EU BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN: 2010 Assessment

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Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2010

ISBN 978-92-79-16248-0 doi : 10.2779/42306

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2 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Contents

Introduction...... 5

Why is biodiversity important?...... 7

The state of biodiversity in the EU...... 9

The 2010 Assessment of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan...... 13 Objective 1: To safeguard the EU’s most important habitats and species ...... 17 Objective 2: To conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider EU countryside...... 20 Objective 3: To conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider EU marine environment..... 22

Objective 4: To reinforce the compatibility of regional and territorial development with biodiversity in the EU...... 24

Objective 5: To substantially reduce the impact on EU biodiversity of invasive alien species...... 26 Objectives 6-7-8: To strengthen the EU’s role in combatting global biodiversity loss...... 28 Objective 9: ❦ To support biodiversity adaptation to climate change...... 30 ❧ Objective 10: To substantially strengthen the knowledge base...... 32

Supporting measures...... 34

Further reading...... 35

Biodiversity Action Plan:❦ 2010 Assessment 3 ❦❧ The large blue butterfly, Maculinea arion, an endangered species protected under the Habitats Directive.

4 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Introduction

In 2006, an EU Biodiversity Action Plan was drawn up by Up to 25% of European animal species are still at risk of the European Commission and subsequently endorsed by extinction and even common species continue to suffer the EU’s 27 Environment Ministers. Its aim was to set out a from a lack of suitable habitats outside protected areas. comprehensive programme of actions and targets which Urban sprawl, industrial development and new would enable the EU to meet its commitment to halt infrastructure continue to spread rapidly across Europe, biodiversity loss by 2010. often at the expense of the remaining natural areas.

Four years on, the time has come to take stock of the Not only is Europe seeing the constant loss, degradation Biodiversity Action Plan and assess the impact it has had and fragmentation of natural habitats, but entire on Europe’s biodiversity. With this in mind, the ecosystems are also being pushed to the point of collapse. Commission carried out a detailed assessment of the The potential consequences are extremely serious. Our Action Plan reviewing the progress made on each of the economic and social well-being is heavily dependent 150 actions that make up the plan. An EU 2010 Biodiversity upon the continued flow of vital ‘ecosystem services’, but Baseline report was also produced by the European the benefits they bring to society are often overlooked. Environment Agency, providing the latest facts and figures on the state and trends of different biodiversity and This all points to the need to redouble our policy efforts ecosystems components in the EU. for biodiversity in the years to come and to ensure that biodiversity and the many ecosystem services it provides This brochure summarises the main findings of those are better integrated into all other EU policy areas so that two documents, and highlights the key achievements it becomes the foundation upon which we base our made under the ten key objectives of the 2006 EU economic development and social well-being. Biodiversity Action Plan. The experiences gathered from the implementation of the The main conclusion of the 2010 Assessment is that while 2006 EU Biodiversity Action Plan will be invaluable in this significant progress has been made in some areas, for respect and should serve as a useful springboard for a instance in the completion of the EU Natura 2000 Network more effective post-2010 EU Biodiversity Strategy. of protected areas, and in the reduction of pollution from point sources in freshwater bodies, the overall target of halting biodiversity loss by 2010 has not been reached.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 5 Nature provides many valuable services to humanity, such as clean water.

6 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Why is biodiversity

important?

Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. It is made up of In the last century, humanity benefited enormously from the diversity of genes, the diversity of species and the economic development which enriched lives. However, diversity of entire ecosystems. By interacting with the much of this development has become associated with a physical environment, this diversity creates complex decline in the variety and extent of natural systems – of ecosystems that provide a vital life-support system for all biodiversity. living organisms, including humans. Part of the problem lies in the fact that although Biodiversity and ecosystems are important in their own humanity’s economic and social well-being is dependent right, but they also provide a vital stream of goods and on biodiversity and the continuous flow of the many services upon which we depend. We need food, fibre, fuel, ecosystem services it provides, these are generally medicines, and services such as climate regulation, flood considered to be predominantly public goods with no real prevention, water purification, pollination and soil economic value. The benefits nature brings to society are formation, because they are essential to our economic often overlooked and rarely taken into account in day-to- prosperity, security, health and quality of life. day decisions when trade-offs are involved.

The loss of biodiversity is therefore much more than just As a result, our natural capital continues to be eroded, the loss of species. It also entails a reduction in the jeopardising our welfare and that of countless species and productivity and resilience of entire ecosystems. habitats. There is a limit to the extent human ingenuity Collapsing fish stocks, a widespread reduction in soil and technology can substitute for this loss. Once it has fertility, crashes in pollinator populations and a reduced passed, there can be no turning back. The cost of man floodwater retention capacity of our rivers are all made solutions can far exceed those of looking after consequences of this loss. biodiversity in the first place.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 7 Many of Europe’s remaining natural ecosystems are being squeezed out by other land uses.

8 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment The state of biodiversity in the EU

Europe – a continent of contrasts Europe’s biodiversity under threat

Despite its small size, Europe has astonishing biodiversity. Much But Europe’s biodiversity is in serious decline. The main of this results from the divergent climatic and topographic pressures and drivers are known. The principal cause is the conditions to be found here. These natural forces, combined destruction, degradation and fragmentation of habitats with centuries of human interaction, have created a complex resulting from land use changes. In the last 50 years Europe has and intricate patchwork of natural and semi-natural habitats, experienced significant land conversion, intensification of each containing a distinctive mix of plants and animals. While production systems, urban sprawl, infrastructure developments the number of species may not reach the levels found in other and the abandonment of traditional (often biodiversity– continents, many of Europe’s plants and animals are endemic friendly) practices. and therefore unique to this continent. Other key pressures include the over–exploitation of natural resources, the spread of invasive alien species and pollution. The effects of climate change are also being seen on biodiversity, with changes in species distribution, migration and reproductive patterns.

