What are the impacts of European infringement procedures regarding the non-compliance with nature conservation legislation on certain areas? And, to what extent can protected areas contribute to fulfill the requirements of the nature conservation legislation by means of sustainable management with appropriate financing?

What are the impacts of European infringement procedures regarding the non-compliance with nature conservation legislation? To what extent are infringement procedures capable of enforcing the implementation of this legislation? And, on the other hand, to what extent can protected areas contribute to fulfill the requirements of the nature conservation legislation by means of sustainable management with appropriate financing? In order to discuss these issues an international conference entitled "Applying EU Environmental Legislation in the Field of Marine and Coastal Protection" took place on the Ionian Island of Zakynthos on May 19th and 20th, 2003. The preparation and organisation was carried out by Ecologic in co-operation with the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.

Dräger, Tanja; Eduard Interwies; R. Andreas Kraemer 2003: International Conference. Applying EU Environmental Legislation to the Field of Marine Protection. Technical Report. Berlin: Ecologic Institute.

Ecologic Institute prepared a background paper for this international conference, which took place on the island of Zakynthos (Greece) on 19-20 May 2003. The main objectives of the event were to examine procedures for non-compliance with the nature conservation legislation of the EU; to offer a forum to discuss possible actions to achieve compliance with European legislation and the overall aim of sustainable marine protection; to provide an opportunity to share best practices and exchange experiences and know-how concerning the sustainable management of marine protected areas and financial instruments for nature conservation; and to deliver results which are applicable to the development of the national park administration and an appropriate conservation strategy on Zakynthos.