2005 - Communicating the Pan-European Ecological Network - ECNC

the field boundary is lake or river) and 2) leaving an additional 1 metre uncultivated field margin on all cultivatedfield over 8 ha in size. These methods are intended to encourage perennial vegetation.The other policies that include strategies for preserving or developing ecological networks are the EstonianForest Policy (1997), the Estonian Forestry Development Plan (2001) and the Estonian biodiversity strategyand action plan (EME and UNEP, 1999).Assessment of policy and legislation in support of PEENEstonian policy and legislation strongly support the development of a national ecological network that iscoherent with the concept of a PEEN. Clear targets have been set at the national level in designating ecologicalnetwork elements by the relevant authorities. The development of a National Ecological Network istherefore well underway.Assessment of legislation and policy in respect CEPA ActivitiesAs the policy for a national ecological network is based upon implementation at the more local levels, thatis county and local authority levels, there will be a need for more interactive policy making that includesCEPA activities, in order for it to be successful. The literature did not clarify which CEPA activities werebeing used in the implementation of the ecological network.GermanyThis preliminary report provides the results and analysis of a literature review of PEEN within Germany.Overview of legislation and policyInternational commitmentsConvention on WetlandsBiogenetic reservesPan European Biologicaland LandscapeDiversity StrategyE.U. Birds DirectiveE.U. Habitats DirectiveBern ConventionHelsinki ConventionBarcelona Convention andGeneva/Barcelona Protocol✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓National instrumentsGerman Federal NatureConservation Act 2002Legal bases and political perspectives:The habitat network approach is newly enshrined in the Nature Conservation Act 2002. This prescribes thedevelopment of a habitat network system covering at least 10% of the territory of Germany. Only some ofthe previous protected areas designated in the various categories will meet the criteria for habitat networkareas. This will make it necessary to secure and, where appropriate, develop additional areas. Howeverthe spatial setting, which needs to be considered from a conservation perspective to implement the habitatnetwork concept is much wider [BFN, 2004)74