91997E3577

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3577/97 by Hedwig Keppelhoff-Wiechert (PPE) to the Commission (13 November 1997)

Subject: Involvement of organizations in the selection of FFH zones

The primary objective of the Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC) ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. )) is to preserve and promote bio-diversity. The selection of FFH zones is aimed at creating a European environmental network of zones encompassing certain habitats of specific plant and animal species. Article 2(3) provides that measures adopted pursuant to this Directive must take account of economic, social, cultural, regional and local considerations.

1. Can the Commission say to what extent groups such as nature and environmental associations can be involved in the selection of FFH zones?

2. The FHH Directive contains no provisions regarding national arrangements for the selection of such zones. Can the Commission say what provisions there are in the various Member States for the involvement of social groups, if such associations may be involved in the selection of FFH zones?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1997)

In Article 3 and 4 and Annex III of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ((OJ L 206, 22.07.92, p. 7. )), the process of the creation of the European network Natura 2000 is described.In Annex III the 'Criteria for selecting sites eligible for identification as sites of Community importance and designation as special areas of conservation' are given and here a division into two stages is foreseen. Stage 1 is an assessment at national level and ends with a list of proposed sites of Community importance. Stage 2 is an assessment at Community level and ends with an agreed list of the sites of Community importance (SCI).

Stage 1 falls completely into the competence of the Member State. Therefore questions for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or regional governments (such as Bundesländer) are also under the responsibility of the Member State.

In Stage 2, the Commission assesses the Community importance and the coherence of the proposals, following recommendations from scientific meetings specific to the biogeographical regions. In these meetings, the European habitat forum takes part, as a qualified umbrella NGO in the field of protection of species and habitats, as well as experts from the Member States and the Community and independent scientists.