Introduction in
SURF nature - let's improve the use of Regional Funds together
SURF-nature is a project of 14 partners in 10 different EU member states who have come together to enhance regional policies for the promotion and preservation of biodiversity and nature.
The project is funded through Interreg IVc and aims to improve the current and future funding opportunities for nature conservation and biodiversity through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
News 
Time to say Thank you and Goodbye
After three exciting years with a project team of more than 30 people across Europe it is time say thank you and goodbye (by Peter Torkler).
SURF Nature – the work for biodiversity must go on!
SURF Nature partnership of 14 authorities and other bodies from ten countries has successfully finished the INTERREG IVC project. We came together three years ago to work on optimising regional policies and practices for the use of ERDF for investments into biodiversity and nature conservation.
SURF Nature project - Publications and Translations
After three years of work a lot of very interesting and helpful publications have been published and for the most part translated into some partner languages.
Announcement: 2nd GreenNet Scientific Conference: „How to push the implementation of the European Green Belt by landscape policy instruments?”
19/20 February 2013 in Vienna, Austria
Press article on importance of ERDF funds in Brittany / France
Julie Verré, General Council of Côtes d'Armor, published an article in "La lettre de l`Aric" about the SURF nature project and an analysis of the use of the ERDF fund for biodiversity in Brittany.
"Guidance on Assessing Socio-Economic Benefits for better access to Structural Funds for Biodiversity" has been published
European Funds provide different opportunities to complement the financing of national, regional and local nature conservation measures in the member states to preserve the precious natural assets and cultural landscapes.
5th Thematic Booklet on Natura 2000 Management published
The fifth and last thematic booklet is dedicated to the management of Natura 2000 sites. After more than a decade of preparation to identify and designate Natura 2000 sites, the challenge now is to actually implement the necessary measures that will ensure the conservation and coherence of the...
SURF-Nature on the conference “Greening European Regions”
SURF-Nature has been presented on the conference “‘Greening European Regions - biodiversity as a boost for regional and local economy”. The conference was held in Oisterwijk, The Netherlands on 12.12.2012 and was organized by ECNC and UNEP, the Province of Limburg, (B), and the municipality of...
11th Training Session in Giurgiu County / Romania on 15th of November, 2012
On 15th November 2012 - WWF Romania and Giurgiu County Council organised the seminar ”European funds and their accessibility for nature conservation and a sustainable development of communities in Giurgiu County” between November 13-14th. This was part of the SURF Nature project and took place in...
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The Lead Partner and the Coordination Team of the SURF Nature Project would like to thank for the fruitful and inspiring cooperation and partnership. We wish you and your families a very happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year! The next and last neswletter will be published beginning of...
10th Training Session 8-9 October 2012 in Preveza, Greece
The Regional Unit of Preveza organized a training session focusing on: “Funding opportunities for projects related to the protection and preservation of the environment in the Regional Unit of Preveza and the region of Epirus in general” on the 8-9 of October, 2012 in Preveza.
Coalition for strong partnership principle in the future Cohesion Policy
Joint letter to ask for a strong partnership principle in the future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020
SURF Nature conference in Warsaw / Poland on 7 November, 2012
The conference is organized by the General Council of Cotes d'Armor along with Warmia Mazury Voivoidship, the French ambassy and the EU representation in Poland.
Conference "Greening European Regions - Biodiversity as a boost for local and regional economy”
The conference will take place in Oisterwijk (NL), Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Handbook on Financing biodiversity in the context of the EFRD published
Practical guidance based on the lessons learned from SURF Nature project (ERDF Interreg IVc)
New EEB brochure on Green Infrastructure published
The EEB has produced a new brochure on Green Infrastructure investments under the Cohesion Policy.
New LIFE Publication
The EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee and the European Commission's LIFE Unit have announced the Best LIFE Environment Projects 2011.
2nd Training Session in Giurgiu County on the 13./14. November, 2012
Facing the end of the SURF project the training session will focus on the dissemination of the project results.
“Let´s improve the use of EU funds together” - Finale Conference ends with SURF Message
The final conference of the Interreg IVc project, SURF Nature, held on 27 September, 2012, ended with a clear message for shifting the European Regional Policy onto a sustainable path.
French report on analysis of the use of ERDF for nature protection in Brittany published
Thanks to the support of the EU network "SURF NATURE", Conseil Général des Côtes d'Armor managed to carry out an in-depth work with environmental NGOs and local authorities in its area.
