2.2 Enhance and secure involvement of indigenous people, local communities and relevant stakeholders

Release date	14/05/2007

Assessment criteria:

• Enabling environment (legislation, policies, capacities, resources, governance types, tools) developed.
• Plans and initiatives developed for participation in decision making in the identification, designation and management phases of the protected-area  network—level of participation achieved.

Description of progress, main obstacles, information sources:

Enhance/ensure participation of stakeholders in development and management of PA.

• participation of stakeholders + public consultation procedures are mandatory for overall designation and management planning processes such as for Natura 2000, river basins, marine areas
• technical and financial support is given to private owners to develop and implement forest management plans, nature area management plans
• cooperation agreements for management measures are established between the regional authorities and the provincial/municipal authorities, ministry of Defence, water management departments,… (see under point 1). For  the marine area cooperation agreements exist between local, regional and federal authorities (Kustwacht and Coordinatiepunt Beheer van de Kustzones).

In Flemish Region: cooperation with and financial support of Regional Landscape Organisations – till now 10 formally approved for registration, each including min. 3 munipals, registration  based on action plan that includes nature and landscape conservation, ecologically sound tourism and leisure development, awareness actions.