The ‘Environment’ Council of the EU, is expected, on Friday 23 October, to adopt ambitious conclusions on biodiversity for 2030 and the need for urgent action to halt its decline and restore it by 2030, both in the EU and globally.
However, according to the latest version of the text, approved by Member States' ambassadors to the EU on 14 October, the German Presidency compromised to accommodate those countries most concerned about the cost and scope of future measures.
Alarmed by the decline in biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems, the EU Council is expected to welcome the Commission's proposed Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which should be a central element of the EU Recovery Plan (see EUROPE 12573/10).
The text emphasises the value of natural capital and ecosystem services, recognising that the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems have potential direct and indirect economic benefits for many sectors of the economy. The need to mobilise investment in nature is highlighted.
But the text, dated 16 October and seen by EUROPE, asks the Commission to provide an extended impact assessment for any legislative proposal it may present. This impact assessment should in particular evaluate the subsidiarity and proportionality of the measures and, where appropriate, the capacity to finance any eventual compensation.
The Commission is also invited to further examine the question of the financing capacity of the elements of the strategy.
The EU Council is expected to welcome the objective of creating a coherent network of well-managed protected areas and protecting at least 30% of the EU's land area and 30% of its sea area, of which one third would be strictly protected, i.e. 10% of the EU's land area and 10% of its sea area.
The text stresses that this objective must be achieved by Member States collectively, with the participation of all, taking into account national conditions. This network will be based on the Natura 2000 network, to be completed by the Member States.
The text stresses the importance of healthy and resilient forest ecosystems, which perform multiple functions, and the protection of remaining primary forests.
Given the vital role of pollinators for ecosystem health and food security, the EU Council will reportedly request detailed targets and indicators for the key commitment to reverse pollinator decline contained in the strategy.
The compromise specifies that in all its work, including at global level, the EU should strengthen the links between biodiversity protection and human rights, democracy, gender equality, health, education, conflict sensitivity, a rights-based approach, land tenure and the role of indigenous peoples and local communities. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)