26/10/2020 (Agence Europe) – NGOs working on protecting the environment welcomed the ambitious conclusions of the Environment Council held 23 October on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (see EUROPE 12588/3), while also emphasising the importance and urgency of its implementation. “It is encouraging to see EU leaders follow the overwhelming scientific evidence and commit to protecting at least 30 percent of their land and ocean by 2030”, said Dr Enrico Sala, a member of the Campaign for Nature, a coalition of more than 100 conservation NGOs. “To truly meet EU biodiversity commitments, the EU and its member states must now really start putting this strategy in place. This includes the adoption of legally binding targets, and coherent and effective implementation across all sectors”, said Friedrich Wulf from Friends of the Earth in a statement. (AN)