Ministers’ Deputies

CM Documents

CM(2005)77     18 May 2005[1]

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930 Meeting, 15 June 2005
9 Sustainable development

9.1 Committee for the activities of the Council of Europe in the field of biological and landscape diversity (CO-DBP) –

Abridged report of the 9th meeting (Strasbourg, 15 March 2005)

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Table of Contents

Abridged report

Appendix 1       Agenda

Appendix 2       Final Declaration of the 5th International Symposium of the Pan‑European Ecological Network, “Pan-European Ecological Network in forests: Conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management”

Appendix 3       Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Fair Isle national scenic area (United Kingdom)

Appendix 4       Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Sasso Fratino integral nature reserve (Italy)

Appendix 5       Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Doñana national park (Spain)

Appendix 6       Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the Berezinsky state biosphere reserve (Belarus)

Appendix 7       Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Karlštejn national nature reserve (Czech Republic)

Appendix 8       Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Podyjí national park (Czech Republic)

Appendix 9       Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Bílé Karpaty protected landscape area (Czech Republic)

Appendix 10     Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Danube delta biosphere reserve (Romania)

Appendix 11     Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Scandola nature reserve (France)

Appendix 12     Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Ecrins national park (France)

Appendix 13     Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the Berchtesgaden national park (Germany)

Appendix 14     Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the Ipolytarnóc protected area (Hungary)

Appendix 15     Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Szénás Hills protected area (Hungary)

Appendix 16     Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the Boschplaat nature reserve (The Netherlands)

Appendix 17     Draft resolution on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the Weerribben nature reserve (the Netherlands)

Appendix 18     Draft resolution on the award of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the
Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli (Italy)

* * * * * * * *

The Committee of Ministers is invited:

– to take note of the abridged report of the CO-DBP;

– to examine the Final Declaration of the “5th International Symposium of the Pan-European Ecological Network in forests: Conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management” for its transmission to the Council of Europe member states so that they may apply it as appropriate in their national policies and practice (Appendix 2);

– to adopt the draft resolutions on the renewal and award of the European Diploma of Protected Areas (Appendices 3‑18);

– to adopt the terms of reference of the Committee for the implementation of the European Landscape Convention (see document CM(2005)85, Draft terms of reference of the Committee for the implementation of the European Landscape Convention).

1.         The Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP) held its 9th meeting on 15 March 2005 in Strasbourg and was chaired by Mrs. Adriana Baz (Romania).

2.         The list of participants can be obtained from the Natural Heritage and Biological Diversity Division; the agenda is set out in Appendix 1.

3.         CO-DBP’s contribution to the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (PEBLDS)

The CO-DBP:

– took note that the following day the 9th Council for the PEBLDS would discuss the Biodiversity Implementation Plan, to achieve the Kyiv biodiversity targets. A stakeholders version of the Implementation Plan had been prepared with the aim of attracting the participation of the banking and private sectors, sectoral policies, NGOs, etc. It also noted the action plans to which the Council of Europe was mainly contributing: the Pan-European Ecological Network, Invasive Alien Species and the Forest Biodiversity Action Plan, as well as the financial contribution of the Council of Europe to the PEBLDS process.

4.         Programme of the CO-DBP’s activities in 2004

4.1.       The Pan-European Ecological Network

The CO-DBP:

– took note of the Final Declaration of the “5th International Symposium of the Pan-European Ecological Network in forests: conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management” (Appendix 2);

– instructed the Secretariat to transmit it to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for examination and possible transmission to governments of its member States so that they may apply it as appropriate in their national policies and practice.

4.2.       European Diploma of Protected Areas

The CO-DBP:

– took note of the meeting report;

– examined, with a view to transmitting them to the Committee of Ministers for adoption:

– the draft resolutions concerning the renewal of the European Diploma for Protected Areas for the following areas:

Appendix 3                 Fair Isle national scenic area (United Kingdom)

Appendix 4                 Sasso Fratino integral nature reserve (Italy)

Appendix 5                 Doñana national park (Spain)

Appendix 6                 Berezinsky state biosphere reserve (Belarus)

Appendix 7                 Karlštejn national nature reserve (Czech Republic

Appendix 8                 Podyjí national park (Czech Republic)

Appendix 9                 Bílé Karpaty protected landscape area (Czech Republic)

Appendix 10                Danube delta biosphere reserve (Romania)

Appendix 11                Scandola nature reserve (France)

Appendix 12                Ecrins national park (France)

Appendix 13                Berchtesgaden national park (Germany)

Appendix 14                Ipolytarnóc protected area (Hungary)

Appendix 15                Szénás Hills protected area (Hungary)

Appendix 16                Boschplaat nature reserve (the Netherlands)

Appendix 17                Weerribben nature reserve (the Netherlands)

– the draft resolution concerning the award of the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the following area:

Appendix 18          Regional park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli (Italy)

– took note that, in accordance with the principle of rotation in the Group of specialists for the European Diploma, the following three new members were appointed: Switzerland, Romania and Finland.

4.3.         Raising awareness and support with policy-makers and the public: activities of Naturopa

The CO-DBP:

– expressed its regret for the situation of financial constraints for the preparation of the Naturopa magazine;

– appealed to the countries to support this communication activity.

4.4.       European Landscape Convention

The CO-DBP:

– agreed on the Draft terms of reference of the Committee for the implementation of the European Landscape Convention (see Appendix 2 to document CM(2005)85, Draft terms of reference of the Committee for the implementation of the European Landscape Convention);

– instructed the Secretariat, after final consultation with the Chairs of the CO-DBP, the CDPAT and the Committee of Senior Officials-CEMAT, to transmit it to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

4.5.       Integration of biological and landscape diversity related issues into sectoral policies

The CO-DBP instructed the Secretariat to:

– gather possible comments from CO-DBP members;

– revise the document accordingly before submitting it to the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention.

