SO13 Nature protection and biodiversity

The aim of the type of action is to improve the knowledge of and coordination among relevant stakeholders to manage nature protection, green infrastructure and pollution, including of stakeholders other than environmental institutions.
Indicative actions:

• jointly developing synchronised methods for monitoring and surveys or setting up joint data bases for example on invasive or migratory species or the impact of actions taken
• citizen science activities (bird watching etc.)
• research and know-how exchange in the field of circular economy and green technology
• workshops, conferences, field trips or other forms of (digital) know-how exchange
  • among research institutions, public and private institutions in the field of nature conservation and local and regional authorities to gain knowledge about local and regional biodiversity and the status of protected areas or subjects of protection (e.g. endangered plants, animals or biotopes) in the cross-border region
  • between sectoral stakeholders, research institutions and decision makers in order to learn best available technologies e.g. in reducing ammonia emission or GHG emission
  • between the management of nature parks, national parks and other protected areas of the programme area (“nature park academy network”)
  • improving capabilities and skills on biodiversity and reducing pollution of all relevant stakeholders, such as municipalities, agriculture, forestry, tourism, transport, education, water management, regional planning and local SMEs, also by implementing enhanced and innovative digital tools

The aim of the type of action is to boost the strategic development across the border to enable joint protection and preservation approaches, also taking into account a variety of society’s demands, contributing to societal health, human well-being, and the green economy. Strategic documents will be developed with the participation of the relevant stakeholders, to enhance their commitment to connect to and act according to the developed strategies in a longer run.
Indicative actions:

• (interdisciplinary) strategies on the conservation and valorisation of special habitats ("protecting by using") for example meadow orchards or addressing the preservation of autochthonous plant varieties and livestock breeds (agrobiodiversity)
• strategies addressing the joint management of cross-border nature parks or establishing common goals in managing sensitive areas, for example grasslands
• action plans for developing model regions of the circular economy and bioeconomy
• strategies on awareness raising measures on biodiversity, green infrastructure or reducing pollution

The aim of the type of action is at the implementation of tangible, sustainable and replicable measures contributing to preserve and restore biodiversity, green infrastructure or to reduce pollution, including also circular economy and green technology approaches.
Indicative actions:

• creating, improving or restoring valuable habitats for animal and plant species, for example meadows, orchards, ponds or sandy areas, establishing green infrastructure for example community gardens or green walls, establishing small elements enhancing biodiversity, for example stone walls, piles of dead wood or bushes
• developing business models to exploit the market potential for maintaining and improving ecosystem services and green infrastructure
• pilot projects in the field of circular economy and green technology
• technological digitalisation models oriented towards sustainable development and resource awareness
• actions integrating the topic of sustainability in the education system, including vocational training
• developing tool boxes with measures for local business and communities aiming at adapting material management towards circular economy
• implementing actions contributing to the implementation of the Updated Bioeconomy Strategy and the European Green Deal

The aim of the type of action is to improve the awareness of decision makers and stakeholders, local actors and of the general public towards biodiversity, green infrastructure and related ecosystem services, as well as towards reducing pollution, aiming at changes of attitude and behaviour.
Indicative actions:

• improving the knowledge and level of acceptance on environmental issues, for example by guided tours or other informal training events (like summer schools, camps, urban or private gardening events etc.), or using digital means and social media
• information events such as exhibitions or field trips on the role of traditional cultivation techniques and knowledge in preserving biodiversity