EU Natura 2000 Integration Project

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The objectives of the European Union Natura 2000 Integration Project are to: (i) support park and county public institutions to implement Natura 2000 objectives in investment programs in Croatia; (ii) strengthen capacity for EU-compliant reporting and biodiversity monitoring; and (iii) introduce programs that involve a wide group of stakeholders in Natura 2000 network management. This project is supported through the following three components. Component One includes ecological network investments. Component Two comprises of ecological network data systems and includes consulting services to help plan, prioritize, and organize biological inventory and populate data systems to fulfill EU reporting requirements; field work to perform biological inventory and habitat mapping and monitoring services; consultant services to harmonize data systems with the EU INSPIRE Directive requirements, and computer hardware and software upgrades. Component Three involves ecological network capacity building using consultant services to help promote intersectoral cooperation, and pilot programs to (i) develop proposal of agri-environment measures for Natura 2000 sites, (ii) improve protected areas boundary delineation, (iii) introduce a park volunteer program, and (iv) diversify protected area finance. It will also support training on accessing EU grant programs for nature protection and tools to improve park management, learning through study tours and seminars, a public information campaign, and projectmanagement and operating costs.