5.         Future work of the Council of Europe on biological and landscape diversity

The CO-DBP:

– approved the Work Programme for 2005.

6.         Election of the members of the CO-DBP bureau

The CO-DBP elected:

– Mr. Zamir Dedej (Albania), chair of the CO-DBP for one year, renewable once;

– Mr. Jacques Stein (Belgium), vice-chair for one year, renewable once;

– Mr. Jan Plesnik (Czech Republic), member of the Bureau, with a mandate of one year.

7.         Date and place of the next meeting of the CO-DBP and its bureau

The CO-DBP decided:

– to hold the next meeting as usual back-to-back with the STRA-CO meeting.

8.         Other business

No other business was raised.

Appendix 1

Agenda

1.         Opening of the meeting by the Chair

2.         Adoption of the agenda

3.         CO-DBP’s contribution to PEBLDS

4.         Programme of the CO-DBP’s activities in 2004

4.1.       The Pan-European Ecological Network

4.2.       European Diploma of protected areas

     – Replacement of three members of the Group of Specialists (Austria, Belgium, Slovakia)

4.3.      Raising awareness and support with policy makers and the public: activities of Naturopa

4.4.       European Landscape Convention

4.5.       Integration of biological and landscape diversity related issues into sectoral policies

5.         Future work of the Council of Europe on biological and landscape diversity

6.         Election of the members of the CO-DBP Bureau

7.         Date and place of the next meetings of the CO-DBP and the Bureau

8.         Other business

Appendix 2

Final Declaration of the 5th International Symposium of the Pan-European Ecological Network on the Pan‑European Ecological Network in Forests: Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Management

Introduction

The sustainable management of forests and protection of their biological diversity are two highly important issues, at both world and European levels. A number of major events and processes in recent times have underlined the priority nature of this sphere of action and confirmed the importance of applying the sustainable forest management (SFM) concept and of taking an ecosystem‑based approach.

The Declaration of the Symposium on conservation of biodiversity and sustainable forest management aims at encouraging member states to adopt and implement environment-friendly forest management policies that respect in particular biological diversity and apply a scientific approach that takes into account ecological processes and the natural constraints of forests. The final objective is the long-term conservation of forests and their environmental, landscape and social values.

At international level

a.         Forestry issues are essentially treated within the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and the process of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF). SFM is an important concept for the forum, while the CBD promotes an ecosystem-based approach. Convergence between these two principles was discussed at the 6th Conference of the Parties to the CBD, held in The Hague in April 2002, and at the 3rd meeting of the UNFF in May 2003. In an effort to clarify the relationship between sustainable forest management and ecosystem approach concepts, document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/9/8 was prepared and submitted to the 7th Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP-7) in 2004. On the basis of this document, COP-7 adopted Decision VII/II on ecosystems approach, recognising sustainable forest management as a means to apply the ecosystem approach and the application of SFM tools and approaches.

b.         The Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg in 2002, adopted, inter alia, an integrated approach for implementing sustainable forest management at national, regional and global levels. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development, UNFF was also recognised as the key intergovernmental policy mechanism to facilitate and co-ordinate SFM at all levels.

c.         The 12th World Forestry Congress, organised under the auspices of FAO in Quebec in September 2003, dealt with sustainable forest management on the theme of  Forests, Source of Life. The congress urged improvements in forestry practices throughout the world and called for management measures geared to biological diversity and restoration of the landscape.

At European level

a.         The 3rd Ministerial Conference on an Environment for Europe, held in Sofia in 1995, endorsed the Pan‑European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (PEBLDS) and entrusted the Council of Europe and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the joint secretariat. The aim of this strategy is to apply at pan‑European level the principles enshrined in the UNCBD and to adopt a pan-European approach to the preservation and sustainable use of our natural resources.

b.         The PEBLDS seeks to better integrate strategic principles into forest management and identifies the conservation of forest ecosystems as one of the challenges to be addressed in the framework of pan‑European environmental policies, in order to fight against intensive silviculture/monoculture, atmospheric deposition, groundwater depletion, forest fragmentation, forest fires, land reclamation, over-exploitation and invasive alien species. In the light of the Resolution of the 2nd Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forests in Europe (Helsinki, 1993), the PEBLDS process aimed to devise and promote an action plan for biodiversity, landscape and ecological networking considerations to foster management and the use of renewable forest products.

c.         The Pan-European Ecological Network developed under PEBLDS aims to achieve the main goals of the strategy by ensuring that a full range of ecosystems, habitats, species and their genetic diversity are conserved.

d.         The Ministers responsible for forests from forty-one European countries and a representative of the European Community, as well as representatives from four non-European countries and twenty-four international organisations gathered at the 4th Ministerial Conference in April 2003 in Vienna. The Ministersadopted a new Framework for Cooperation between the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) and the ministerial process Environment for Europe/Pan‑European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (EfE/PEBLDS) (Annex 1 of Vienna Resolution No. 4).

e.         The Ministers also signed the Vienna Declaration, which highlights the multiple roles of forests in relation to rural livelihood and urban societies, addresses the significance of strong partnerships between the forest sector and other sectors and underlines the importance of tackling global challenges. They adopted five Vienna resolutions, which focused on cross-sectoral cooperation and national forest programmes, the economic viability of sustainable forest management and its social and cultural dimensions, the biological diversity of forests and forests and climate change.

f.          Shortly afterwards, at the 5th Ministerial Conference on an Environment for Europe, held in Kyiv in May 2003, the Ministers responsible for environment also adopted the above‑mentioned framework for cooperation as part of the Kyiv Resolution on Biodiversity. The resolution commits the Ministers to contribute to the implementation of the CBD’s Forest Biodiversity Expanded Programme of Work in the pan-European region by 2008, inter alia through:

– implementation of the objectives and activities of the Framework of Cooperation between the MCFPE and the EfE/PEBLDS;

– national forest programmes according to the MCPFE Approach to National Forest Programmes in Europe, adopted at the Vienna Conference in April 2003;

– application of the ecosystem approach.

