1st Eurosite Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Workshop

Eurosite (www.eurosite.org) is one of the largest pan-European networks bringing together governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as private bodies, in active collaboration for the practical management of Europe’s nature.

The Eurosite Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Working Group (Eurosite MCPA Working Group) is a new initiative of the Eurosite network supported by Conservatoire du littoral and the French marine protected areas Agency, with the contribution of ATEN.

At the general assemblies of Eurosite held in Turku, Finland 2008 and in Valencia, Spain 2009, the question of developing Eurosite activities on coastal and marine protected areas issues was adressed by members on several occasions. Some of the French members of Eurosite, such as the Conservatoire du littoral, the marine protected areas agency and ATEN, are willing to develop a new initiative dedicated to the creation of a Eurosite marine and coastal network through Eurosite's programme of activities. The proposal is to develop a marine and coastal program of work over the next three years, from 2010 to 2012, by organizing annual workshops on marine and coastal protected areas management - these will focus on the specific management tools required, in particular for Natura 2000 marine sites.

The annual marine and coastal workshops are organized by Eurosite members, supported by the Conservatoire du littoral and the French Marine protected areas Agency, with the contribution of ATEN.

Workshop 1 -  1-3 September 2010 in Marseille, France:

Marine & Coastal Conservation: Natura 2000 Management Planning

01.09.2010: Practical responses to the EU framework

• Protecting biodiversity in the marine & coastal environment: setting the scene in the Mediterranean within the context of its European framework
• The Mediterranean Ecosystem Profile. Protecting biodiversity hotspots: working methods and funding opportunities. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund.

02.09.2010: Day field trip on land or at sea

03.09.2010: Working with others, working together

• Implementing conservation objectives with stakeholders: nautical activities, including leisure fisheries, scuba diving, mooring and jet-skiing