Yesterday (08/05/2013) in Sofia was held the first national round table – part of a series of discussion events related to the Elaboration of a National Priority Action Framework (NPAF) for Natura 2000. The meeting was held with the participation of Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Ms. Malina Krumova, representatives of managing authorities of Operational Programmes and other financial instruments, non-governmental organizations, business organizations, experts from different departments of the state and local administration.
The round table is part of the project for Elaboration of NPAF, funded by OP “Environment 2007 – 2013”. It aims to ensure the widest possible participation of various stakeholders in planning the upcoming Natura 2000 activities for the period 2014 – 2020.
The frame itself is a new program document for Bulgaria. Its elaboration is based on the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive, which introduces a single standard for strategic planning of Natura 2000 activities. Article 8 of the Directive requires Member States to develop a national priority action framework for NATURA 2000. In Bulgaria this process began in April this year. The purpose of the Framework is to better define funding needs and priorities for Natura 2000 at national and regional level and thus to facilitate their inclusion in future programs financed by EU financial instruments.
The conduction of the round table marks the beginning of the actual discussion of the various stages of the elaboration of the Framework. Organizer of the round table was “Dicon-Agreco” Ltd., which will develop the NPAF. The final version of the NPAF is expected to be finalised by the autumn of 2013.
