A Pandoteira project representative, from the Department of Environment, participated in a workshop on capacity building in Forest Area Management of the Natura 2000 Network. The workshop was organised by the European Nature Academy of the LIFE ENABLE project, between September 25 and 29 in Klagenfurt (Austria).
This workshop was dedicated to forest ecosystem management in Natura 2000 sites. Representatives from 17 different European countries went on a journey focused on Natura 2000 forest areas in the region of Carinthia (Austria). During the journey participants had the opportunity to share good nature conservation practices and explore sustainable solutions for the future. More specifically, the visits started from Natura 2000 Nature Park Dobratsch, continued in the Natura 2000 areas Leonstein, Vellacher Kotschna, Kamnisko-Savinjske Alpe and Lendspitz-Maiernigg, up to the crossing of the Slovenian border and Natura 2000 Jezersko.
At the end of each day, productive work sessions on important issues related to the conservation of forests followed, such as visitor management, combating invasive alien species, adapting to climate change and setting appropriate monitoring indicators to document the progress of conservation actions.
Gains
This field training provided significant knowledge and experience to participants on the most effective ways to manage Natura 2000 forest areas and biodiversity therein. In addition, it encouraged the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices at an international level among those working on issues related to the management and conservation of natural habitats, species of flora and fauna.
Through this workshop we were able to develop our professional skills in the management of protected forest areas. At the same time, we recognised common challenges and practical solutions in the management of protected forest areas. In addition, we made new connections that can lead to future collaborations and gained a better insight into the Natura 2000 Network of other countries and its management.
