Commission communication on biodiversity

On 19 January, the European Commission issued a communication on Options for an EU vision and target for biodiversity beyond 2010’. The document highlights that, together with climate change, the loss of biodiversity is the most critical global environmental threat and that, in addition, it gives rise to substantial economic and welfare losses. In terms of what has been achieved so far, the communication draws attention to several pieces of legislation, including the 2006 Biodiversity Action Plan and the EU Birds & Habitats Directives.

However, the Commission has identified several failings, including implementation gaps in the establishment of the Natura 2000 network, major policy gaps, particularly soils and invasive species and the fact that ecosystem services are not sufficiently addressed in current legislation. It also notes that there needs to be improved integration of biodiversity concerns into other policies.

The communication proposes several actions for a port 2010 EU vision and target for biodiversity, such as a vision for 2050 which ensures that biodiversity and ecosystem services – the world’s natural capital – are preserved, valued and, insofar as possible, restored for their intrinsic value and so that they can continue to support economic prosperity and human well-being as well as avert catastrophic changes linked to biodiversity loss. Iy also proposes four levels of ambition.

The next steps highlighted in the report include an evidence-based, integrated approach, focused on addressing the main pressures exerted on biodiversity and ecosystem services by specific sectors and consideration of equitable policy solutions tailored to each specific situation. Further stakeholder consultations are also envisaged

The full communication is available from here:

 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/policy/pdf/communication_2010_0004.pdf

More information: see CEMBUREAU focus on Biodiversity article