FACE took part in the EU Nature Directors’ Meeting organised by the Irish Presidency. The meeting offered an opportunity for formal and informal exchanges with Environment Ministry officials working on biodiversity policies across the 27 Member States, the European Commission, land-use stakeholders, and nature NGOs.

It also provided participants with first-hand insight into the challenges local authorities face when managing protected areas, including invasive alien species, wildfires, and the increasing number of tourists putting pressure on habitats and species among other challenges.

The main topic of the meeting was the national Nature Restoration Plans with a specific focus on the Irish Plan and wildfires in Europe. The next meeting will take place under the Lithuanian Presidency in May.