Conclusions

The participants of the 5th International Symposium of the Pan-European Ecological Network on the Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of Forests organised in Krakow from 7 to 9 October 2004, thank:

– the Polish Government for its warm reception and for hosting the symposium;

– the Council of Europe for the preparation of this event;

– the Liaison Unit of the Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forests in Europe (Warsaw) for its contribution to the symposium;

– the Swiss Federal Office of Environment, Forest and Landscape, for its financial support.

The symposium focused on developing the four priority themes of the framework of cooperation for the period 2003 to 2005, with a view to creating synergies and facilitating a joint regional contribution to global fora.

Accordingly, the participants have agreed on the following:

– to recommend to the Governments of all European countries, the European Community and international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe and the Bern Convention, UNEP, MCPFE, NGOs and stakeholders, that they contribute to the implementation of the appended recommendations;

– to request the Council of the PEBLDS and the Bern Convention Standing Committee to assist countries in facilitating and monitoring the implementation of these recommendations to achieve the Kyiv 2008 forest management target;

– to ask, through the PEBLDS Council, the MCPFE Expert Level Meeting to consider these recommendations in its work programme.

Recommendations

1. Theme “Ecosystem approach”

1.         Develop baseline references for forest ecosystem types in order to understand thresholds for their resilience.

2.         Further develop decision support systems to understand, predict, monitor and communicate the complexity of forest ecosystem processes.

3.         Highlight the role of the ecosystem approach and sustainable forest management in maximising the economic value of forests.

4.         Encourage the use of landscape restoration approaches to regenerate degraded forest areas, with the involvement of local stakeholders.

5.         Integrate non-protected intact forests with high potential for biodiversity conservation into the large-scale ecological network.

6.         Establish large-scale ecological corridors within and between forests in Europe (including transboundary corridors) in order to ensure pan-European ecological integrity.

7.         Analyse potential threats to forest corridors (forest fragmentation, transport infrastructure, development of inhabited areas, illegal logging, poaching and invasive alien species) and develop and implement appropriate mitigation methods.

8.         Encourage the implementation of policies integrating the enhancement of biodiversity in forest management practices, emphasising the major contribution to biodiversity made by invertebrates.

9.         Increase preventive measures to reduce human-induced forest fires.

10.        Develop strategies to prevent and control invasive alien species in forest ecosystems.

11.        Mitigate negative impacts of high populations of ungulates on other components of forest ecosystems.

2. Theme “Protected forest areas”

1.         Extend biodiversity maintenance into commercially exploited forests.

2.         Identify the potential role and functional impact of managed productive forests on the network of protected areas.

3.         Align protection regimes in transboundary protected forests to ensure consistent management approaches.

4.         Determine minimum levels of forest protection, with special concern for strictly protected areas, versus overall forested area.

5.         Prevent and mitigate the loss of forest biological diversity due to fragmentation and isolation, and restore ecological connectivity, where appropriate.

6.         Determine biodiversity indicators for monitoring the components of ecological networks.

7.         Involve different stakeholders in the establishment of forest-related ecological networks and promote public awareness of the subject.

3. Theme “Forest law enforcement with regard to biodiversity conservation”

1.         Strengthen human capacity and increase financial resources to implement and enforce forest laws.

2.         Strengthen horizontal and vertical cooperation between institutions responsible for forest issues and biodiversity and landscape protection, as part of a cross-sectoral and integrated approach to rural development.

3.         Develop, adapt and strengthen forest legislation consistent with socio-economic considerations, the multifunctional use of forests and the ecosystem approach, taking into account the tools developed for sustainable forest management.

4.         Launch public awareness and education campaigns, in particular for private forest owners, and develop programmes to engage local communities.

5.         Review existing incentive measures in forest management to identify and phase out those incentives which cause or contribute to loss of biodiversity.

6.         Develop economic incentives to enhance the conservation of biodiversity, particularly in private forests.

7.         Develop and strengthen co‑operative management and protection of transboundary populations of forest-dependent species.

8.         Explore links with regional processes to deal with issues related to forest law.

4. Theme “Elaboration of recommendations for site selection for afforestation”

1.         Introduce principles and methods of sustainable management in initial and permanent training of all the actors involved in forest management, at all levels of responsibility, with a view to achieving multi-functional management of forests and new afforestations based on an ecosystem approach.

2.         Develop the system of training of private forest owners in the ecological, economic and technical terms of sustainable forest management, including afforestation.

3.         Improve cooperation between forestry and regional planning authorities for the proper recognition and introduction of afforestation criteria in regional and local management plans.

4.         Develop guidelines for afforestation, including ecological and economic criteria, for participating countries to develop their own regulations and instruments consistent with these criteria.

5.         Implement afforestation practices as a multi-purpose activities, positively affecting habitats and landscapes, facilitating the establishment of ecological networks and improving biodiversity.

6.         Identify potential locations of afforestation activities using indicative ecological network maps.

7.         Take into account the potential impact of afforestation practices on biodiversity in adjacent ecosystems, such as river channels containing populations of the pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera.

8.         Develop and strengthen monitoring systems to assess the impact of afforestation on biodiversity.

9.         Promote, for core areas, corridors and other components, appropriate measures to:

            a.         avoid afforestation in core areas and other sites of high biological diversity;

            b.         develop afforestation activities contributing to the restoration of functional connectivity and                    ecological corridors;

            c.         encourage the use of indigenous species and use, where feasible, seeds and seedlings of                      local provenance;

            d.         ensure soil and water protection in buffer and restoration zones; and

            e.         develop regulations on the protection of newly afforested areas.

