What are the values of nature and how important are they for cohesion policy objectives. It presents the details of the different cohesion policy tools and instruments and how they can be used to realize the benefits of working with nature and avoid unnecessary compromises and inefficiencies.
EVOLVING CONTEXT OF COHESION POLICY TOWARDS WORKING WITH NATURE AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
There is a rationale that the greatest value to derive from EU-funded interventions in the context of Cohesion Policy is by providing support that: 01. Working with nature will also complement regions' and countries' efforts to meet legislative requirements - requirements for biodiversity conservation, especially the bird and habitat directives and the EU's biodiversity strategy until 2020 (see box 2).
LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY DRIVERS FOR THE INVESTMENT IN NATURE 04
BIODIVERSITY, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
A REGION’S LIFELINE
THE BENEFITS FROM NATURE TO THE REGIONAL ECONOMY AND SOCIETY
Cultural services (eg recreation, tourism, aesthetic, spiritual and ethical values, as well as education and science); and. In addition to the above classification, 'habitat services' can also be recognized as a separate category of ecosystem services to emphasize the importance of ecosystems in providing habitats for migratory species (eg as nurseries) and as 'protectors' of gene pool (maintenance of gene pool diversity and vitality).
HUMAN WELLBEING AND LIVELIHOODS
In addition, diversity promotes ecosystem resilience, which is the ability of an ecosystem to provide services and maintain normal functioning12 under changing environmental conditions, such as climate change. Ecosystem resilience provides a kind of "natural insurance" against possible shocks and losses of ecosystem services13.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Ecosystems are also an integral part of the global carbon cycle and play a key role in achieving climate change mitigation goals. An example of ecosystems used for mitigation is the natural restoration of the Scheldt estuary in Belgium, which took place under the SIGMA II plan (see the case study in the annex).
KEY DEFINITIONS: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
- WORKING WITH NATURE CAN SAVE MONEY
- THE MULTIPLE VALUES OF NATURE IN THE REGIONAL CONTEXT
- RESPONDING TO THE VALUES OF NATURE IN THE CONTEXT OF COHESION POLICY
- Investment in environmental infrastructure, and other measures to minimise impacts on nature
- Adopting active ecosystem management approaches, by investing in nature to meet
- Measures pursuing objectives of resource effi - ciency, decoupling and sustainable growth; and
- Good governance as a cross cutting approach
Box 5 provides some examples of the socio-economic benefits that investment in green infrastructure can provide. A series of cohesion policy instruments and measures already contribute to the above steps in the transition to a green economy.
FINANCING MULTI-BENEFIT INVESTMENTS IN
BIODIVERSITY AND
COHESION POLICY INVESTMENT
OPPORTUNITIES TO ACHIEVE MULTI-BENEFITS THROUGH BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES
DIRECT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Environmental protection, including support for the protection of nature and biodiversity, is one of the eleven thematic objectives of the Cohesion Policy for 2014-2020. INVESTMENT PRIORITIES FOR NATURE FUNDING (BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES) AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES FOR DIRECT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES.
INVESTMENT PRIORITIES FOR FUNDING NATURE (BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES) AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES FOR DIRECT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
INDIRECT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
There must be specific synergies between the different types of investments financed by the ERDF and ESF. Conversely, the ERDF can contribute to promoting employment and supporting labor force mobility through the development of business incubators and investment support for self-employment and business creation.
STRENGTHENING RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION
It can contribute to the promotion of social inclusion and the fight against poverty by investing in health and social infrastructure that contributes to national, regional and local development, reducing health inequalities and moving from institutional to community-based services. It envisages the allocation of 5 percent of national ERDF funds to integrated sustainable urban development measures and to the establishment of an urban development platform to promote capacity building and knowledge exchange between cities (these elements on the urban dimension are further developed in the following section 4.3).
ENHANCING ACCESS TO AND USE AND QUALITY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)
Promotion of entrepreneurship, especially by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and promoting the creation of new firms. Through employment, education or improving institutional capacity to support the shift to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable economy, through reforming education and training systems, adapting skills and qualifications, upgrading the workforce, and the creation of new jobs in sectors related to the environment and energy.
ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL- AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES)
SHIFT TOWARDS A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY IN ALL SECTORS
PROMOTING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, RISK PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT
Its purpose is to protect citizens in the region from the consequences of flooding due to climate change. The project also aims to raise awareness and solidarity between citizens in upstream and downstream areas within river basins in Europe.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTING RESOURCES EFFICIENCY
This is achieved through public involvement measures to optimize social, economic and ecological benefits, maintaining the current land use function in project areas and combining it with desirable and appropriate new functions such as nature and recreation. Addressing the large investment needs in the waste and water sector to meet the requirements of the environmental legal order.
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT AND
REMOVING BOTTLENECKS IN KEY NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURES
It is included in the indicative list of major projects under priority axis 6 TEN-T road and air transport network, measure 6.1 Development of the TEN-T road network. One of the primary tasks of these institutions is to carry out EIA procedures and manage Natura 2000 areas.
PROMOTING EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORTING LABOUR MOBILITY
Greater biodiversity also improves water, air and soil quality, as a balanced biological system is highly beneficial for environmental cleanliness. In addition, the project will help to reduce the impacts of future developments on the corridor due to the information output of the project.
PROMOTING SOCIAL INCLUSION AND COMBATING POVERTY
DANUBEPARKS in the framework of the European Territorial Cooperation for South East Europe (ETC-SEE), priority axis 'Protection and improvement of the environment'. Improving access to lifelong learning, improving the skills and competences of the workforce and increasing the relevance of education and training systems to the labor market (ESF).
INVESTING IN EDUCATION, SKILLS AND LIFELONG LEARNING
The added value of suburban parks stems from their ability to address different issues, starting with environmental protection and provision of ecosystem services, to the creation of environmental green infrastructure, to local economic development and finally to improving the quality of life and social advancement. . Supporting the shift to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable economy through reforming education and training systems, adapting skills and qualifications, upskilling the workforce and creating new jobs in sectors related to the environment and energy.
ENHANCING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY AND AN EFFICIENT PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Horizontal actions for environmental integration (ERDF)
- CROSS-CUTTING INITIATIVES AND TERRITORIAL COOPERATION
The selection and approval of the strategies will be done by a joint committee established for this purpose by the respective management authorities, which will ensure that the strategies of the several funds receive coordinated funding of the overall strategy. As a key condition for success in developing the territory in a coherent and sustainable way, policy makers must consider biodiversity, nature conservation and green infrastructure in integrated territorial strategies, especially by coordinating different programmes.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SUD) The European Commission has long recognised the
COORDINATION AND COMPLEMENTARITY WITH OTHER EU INSTRUMENTS
Further synergies should be pursued with Horizon 2020 for research and innovation projects in biodiversity, ecosystem services and bioeconomy. Proposed measures for financing Natura 2000 sites in the OPs should be in line with the PAFs.
PRIORITISED ACTION FRAMEWORKS (PAFS)
It is envisaged that the PAF will identify key priorities for the management of the Natura 2000 network to achieve the objectives of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy. The PAF is not intended as a stand-alone document, but as a strategic tool to help mainstream funding for Natura 2000 through various EU financial instruments.
ENABLING AND
SUPPORTING MULTI-
BENEFIT INVESTMENTS IN NATURE THROUGH GREEN
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
Strategic planning and programming
Project Evalua2on and Selec2on
Implementa2on, Monitoring and
Evalua2on
DEVELOPING A BIODIVERSITY-SMART OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME
ANATOMY OF A BIODIVERSITY-SMART OP
REVIEW AND REVISION: THE ROLE OF ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES IN DEVELOPING BIODIVERSITY-SMART OPERATIONAL PROGRAMMES
To have a full understanding of the value of nature, a combination of monetary, quantitative and qualitative indicators is generally needed. The ex-ante evaluation examines the consistency of the program strategy with funding priorities and the regional situation.
BIODIVERSITY AND PARTNERSHIP
Are there opportunities to build or develop green infrastructure as part of the plan or program to support the non-environmental objectives and the environmental objectives (e.g. adaptation to climate change or increasing connectivity of protected areas). The OP specifies how the SEA has been taken into account in the decision-making process.
