Sixth National Report
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Section I. Information on the targets being pursued at the national level
1. INCREASING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY STATUS ()
The protection of biodiversity is directly related to scientific research. Therefore, it is necessary to increase and update relevant knowledge, so that, through scientific analysis and studies, the public may be appropriately informed and appreciate the status and trends of the natural environment, the functioning of natural systems and the interaction between biotic and abiotic parameters. This knowledge base is bound to enhance the design of targeted actions for the conservation of biodiversity. In particular, the support of applied research on the management of species and habitats will contribute to the more efficient planning of the necessary actions for the protection of biodiversity in Greece. At the same time, support for research and dissemination will fulfill the legal obligations of the country with regard to monitoring the conservation status of species and habitat types.
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
2. CONSERVATION OF NATIONAL NATURAL CAPITAL AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION ()
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
3. ORGANISATION AND OPERATION OF A NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PROTECTED AREAS AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE BENEFITS FROM THEIR MANAGEMENT ()
Regarding the Natura 2000 network, the selection and designation of more marine protected areas are deemed as a priority action that has been outlined in the NBSAP, and, as a consequence, has recently important progress at national level. Sites of Community Importance, that are already approved by the European Commission for the Mediterranean biogeographical zone, are mostly classified as Special Areas of Conservation. The institutional fortification of these areas should be accompanied by the adoption of institutional, administrative and management measures to maintain or restore the species and habitat types that have justified the designation of these areas.
Habitat fragmentation is one of the major threats to biodiversity. Species need adequate space, within which they may move and feed, so that their populations can maintain good conservation status. The successful management of individual protected areas is not sufficient to achieve the conservation objectives of certain species (usually large predatory species), unless there are ecological corridors that allow local populations to interact and persist. To delineate ecological corridors, it is necessary to identify species that have such needs, study their ecological requirements, and then map and identify areas where specific conservation and management measures are needed. Ecological corridors serve several purposes at the same time. Such corridors are able to: (1) maintain an area of good ecological status, (2) offer the opportunity to continue to provide ecological functions, and (3) help species and habitat types to adapt to climate change.
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
4. CONSERVATION OF THE GENETIC RESOURCES OF GREECE – FACILITATING ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES – FAIR AND EQUITABLE SHARING OF THE BENEFITS ARISING FROM THEIR UTILIZATION ()
In Greece, the existing institutional framework includes provisions for the protection of the country’s plant germplasm and the conservation and protection of indigenous breeds of livestock (PD* 80/1990 and PD* 434/1995). In the context of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBSAP) priority is given to the continuing registration, characterization and evaluation as well as the conservation of plant genetic resources, forest genetic resources and the genetic resources of livestock. In addition, priority is given to the conservation of genetic resources in situ (on the farm) or ex situ (in institutes, such as gene banks and botanical gardens), particularly for genetic resources of economic importance to the country. Special care should be taken to prevent the potential impacts of genetically modified organisms on biodiversity.
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
5. ENHANCING THE SYNERGIES AMONG THE MAIN SECTORAL POLICIES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY- ESTABLISHING INCENTIVES ()
Biodiversity is an issue that transcends typical sectoral policies and demands a multi-layer approach. Thus, it is necessary to integrate nature conservation into all other sectoral policies. Spatial and urban planning policies coordinate the location of all activities in space and, therefore, may decisively contribute to protecting natural habitats, in the proper demarcation of human activities, and avoiding habitat fragmentation. These policies ultimately contribute to conserving biodiversity, both in rural and urban areas.
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
6. CONSERVATION OF LANDSCAPE DIVERSITY ()
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
7. PREVENTION AND MINIMIZATION OF THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BIODIVERSITY ()
Climate change is considered an additional threat to biodiversity both in terms of habitats and species survival. It is obvious that the ecosystems in Greece will be significantly affected due to the expected increase of average temperature, more frequent extreme weather events precipitation changes as well as potential reduction of available water quantity. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration the impact of climate change when drawing up biodiversity management plans in order to protect the species and habitats at risk and help them adapt to new environmental conditions. The consensus of relevant research is that it is possible for species and habitats to shift their geographical distributions in response to climate change. A proportion of species that present conservation interest and might be driven outside the boundaries of existing protected areas may be a result of this shift in the geographical range of species and habitats. Therefore, management measures should not only be planned to maintain and restore healthy ecosystems, but also to enhance the capacity of these ecosystems to withstand the pressure of climate change and, thereby, avoid biodiversity loss as a result of this phenomenon.
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
8. PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY FROM INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ()
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
9. ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ()
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
10. UPGRADING THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ON BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ()
To help public administration be effective and coordinate, formulate and implement policies and measures for biodiversity conservation, it is necessary to restructure institutional structures and ensure their support with appropriate infrastructure and the necessary human resources, both at central and a regional level. Furthermore, it is essential to modernize and codify existing legislation, establish and enhance environmental control mechanisms to address the problems of non-compliance and inadequate enforcement of environmental legislation.
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
11. INTEGRATION OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION INTO THE VALUE SYSTEM OF SOCIETY ()
Education and training are major factors that shape the values of society. For the integration of biodiversity conservation in society’s value system, biodiversity should be integrated into all forms of formal and non-formal education. Biodiversity could be promoted by teaching at school via integrating biodiversity and ecosystem protection into the curricula of primary and secondary education, by producing appropriate and attractive educational material and by training teachers in this scientific field. Since the education of future generations is a priority for modern society, it is necessary to integrate the value of biodiversity conservation into education, training and lifelong learning programmes. To achieve better and more effective integration of biodiversity conservation policies into all areas, it is essential to educate specific groups of the productive sector. Education, training and awareness of bio diversity require an interdisciplinary approach, since biodiversity is associated with all aspects of human life. Biodiversity is not only part of Biology, Physics and other related sciences; it is also part of History and Humanities.
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
12. INSPIRING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ()
The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).
The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.