Appendix 3

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Fair Isle National Scenic Area (United Kingdom)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (85) 14 on the award of the European Diploma to the Fair Isle National Scenic Area;

Taking into consideration the expert’s report as presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists for the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 21 September 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Fair Isle National Scenic Area;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         A marine protected area within the European Union Birds Directive and Habitats Directive in waters adjacent to the Fair Isles should be created in consultation with the Fair Isle’s community representatives;

2.         The complete ban on sand eel Ammodytes marinus fishing should be maintained as long as the current disastrous situation of sand eels does not greatly improve;

3.         A legal mechanism prohibiting ships carrying polluting cargoes within at least 16 kilometres of the Fair Isles should be set up;

 

4.         The traditions and culture of the island population should be taken into consideration when issuing regulations, which, although they may be applicable nationally, are inappropriate if applied to Fair Isle waters;

5.         The management plan should continue to be revised every five years and all efforts should be made to implement all the items;

6.         Improvements to housing and infrastructure should be maintained.

Appendix 4

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve (Italy)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (85) 12 on the award of the European Diploma to the Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve in category A;

Taking into consideration the expert’s report as presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists for the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 21 September 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         The management plan for the Casentino Forests National Park should fully incorporate the Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve and the adjacent biogenetic reserves;

2.         Continue to stand out as the reference for nature protection in the region;

3.         The Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve and the adjacent biogenetic reserves should continue to be managed as a cohesive whole;

4.         The protection of Monte Falco should be strengthened to guarantee that all the areas of high natural value are protected;

5.         The high level of scientific research under way should be maintained and coordination and dissemination of results, where necessary, should be improved;

6.         Any further damage in the buffer zone such as the laying of new roads or significant improvement work on the ski slopes, should be avoided.

Appendix 5

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Doñana National Park (Spain)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma, as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (95) 13 concerning the award of the European Diploma to the Doñana National Park in category A;

Taking into account the report by the experts submitted at the meeting of the Group of Specialists for the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Having regard to the proposals of the committee responsible for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 21 September 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Doñana National Park;

Attaches the following conditions to the renewal:

1.         The national park authorities should ensure that a register of risks, including estimates of their likelihood and of the magnitude of their effects, is drawn up within one year;

2.         The Spanish authorities should take all necessary measures to ensure that the Port of Seville development projects have no significant environmental impacts on the Doñana ecosystems. Furthermore, the technical committee and the scientific commission required by the Environmental Impact Statement should be fully established and their mandate fulfilled prior of the start of any projects. In particular, the prediction of climate change during the twenty-first century should be adequately taken into account. 

3.         There should be a reduction of both the direct and the indirect impacts of the pilgrimages on the biodiversity of the area, in particular by increasing awareness among the pilgrims themselves;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         The status of the aquifer underlying the national park and the surrounding lands needs to be re‑assessed in terms of both its sustainable yield for agriculture and in terms of the quality of its water, with the aim of restoring the marshes with an adequate supply of water of high quality;

2.         The national and Andalucian governments should instruct an appropriate agency (or agencies) to devise and implement a broadly-agreed and accepted scheme for monitoring the water quality in the Doñana National Park and its surrounding areas, with respect to the European Union’s Water Framework Directive. The data derived from monitoring should be regularly communicated to all governmental and non-governmental partners and used to rectify any defects in the control of pollution;

3.         The plan for the protection of the Iberian lynx needs to be fully implemented, following the recommendations of the International Commission on the Follow-up of the Conservation Action on the Iberian Lynx established in the framework of the Bern Convention. Similarly, the plan for the protection of the imperial eagle needs to be revised and implemented in accordance with the Action Plan on the Conservation of the Imperial Eagle, endorsed by both the European Union’s Ornis Committee and the Bern Convention. Plans for a small range of other “flagship” species need to be drawn up, implemented, and used for increasing public awareness of the conservation issues within and around the national park;

4.         The national park authorities, with the assistance of external partners, should undertake an audit of the non-native species that occur within and adjacent to the Doñana National Park;

5.         Concerning the Port of Seville development projects, the Spanish authorities should search for the best international scientific expertise and work closely with the relevant international conventions and bodies such as the Bern Convention, the Ramsar Convention, the World Heritage Convention and the European Commission;

6.         The national park authority should explore mechanisms for harnessing the best international scientific advice in relation to the research and management activities within the Doñana National Park;

7.         By the time of the next review of the European Diploma, the national park should have a vision of how it will develop over the forthcoming decades and of its links with the surrounding countryside.  This will help in the long-term planning of activities both within and outside the national park.

Appendix 6

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Berezinsky State Biosphere Reserve (Belarus)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma, as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (95) 19 concerning the award of the European Diploma to the Berezinsky State Biosphere Reserve in category A;

Taking into consideration the expert’s report as presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists for the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 11 September 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Berezinsky State Biosphere Reserve;

Attaches the following conditions to the renewal:

1.         A consolidated management plan must be drawn up within five years, as such an instrument is essential to the proper management of the reserve as a whole;

2.         The protection regime should be unchanged and measures should be taken to protect the integrity of the reserve against negative influences from external developments.