PARTICIPATION PROCESS DURING PROGRAMMING: STRAT.AT 2020 AUSTRIA
SUMMARY: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES GOALS IN THE PROGRAMMING PHASE
A recent study for the European Commission covers the biodiversity audit of the EU budget with a focus on ensuring that spending in all areas of intervention protects and enhances biodiversity in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy. In April 2013, the European Commission issued a discussion paper Mapping and assessing ecosystems and their services: an analytical framework for ecosystem assessments under Action 5 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020.
FURTHER RESOURCES FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
INFORMATION AND SUPPORT TO PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
- AWARENESS-RAISING AND PUBLICATION OF PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES
Developing operational programs that integrate nature and biodiversity and recognize their potential to generate benefits is the first step in the process of strengthening cohesion policy's contribution to a greener economy. Managing authorities should therefore ensure that these institutions and organizations participate in the process.
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
TARGETING THE RIGHT APPLICANTS
Establish pre-financing options that can help overcome cash flow constraints of certain applicants. Revise payment plans for smaller projects to improve cash flow for the project proponent.
WEFO (2012)
- DESIGNING BIODIVERSITY-SMART PROJECTS
- DEVELOPING A SUPPORT MECHANISM FOR BIODIVERSITY-SMART PROJECTS
The box below lists selected examples of existing resources for assessing the value of nature, biodiversity and ecosystem services. A selection of indicators to track and measure benefits from Ecosystem Services is provided in section 8.1 of this Guide.
SELECTED REFERENCES
JRC (2013)
For a quick overview of a framework for assessing the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services, please see 'How to estimate the value of ecosystem services?' and 'Overall rapid assessment of potential benefits'. These sections include namely: A conceptual and methodological framework for assessing potential benefits; applicable valuation techniques; and commonly used estimates of the value of biodiversity and related ecosystem services, as well as estimates of the costs of losing, replacing or restoring ecosystem services.
EEA (2011)
- SUMMARY: PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND FURTHER RESOURCES
- SETTING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
In addition, according to the European Commission's Directorate-General for the Environment, "it can help convince stakeholders of the importance of investing in green infrastructure and enable policymakers to balance issues of community and economic growth, environmental protection and quality of life". At the project level, the study applied a cost-benefit analysis using the concept of 'Total Economic Value', which attempts to capture the value of the various components of natural resources.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY,
APPRAISAL AND SELECTION
To maintain flexibility, WEFO states that 'certain measures may be considered to have eligibility issues and will be flagged as such' and, if a measure is found to be unsuitable for a project, 'the reasons why should be recorded'. These must be taken into account in addition to the environmental impact assessment required by national legislation.
APPROACHES TO ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA IN WALES AND CATALONIA
SELECTING THE RIGHT PROJECTS
- FORMULATION OF PROJECT APPRAISAL CRITERIA
PART .03 The Welsh European Funding Office has published guidance on the integration of the horizontal principle. The 'environment for growth' guidelines advocate measures that: integrate environmental and socio-economic objectives; increasing and improving the attractiveness of existing (or developing new) natural and artificial facilities; and develop the potential for sustainable recreation and economic activity related to the natural environment.
SAMPLE APPRAISAL CRITERIA
ENHANCING MULTI BENEFIT INVESTMENTS IN THE PROJECT SELECTION PROCESS
Even in the presence of relevant expert and stakeholder support and expertise, methodological challenges arise that can undermine efforts to appropriately assess socio-economic benefits associated with biodiversity and ecosystem services. They should also use well-aligned criteria to 'lock in' the need to evaluate and maximize these benefits as a priority in the project assessment and selection process.
SUMMARY: PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND FURTHER RESOURCES
The main objective is to give appropriate priority to project applications that consider benefits to biodiversity and ecosystem services. As part of the project assessment process, understand and assess how potential benefits associated with biodiversity and ecosystem services can be taken into account.
IMPLEMENTATION,
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
APPLYING INDICATORS, MILESTONES AND TARGETS
Successful monitoring implies a sound integration of the multi-benefit approach in the indicators and stages developed in the programming phase and clearly defined in the Operational Programs. As discussed in section 5 of this guide, managing authorities should facilitate the integration of nature-related socio-economic benefits into this new performance framework.
