1.2 The purpose of the handbook

1�2 The purpose of the handbook

The handbook is the result of a process with which we managed to harmonise the opinions and approaches of the various sectors in recognising and planning the GI, mainly those that deal with preserving nature, the landscape and water management and those that deal with the GI concept and its implementation the most. The GI concept also represents an integration field of the various goals and functions of various sectors, for example the agricultural/forestry and tourism sectors, and also the traffic, energy, education and other sectors.

The aim of the handbook is mainly to improve the inclusion of the ecology systems and natural green and water areas represented by forests, inland waters, the sea, etc., in the planning processes. In addition to their biodiversity, these areas also provide the main goods, from clean water to healthy food and living environments, and they also increase resilience against unexpected environmental, economic and social changes.

The handbook is intended for all those who are in any way involved in the spatial planning and landscape management processes. It also represents an expert material for raising awareness and educating the professional and general public.

The handbook presents both legal as well as methodological instruments in recognising GI and its spatial planning and management. We consider the motto in the sense of unifying and linking the management procedures with the GI at the various spatial and administrative levels.

The method used and the legal guidelines have been designed as a recommendation to users, and they offer expert support:

ΐ TO PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING INSTITUTIONS ON THE STATE LEVEL: consent givers/ providers of opinions for the harmonisation and simplification of procedures regarding the issue of consents/opinions, to planners of spatial strategies and plans, to draftsmen of strategic and programme documents for the successful implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), and the implementation of the EU measures in other development sectors, to draftsmen of programmes in priority areas/sectors and financing projects (EU, national), and to those harmonising matters on the bilateral and multilateral level in the Danube and Adriatic waters;

ΐ TO PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING INSTITUTIONS ON THE LOCAL LEVEL: to draftsmen of municipal and regional strategies (RSP) and plans (MSP), draftsmen of programmes concerning priority areas and projects co-financed by EU funds and national public funds.

The purpose of the handbook is also to point out the need to establish management of the GI and natural resources, which is one of the conditions for the successful intersectoral performance of activities to preserve a healthy and quality environment.