In the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the EU and its Member States committed to implement more than 100 actions by 2030. This tool is designed to track that progress.
SUMMARY
COHERENT NETWORK OF PROTECTED AREAS
Updated on: 2023-03-29
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sets the target to place 30% of EU land area and 30% of EU sea area under protection by 2030, and to place a third of these areas (10%) under strict protection. To support the Member States, the Commission has published criteria and guidance for identifying and designating additional protected areas, including a definition of strict protection, as well as for appropriate management planning. The guidance also indicates how other effective area-based conservation measures could contribute to the targets. It is the result of extensive consultations with Member States' authorities, experts and stakeholders.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
MS
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2023-03-29
Deadline: 2022
Summary: Strictly protecting all primary and old-growth forests in the EU requires preparatory work to identify existing definitions and concepts for such forests across the EU, followed by a complete mapping of these areas, stock-taking of existing monitoring measures and future monitoring needs, and a review of evidence on protection regimes and the impact of various activities on these ecosystems. Based on this initial stocktaking, the Commission worked with Member States and stakeholders to develop common definitions and prescribe mapping, monitoring and protection measures for primary and old-growth forests in the EU. Work has been ongoing in the Working Group on Forests and Nature, which brings together nature protection and forestry management authorities in the Member States and EU level stakeholders. Member States should urgently engage in completing the mapping and monitoring, and ensuring no deterioration until they start to apply the protection regime. The guidelines have been published on 21 March 2023.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
MS
Chef de File:
ENV
EU NATURE RESTORATION PLAN
Strengthening the EU legal framework for nature restoration
Updated on: 2023-01-17
Deadline: 2021
Summary: On 22 June 2022, the Commission proposed a new law to restore ecosystems. The proposal aims to restore ecosystems, habitats and species across the EU’s land and sea areas in order to: (i) enable the long-term and sustained recovery of biodiverse and resilient nature, (ii) contribute to achieving the EU’s climate mitigation and climate adaptation objectives and (iii) meet international commitments. The proposal combines an overarching restoration objective for the long-term recovery of nature in the EU’s land and sea areas with binding restoration targets for specific habitats and species. These measures should cover at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. Discussions on the Commission's proposal are ongoing in Council and EP.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2023-03-20
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sets a target for Member States to ensure that at least 30% of their species and habitats protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives currently not in favourable status will be in that category by 2030, or at least show a strong positive trend. In addition, the target also provides that, by 2030, no more species or habitats should show a decline. In order to support the Member States in the selection and prioritisation of species and habitats for improvements to be achieved under that target, the Commission has developed a technical guidance note with the European Environment Agency (EEA), Member States and stakeholders in the frame of the Nature Directive Expert Group (NADEG). The guidance note was finalised in June 2021.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
EEA
MS
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2023-01-18
Deadline: 2022
Summary: The Commission published a science-for-policy report on the EU methodology to map and assess ecosystem condition in September 2022. It provides methodological guidance at EU level on the mapping and monitoring of ecosystem condition and services, in support of the implementation, monitoring and reporting on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. It will now be tested by Member States and stakeholders and support the Nature Restoration Law (see action 10).
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
EEA
EUROSTAT
JRC
ENV
Bringing nature back to agricultural land
Updated on: 2021-12-08
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The Commission published its Report on the implementation of the EU Pollinators initiative in May 2021. The report takes stock of the implementation of short-term (2020) actions and of progress to the long-term (2030) objectives of the initiative.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2023-04-03
Deadline: 2022
Summary: On 25 January 2023, the Commission published a revised EU Pollinators Initiative. It includes a revised Action Framework with 42 Actions, to be implemented by 2030. The revised pollinator initiative aims to (i) improve knowledge of pollinator decline, its causes and consequences; (ii) improve pollinator conservation and tackle the causes of pollinator decline and (iii) mobilise society and promote strategic planning and cooperation at all levels.
Links:
- EU Pollinators Initiative - revision
- Commission Communication on a Revised EU Pollinators Initiative
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
AGRI
ENV
SANTE
Updated on: 2022-07-14
Deadline: 2022
Summary: The Commission has carried out an evaluation of the Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides. On 22 June 2022, the Commission proposed a new Regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products, accompanied by an Impact Assessment. This adopted act is open for feedback for a minimum period of 8 weeks.
