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After the designation of twelve Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Luxembourg was asked by the European Commission to evaluate this network by analysing its contribution to the viability of the 64 bird species for which Luxembourg has to select sites. For 34 species which are good or very good covered by the network in a qualitative way the contribution of the designated SPAs was evaluated focusing on the method of site selection. For these species it was concluded that the SPAs and six selected Important Bird Areas (IBAs) include all important sites in Luxembourg. There is no need for selection and designation of additional SPAs to fulfill the obligations of the Birds Directive. For 30 species which are not or badly covered by the SPA network the model LARCH was used to analyse the spatial conditions of the network providing long term protection in terms of viable populations. The analyses show only a few species which are viable within the existing network. For most species additional sites are needed to reach a sustainable network. Priority areas where additional sites can be found are also analysed. Because additional sites can contribute to the viability of different species priority areas were analysed showing their added value to the viability of a combination of species using the same habitat.

Regional geochemical data of heavy metals are commonly used for environmental risk assessment and management. Often these data are based on so-called total concentrations, whereas the exposure to the mobile or reactive fraction of these elements finally determines whether the exposed ecosystem is at risk and to which extent. The objective of our research was to develop a wider applicable method for quantitative hazard assessment of soil metal contamination attributable to the activity of man, based on and illustrated with data from the Netherlands. Since chemical availability (0.43 M HNO3 extractable concentrations) of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn appeared strongly related to the estimated anthropogenic enrichment, we used these concentrations to assess the hazard of human-induced enrichment of these metals. We expressed the enrichment hazard using the toxic pressure concept, which estimates the fraction of biological species (varying between 0 and 1) potentially affected due to the level of exposure to single metals or their local mixtures. This is done using logistic (enrichment) concentration/response models parameterized with ecotoxicological effect data from toxicity tests and mixture models. Hazards varied from very low toxic pressures (lower than 0.01) to (most often) toxic pressure less than 0.05, whereby the latter relates to the so-called 95%-protection criterion used in some soil protection legislations. In rare cases, the toxic pressure exceeded the value of 0.05, to an upper limit of 0.054 for Cd. The rank order of metal enrichment hazards suggests that Cd enrichment induces the largest hazard increase. There are limited (rank order) differences in enrichment hazards between soil types. Comparing the judgement of soils based on soil screening levels and based on toxic pressure of anthropogenic Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn enrichments, the soil screening values appear to more conservative. This exemplifies the use of soil screening values as a method to note regulatory concern, but not always indicating an actual hazard or risk. When screening values are exceeded, refined hazard insights can be obtained, as illustrated in this paper. This provides a more refined insight in the ecotoxic implications of human-induced metal enrichments in soils, as refined basis for risk management decisions.

Natura2000 : information and communication on the designation and management of Natura2000 sites. For all member states information will be collected describing the necessary management approaches, their legal framework, public consultation procedures as well as timing, structure and content of management measures. To fullfill these tasks a consortium of three institues was formed: Alterra (Netherlands), INBO (Belgium) and CEH (united Kingdom).

This is a proposal tot the European Commission (EC) for a new European award scheme recognising 'Nature2000 partner' and 'Nature2000 partner of the year'

This report describes the potential risks of spreading harmful pests and diseases by wood chips. Wood chipping is used as a measure against spread of certain harmful insects in wood, but is not effective to prevent spread of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. Here additional measures like composting and heating are necessary. Also in the biofuel chain infestations and spread of diseases are possible. For both the biofuel and phytosanitary wood chains the potential risks are described.

Summary Black alder is a scattered, widespread and short-lived species that thrives in low-lying damp and riparian places. It has a use in flood control, stabilization of riverbanks and in functioning of the river ecosystems. To thrive, precipitation must exceed 1500 mm if access to groundwater is not possible. Alders are unusual among European trees in that they fix nitrogen. To regenerate naturally, alder requires high levels of both light and moisture, usually achievable only on disturbed sites. Growth rates up to ages 7–10 are very fast but then slow rapidly. Sixty to seventy years is the maximum rotation for growing timber if heart rot is to be avoided. Maximum mean annual increments range from 4 to 14 m 3 ha 21 year 21 . Alder wood is used for energy, as fibre for paper and particle board and, most profitably, in joinery as solid wood or veneer. Logs must be at least 3 m long and ideally 50–60 cm diameter. Aspects of plantation silviculture are discussed with emphasis on thinning, which needs to be started early and to be heavy and frequent around selected final crop trees to achieve marketable timber before heart rot sets in.

Natura 2000 sites are expected to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. It follows that successful management of the sites is of great importance. Next to goal attainment, cost-effectiveness is increasingly recognised as a key requirement for gaining social and political acceptance for costly conservation measures. We identify and qualitatively examine issues of cost-effectiveness related to the design and implementation of management measures in Natura 2000 sites in Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland. Given the wide variety of management design and implementation options within the four countries, our study is purely of an exploratory nature. We derive recommendations for improving the cost-effectiveness of management in Natura 2000 sites and for future research. Examples of policy recommendations include guaranteeing the availability of funds for longer periods, and ensuring the appropriate allocation of funds between the different tasks of designing and implementing management plans. Further research should examine the cost-effectiveness of controversial suggestions such as, for example, more tailored payment schemes for conservation measures that result in higher ecological outputs but are costly to administer. Moreover, more research is needed to better understand how rules for administrations, as well as rules and governance structures for tasks within administrations, should be designed.

Natura2000 : information and communication on the designation and management of Natura2000 sites