SURF Nature Final Conference in Cardiff, Wales
"Integration of biodiversity funding into future Cohesion Policy" - Final Conference of the SURF Nature Project 26th - 27h September 2012 in Cardiff, Wales
Successful Training Session and Partner Meeting in Slovenia in May
7.5.2012 – The official start of the training session entitled “The Future Funding of Projects That Protect Nature, Biodiversity and the Environment” began with a warm welcome by Janko Kos (the Mayor of the Žalec Municipality), Janez Jazbec (the Director of the Regional Developmental Agency of the...
Legislative Proposals on EU Cohesion Policy now available in 22 languages
The European Commission has adopted a draft legislative package which will frame cohesion policy for 2014-2020. The new proposals are designed to reinforce the strategic dimension of the policy and to ensure that EU investment is targeted on Europe's long-term goals for growth and jobs ("Europe...
Celebrating 20 years of EU Nature Protection in Poland
In some European countries took place celebratory events of 20th anniversary of two key instruments for the conservation and sustainable use of nature in the EU: the Habitats Directive and LIFE, the EU financing programme for the environment. The events took place among others in Poland.
LIFE supports growth of multifunctional Green Infrastructure
March saw the release of new studies by the European Commission on the important topic of Green Infrastructure. This new material adds to the growing knowledge-base about Green Infrastructure and provides useful contributions for the preparations underway towards a Commission Green Paper on Green...
Study on Cohesion Policy and Sustainable Development
Produced with the support of the European Commission, a study entitled "Cohesion Policy and Sustainable Development" is now available. The purpose was to examine how Cohesion Policy could contribute to managing the shift to the green economy and to the development of the post-2013 Cohesion Policy...
Save the date: 6th and last SURF Nature Partner Meeting in Wales in September
The 6th and last partner and steering meeting will take place in Wales in September right after the final conference on September 28th, 2012
Financing Natura 2000
The Directorate-General for the Environment prepared a document regarding possibilities to finance Natura 2000.
Save the date: 5th SURF Partner & Steering Meeting
This event will take place in Nature Park of the Vrbje Pond nearby Žalec on 10th of May 2012. Partners will have an opportunity to spend working day in the unspoiled nature within the park which was financed by EU funds.
2 more Thematic booklets published
Two further important project outcomes - the booklets on "Environmental Education" and "Forest Biodiversity" - have been published beginning of this year.
Save the date: Training Session in Žalec / Slovenia in May, 2012
The main topic is “Funding Nature projects in the future” and there will be representatives from government about future programme period and about ERDF funds, regional representatives about Eco- region, representatives of LIFE+ and other Financial mechanism important in the future nature projects...
4th Training Session in Austria
The Regional Workshop in Orth/Donau (Austria) on March 27th, organized by Donau-Auen National Park and the Environment Agency Austria, was focusing on the cross-border cooperation programmes of the region in the next funding period, specifically the Slovak-Austrian programme.
European support for French forests
France has published a working guide on how the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development EAFRD (FEADER in French) can help rural zones in developing the full potential of forests.
The EU budget: More harm than benefit?
This question is addressed by two projects led by the Institute for European Environmental Policy(IEEP) and commissioned by DG Envi and DG Clima. The aim is integrating climate and biodiversity objectives into the CAP and the Cohesion Policy.
Finally an attractive investment in crisis!
Only 17% of Europe´s most valuable habitats and species are in good conservation state! To tackle this issue, the EU pushes forward in establishing the biggest network of protected areas in the world: Natura 2000. This network could soon be the best investment the EU ever made.
The Common Strategic Framework(CSF): Simpler! Better?
Brussels, 14 of March, 2012 Following the proposals for the future cohesion policy last October, the European Commission presented the CSF as a means to support member states in planning investments for the next financial planning period 2014-2020. It will only be adopted after the cohesion...
Memorandum for joint management of Drin river basin
Controlling and coordinating the waters and biodiversity of the Drin river basin are some of the obligations outlined in the memorandum for joint management of the Drin river basin between FYR Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Greece.
Welcome Croatia - Accession treaty signed
EU and Croatian leaders have signed Croatia's EU Accession Treaty. Subject to the Treaty's ratification by all Member States and Croatia, the country will become the 28th Member State of the European Union on 1 July 2013.
EU Budget: Get real with funding for LIFE and biodiversity
On 12 December the European Commission released its proposals for the LIFE environment fund 2014-2020. Despite an increase from €2.1 billion to €3.2 billion, LIFE will remain too small to make this strategically important fund fit for purpose. LIFE is the only financial instrument of the EU solely...
