The Natura People project aims to ensure the long-term protection of the natural environment throughout the programme area by demonstrating the economic value that Natura 2000 (N2000) sites bring to local communities. The partners are all involved in managing coastal N2000 sites, with each of these sites at different stages of development as attractive, vibrant visitor attractions, in parallel with their nature conservation role. The project will demonstrate the role that nature conservation can play in strengthening and diversifying the rural economy, and alleviate pressures placed upon it.The partners will connect business with nature by developing a clear, simple and economically rigorous model to demonstrate the added value that well managed, engaging N2000 sites can bring. The model will be available for organisations throughout the Programme Area. A large portion of the partnerships activities is also directed at engaging locals and visitors with N2000 sites, building social capital and value, and maintaining their sustained commitment to nature conservation. Expected Results: What are the key results of the project?Economic modelling- One economic model, widely applicable across the programme area, to be used to demonstrate the value of N2000 sites to decision makers and local businesses.- Three case studies (one from each of UK, NE, BL), demonstrating how to use the economic model, and illustrating the economic and social value of N2000 sites.- A detailed comparison of the case studies, looking at the similarities and differences in N2000 sites across the programme area.- A transnational assessment of the relative economic value of networks of N2000 sites, compared with single N2000 sites.- A series of seven seminars to present the economic model and case study to decision makers.Business networking- A transnational network of businesses who are stakeholders in N2000 sites, with a number of active partnerships in place.- Robust transnational frameworks to ensure partnerships continue, grow and develop after the project ends.Increased economic expertise amongst the project partnersStakeholder engagement- The development and implementation of a people engagement strategy for each project site.- An increase of at least 10% in the number of volunteers at each project site.- Analysis of the effectiveness of different people engagement techniques in different scenarios and types of site. A report will be produced to share these findings with N2000 site managers across the programme area.- Delivery of a cross border training programme for reserve visitor guides.Increased visitor numbers and joint promotion- An increase in visitor numbers of at least 10% to each site during the project.- A total number of visitors to all project sites of at least 1,130,000 during the project.- Three joint events held to connect the Flemish and Dutch parts of Zwin nature reserve.- An active online network and community, connecting people to their local N2000 site, and to other sites and communities within the project.- Joint promotional materials for all four project sites, encouraging visitors to experience multiple N2000 sites.Are all partners and territories benefitting from the results?Target beneficiaries are; local businesses, particularly SMEs, who will benefit from networking with their counterparts within the programme area and receive valuable advice as to how to diversify their businesses and work together to maximise tourism. Tourism businesses near project sites and engaged with the project will benefit through opportunities to work together and form networks to diversify and lengthen the tourist season. Tourists will have the opportunity for enjoyable, engaging visits to N2000 sites and to learn about the transnational aspects of the natural world. N2000 site managers throughout the IVA 2Seas Programme Area will benefit from the project results, including the economic model and analysis of people engagement strategies, to be shared online and through project workshops.Final beneficiaries are: residents throughout the programme area, who will benefit from an improved regional identity and awareness of N2000 sites; communities living near the project sites, who will have new opportunities to engage with their environmental heritage, be encouraged to visit their local N2000 site, have the opportunity to learn new skills through volunteering and gain social and health benefits from nature reserves as well as benefit from the wider positive impacts of a diversified rural economy. Decision makers such as politicians; local, regional and national authorities; development agencies; environment agencies; DG Regio; DG Environment will be able to use the economic model to assess the true value of N2000 sites at all levels.What are the effects / outcomes for the territories involved?The effects of the project are on four levels: 1) policy makers, 2) businesses, 3) individuals, 4) the environment.1) The economic model and case studies will provide evidence based reasons for directing further investment towards nature reserves and developing business and tourism networks on a local and international scale. This will lead to further development and regeneration of the target areas, drawing more visitors and tourists in and providing rural economies with a stimulus boost. The people engagement and education strategies will provide real life, worked examples of how best to attract a diverse range of visitors using a wide range of accessible, interpretive materials. Education practice in the 2 seas area will improve leading to better reputations for the sites, greater visitor numbers, and more economic benefits for the region, thus supporting the economic model.2) Local and international policymakers, along with businesses, will understand the benefits of setting up networks between nature reserves and businesses, and between businesses in the same local and European region. There will be a greater understanding of the commonality between the member states. The project will provide a greater number of customers throughout the year as well as in the peak tourist season.3) Visitors and local people will have a connection to the natural environment - making them aware of the role individuals have in supporting conservation efforts.4) The environment: policymakers, businesses and individuals will be invested in the natural environment and committed to doing their best to protect it. They will have the tools and the knowledge to implement changes in their sphere of influence.