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         Increased resources should be provided to ensure the proper functioning of the reserve. In addition to extra-budgetary sources of income, other financial sources should be explored, in particular in partnership with interested NGOs;  

2.         Presentation of the reserve to other appropriate international designations should be considered as this may help to promote the image of the reserve and attract funding;

3.         All efforts must be taken to prevent negative effects of fragmentation of the reserve by the M3 road and to preserve the integrity of the core zone;

4.         A study programme of the dynamics of the mammal populations, animal movements and fauna migration between the core and the buffer zones should be carried out to further elucidate the effect of hunting;

5.         Efforts should continue to ensure that the development of tourism is controlled effectively.

Appendix 7

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Karlštejn National Nature Reserve (Czech Republic)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (2000) 15 on the award of the European Diploma to the Karlštejn National Nature Reserve;

Taking into consideration the expert’s report as presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists for the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 20 June 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Karlštejn National Nature Reserve;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         The restoration of non-forested habitats of steppic forests and xerophilous calcareous grasslands should be intensified by specific management techniques (clearing, mowing open spots) in order to significantly enlarge the small patches with remainders of these priority habitats, also considering grazing of dry reserve areas and former quarries with herds of sheep and goat aiming the expansion of steppic vegetation;

2.         The restoration of the broad-leaved forest types by reforming conifer plantations with spontaneous or artificial reseeding of native tree species and taking into account the different potential of each species depending on the soil types should continue; in this regard also more natural browsing and grazing by wild mammals should be tolerated in order to maintain natural processes and forest dynamics; therefore revise hunting practices and associated pressure in the reserve and its surrounding protected landscape area;

3.         Administrations should be urged to integrate efforts from the conservation point of view concerning processes in physical planning, land use, water regulation and purification, mining and housing in order to reduce negative environmental pressures on the reserve and its surrounding protected landscape area, ensuring the drafting of environmental impact assessment-reports where necessary and considering special legal competences for the national nature reserve staff and other conservation authorities to be reinforced; also stimulate the establishment of regular consultation procedures with relevant local and regional authorities, scientists and NGOs;

4.         The network of signposted nature trails should be reviewed with a view to avoiding the destruction of vulnerable habitat types such as the calcareous tuff formations at the Bubovicky waterfall; also renew/modernise the information panels along the nature trail (including English and German summaries for foreign visitors) and increase the number of printed information leaflets to visitors to guide them and request respect for the national nature reserve regulations;

5.         As agreed, the joint exhibition and information room should be established at the Karlštejn Castle on cultural heritage and nature values in the vicinity of this outstanding tourist resort; further foster close cooperation between the national nature reserve staff and the castle director in view of disseminating more widespread information on the nature reserve;

6.         Further stimulate the development of high quality visitors’ centres and organise nature education, including training at all ages and information of the public at large; also encourage mayors and local authorities to disseminate information at appropriate places (such as railway stations, camping sites, municipal halls, museums, etc.) on the nature reserve and its position in Europe;

7.         Finalise the mid-term nature management plan for the reserve (ten‑year period), taking into account the outstanding palaeontological, geological, hydrological and biodiversity values as well as the requirements and priorities of the Natura 2000 designation in its biogeographic context;

8.         Include also in the management plan the necessary measures to establish and maintain an equilibrium between education, river management, hunting and forestry activities and nature; ensure strict regulation and control of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, horse riding, mountain biking, wild camping etc., only allowing “wise use” where compatible with conservation values, potentials and needs;

9.         Ensure the necessary budgets and resources for the manifold functions and operational tasks of the national nature reserve staff, including administration, research and monitoring, education and training, habitat management and patrolling; further motivate volunteers and stimulate NGO networking and cooperation.

Appendix 8

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Podyjí National Park (Czech Republic)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (2000) 14 on the award of the European Diploma to the Podyjí National Park;

Taking into consideration the expert’s report as presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists for the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 20 June 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Podyjí National Park;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         Further efforts are required to reduce negative impact of the water fluctuation resulting from the hydro‑electric power station at Vranov and to set up an ecologically acceptable water regime taking into account requirements of the nature conservation authorities. The case should be monitored by the bilateral Czech-Austrian commission for border waters;

2.         The new management plan should be prepared and adopted as soon as possible;

3.         The development of recreation and tourism should be based on the gentle ways of experiencing natural and cultural heritage, and the countryside. In this respect use of the Dyje river downstream of Vranov is not encouraged. It is recommended to use other means, for example, presenting and marketing the iron wall history;

4.         Further develop relationships with municipalities and the local population in order to encourage management of their properties in the national park in a sustainable way according to principles and rules of the management plan;

5.         Management of the agricultural areas, in particular those important for nature conservation should be improved through agricultural activities in the area of agri-environmental measures and other economic instruments;

6.         International cooperation with Thayatal National Park should continue and joint research and monitoring projects should be intensified. Possibilities for opening new check points to cross the border and open the Hardegg check point all the year through should be examined;

7.         The European Diploma should be more visibly associated with the image of the Podyjí National Park (information centre, publications, web site, etc.).

Appendix 9

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area (Czech Republic)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (2000) 13 on the award of the European Diploma to the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area;

Taking into consideration the expert’s report as presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists for the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 20 June 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         Reassess and ensure the requisite human and financial resources to secure implementation of the management plan;

2.         Guarantee a concerted type of agricultural management promoting the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area through close cooperation among the ministries of agriculture and the environment, the departments active in situ (agricultural, forestry and BKPLA departments), as well as the other bodies involved;

3.         Continue the current forestry policy of conversion to hardwood stands and encourage the natural regeneration of existing hardwood forests;

4.         Further develop consultation between the ministries of environment and agriculture in order to control the big game populations.  Hunting should be prohibited or restricted in the nature reserves and their buffer zones, except in case of limitation of non‑native species;

5.         Eliminate non-indigenous species, namely mouflon and fallow deer, from the nature reserves and the other strictly protected areas;

6.         Limit tourism outside villages and towns to a discreet infrastructure of nature or discovery trails, forest paths, shelters and other similar accommodation integrated into the surrounding landscape;

7.         Lay down urban planning and architectural standards capable of conserving the integrity of the regional traditional built heritage, which is a part of the Bílé Karpaty landscape;

8.         Encourage cooperation between Czech and Slovak authorities in order to co‑ordinate transboundary activities taking the bilateral protected area into consideration;

9.         The European Diploma should be more visiblly associated with the image of the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area (information centre, publications, web site, etc.).

