We have held a participatory workshop in Valencia with the main objective of facilitating collective work between managers and users of the marine areas of the Natura 2000 Network.

We have started a participation process within the framework of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project to design a governance strategy that allows a coordinated and effective management of the marine Natura 2000 Network with the involvement of actors linked to the marine environment.

Within this framework, we have held a participatory workshop in Valencia with the main objective of facilitating collective work between managers and users of the marine areas of the Natura 2000 Network. From the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition together with WWF-Spain we jointly carry out this action, in collaboration with the University of Murcia.

Specifically, on this occasion we intend to advance in the identification of the current situation, needs and priorities of governance in the marine areas of the Natura 2000 Network in this marine demarcation. These elements will mark the guidelines that will be applied in different pilot experiences from 2019 to 2024.

At this meeting we have also shared the information from the online public consultation, which will remain open until November, and we have exchanged experiences and knowledge to advance key issues that will help develop this marine governance strategy.

In addition, we have carried out an analysis, detailing the steps to be taken to improve participation, coordination and management instruments, as well as elements to advance in the proposal for the governance model of the LIFE IP INTEMARES, which will be defined in the workshops that will be held throughout the Spanish coast.

This workshop has had the participation of organizations linked to public administrations, the third sector, research, as well as citizen associations and users of the sea.

The governance strategy is part of the actions foreseen in the LIFE IP INTEMARES, which is coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition. The General Directorate of Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea of the same ministry, the IEO, the Spanish Fisheries Confederation, SEO/BirdLife and WWF-Spain participate as partners. It has the financial contribution of the European Union’s LIFE programme, among other sources of funding.

This project aims to achieve a network of marine areas of the Natura 2000 Network, managed effectively, with the active participation of the sectors involved and research as basic tools for decision-making.

Do you want to know more about the LIFE IP INTEMARES project?

You can follow the twitter profiles @lifeintemares and @FBiodiversidad, where we inform you of all the news and performances. Shortly, in addition, all the information about the project will be available on a new website on which we are working. And to learn about the progress of what is the largest marine conservation project in Europe, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter through the following link.