Links:
- Final Evaluation Report
- Impact Assessment Report
- Online consultation - feedback on adopted Commission proposal by 22 August 2022
- Commission proposal for Regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
SANTE
Updated on: 2021-12-08
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The EU Biodiversity Strategy and the EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy set the target to manage 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. The Action Plan on Organic Farming aims to promote the adoption of organic farming practices to achieve this target, as well as the development of organic products and demand for organic products. The Action Plan was adopted in March 2021.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
AGRI
Updated on: 2023-01-17
Deadline: 2022
Summary: The Commission has provided country-specific recommendations, and it has engaged in a structured dialogue with the Member States to encourage that their national CAP strategic plans comply with the EU objectives and that they set explicit national values for the relevant targets of the Biodiversity Strategy and the Farm to Fork Strategy, to be supported by CAP instruments (as well as other relevant EU instruments).
Links:
- CAP Strategic Plans
- Enhancing agricultural biodiversity
- Approved CAP Strategic Plans by country
- Commission Observation Letters on the CAP Strategic Plans
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
AGRI
Updated on: 2023-04-13
Deadline: 2022
Summary: Rules to facilitate the registration of varieties suitable for organic production for priority species have been adopted. A derogation is provided to facilitate the registration of varieties suitable for organic production in order to meet the needs of the organic production sector, to foster research and to develop organic varieties suitable for organic production, taking into account the specific needs and objectives of organic agriculture such as enhanced genetic diversity, disease resistance or tolerance and adaptation to diverse local soil and climate conditions.
Links:
- Commission Implementing Directive on Derogation for Organic Vegetable Varieties
- Commission Implementing Directive on Derogation for Organic Agricultural Plant Varieties
Main Actors:
COM
MS
Chef de File:
SANTE
Forest quantity, health and resilience
Updated on: 2021-12-09
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The new EU forest strategy for 2030 was adopted in July 2021. Its implementation will contribute to achieving the EU biodiversity and climate objectives. The strategy is accompanied by two staff working documents, on the Stakeholder Consultation and Evidence Base, and on the 3 Billion Tree Planting Pledge for 2030.
Links:
- EU Forest Strategy
- Stakeholder Consultation and Evidence Base
- The 3 Billion Tree Planting Pledge for 2030
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
COM
ENV
AGRI
Updated on: 2023-04-11
Deadline: 2022
Summary: The guidelines on Biodiversity-Friendly Afforestation, Reforestation and Tree Planting provide a set of practical recommendations to support authorities, forest and landowners, and managers and civil society to better implement biodiversity-friendly afforestation, reforestation and tree-planting projects including at the local level. Specifically, they support the European Green Deal commitment to improve the forested area of the EU both in quantity and quality. Through both active planting and natural regeneration, these guidelines constitute one of the key milestones to implement the 3 billion additional trees pledge of the EU by 2030. They address afforestation initiatives in agricultural land; reforestation actions in forest land, including restoration actions; and tree planting in urban and peri-urban environments, as well as agricultural land (agroforestry). The guidelines were adopted on 20 March 2023.
Links:
- The 3 Billion Tree Planting Pledge For 2030
- Guidelines on Biodiversity-Friendly Afforestation, Reforestation and Tree Planting
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2021-12-09
Deadline: 2021
Summary: As part of the new EU Forest Strategy, the Commission presented a Roadmap for planting at least 3 billion additional trees in the EU by 2030, in full respect of ecological principles. On 9 December, the Commission also launched a Counter to the target of 3 billion trees (see link below).
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Addressing land take and restoring soil ecosystems
Updated on: 2023-04-19
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The new EU Soil Thematic Strategy was adopted in November 2021. It aims to tackle in a comprehensive way soil and land degradation, as well as to fulfil EU and international commitments on land degradation neutrality. The Strategy provides a framework and concrete steps to protect and restore soils and ensure that they are used in a sustainable manner. As part of this, a new Soil Health Law will be published in 2023.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Win-win solutions for energy generation
Updated on: 2023-04-12
Deadline: 2021
Summary: This action will be supported by the Implementing Act on REDII sustainability criteria for forest biomass (see 40) and the Revision of the 2018 renewable energy directive (see Action 38).