Appendix 10

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (Romania)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (2000) 12 on the award of the European Diploma to the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve;

Taking into consideration the expert’s report as presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists for the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Taking into account the Recommendation No. 111 (2004) of the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, adopted on 3 December 2004, on the proposed navigable waterway through the Bystroe Estuary (Danube Delta, Ukraine);

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 20 June 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         The process of coordinating the ecological management of the delta system with the three countries concerned – Moldova, Romania and Ukraine  – should be continued and the possibility of establishing a cross-border protected area should be considered;

2.         The monitoring of the socio-economic activities in the reserve should be strengthened, in relation with the carrying capacity of the natural habitats;

3.         The role of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve should be developed to bring technical and financial assistance to the local municipalities in different fields (land planning, water supplies, sewage treatment, development of the cultural heritage, improvement of tourist accommodation, public awareness, etc.);

4.         IAn economist should be included in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve staff; this professional should elaborate and follow up a monitoring programme on the main socio-economic activities performed in the reserve (ecotourism, fishing, shipping, agriculture, forestry, hunting, etc.; he should also bring technical assistance to the local population and to the private operators, for organising and developing their activities, in particular ecotourism;

5.         A restoration programme for the existing buildings should be elaborated, using traditional materials and natural local products;

6.         An external review and assessment of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Conservation Strategy (priorities, management objectives, operational objectives, etc.) should be ordered, ten years after its elaboration, with the support of the international expertise. 

Appendix 11

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Scandola Nature Reserve (France)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (85) 11 on the award of the European Diploma to the Scandola Nature Reserve in category A;

Taking into consideration the discussions held between the Secretariat and the site manager;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 21 September 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Scandola Nature Reserve;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         The legal status of the reserve should be secured;

2.         The reserve’s situation should be improved by revising the regulations and zoning plan to allow for changes in its activities; provide for extension of the marine reserve, and particularly its integral section;

3.         The management plan should be updated;

4.         Suitable measures should be taken for more effective control of nautical activities, which disturb species and the peace of the reserve; action taken to inform and educate the various users, and to alert them to the problems, should be continued;

5.         Estimation of the quantitative and qualitative effects of fishing on the reserve and its surrounding area should be continued, and restrictions, if necessary, should be envisaged; fish stocks, in cooperation with fishing professionals, should be managed;

6.         Observation of the impact of wild goats on the reserve’s flora and vegetation should be continued, and steps should be taken to solve the problem of excessive numbers;

7.         Efforts should be pursued to rid Gargalo Island of rats, and landing in certain places at certain times – in spring to protect the osprey, and in summer to protect Cory’s shearwater, should be forbidden;

8.         Funds should be released to cover research connected with the reserve’s exceptional heritage value;

9.         The built heritage should be preserved and restored, particularly the agro-pastoral complex in the Elbo valley and the Genoese Tower on Gargalo Island;

10.        Maritime activities on the whole seaboard of the Corsica Regional Nature Park should be sustainably managed, and ways should be explored to make it possible for managers to conclude contracts for marine areas.

Appendix 12

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Ecrins National Park (France)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (90) 15 on the award of the European Diploma to the Ecrins National Park in category A;

Taking into consideration the discussions held between the Secretariat and the site manager;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 17 July 2010 the European Diploma of Protected areas awarded to the Ecrins National Park;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         Partnerships with the park’s local authorities, intermunicipal bodies and local area plans should be strengthened in order to develop the necessary synergies for implementing a model policy for preserving the heritage with a view to sustainable development;

2.         Data on the distribution and monitoring of species and environments and on landscape ecology and climate change should be supplemented; understanding of the park should be boosted by extending the biological approach to include the cultural aspects and all elements that characterise the history of the area; the mapping and monitoring work conducted on a networked basis with the other protected areas in the Alpine Arc should be continued;

3.         Building partnership and dialogue with all local players and professional groups so as to ensure the compatibility of various activities (farming, stock grazing, forestry, tourism) should be continued;

4.         Partnership with the national forestry department, the local authorities and the other players concerned should be developed, in order to encourage the practice of exemplary multifunctional forestry management throughout the park; including the reinforcement of the areas of forest enjoying greater protection;

5.         Locations and areas whose biodiversity and/or visual attraction could suffer from landscapes becoming overgrown should be identified through cartography, and possible courses of action shoulod be defined;

6.         Close attention should be particularly paid to the development of various forms of leisure and sporting activities; the need for helicopter transport should be checked by holding discussions with the owners and operators of mountain huts and raising users’ awareness of the impact on nature and peace and quiet of repeated over flying of the protected area;

7.         In connection with the national strategy, cooperation and solidarity measures geared towards rural communities in order to better reconcile the return of major predators with stock-keeping activities should be carried forward;

8.         Monitoring of water quality to be conducted in conjunction with the partners concerned should be introduced;

9.         The new management programme and its objectives should be periodically assessed, and adjustments should be made if necessary.

Appendix 13

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Berchtesgaden National Park (Germany)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma, as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (90) 14 on the award of the European Diploma to the Berchtesgaden National Park in category A;

Taking into consideration the discussions held between the Secretariat and the site manager;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 18 June 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Berchtesgaden National Park;

Makes the renewal subject to the following recommendations:

1.         Restructuration of unnatural forests as well as accompanying measures of reduction of forest grazing and game management should be pursued;

2.         Monitoring of tourism activities should be continued; vigilance with regard to sport activities in authorising only those which are environmentally friendly should be maintained; the partnership with the sports sector should be developed;

3.         Investigation of military activities should be continued and negotiations should be made to get a reduction of military uses, especially helicopter flights;

4.         International cooperation and contacts with the Alpine network of protected areas and other mountain regions of Europe should be pursued;

5.         The centre for environmental education and provide sufficient qualified staff to guarantee the educational tasks should be finalised;

6.         Monitoring of climatic changes should be continued;

7.         Means of providing job security for national park staff should be investigated;

8.         Public opinion should be prepared to accept the spontaneous return of the lynx, while abiding by the decision not to reintroduce this species actively.

