EU Fails Biodiversity Goals

Under ‘Biodiversity 2020’ the headline target set by EU Heads of State is to ‘halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services by 2020, to restore ecosystems in so far as is feasible, and to step up the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss’.  In its mid-term review, concerns have been raised by the lack of progress.  Biodiversity loss and degradation of ecosystem services have continued with the EU-28 footprint still twice over its biocapacity.  Biocapacity is the capacity of an area to regenerate resources and absorb waste. If the biocapacity is lower than the footprint more resources are being used than being made and the natural resource is depleted. Of the 5 key targets just one is on track to reach the target by 2020; progress on Invasive Alien Species is reported as good, with the first list of 37 species due to be adopted soon.

The number of species and habitats in a secure, favourable or improved conservation has increased slightly but not at the target rate. However forest habitats have faired even worse with favourable condition assessments falling from 17% to 15%.  However, changes to the CAP and the introduction of Greening are expected to contribute to meeting biodiversity 2020 targets.

The concern is that if action is not taken, and targets not met, more EU regulation could follow, the could coincide with the next period of CAP funding.