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
EEA
MS
Chef de File:
ENER
Updated on: 2023-04-12
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The aim of this action is to apply win-win solutions that reduce emissions to the extent required by the EU's climate-neutrality goal for 2050, while promoting biodiversity preservation. The EU will prioritise solutions such as ocean energy or offshore wind which also allows for fish stock regeneration, solar-panel farms that provide biodiversity-friendly soil cover, and sustainable bioenergy. The main relevant instruments include the revision of the Renewable energy Directive (see Action 38), and the Implementing Act on Forest Biomass (see Action 40), the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy and Guidance document on wind energy developments and EU nature legislation adopted in November 2020.
Links:
- EU Strategy on offshore renewable energy
- Guidance document on wind energy developments and EU Nature legislation
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2448 of 13 December 2022 on establishing operational guidance on the evidence for demonstrating compliance with the sustainability criteria for forest biomass
Main Actors:
COM
EEA
MS
Chef de File:
ENER
Updated on: 2021-12-09
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The objective of the Commission’s legislative proposals, delivered in June 2021 as part of the Fit for 55 package, is to ensure that the EU regulatory framework on bioenergy is in line with the increased ambition set out in the European Green Deal. The review of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED aims to reduce emissions to the extent required to reach the climate-neutrality goal for 2050, while promoting resource-efficient economic growth, job creation, technological leadership, pollution reduction and biodiversity preservation. The review of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is driven by the 2030 climate ambition and 2050 long-term goal, while taking account of the need for just transition. The review of the LULUCF Regulation aims to align the regulatory framework to an EU-wide target to reduce emissions by 55% in 2030 while ensuring a just transition and taking into account synergies with other land-related sectors (agriculture, bio-economy), uses (nature-based solutions, closer-to-nature forestry) and policies. To this effect, the initiative aims to create stronger policy incentives that realise the EU’s potential to reduce land emissions, enhance substitution of fossil-based materials and enhance land-based sinks in the land use sector.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENER
COM
Updated on: 2022-01-06
Deadline: 2020
Summary: The study, published in 2021, has informed, among other things, the review and revision of the Renewable Energy Directive, the Emissions Trading Scheme, and the Regulation on land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF).
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
JRC
RTD
Updated on: 2023-04-12
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The guidance aims to ensure correct, robust and harmonised implementation of the new forest biomass criteria of Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) throughout the EU.
Links:
- Vote of the Committee
- Online consultation (closed)
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2448 of 13 December 2022 on establishing operational guidance on the evidence for demonstrating compliance with the sustainability criteria for forest biomass laid down in Article 29 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENER
Restoring freshwater ecosystems
Updated on: 2022-09-15
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The target to achieve at least 25,000 km of free flowing rivers in the EU aims at supporting the restoration of freshwater ecosystems and the natural functions of rivers, by removing barriers and restoring floodplains and wetlands. The Commission has developed, in close consultation with authorities in the Member States as well as with EU level stakeholders, guidance to assist the Member States in: • identifying (primarily obsolete) barriers that are feasible to remove, with a view to re-establishing the natural functions of a river system and restoring free flowing rivers. • identifying possible funding sources for restoration at the identified sites.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Reducing pollution
Updated on: 2021-12-09
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The zero pollution vision for 2050 is that air, water and soil pollution will be reduced to levels that are no longer considered harmful to health and natural ecosystems, and that respect the boundaries with which our planet can cope, thereby creating a toxic-free environment. The Zero Pollution Action Plan was adopted in May 2021.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2021-12-09
Deadline: 2020
Summary: The EU chemicals strategy for sustainability, adopted in October 2020, aims to help protect citizens and the environment against hazardous chemicals and to encourage innovation for the development of safe and sustainable alternatives. This means simplifying and strengthening the legal framework, improve cooperation and transparency between EU agencies and scientific bodies as well as ensure that the regulatory framework rapidly reflects scientific evidence on the risk posed by hazardous chemicals.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Greening urban and peri-urban areas
Updated on: 2023-04-19
Deadline: 2021
Summary: On 24 October 2022, the Commission published guidance to help cities and municipalities to develop and implement ambitious and meaningful Urban Greening Plans fully integrated into all relevant aspects of the local planning process.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2023-04-19
Deadline: 2021
Summary: An online Urban Greening Platform has been set up to provide a coherent point for cities to access information and support in setting up their Urban Greening Plans. It will be integrated with the existing relevant Commission technical tools and urban environment initiatives.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
COR
Covenant of Mayors
Chef de File:
ENV
Restoring marine ecosystems
Updated on: 2023-04-12
Deadline: 2022
