By Decision No. 20 dated December 29, 2022, the Director of the Infrastructure Department at the Ministry of National Defence (MON) established the Steering Committee, which plays a key role in implementing the LIFE21-GIE-PL-INF-ARMY project, titled "Supporting the Users of Military Areas in Managing Natura 2000 Sites."

In 2024, the composition of the Steering Committee was updated, and the new members were formally appointed by Decision No. 4/24 dated March 5, 2024.

The Steering Committee consists of 21 members, including representatives from the Ministry of National Defence (MON) and experts from civilian sectors. This diverse composition ensures a comprehensive approach to project-related issues and enhances the flow of information between public administration bodies at national and regional levels.

Functions of the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee serves as an advisory and consultative body to the Project Management Team, providing expert oversight of project implementation. Its main tasks include:

• Evaluating the progress and outcomes of the project's activities.
• Supporting the leadership in making decisions regarding potential changes in the scope, schedule, or method of task implementation.
• Assisting in resolving issues related to risks that could threaten the project's execution.

Organization and Activities of the Steering Committee

Plenary meetings of the Steering Committee are convened annually, enabling in-depth analysis of project progress and discussion of key challenges and future actions.

• The first meeting of the Committee took place on February 9, 2023.
• The second meeting was held on March 7, 2024, at the Training and Information Center in Kraków, which was established as part of the Project.

Urgent and complex issues are regularly consulted with relevant Committee members who possess the expertise and experience necessary for prompt and effective decision-making.

Documentation of Committee Activities

The work of the Steering Committee is meticulously documented in the form of reports. These reports serve as valuable sources of information for monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of undertaken actions.

Importance of the Committee for Project Implementation

Through the engagement of Steering Committee members and their extensive knowledge and experience, the project benefits from effective management, efficient problem-solving, and the achievement of its objectives.

The Steering Committee also ensures transparency and fosters inter-ministerial cooperation as well as collaboration with local and regional partners. Regular meetings and ongoing consultations allow for timely responses to emerging challenges.

The diverse competencies of the Committee members contribute to the successful implementation of innovative solutions related to environmental protection on military areas covered by the Natura 2000 network.