EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2020

2012-11-21T15:03:26Z

In May 2011, the European Union adopted a new strategy that lays down the framework for EU action over the next ten years in order to meet the 2020 biodiversity headline target set by EU leaders in March 2010.

The strategy is build around six mutually supportive targets which address the main drivers of biodiversity loss and aim to reduce the key pressures on nature and ecosystem services in the EU. Each target is further translated into a set of time-bound actions and other accompanying measures.

EU 2050 vision

By 2050, European Union biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides - its natural capital - are protected, valued and appropriately restored for biodiversity's intrinsic value and for their essential contribution to human well-being and economic prosperity, and so that catastrophic changes caused by the loss of biodiversity are avoided.

EU 2020 headline target

Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2010, and restoring them in so far as feasible, while stepping up the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss.

EU Targets and actions

Target 1: Fully implement the Birds and Habitats Directives » Actions » Possible Indicators » 2010 Objective 1
Target 2: Maintain and restore ecosystems and their services » Actions » Possible Indicators » 2010 Objectives 2 3 4
Target 3: Increase the contribution of agriculture and forestry to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity » Actions » Possible Indicators » 2010 Objective 4
Target 4: Ensure the sustainable use of fisheries resouces » Actions » Possible Indicators
Target 5: Combat invasive alien species » Actions » Possible Indicators » 2010 Objective 5
Target 6: Help avert global biodiversity loss » Actions » Possible Indicators » 2010 Objectives 7 8

EU Common Implementation Framework

The common implementation framework (CIF) is the governance structure underpinning the effective delivery of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, involving the European Commission and Member States in partnership with key stakeholders and civil society.

The purpose of the CIF is to:

facilitate implementation of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy by putting in place a clear and logical EU level governance framework that is as efficient and effective as possible;
create ownership for the implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy across all relevant policy areas by involving representatives from a wide range of services, ministries and institutions in implementation of the Strategy;
ensure the involvement of all relevant stakeholders at the appropriate level of policy making, beyond the traditional biodiversity community. The scope of current stakeholder representation should be broadened, as appropriate;
minimise duplication of effort and maximise synergies between efforts undertaken at different levels and by different actors and stakeholders; share information and best practice and address common challenges.

The proposal on a Common Implementation Framework including the overall structure as proposed by the EU Commission has been welcomed and validated in general by the EU nature Directors at their meeting of 22 May 2012, in Denmark.

Global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and EU committments

In 2010 the CBD conference of the parties adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, 2011-2020, including the twenty Aichi Biodiversity targets. This strategy is a relevant overarching framework on biodiversity for the other biodiversity-related conventions as well, and should contribute to the Millennium Development Goals.

The EU 2020 biodiversity strategy responds to this mandate, setting the EU on the right track to meet its own biodiversity objectives and its global commitments.