Appendix 14

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Ipolytarnóc Protected Area (Hungary)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma, as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (95) 17 on the award of the European Diploma to the Ipolytarnóc Protected Area;

Taking into consideration the discussions held between the Secretariat and the site manager;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 11 September 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Ipolytarnóc Protected Area;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         The geological and palaeontological excavations, and the scientific research aimed at interpreting the finds made on this site, which is unique from a natural history point of view, should continue. All appropriate measures should be taken to preserve and, if possible, exhibit these finds;

2.         Cooperation should be continued with the Slovak authorities in order to preserve and enhance natural assets on both sides of the border;

3.         Gradual replacement of the exotic trees (Robinia pseudo acacia, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra) with indigenous species should be continued, by assisting the natural succession process, through ecologically sensitive land management practices; the control of the wild boar, of which there is still an overpopulation causing considerable damage, should be continued;

4.         The visitor reception centre should be restored. An exhibition should be established there displaying the natural assets of the site, with the aim of making visitors more environmentally aware. As an ecotourist information point it should provide information about the site’s attractions as well as basic information about the region’s other natural phenomena. The site should create a home page on the Internet, accessible in English, and establish links to the web pages of other European Diploma sites;

5.         The entrance to the protected area should have a sign displaying information in order to control tourism within the site and the buffer zone;

6.         The buildings should be further integrated into the landscape through appropriate planting. The power line that currently runs along the access road should be replaced with an underground cable;

7.         The balance between open spaces and wooded areas on the western side of the conservation area, close to the nearby settlement, should be maintained through selective grazing and cutting of pasture areas, in order to maintain the mosaic structure of the landscapes there;

8.         A vegetation map and a botanical inventory should be drawn up in order to identify the most important areas from the biodiversity point of view.

Appendix 15

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Szénás Hills Protected Area (Hungary)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma, as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations of the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (95) 18 on the award of the European Diploma to the Szénás Hills Protected Area;

Taking into consideration the discussions held between the Secretariat and the site manager;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 11 September 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Szénás Hills Protected Area;

Attaches the following recommendations to the renewal:

1.         The entire management of the area should be assigned to a single authority in order to give clear priority to the nature conservation objectives; this authority should be the national nature conservation authority through its regional directorate, the Danube‑Ipoly National Park directorate;

2.         Inside and near the area, permission should be given only for such game population management operations as are strictly consonant with the nature conservation objectives assigned to the area, particularly as regards eradication of the mouflon and of the fallow deer, and reduction of the populations of large herbivores to a level compatible with the preservation of the dolomitic grasslands and natural woodlands; these population control operations should be planned on the basis of accurate population monitoring;

3.         Demolish the old game fences within the site, and build a fence around the whole European Diploma site in order to prevent illegal off-road driving and to effectively control game populations;

4.         The area should be provided with human and financial resources commensurate with the site’s national and European importance, even after the end of the LIFE Project;

5.         Efforts should be stepped up to eliminate non-native tree species (Robinia pseudo acacia and Pinus nigra), giving priority to the ecologically richest zones. A single block of core natural area should be demarcated where only such forestry management should be executed; this core area should extend to at least half of the whole area and should include the whole population of Linum dolomiticum, the grasslands, steep hillsides, and the forest reserve;

6.         Visitor reception capacity should be improved by organising guided tours outside the most sensitive zones, to make the public more alert to the importance of preserving the habitats in the area. Measures should be taken to control the increase in motocross riding;

7.         The protected landscape status of the two areas adjoining the special protection area, which were also the subject of the Diploma application, should be maintained to keep them functioning properly as buffer zones. No buildings should be permitted;

8.         The pressure to develop urbanisation of the surroundings of the site should be strictly controlled. Particular vigilance should be maintained with regard to any new development plan of the villages of Nagykovácsi, Pilisszentiván and Piliscsaba;

9.         The fruitful cooperation with volunteers (schools, civil organizations, scouts), local and civil guards, should be continued;

10.        The new management plan should be finalised and the possibility of splitting the Szénás Hills from the Buda landscape protection area should be analysed.

Appendix 16

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Boschplaat Nature Reserve (The Netherlands)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma, as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (70) 25 on the award of the European Diploma to the Boschplaat Nature Reserve in category A;

Taking into consideration the discussions held between the Secretariat and the site manager;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 30 June 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Boschplaat Nature Reserve;

Makes the renewal subject to the following recommendations:

1.         The management plan should be adopted and the objectives to allow natural processes to take their natural course should be maintained;

2.         Integrated management of the wet and dry sections of the Wadden Sea in light of their inextricable interconnectedness should be implemented, ecologically as well as in terms of legislation and regulation;

3.         The recreational zoning in order to improve the protection of the more vulnerable areas should be changed. In connection with this, supervision and surveillance at a sufficient level throughout the year should be maintained, also in view of (possibly new commercial) developments with regard to driving motor vehicles on the beach and the very favourable development of the breeding bird population in the eastern section of the reserve;

4.         The scientific and predictive studies on changes of coastal morphology arising from man‑made factors such as oil and/or gas extraction should be continued, and the results should be taken into account in any decision on the future of the Boschplaat. The effects of the possible authorisation of drilling for natural gas in the Wadden Sea should be continued;

