How can we ensure the long-term financing of protected areas as Europe expands its conservation ambitions through the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N)?

This webinar will explore current funding opportunities for expanding protected area networks in the Danube-Carpathian region, examining both EU public funds and private financing. It will provide examples of inspiring private financing options for nature conservation and highlight successful practices under current EU programmes. You will learn about the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposal and the changes foreseen. The workshop will include an interactive breakout session, covering various aspects of financing nature conservation such as mainstreaming biodiversity and nature restoration priorities in the next MFF, indicators and intervention fields in which funding can be provided and integrated, and the implications for those using the funding. You will also discuss alternative funding opportunities from the private sector, including blended-private financing. The most important challenges and action points raised will be made available in the form of a post-workshop briefing after the webinar for advocacy work at the national and EU levels.

Join us for this webinar, where we will explore current and future funding opportunities for nature conservation, focusing specifically on the Danube Carpathian Region and providing relevant examples!

Agenda:

Session	Speaker
Welcome participants and introduction to the project and the aims of the webinar	Hildegard Meyer, Regional Project Manager, WWF-CEE
What do EU funds deliver for nature conservation currently? What role does public funding play? Presentation, including Q&A	Auriane Flottes de Pouzols, Policy Analyst at IEEP
Private funding leverage for nature conservation – two examples from the Danube-Carpathians
The Living Danube Partnership Presentation, including Q&A	Emöke Györfi, Water Stewardship Manager WWF-CEE
A Foundation for a Nation - the Future Story of Făgăraș National Park, Romania Presentation, including Q&A	Mihai Sorea, Education Specialist, Foundation Conservation Carpathia
What is next with the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034? Presentation, including Q&A	Evelyn Underwood, Head of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services at IEEP
Interactive session in four breakout groups to elaborate on main challenges and action points for policymakers on the next MFF Mainstreaming biodiversity and nature restoration priorities in the next MFF – objectives, earmarking, minimum spend Programming and tracking EU funding for nature – intervention fields and impact indicators Overcoming bottlenecks to accessing EU funds for nature How to use EU funds to leverage private financing?	IEEP, WWF-CEE
Results of the breakout groups and formulation of the most important challenges and action points on the next MFF including an open discussion	Evelyn Underwood, Head of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services at IEEP
Conclusions and closing of the webinar	Hildegard Meyer, WWF-CEE

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