On May 20, more than 40 participants gathered online to participate in the second meeting of the consultative group on the development of a nature protection plan for protected marine areas. This meeting is an important step to ensure the development of the plan in accordance with paragraph 24 of the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 686 of October 9, 2007 “Regulations on the content and procedure for the development of a nature protection plan for a specially protected nature area”. The main discussions were devoted to the importance of zoning, coastal planning integration and especially seasonal protected areas.

Intensive work is currently underway on the development of a nature protection plan for protected marine areas. The most important thing at the current stage is the precise determination of the boundaries of the areas, which will serve as the basis for all future activities. Work continues on the compilation of statistical data – biotopes and bird habitats – for all study areas. Experts emphasize that, even more so, it is necessary to take into account the compatibility of natural values ​​​​between these areas. Current data suggests that all areas will be classified as "C areas" for both species and bird conservation, indicating their high natural value.

Bird experts highlighted two main aspects related to the boundaries of nature reserves and seasonal restrictions in the discussion. Firstly, seasonal restrictions are essential in areas where migratory birds gather and winter. Disturbance of such areas can negatively affect bird populations. Secondly, it is important to take into account the impact of bycatch and recreation on birds. These discussions are critical to developing an effective and sustainable marine nature conservation plan that balances nature conservation needs with human activities.

In order to ensure an effective and transparent development of the marine nature conservation plan, the members of the advisory group will soon receive the draft plan, a zoning plan, proposals for management measures and draft regulations. A draft plan with draft regulations and management measures will be prepared by the end of July. This process is essential to ensure that the marine nature conservation plan is effective, sustainable and reflects the interests of all stakeholders.

At the end of the meeting, it was emphasized that each location in the plan must have a precise justification so that it can be extracted for each landfill and each individual location. LIFE REEF specialists must prepare documents for the next, third meeting. This confirms that the development of the plan is moving forward, taking into account both nature conservation and public interests.