5.         Necessary measures to monitor the development of invasive species should continue to be taken;

6.         Development of activities which are a cause for concern: boats falling dry on the tidal flats near Amelandergat, unleashed dogs, flight movements over the reserve, should be followed closely;

7.         Adequate communication and good relations with the local population, local government and interest groups, should be maintained;

8.         The impact of the dune fires in the Vaste Duinen should be scientifically followed and monitored and additional management measures should be taken where necessary;

9.         High priority should be given to safety and security in checking periodically the emergency measures to be applied in the event of hydrocarbon pollution, in order to ensure that they remain fully operational;

10.        Effects of the termination of mechanical cockle fishing should be monitored.

Appendix 17

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Weerribben Nature Reserve (the Netherlands)

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma, as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to Resolution (95) 20 granting the European Diploma to the Weerribben Nature Reserve in category B;

Taking into consideration the discussions held between the Secretariat and the site manager;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Renews until 11 September 2010 the European Diploma of Protected Areas awarded to the Weerribben Nature Reserve;

Makes the renewal subject to the following recommendations:

1.         Efforts to realise the ”wet axis” between the reserves the Weerribben and the Wieden, connecting both reserves along a wide landscape corridor as part of the national ecological network should be continued; this requires continued purchasing of agricultural land for restoration into marshland or extensive meadows; this wet axis is to be extended  in the direction of Rottige Meente and Staphorster Veld; regular consultation and harmonisation at various levels between the Weerribben and the Wieden are to be continued;

2.         The stand-still of recreation infrastructure (lodging, embarkation points, canoe rental stations) should remain a high priority in combination with further strict limitations as to the access of boats and canoes in vulnerable canals and core zones (e.g. temporary closure of some routes in breeding season); further zoning of recreational activities requires continued monitoring of leisure developments (especially in counting the number of boats, canoes, whisper boats, bikes) and must take into account these data by elaboration of periodical impact assessments;

3.         Educational efforts towards the recreation sector are to be continued through the nature activity centre (NAC) with the help of volunteers; a campaign for co-ordinated boat rental via one centralising body (Kalenberg) is needed to inform all users about the vulnerability and great international value of the reserve;

4.         Studies to reduce the intensive passage of larger yachts and boats through the Kalenberger gracht are to be continued; the establishment of a new water route for transit traffic connecting Giethoorn through the polders via Ossenzijl-Steenwijk and via Oldemarkt to Friesland is to be considered;

5.         The establishment of a bicycle route Blankenham-Nederland making use of the dyke owned by Staatsbosbeheer is to be reconsidered in order to prevent or minimise disturbing effects in remote areas where at present no public access is possible;

6.         Staatsbosbeheer needs to continue to investigate whether present agreements with reed cultivators could be transformed into less rigid contracts of periods shorter than six years, enabling stricter integration in management priorities and needs; reed cultivators are to be convinced that the biennial cutting of phragmites is necessary for specific breeding birds which is to be done by cyclic mowing of plots or strips (these detailed localities are to be included in the annual management plan);

7.         When renewing fishing permits, the density and distribution over the reserve is to be reconsidered and more strict conditions are to be formulated in order to reduce risks for protected and other species to be caught in traps; adaptation to prevent secondary catches and clear marking of different fishing devices put in the ditches must enable more efficient control; an inventory of the fish stocks should be made;

8.         The breeding areas management especially for Circus aeruginosus, Ardea purpuera and Acrocephalus arundinaceus must improve; strict control of the red fox should continue.

Appendix 18

Resolution ResDip(2005)…

on the award of the European Diploma of Protected Areas

to the Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli (Italy)

                                                              

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on … 2005

at the …th 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 (65) 6 instituting the European Diploma, as amended by Resolution (98) 29 on the regulations for the European Diploma of Protected Areas;

Having regard to the proposals of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP),

Taking into consideration the expert’s report presented at the meeting of the Group of Specialists on the European Diploma of Protected Areas on 28 February and 1 March 2005;

Having noted the agreement of the Government of Italy;

After deliberation,

Solemnly awards the European Diploma of Protected Areas to the Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli, which preserves an exceptional collection of:

– natural assets, particularly the juxtaposition of boreal and Mediterranean vegetation, relict hygrophytic forests, a lake surrounded by marshland and coastal dunes of great interest;

– landscape assets, such as large areas of historic importance, intact banks, extensive forests;

– cultural assets, with numerous historical vestiges, such as early remnants dating from Neolithic times, an eleventh-century basilica, and estates established between the sixteenth and eighteenth century;

Places the aforesaid area under the patronage of the Council of Europe until 15 June 2010,

Attaches the following conditions to the award of this diploma:

1.         Ensure that the park’s managing authorities retain control of the buffer zone (adjacent area);

2.         Ensure that new activities or developments are in line with the aims of the park and do not harm its natural, landscape and cultural heritage;

Attaches the following recommendations to the award:

1.         A plan for the short- and medium-term vocations of the different areas of the park should be drawn up;

2.         Deer- and boar-culling measures should be stepped up;

3.         Hydrological measures which are nature-friendly should be refined and applied;;

4.         Implementation of measures to limit the pollution of water courses, canals and, in particular, Massaciuccoli lake, should be speeded up;

5.         Greater account should be taken of natural assets in the management of areas outside the nature reserves;

6.         The existence and boundaries of the park should be indicated more clearly;

7.         The implementation of a protected area on the seaboard should be encouraged and measures to better protect coastal dunes should be pursued;

8.         Efforts to combat exotic alien species should be pursued;

9.         It should be ensured that the wildlife crossing corridors under roads and railways remain unobstructed, and should be improved as far as possible;

10.        The cultural heritage should continue to be enhanced;

11.        Efforts to combat noise pollution in zones where human activities take place should be pursued;

12.        Relocation of craft activities should be continued..