Cooperation in Natura 2000 area benefiting biodiversity (Measure 16.5)

Summary

This operation targets effective interventions for biodiversity protection in areas with Natura 2000. These environmental efforts require synergic and coordinated actions to protect biodiversity, primarily removing any critical issues that may exist in the Natura 2000 areas (coming from the implementation of measures by the Habitats and Birds directives). The cooperative approach allows to reach specific objectives not effectively achieved with individual interventions. This method starts with a “mutual agreement” phase, where the involvement of the largest number of beneficiaries is required. It evolves in the creation of a “local cooperation agreement”, approved by the local competent authority for biodiversity.

Data and Facts - Contract

Participation: The cooperation activity is be carried out by the public body that proposes the local cooperation agreement, in order to reach the involvement of the largest number of beneficiaries. Involved parties: The following types of beneficiaries can take advantage of the aid provided: 
• single and associated agricultural enterprises; 
• other land managers including environmental NGOs, public bodies, collective properties. 
The benefits for the farmers and for the organization: Farmers receive a financial support for covering some of the costs that are due to the implementation of Natura 2000 constraints. The advantage of the financial body is a maintenance in biodiversity levels of the area and on the other hand the solution of the critical issues coming from the conservation rules. 
Management requirements for farmers: It depends on the specific objectives described in the RDPs.
Funding/Payments: In Natura 2000 areas funding can be provided for: 
• cooperation activities, 
• non-productive investments 
• area management activities etc. 
• The EU contribution can be up to 100% of the eligible expenditure. The cost of the cooperation project is set at a minimum of 20,000 euros and a maximum of 200,000 euros: up to 5% for cooperation costs and the remaining for project implementation

Success or Failure?

Failure. Only two applications, and both of them were rejected as
they were not in compliance with the call requirements.

Reasons for failure :

The measure was highly complex and set a number of constraints and rules that made the realization of the project extremely difficult. Eligible projects should have indicated a target in terms of biodiversity. The same target was aimed to resolve the critical issues for farmers, coming from the restrictions on agricultural practices, imposed by the regulations for the protection of biodiversity in the area where the applicants are located

SWOT analysis