EU Commission consults public on halting loss of biodiversity

Summary: EU Commission consults public on halting loss of biodiversity (12 December 2005: Brussels)

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The European Commission today launched an 8-week long Internet consultation on the measures which the European Union could adopt to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010 and restore biodiversity in the longer-term. Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth - expressed as ecosystems, species and genes. A rich biodiversity is essential to our economic prosperity, security, health and other aspects of our daily life. The results of the Commission's consultation will be taken into account in finalising a Communication designed to address the commitments made by the EU Heads of State and Government to halt the loss of biodiversity in the EU and to significantly reduce the rate of loss worldwide by 2010.

The general public and experts are invited to give their views on EU biodiversity policy by filling out the questionnaire at the following address:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/consultations_en.htm

The consultation suggests a number of key challenges and 'delivery measures' to 2010 and beyond, such as safeguarding priority sites and species; conserving and restoring biodiversity in the wider countryside and marine environment outside of protected areas; reconciling territorial development with biodiversity; supporting biodiversity adaptation to climate change; reducing the impact of invasive alien species; and integrating biodiversity concerns into policy-making.

In terms of the EU's relations with other countries, the following challenges are suggested: strengthening support to biodiversity through economic and development cooperation; tackling the impact of international trade on biodiversity; and strengthening international governance for biodiversity.

Suggested delivery measures include: the institutional framework for delivery; raising awareness and engaging the public; building partnerships; and assessment, monitoring and research.

The questionnaire asks to what extent respondents agree with these, and whether there are any important challenges or 'delivery measures' missing.

The consultation also seeks opinion on how important biodiversity and ecosystem services are for our prosperity, security and quality of life, and on the general policy approach proposed. Finally, the consultation calls for case studies which demonstrate the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Background

Biodiversity is the variety of life, expressed at the level of ecosystems, species and genes. Ecosystems provide a stream of services, the continued delivery of which is essential to our economic prosperity, security, health and other aspects of our quality of life.

These ecosystem services include :

the air we breathe, and the provision of goods such as food, fibre, fuel, freshwater and medicines;
the regulation of climate, flooding, disease and water quality.
essential supporting services such as nutrient cycling and pollination.
and cultural services such as aesthetic, educational recreational and spiritual benefits.

Evidence points to continuing decline of biodiversity and of ecosystem services, both in the EU and worldwide. For instance, since the 1950s, Europe has lost more than half of its wetlands, and most of its once species-rich farmland. In the EU, some 335 vertebrate species are now at risk of extinction (including sea mammals and over 40% of bird species). Some 800 plant species in Europe are at risk of global extinction. Worldwide, human activities have increased the species extinction rate by 50-1000 times compared to the natural rate.

This decline is due to a range of pressures including conversion of ecosystems (e.g. through more intensive use), over-exploitation of species, pollution, and the spread of invasive alien species. Underlying drivers of loss include population growth, economic, social and cultural change.

EU Biodiversity Strategy

The EU adopted a Biodiversity Strategy in 1998 and Biodiversity Action Plans in 2001. Subsequently, EU Heads of State and Government made a commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity in the EU by 2010, and joined world leaders in a commitment to significantly reduce the rate of biodiversity loss worldwide by 2010.

Substantial progress has been made - both in relation to dedicated actions for nature (such as protected areas) and the integration of biodiversity into internal and external policies. However, given evidence of continuing biodiversity loss, EU leaders have called for accelerated action.

A broad stakeholder review of EU biodiversity policy in 2003-04 culminated in a major conference under the Irish Presidency in Malahide in May 2004. The conference achieved broad consensus on priorities towards meeting the 2010 commitments. The Commission is now preparing a Communication on 'Halting the Loss of Biodiversity by 2010 - and Beyond' in response to this 'Message from Malahide.'

Ref: EC05-418EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 12/12/2005

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