Summary: The EU Action Plan: Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries was adopted on 21 February 2023. The initiative is based on existing legal obligations and links the implementation of the Common fisheries policy (CFP) with the environmental legislation and policy, notably the Birds, Habitats and the Marine strategy framework directives (MSFD). The action plan shares the Commission's vision on how to deliver synergies between the EU fisheries and environmental law and sets out actions to protect and restore fisheries resources and marine ecosystems, notably by calling on Member states to step up efforts on decreasing the bycatch of sensitive species and better protecting Marine protected areas from the adverse environmental effects of mobile bottom fishing. Such actions will benefit EU citizens through enhanced marine ecosystem services (notably climate change mitigation and the provision of sustainable seafood), but also the fishing sector through more resilient and robust commercial fish stocks. It complements the Commission communication on the functioning of the Common fisheries policy (CFP), as well as the implementation of the 2019 Technical Measures Regulation (TMR), which showed that some Member States have used the regionalised approach to introduce additional fisheries measures to protect sensitive species and habitats at the national and regional level. The action plan is an important step to deliver the ambition under the EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030, alongside other measures such as the extension and effective management of marine protected areas and the adoption of legally binding restoration targets under the Nature restoration law.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
MARE
Updated on: 2022-09-28
Deadline: 2022
Summary: Maritime Spatial Plans under the MSP Directive need to take into account land-sea interactions and apply an ecosystem-based management approach to reduce the adverse impacts of fishing, extraction and other human activities on species and habitats. This is of high importance for sea basins with legal instruments in place, like the Mediterranean (ICZM Protocol). Maritime spatial plans need to be consistent with the marine strategies that Member States have prepared under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive to ensure that the legal obligations are achieved. The Commission will publish a report in 2022.
Links:
- Commission report on MSP implementation (COM/2022/185 final)
- Guidelines for implementing an ecosystem-based approach in maritime spatial planning
- Assessment of the relevance and effect of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive in the context of the European Green Deal
Main Actors:
COM
MS
Chef de File:
MARE
ENABLING TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE
A new governance framework
Updated on: 2023-04-14
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The Commission has launched an enhanced EU biodiversity governance framework to enable coherent implementation, progress monitoring and review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The EU Biodiversity Platform, the main expert group for the coordinated implementation of the Strategy, was launched in early 2022 with a strengthened mandate and membership, as well as mechanisms to engage better with the knowledge community and interact with Commission groups in other policy areas. A transparent mechanism for progress monitoring has been set up with a public actions tracker. A targets dashboard is being set up to show progress to each EU Biodiversity Target, with a set of indicators under development as a basis for corrective action if necessary. The aim is to encourage co-responsibility by relevant actors in meeting the biodiversity commitments, as well as forge better links with relevant processes in other policy areas and across governance levels. Capacity building support is available to the Member States under several EU instruments, including the Technical Support Instrument (TSI), Peer-to-Peer, the GreenAssist initiative and others.
Links:
- EUBP on CIRCABC
- EUBP in Transparency Register
- EU Biodiversity Actions Tracker
- EU Biodiversity Dashboard (under development)
Main Actors:
COM
EEA
MS
Chef de File:
ENV
Stepping up implementation and enforcement of EU environmental legislation
Updated on: 2021-12-14
Deadline: 2020
Summary: On 6 October 2021 the EU adopted the Aarhus Regulation that allows for increased public scrutiny of EU acts affecting the environment. The Commission had proposed the amendment in October 2020, following its commitment under the European Green Deal to improve access to administrative and judicial review at EU level for citizens and environmental non-governmental organisations. The revised Regulation improves the possibilities for civil society to request that EU institutions review their acts with the aim to ensure better environmental protection and a more effective climate action. Under the new rules, applicants may request review of administrative acts of EU institutions that contravene EU environmental law. The challenged acts may be administrative acts of individual scope, but also of general scope and may be adopted in any policy area. In addition to environmental NGOs, applicants may also include, under certain conditions, individuals, or groups of concerned members of the public.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2021-12-15
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The Environmental Crime Directive is the main horizontal instrument to protect the environment through criminal law. It requires Member States to define environmental crimes including wildlife trafficking and illegal killing or taking specimens of protected wild fauna or flora and to introduce criminal sanctions. On 15 December, the Commission adopted a proposal for a revised Directive to crack down on environmental crime, fulfilling a key commitment of the European Green Deal. The proposal intends to make protection of the environment more effective by obliging Member States to take criminal law measures. It defines new environmental crimes, sets a minimum level for sanctions and strengthens the effectiveness of law enforcement cooperation. It also obliges the Member States to support and assist people who report environmental offences and cooperate with the enforcement.