SUPPORTING SERVICES
MONITORING, REPORTING AND EVALUATION MECHANISMS
SUMMARY: PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND FURTHER RESOURCES
Handbook on financing biodiversity under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). West Wales and the Valleys Convergence Program Operational program for the European Regional Development Fund 2007-2013.
LIST OF
CASE STUDIES
DANUBEPARKS
CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION TO ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL
A joint strategy to strengthen tourism, environmental education and regional development in the basin has been developed as part of the project. This integrated and ecosystem-based approach has been one of the success factors of the project.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION OF COMANA WETLANDS
ROMANIA
The project includes the introduction of the first monitoring system of environmental parameters and bird species in the region. The project was submitted together with representatives of the municipality of Comana and the administration of the Comana Natural Park.
NATURESHIP
NATURE CONSERVATION AND WATER PROTECTION PLANNING
The aim of the developed GIS model was therefore to ensure that they get better and more detailed knowledge about ecosystem services. Land use plans: Land use plans have the potential to better consider the role of ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits.
PEATLAND RESTORATION IN
MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN
GERMANY
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Consumer Protection in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern established a system of CO2 credits for the voluntary market in 2011 to involve the private sector in conservation projects in the area. In 2000, the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Consumer Protection of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern formulated a strategy for the restoration of peatlands, mainly financed by the state and the EU.
SIGMA PLAN II
BELGIUM
In this way, the objectives and knowledge of a wide range of stakeholders are taken into account, which improves the quality and acceptability of the projects. In this way, the objectives and knowledge of a wide range of stakeholders are taken into account, which improves the quality and acceptability of the projects.
CROSS-BORDER GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA
ALPINE-CARPATHIAN CORRIDOR
By also including specific commitments by these stakeholders, the long-term sustainability of the project is ensured. In addition, the project received several awards and was among the 5 finalists of the RegioStars Awards 2012.
GREEN CORRIDORS
CONTRACTS PROJECT
IN THE RHÔNE-ALPES REGION
FRANCE
Once the financing under the contracts is absorbed, the cost of daily operation of the infrastructures is expected to be relatively small. Thus, while mapping the territory and determining ecological succession are quite costly, this is largely an initial cost.
BENEFITS OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF CONSTRUCTED URBAN WETLANDS
Furthermore, the overall capacity of the wetland to improve water quality increases each year as the vegetation cover increases and ages. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the maintenance costs of the wetland park will be minimal, including the maintenance of the nature trail (annually), and maintenance of wetland open pastures and sediment catchment pond (once every five to ten years).
AZORES ISLANDS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS
RELATED TO THE INVESTMENT IN PROTECTED AREAS
Finally, the results of the socio-economic assessment played an integral role in establishing a follow-up project, LIFE Sustainable Laurel Forest, in the area. The results of the 2003-2008 assessment also indicated that the Pico da Vara / Ribeira do Guilherme Natura 2000 area has great socio-economic importance in terms of water management.
LANDSCAPE PROGRAMME AND LAND USE PLAN
This approach enabled the identification of habitat corridors and the creation of a habitat network and areas of high natural values. The combined preparation of the Land Use Plan and the Landscape Program enabled the integration of urban development and conservation of biodiversity as a basis for common planning.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF RESTORING WETLAND BIODIVERSITY
The Institute for the Management of the Ecological Development Area Karla was founded in 2003. The Institute for the Management of the Ecological Development Area Karla, the governing body http://www.fdkarlas.gr/Context.aspx.
POLAND
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PROTECTION OF ECOSYSTEMS
It is coordinated by the Coordinating Center for Environmental Projects (QKEP), established in 2008 to act as the Project Implementation Unit for the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Program. The project "Enhancing Retention and Preventing Floods and Droughts in Lowland Forest Ecosystems" provides a good evidence base for exploring opportunities for nature-based water management that enables both biodiversity and economic benefits.
DELIVERING LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS
THROUGH THE NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY
Direct economic benefits include job creation and the creation of new business initiatives related to the development of the natural environment. Project application support: Four calls for projects were posted on 'Sell2Wales', the website supported by the Government of Wales, which offers opportunities for tendering and joint sponsorship.
