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Brussels, |
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Nature & biodiversity
The European Union stands at the forefront of global efforts to protect nature and halt biodiversity loss, guided by the ambitious Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. This strategy, an integral part of the European Green Deal, sets forth a bold vision to address the urgent challenges facing nature and biodiversity in the EU and across the world.
The Value of Nature
Nature is the foundation of life, offering essential resources like food, air, water, energy, and raw materials. Beyond its intrinsic value, biodiversity plays a critical role in providing health and social benefits, driving economic growth, and serving as a key ally in combating the climate crisis. Yet, today's actions towards nature have been more destructive than protective, with ecosystems and their invaluable services under threat from urban expansion, intensive agriculture, pollution, invasive species, and the overarching impacts of climate change.
The EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
In response to these pressing issues, the EU has laid out a detailed plan with the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. This strategy aims to reverse the degradation of ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity by enacting specific commitments and actions. It builds upon the foundation of existing environmental laws, reinforcing the EU's commitment to preserving nature.
Natura 2000: A Beacon of Hope
At the heart of the EU's efforts is Natura 2000, the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world, created under the Birds and Habitats Directives. These "Nature Directives" represent the oldest environmental laws in the EU and form the legal backbone of its biodiversity policy. Natura 2000 embodies a collective commitment to protect vulnerable species and habitats, covering 18% of the EU's land area and aiming to extend protection to 30% of land and sea territories by 2030.
Current State of Biodiversity
Despite these efforts, biodiversity in the EU faces significant challenges:
Moving Forward
The Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 reflects a comprehensive and long-term approach to place nature on a trajectory towards recovery. Through this strategy, the EU aspires to not only protect but also to revitalize its natural heritage, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for all its inhabitants. By reversing ecosystem degradation and embracing the value of biodiversity, the EU aims to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, for the benefit of current and future generations.
The Value of Nature
Nature is the foundation of life, offering essential resources like food, air, water, energy, and raw materials. Beyond its intrinsic value, biodiversity plays a critical role in providing health and social benefits, driving economic growth, and serving as a key ally in combating the climate crisis. Yet, today's actions towards nature have been more destructive than protective, with ecosystems and their invaluable services under threat from urban expansion, intensive agriculture, pollution, invasive species, and the overarching impacts of climate change.
The EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
In response to these pressing issues, the EU has laid out a detailed plan with the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. This strategy aims to reverse the degradation of ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity by enacting specific commitments and actions. It builds upon the foundation of existing environmental laws, reinforcing the EU's commitment to preserving nature.
Natura 2000: A Beacon of Hope
At the heart of the EU's efforts is Natura 2000, the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world, created under the Birds and Habitats Directives. These "Nature Directives" represent the oldest environmental laws in the EU and form the legal backbone of its biodiversity policy. Natura 2000 embodies a collective commitment to protect vulnerable species and habitats, covering 18% of the EU's land area and aiming to extend protection to 30% of land and sea territories by 2030.
Current State of Biodiversity
Despite these efforts, biodiversity in the EU faces significant challenges:
- 81% of habitats are currently in poor condition, signaling an urgent need for action to restore and protect these vital ecosystems.
Moving Forward
The Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 reflects a comprehensive and long-term approach to place nature on a trajectory towards recovery. Through this strategy, the EU aspires to not only protect but also to revitalize its natural heritage, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for all its inhabitants. By reversing ecosystem degradation and embracing the value of biodiversity, the EU aims to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, for the benefit of current and future generations.
