Policy
Welcome to the Policy section of the Biodiversity Information System for
Biodiversity – the variety of ecosystems, species and genes – is the world’s natural capital. It is integral to sustainable development by providing vital goods and services, such as food, carbon sequestration, and seas and water regulation that underpin economic prosperity, social well-being and quality of life. Together with climate change, loss of biodiversity is the most critical global environmental threat and gives rise to substantial economic and welfare losses.
European society, our immense cultural diversity and our economies are reflected in our landscapes, agriculture and natural spaces. The EU is committed to the protection of biodiversity; indeed there is a political commitment to halt biodiversity loss within the EU by 2010.
- more on the 2010 biodiversity target and the EU nature and biodiversity policy
A new long-term vision and mid-term headline target for biodiversity in the EU for the period beyond 2010, when the current target expires was agreed by the Environment Council on 15th March 2010.
- more on the EU post-2010 biodiversity policy and the EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline Report
- online consultation on the EU post-2010 biodiversity strategy
The European Union is Party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of 1992, which seeks to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the diversity of species, habitats and ecosystems on the planet. In 2000, the Parties to the CBD adopted the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety which seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms, taking into account human health.
- more on Global biodiversity policy and the Pan-European biodiversity policy
The EU Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) addresses the challenge of integrating biodiversity concerns into other policy sectors in a unified way. It specifies a comprehensive plan of priority actions and outlines the responsibility of community institutions and Member States in relation to each. It also contains indicators to monitor progress and a timetable for evaluations.
- more on the EU Biodiversity Action Plan Link to Topics - SEBI Indicators - Countries & Networks – BAP Reporting
The Birds Directive which dates back to 1979 and the Habitats Directive from 1992 constitute the backbone of the EU's internal policy on biodiversity protection.
- more on EU nature policy and Natura 2000 Link to Topics - Protected Areas - Species - Ecosystems and habitats
LIFE is the EU's financial instrument supporting environmental and nature conservation projects throughout the EU, as well as in some candidate, acceding and neighbouring countries.
Given that the concern for biodiversity is integral to sustainable development, the European Commission is cooperating with businesses, from SMEs to larger organizations in setting up a technical platform on Business and Biodiversity
- more on EU Business and Biodiversity Platform
- more on the Eurobarometer
Flash Eurobarometer Series No. 290 (2010) - Attitudes of Europeans towards the issue of biodiversity
Other selected links : The Economics of Biodiversity – TEEB
Wildlife Trade Forest Animal welfare
