LIFE GESTIRE 2020 is project that aims to guarantee the achievement of the EU biodiversity conservation objectives, thus contributing substantially to improve the management capacity of the Natura 2000 network. It is funded by the LIFE Program of the European Union.

The problem
Regione Lombardia has recognized the need to develop a regional strategy for the period 2015-2020, supported by an integrated, unitary, coordinated and participatory management. To this end, in the period 2012-2015 the GESTIRE project (LIFE11 NAT/IT/000044) was realized to prepare an updated and more complete version of the regional Priority Action Framework (PAF). Based on the results of this planning document, the current integrated project is implemented in the Natura 2000 regional network.

In this way the project aims to face the threats to biodiversity that appear from several fronts in natural ecosystems.

The solution

GESTIRE 2020 is structured in four plans of action:

• Maintain and improve the conservation status of habitats and species
• Increase awareness and information on the value and the potential of Natura 2000 areas
• Monitor the effectiveness of the project in pursuing the objectives of the PAF
• Improve the governance and management models of the Natura 2000 network to achieve multiple policy objectives, through the increase of the capacity building of the multiple subjects involved in the management of RN2000.

Our contribution
The consultancy of Etifor lies within this last point, and deals with Action A2 which concerns the development of innovative governance models. Within the action a  Toolkit for the improvement of governance (freely accessible on-line). Through a participatory path it leads the territories to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to build a participated and effective governance towards the specific management objectives of the areas.

Now Etifor, in collaboration with Regione Lombardia and ERSAF (Action C21), is applying the Toolkit in 5 different contexts at regional level. In each territory objectives and growth strategies are being developed through participatory meetings.
The territories are:
– Alpe Vaia, Valtellina and Carpaneta (by ERSAF)
– Milano Metropoli Rurale and Priority Areas of Intervention (by Regione Lombardia)

Furthermore, we coordinate with ERSAF the animation and planning team related to the project in Action C1.