Financing Natura 2000 Paper published
The EC has placed the EC Staff Working Paper on Financing Natura 2000 on their website now.
Second thematic booklet published
The booklet "Sustainable Tourism & Nature Conservation - An Investment in our Future" was published in the beginning of December
Interview in CENTRAL EUROPEAN with Johannes Hahn on "Future of Cohesion Policy"
The European Commissioner for Regional Policy is convinced that transnational cooperation will matter for reaching the EU 2020 goals.
Brussels European Meeting 23 November 2011 - Warmia & Mazury Brussels Regional Office
East Poland House – Regional Office of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship in Brussels was the venue of Brussels European Meeting, SURF-Nature dissemination event that took place on 23 November 2011.
EEA Report: Landscape fragmentation in Europe
Increasing fragmentation of landscapes threatens the wildlife in Europe
Wales’ Natural Environment Framework – A Living Wales
In Wales, we have a legal duty to Sustainable development and try to consider it in everything we do. A key element of this is protecting our environment.
Last interregional workshop of the SURF for Nature-Project in Preveza/Greece
The 9th and last interregional workshop on "Wetlands and Biodiversity" took place in Preveza/Greece on the 10th/11th of November.
Save the dates!
Beside several training sessions in the partner regions there will be two more partner meetings and a closing conference.
Successful interregional workshop in St. Brieuc
On 6 october 2011, Conseil Général des Côtes d'Armor welcome over 80 representatives of local authorities, State departments, universities and environmental NGOs to a seminar on the use of ERDF for environmental education.
Innovative financing mechanisms for nature conservation: Practice from the Danube river basin
The project “Promoting Payments for Ecosystem Services and Related Sustainable Financing Schemes in the Danube Basin”.
Delivering Europe 2020: Three commissioners outline how they are meeting the targets
The European Union has EU set itself an agenda to achieve smart and sustainable growth for every EU citizen through its 'Europe2020 Strategy'.
SURF Nature dissemination event - Brussels European Meeting on 23rd of November 2011
2 SURF partners (Warmia & Mazury+ Cotes d'Armor) plan a small SURF-Nature dissemination event in Brussels for the representatives of the European regions.
1st Training Session in Wales on 3rd of November 2011
In the beginning of November a serie of SURF training sessions started in Cardiff/Wales
Meeting between Potočnik and delegation of ENCORE
Meeting between the European Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Janez Potočnik, and a delegation of ENCORE Ministers in Brussels
European Commission published proposal for new regulations today
The European Commission has adopted a draft legislative package which will frame cohesion policy for 2014-2020. It aims at enforcing the Europe 2020 strategy and provides a budget of 336 billion Euro for Cohesion Policy, which is 1/3 of the total EU budget for this period. Generally two main...
A new era for EU Biodiversity Policy
New EU strategy adopted - On the 3 May 2011 the Commission published a new landmark strategy to improve the state of Europe’s biodiversity over the next decade.
EU Subsidies for polluting and unsustainable practices
EU budget subsidies should be phased out if they are likely to have environmentally harmful effects according to a detailed assessment.
First booklet on "Green Infrastructure" published
The thematic booklet on "Green Infrastructure - Sustainable Investments for the Benefit of Both People and Nature" is published and available on this website now.
Green Tourism in Wales
One of Wales’ greatest assets is its natural heritage – the dramatic landscapes, coast and wildlife. And tourism is a major part of Wales’ economy.
Multiannual Financial Framework 2014 - 2020
The Commission presents its proposal for a new financial framework 2014-2020
Regions for economic change
Conference on "Fostering Smart and Sustainable Growth in Cities and Regions" 23 - 24 June 2011
8th interregional workshop in St. Brieuc / France
The 8th interregional workshop of the Surf Nature project will take place in St. Brieuc (France) on 5 - 7 October 2011 and will deal with environmental education.
Maison de la Baie
On 26 and 27 March 2011, the Maison de la Baie launched the sustainable Spring of St Brieuc Agglomeration.
7th interregional workshop in Rieti / Italy
The 7th Interregional Workshop on Management of Natura 2000 Network will take place in Rieti / Italy on 14, 15 and 16 of September, 2011.
6th interregional workshop in Tyrol / Austria
The 6th interregional workshop on sustainable tourism will take place on 31st of August till 1st of September 2011 in Tyrol, Austria.
Open Days 2011 in Brussels
The OPEN DAYS 2011 participants' registration will start in July, when the full programme is made available online.
