The issue

Networks of protected nature areas enhance bio-diversity by overcoming limitations of single, fragmented, areas. Such networks are promoted within the frameworks of Natura 2000 or Ramsar.

New concepts to secure the diversity of ecosystems emphasise larger-scale management together with a regional approach. Such approach seeks to make use of the positive mutual impacts on bio-diversity, of areas with different (or no) nature protection status. At the same time it seeks to develop sustainable sources of human economic activities. This in turn may help to maintain cultural landscapes which contribute to nature protection.

Green areas as defined by VASAB therefore cover a wide range of areas of natural and cultural value requiring different kinds of management and protection – virgin and managed forests, pastures, wetlands with lake districts and waterways, traditional agriculture areas with a mix of areas use for human activities, settlements, infrastructure and patches of areas not actively used, with or without nature protection status.

These areas also comprise sensitive coastal zones, which are discussed separately under priority no.6.

The proposed concept

The concept of green networks promoted by VASAB does not replace formal nature protection approaches such as Natura 2000. It is complementary to them:

                     It considers the interplay between protected areas and other areas of ecological significance.

                     It involves a wide range of areas with human use which still contribute to natural diversity.

                     It gives cultural landscapes a particular role where protection and development meet.

                     It therefore links development with protection.

                     It helps to mobilise economic instruments for protection purposes.

                     It is based on a process emphasising public participation and involvement of local communities to create ‘ownership’ among stakeholders. Ownership feeling is conditional to the effectiveness of any development and protection measures.

Such a broad concept is not yet widely used. Some BSR countries, e.g. Estonia, have gathered first experience. In the absence of such approach, conflicts are common between protection and development for which mutual adjustment is required. This applies also to the EU directive on flora – fauna – habitat protection, where many included regions seek also to promote their weak economies.

Spatial planning can play the role of integrating sector administrations as stated in the ESDP.

Examples for regions where green networks may be promoted

The following list is indicative only and not exhaustive.

                     Lake and waterway districts important for boat tourism (Nemunas Belarus/ Kaliningrad/ Lithuania; Havel/Oder - Vistula - Vistula Lagoon - Kaliningrad waterway; lake districts in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg, northern Poland, Lithuania as well as in St.Petersburg region.

                     Niemen Euroregion Belarus - Lithuania - Poland (focussing on transnational sustainable development initiative known as "the green lungs of Europe").

                     Cultural routes and networks, incl. urban and harbour complexes (Via Baltica, Via Hanseatica, Kings Road, Amber Road, HOLM etc.).

                     Euregio Karelia and the green belt of Fennoscandia (Finnish regions and Republic of Karelia).

                     Latvia - Lithuania - Poland - Belarus border highland areas rich in national parks and water bodies.

Potential co-operation projects

A joint political position for transnational promotion of green networks as defined above needs to be developed. This must be based on an assessment of experience in the BSR (and other) countries with different integrated con-cepts for green networking, including:

                     A compilation and assessment of national experience in networking of natural and cultural landscapes

                     The indication of problems and best practice to balance nature protection with development of cultural and natural landscapes.

Such assessment may lead to the identification of needs for adapting national and transnational regulations and planning approaches. The objective is to achieve a better link of with existing statutory planning.

Demonstration projects for selected transnational regions shall help to develop and to test new integrated approaches.

Such projects will be carried out by local and regional bodies. But as they go beyond municipal, county or country borders, they require the involvement of national level institutions. An umbrella project to house different demonstration projects is recommended.

Projects shall seek close co-operation with Baltic21 and HELCOM. Due to the integrated approach, also CBSS, BSSSC and CPMR shall be involved.