NATURA 2000 AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF PLANT SYNTAXA IN GERMANY

The site selection for the Natura 2000 network of protected sites under the EU-Habitats Directive is accomplished for Germany. An analysis of its implications for the protection of plant syntaxa is carried out based on the status of threat on alliance level (national red data book of syntaxa), on the relative area of habitats within Natura 2000 sites, and on association level. Gaps in the protection of plant syntaxa by the Habtats Directive are summarized for every plant formation. While the site boundaries are fixed, the work of protection and management is at its starting point. Practical assessment methods and procedures have to be set up and site management plans will be necessary in many cases. At national and EU level a system of reporting is currently worked out for the 6 year standard reporting on the Conservation status of habitats and species. Examples of these tasks will be given in a case study on the conservation of grassland vegetation in Germany. 18 Grassland habitats are covered by the Habitats Directive in Germany adding up to nearly 230.000 ha within the Natura 2000 sites.