Links:
- Evaluation report
- Public consultation
- Q&A on ECD revision
- Factsheet ECD revision
- Press release on ECD revision
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
JUST
Business for biodiversity
Updated on: 2022-04-27
Deadline: 2021
Summary:
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
JUST
Updated on: 2023-01-23
Deadline: 2021
Summary: On 21 April 2021, the Commission proposed a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which would amend the existing reporting requirements of the NFRD. The proposal: • extends the scope to all large companies and all companies listed on regulated markets (except listed micro-enterprises) • requires the audit (assurance) of reported information • introduces more detailed reporting requirements, and a requirement to report according to mandatory EU sustainability reporting standards • requires companies to digitally ‘tag’ the reported information, so it is machine readable and feeds into the European single access point envisaged in the capital markets union action plan. On 5 January 2023 the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) entered into force. A broader set of large companies, as well as listed SMEs, will now be required to report on sustainability – approximately 50 000 companies in total. The first companies will have to apply the new rules for the first time in financial year 2024, for reports published in 2025.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
FISMA
Financing for biodiversity
Updated on: 2023-04-17
Deadline: 2022
Summary: On 13 April 2023, the Commission published an EU wide assessment of Investment needs and priorities for Natura 2000 and green infrastructure. The assessment is based on the most up-to-date information from the national prioritised action frameworks (PAF) prepared by Member States pursuant to Art. 8 of the EU Habitats Directive. The EU-level PAF follows on the commitment made by the Commission in the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 to update the estimate of the financing needs of the Natura 2000 network, now assessed at 10.2 billion EUR/year. Previous assessments have estimated the ecosystem services provided by Natura 2000 at between 200 and 300 billion EUR/year, far exceeding the costs of managing the network.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2023-04-19
Deadline: 2022
Summary: This pledge is implemented through the development of financial and advisory products for natural capital under InvestEU, building upon the lessons learned from the EU Natural Capital Financing Facility. It covers biodiversity as well as circular economy. An additional technical assistance/advisory component is provided by LIFE (up to 50 million €) to support this action, alongside with an active dialogue with EIB, EIF and other National Promotional Banks. In particular, within this budget commitment, the Green Advisory Service for Sustainable Investments Support (Green Assist) is a new advisory initiative under InvestEU delivered by CINEA under DG ENV coordination. It aims to build a pipeline for green investment projects that have a high impact and greening more traditional investments. Out of the 50 million available, up to 30 are earmarked for Green Assist, whilst up to 20 will finance the “LIFE top-up” to the Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory, practically-speaking financing EIB advisory initiatives supporting green projects.
