

1.             implement a monitoring programme to evaluate the effects of the new connection between De Weerribben and De Wieden, the construction of which was finished by the end of 2014, at least on important and/or endangered species, considering the exemplary role of the project;

2.             monitor the further development of fish stocks, with an emphasis on eels, to strengthen the ecological function of the reserves and natural reproduction in line with Natura 2000 requirements;

3.             limit the impact of fishing by defining a maximum number of licenses or limiting the catch; define methods to avoid secondary catches of otter or other species; and ensure the further development of a management plan for fish stocks covering all species, as requested in the previous resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma;

4.             carefully observe the development of boating on the Kalenberger Gracht and set limits (for example a maximum number and/or size of boats) or provide for measures in case of increasing numbers of larger boats;

5.             continue with the designation of adjoining areas as extensions of, or buffer zones to, the protected areas, especially to the north (Rottige Meente) and south-east (Staphorster Veld), and create a connection between the two separate parts of De Wieden Nature Reserve between the Zuideindiger Wiede and the Bovenwiede;

6.             review contracts with business owners and landowners with regard to habitat management, and especially the duration of these contracts, to ensure that management can be directed by the responsible authorities and to prevent long-term and irredeemable contracts through which the reserve authorities have limited leverage;

7.             observe possible threats which may occur due to the intensification of agriculture, changes in water management or construction of wind farms;

8.             secure adequate funds to convert the Ossenzijl information centre, at least in part, into an educational centre geared towards young people.