Fifth Interregional Workshop in Solsona/Catalonia
The 5th interregional workshop on Forest Biodiversity and Risk Prevention will take place in Solsona/Catalonia on 24th of May
Fourth interregional workshop in Patras/Greece
The 4th interregional workshop on Natura 2000 Management will take place in Patras/Greece on 14th and 15th April 2011
Commission launches consultations on Resource Efficiency
EU asks for opinions
The UN Green Economy Report
Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication
Green Infrastructure Conference
Summary and outcomes of the Green Infrastructure Conference in Brussels, Autumn 2010
Flagship initiative “Sustainable Growth”
Last of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives launched
First Thematic booklet
First thematic booklet on “Green Infrastructure- Sustainable Investments for the Benefit of Both People and Nature” launched
EU Commission call for action
"Regional Policy contributing to Sustainable Growth in Europe 2020"
Nature conservation in Operational Programmes
Launch of the summary of the European operational programmes analysis.
Project Workshop in Murcia on 29th March 2011
Green infrastructure and regional funding were the key subjects of the third interregional SURF Nature workshop.
Results from UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun
The conference ended with the adoption of a balanced package of decisions that sets all governments more firmly on the path towards a low-emissions future and support enhanced action on climate change in the developing world.
New atlas of soil biodiversity launched
New atlas highlights the value of Europe's soil biodiversity and reveals how it is under threat.
Where do the EU Structural Funds go?
An openly database was developed and released, which serves as a search engine for Europe wide projects financed by EU Structural Funds.
EEA released 4th SOER 2010
SOER 2010 confirms that well-designed environmental policies continue to improve Europe's environment without undermining Europe's growth potential.
Project workshop in Vienna
The second interregional workshop held on November, 26th 2010 in Vienna was focused on the topic of sustainable tourism and its funding opportunities and allocations through ERDF.
Assessing biodiversity in Europe- the 2010 Report
The new report from the EEA "Assessing biodiversity in Europe – the 2010 report" considers the status and trends of Pan-European biodiversity in a range of ecosystems, and the implications of these trends for biodiversity management policy and practice.
Solutions to end harmful subsidies in EU Budget
A new report launched on 18 November 2010 by seven green NGOs proposes concrete solutions to put an end to environmentally harmful subsidies within the EU Budget.
New Cohesion Report
On the 10 November 2010 the European Commission presented the preliminary version for reform of the EU`s cohesion policy: The fifth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Major step forward - Nagoya COP10 CBD
The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-10) held on 18.10-29.10.2010 in Nagoya has come to an end.
Communication on EU budget
Nature conservation, biodiversity target or Natura 2000 have not been discussed so far.
ENCORE report on financing Natura 2000 management
ENCORE initiated a survey on the difficulties in co-financing of the management of the Natura 2000 network.
Project Workshop in Vienna
The second interregional workshop will be held in Vienna on 25-26 November 2010
Project Output
The analysis of the 44 Operational Programmes from the partners through the SURF-Nature Project is done.
Added value of cross-border cooperation
The publication of two studies about the evaluation of cross-border cooperation programmes
ENCORE Ministers meet Mr. Janez Potočnik
Meeting between the European Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Janez Potočnik, and a delegation of ENCORE Ministers in Brussels
Green Infrastructure Conference
European Commission Conference on Green Infrastructure implementation in Brussels on November 19, 2010.
Press release on the project workshop in Wales
Within the frame of the SURF Nature Project a workshop was held in Wales on 15 Sep 2010. Here you can find a press release on the field trip and local projects in north Wales.
The Open Days 2010
The Open Days – 8th European Week of Regions and Cities (4-7 October 2010) in Brussels
Results of OP-analysis
SURF Project team analysed the nature spending in 43 Operational programmes
New partners at SURF nature
We warmly welcome our new project partners “Côte d’ Amor General Council” from France and the “Development agency Savinja” from Slovenia
The International Year of Forests 2011
Protecting forests means protecting biodiversity.
Partner Meeting and Project Workshop in Wales
The 2nd Partner Meeting and 1st Project Workshop will be held in Wales on 15th and 16th September 2010
Position of the Republic of Poland on future Cohesion Policy after 2013
The Government of the Republic of Poland released as probably one of the very first EU Members States a position on future Cohesion Policy on 18th August 2010.
EDEN-Award 2010
The EDEN project helps to spread the sustainable practices used in the chosen destinations across the Union.
New TEEB Business Report
While the first TEEB Report adressed policy makers the latest report concentrates on the responsibility of business and enterprises.