Links:
- LIFE Natural Capital Financing Facility implemented by EIB
- Green Advisory Service for Sustainable Investments Support: GREEN ASSIST
Main Actors:
COM
CINEA
EIB
Chef de File:
ECFIN
ENV
Updated on: 2023-03-30
Deadline: 2021
Summary: Within the framework of the European green deal, the Commission announced a renewed sustainable finance strategy. The Commission published its ‘strategy for financing the transition to a sustainable economy’ on 6 July 2021. It aims, among others, to facilitate the mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations at every step of the financial system. The initiative will also provide enabling frameworks for the European Green Deal Investment Plan and for the financial system to support a sustainable recovery from COVID-19.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
FISMA
Measuring and integrating the value of nature (NCA)
Updated on: 2023-03-17
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The Commission is fostering networks of corporates cooperating on natural capital in order to align internationally management accounting principles for natural capital and biodiversity. Through the Transparent Life Project, the Value Balancing Alliance – consisting of international companies and the four largest professional services firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG & PwC) – and the Capitals Coalition – a global collaboration of more than 370 organizations – have joined forces with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development to develop a set of generally accepted environmental accounting principles.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
MS
Chef de File:
ENV
Knowledge
Updated on: 2021-12-09
Deadline: 2020
Summary: The Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity was launched in October 2020. It is hosted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and co-led by ENV, in close cooperation with the European Environment Agency. It is a one-stop shop for key information about biodiversity and the impact of related policies; a platform where progress under the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 can be monitored; and an interface for scientists to network, share research results and channel them more effectively to support EU policies.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
EEA
Chef de File:
ENV
JRC
Updated on: 2023-03-28
Deadline: 2022
Summary: Horizon Europe, amongst others, aims in contributing in the effort in halting biodiversity decline and restoring ecosystems by focusing on: (i) understanding & addressing biodiversity decline, (ii) assessing, valuing and restoring ecosystems and natural capital, (iii) nature-based solutions, (iv) transformative change, (v) connecting research for better policies, (vi) biodiversity and human health. Under Horizon Europe, the Commission is working to establish a long-term strategic research agenda for biodiversity (expected by end 2023) and established a science policy mechanism for research-based options for ratcheting up the implementation of biodiversity commitments (Science Service for Biodiversity, within the Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity). The Work Programmes of Horizon Europe 2021-22 and 2023-24, Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Destination “Biodiversity”, include respectively 34 and 30 topics specifically targeting biodiversity protection and restoration, with budgets of €2,1 billion and €1,67 billion. The Green Deal Missions on Oceans, Climate Adaptation, Soil and Cities that have been established will also significantly contribute to filling knowledge gaps and finding solutions to improve the health of ecosystems. Mission Ocean and Waters puts research and innovation, citizen engagement and sustainable blue investments at the service of healthy marine and freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity. To mobilise complementary resources and efforts, the Charter for Mission ocean and waters is also launched.
Links:
- Horizon Europe Missions
- Science service: Publication
- Horizon Europe Strategic Plan
- Mission ocean and waters Charter
- Science service: Funding and tenders (europa.eu)
- Horizon Europe, Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Work Programme 2021-22
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
MARE
RTD
Updated on: 2023-04-14
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The European Biodiversity Partnership, Biodiversa+, brings together national research and policy/regulatory bodies responsible for biodiversity, to jointly mobilise coherent, transnational research for finding solutions to be implemented across Europe to halt the loss of biodiversity and to bring it back to a path to recovery. This unique partnership is facilitated and co-funded by the European Commission. Its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) has been released in November 2021. The first call of the Biodiversity Partnership on “Supporting biodiversity and ecosystem protection across land and sea” was launched in 2021 and is funding 36 projects. The second call on "Improved transnational monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem change for science and society" was launched in September 2022. The next two calls are planned to focus on nature-based solutions and societal transformation. More info: https://www.biodiversa.eu/
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
EEA
JRC
MS
REA
Chef de File:
ENV
RTD
Education
Updated on: 2022-04-12
Deadline: 2021
Summary: On 14 January 2022, the Commission published a proposal for a Council Recommendation on learning for environmental sustainability, and a new European sustainability competence framework developed with the Joint Research Centre.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
EAC
EU EXTERNAL ACTION AND AN AMBITIOUS GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY AGENDA
Raising the level of ambition and commitment worldwide
Updated on: 2023-04-12
Deadline: 2022
Summary: On 19 December, a new Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal, Canada. This landmark agreement includes four ambitious goals and 23 targets for 2030, including to place under effective protection 30% of land and 30% of oceans, restore 30% of degraded ecosystems, reduce to near zero the loss of high biodiversity areas, as well as reduce by half excess nutrients and the risk posed by pesticides and hazardous chemicals. To enable transformative change, the global agreement includes commitments to progressively phase out or reform subsidies that harm biodiversity by at least 500 billion USD/year, secure 30 billion USD for biodiversity by 2030, and strengthen the disclosure of risks, dependencies and impacts on biodiversity for large and transnational businesses and financial institutions.
