SERVICE DESCRIPTION

The EU Member States have adopted two key pieces of EU legislation – the Habitats and Birds Directives – to conserve Europe’s most valuable species and habitats across their entire natural range within the EU. A central element of these Nature Directives is the creation of an EU-wide Natura 2000 Network of sites that must be managed and protected to ensure the conservation of the habitats and species of Community interest.

But, Natura 2000 sites are not strictly protected areas where all activities are systematically excluded. “Greening” requirements have impacts on the producers (as farmers) facing challenges selling their products, because they are often small producers in remote areas where there are few customers who can pay premium prices. On the other hand, some are well-placed to take advantage of direct marketing to eco-tourists and tourist services such as hotels and restaurants. Labeling and Protected Designation of Origin offers an adding value to their products creating opportunities for building up successful connections to the market.

The main goal of the service is to create a long catalogue with a wide range of nature-friendly Natura 2000 products and services being produced in or provided by many Natura 2000 areas across the geographical coverage of the EDIH.  Yet, the service will help the consumers to make easier the choice of products/services engaged to the sustainability of their origin supporting the Green Deal principles.

SERVICE BENEFIT

The benefits of the service are summarized below:

• Adding value of the products/services.
• Development of a “sustainability” culture in both farmers and consumers.
• Development of a digital unique identity of products in “green” areas.
• Consultation for product upgrade.
• Increase the opportunities for EU funding based on the agri-environmental measures of the new CAP and of the ” Farm to Fork” strategy.
• Benefits for the local economies.
• Support the Green Deal principles.