Links:
- CBD COP15 webpage
- Statement by President von der Leyen on the Kunming-Montreal biodiversity agreement
Main Actors:
COM
EEA
JRC
MS
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2023-01-23
Deadline: 2022
Summary: The High-Ambition Coalition for Nature and People aims at protecting 30% of land and seas, fostering nature-based solutions (NBS) and, more generally, an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The Commission launched a Coalition of Botanical Gardens, Zoos, Aquaria and Research Centres for mobilising massive citizens’ support across the globe.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
International Ocean Governance
Updated on: 2023-04-13
Deadline: 2022
Summary: Covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans and about 95% of their volume, areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) comprise the high seas (water column) and the subjacent international seabed (the Area). These areas contain a rich biodiversity of both ecological and socioeconomic importance. However, this biodiversity is under mounting pressure, including from overexploitation, pollution, the impacts of climate change, and the spread of invasive species. The increasing demand for marine resources in the coming decades – for food, minerals or biotechnology – risks further exacerbating this problem. Faced with these challenges and following over a decade of preparatory work, an overwhelming majority of States in the United Nations agreed in 2017 on the need for a new legally binding instrument under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The envisioned international agreement would further implement existing principles in UNCLOS in order to achieve a more holistic management of high seas activities, which should better balance the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. These principles include the obligation of cooperation, the science-based approach to the conservation and management of marine resources, the duty to protect and preserve the marine environment, and the duty to undertake prior impact assessment of activities. This agreement should cover four areas: 1) marine genetic resources and the sharing of benefit; 2) area based management tools, including marine protected areas; 3) environmental impact assessments; and 4) capacity building and the transfer of marine technology. It would also further support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 14 (“Life Below Water”). The ongoing negotiations also offer perspectives with regard to establishing procedures for identifying and managing marine protected areas in the high seas. The EU and its Member States have been engaged in this process since its beginning . They have launched a High Ambition Coalition in February 2022, at the One Ocean Summit, to enhance momentum and mobilize countries in support of achieving an ambitious and inclusive agreement the soonest. An agreement was reached on the BBNJ Treaty at the resumed fifth Intergovernmental Conference in March 2023. The signature of the Treaty is expected later in 2023.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
MS
Chef de File:
MARE
Trade policy
Updated on: 2023-03-28
Deadline: 2022
Summary: The multilateral negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) delivered an important contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Target 14.6 to prohibiting certain harmful fisheries subsidies. The 12th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in June 2022 adopted an outcome document recognising biodiversity loss as a global challenge, along with climate change and pollution, and adopted a new WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The EU strives to have this agreement to enter into forces as soon as possible and committed to further negotiations to complement the multilateral rules disciplining harmful fisheries subsidies.
Links:
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
MARE
Deforestation, wildlife trafficking, illicit trade
Updated on: 2022-10-21
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The proposal aims to minimise the EU’s contribution to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide and promote the consumption of products from deforestation-free supply chains in the EU.
Links:
- Proposal for a regulation on deforestation-free products
- Council General approach on deforestation and forest degradation
- European Parliament report on deforestation and forest degradation
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2022-11-10
Deadline: 2021
Summary: The illegal trade in wild plants and animals remains a significant threat to nature and to human well-being. It contributes to the decline of biodiversity, threatens the livelihoods of local communities, undermines the rule of law, and brings with it public health risks. The EU action plan against wildlife trafficking has been revised to strengthen the efforts of EU institutions and EU countries to coordinate and address the most important sources of the problem.
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Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV
Updated on: 2021-12-16
Deadline: 2021
Summary: On 16 December 2021, the Commission adopted new measures towards effectively banning most forms of EU trade in ivory, as announced in the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. While the EU is not identified as a region of concern regarding illegal ivory trade, the revision of the existing EU rules on ivory trade reaffirms and delivers on the EU’s commitment to take further action against elephant poaching and ivory trafficking globally. This additional step came a day after the Commission adopted a proposal for a new EU Directive to crack down on environmental crime.
Links:
- Ending most ivory trade in the EU - Guidance and Amendments
- Wildlife trade – alignment of EU rules with recent decisions taken under the CITES convention and changes to EU ivory trade rules
Main Actors:
COM
Chef de File:
ENV