On a global scale, Europe’s high consumption patterns and an increasing demand for natural resources are contributing to the demise of biodiversity elsewhere in the world.

Many of these pressures are driven by the failure of conventional economics to recognise the economic values of natural capital and the ecosystem services it provides. A major independent study – ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity’ (TEEB) – puts the value of the global loss of ecosystem services at €50 billion a year from land-based ecosystems alone.

European pond turtle Emys orbicularis.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 9 The state of Europe’s biodiversity in 2010

In 2010, the European Environment Agency (EEA) in collaboration with the European Commission produced an EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline which summarises the latest facts and figures on the status and trends of biodiversity and ecosystem components in Europe.

The baseline concludes that the EU’s biodiversity remains under serious threat:

 Although the loss of species in the EU is not occurring as rapidly as in other continents, the percentage of species threatened with extinction remains of great concern. Up to 25% of European animal species, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and butterflies face the risk of extinction. An even greater number show declining populations.

 In 2009, a comprehensive check of the rare and threatened species and habitat types protected under the European Union’s nature legislation revealed that 65% of the protected habitats and 52% of protected species are in an unfavourable conservation status. The situation is even worse for species found in grasslands, agricultural and coastal areas. The Dalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus at Lake Kerkini, Greece.

 The latest inventory of land cover in the EU shows that artificial areas resulting from urban sprawl, industrial development and new infrastructures continue to spread  This can seriously affect the health of ecosystems, many of rapidly across Europe. As a consequence, vast areas have which can no longer deliver the optimal quality and quantity been transformed into urban zones or have been cut up by a of services such as the provision of clean air and water, or the growing transport network. In the last 15 years, over control of floods and erosion. Most of Europe’s ecosystems 12,500 km² of land has been concreted over, representing an are now judged to be degraded. increase in artificial areas of almost 8%.  Europeans currently consume twice as much as the EU’s land  This expansion often comes at the expense of valuable and sea can deliver in terms of natural resources. This puts natural areas, especially wetlands and grasslands which immense pressure on biodiversity elsewhere in the world as have already suffered heavy losses in the past. The well as in Europe. remaining habitats are increasingly isolated from one another, so nearly 30% of the EU-27 territory is now highly to moderately fragmented.

10 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Status and trends in ecosystem services in the EU Land cover change between 1990 and 2006: Ecosystems Agro Forests Grasslands Heath and Wetlands Lakes and area change for major habitat classes Services ecosystems scrubs rivers Provisioning Transitional land (woodland... Crops/timber    Livestock  = = =  Arti cial areas (urban, industrial... Wild Foods   = Water bodies (arti cial reservoirs) Wood fuel = Capture fisheries = = Natural grasslands Aquaculture   Extensive agricultural land Genetic =   = = Fresh water    Wetland areas Regulating -10% -5% -0% 5% 10% 15% Pollination   = Climate regulation  = = = Pest regulation  = Erosion regulation = = = Water regulation =   = Water purification = = Species threatened with Hazard regulation = = Cultural Group/IUCN category extinction within the EU-27 Recreation  =  ➔  = Mammals – marine 25 % Aesthetic  = = =  = Bogs, miresMammals & fens (56) – terrestrial 15 % Trend between periods  Positive change between the periods 1950–1990 and 1990 to present Coastal habitatsBirds (84) 12 %  Negative change between the periods 1950–1990 and 1990 to present Dunes habitatsAmphibians (62) 22 % = No change between the two periods. ReptilesForest (181) 21 % Status for period 1990 – present Freshwater habitats (84) ■ Degraded ■ Mixed ■ Enhanced ■ Unknown ■ Not applicable Dragonflies 16 % GrasslandsButterflies (102) 7 % (source: EU project RUBICODE) Heath & scrub (36) Rocky habitats (64) Sclerophyllous scrub (32) Conservation status of habitat types protected under the EU Habitats Conservation0% status10% of20% species30% protected40% 50% under60% the70% EU80% Habitats90% 100% Directive per main habitat category (number assessed in brackets) Directive per group (number assessed in brackets)

Bogs, mires & fens (56) Amphibians (152) Coastal habitats (84) Arthropods (336) Dunes habitats (62) Fish (242) Forest (181) Mammals (381) Freshwater habitats (84) Molluscs (81) Grasslands (102) Non-vascular plants (92) Heath & scrub (36) Reptiles (149) Rocky habitats (64) Vascular plants (799) Sclerophyllous scrub (32) Others (8) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Key: Green = favourable; Orange = unfavourable – inadequate; Red = unfavourable – bad; Grey = unknown. Amphibians (152) Arthropods (336) Fish (242) Mammals (381) Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 11 Molluscs (81) Non-vascular plants (92) Reptiles (149) Vascular plants (799) Others (8) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% The Danube River is a hotspot for biodiversity in Europe. It requires coordinated action across numerous countries to ensure its conservation and sustainable use.

12 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment The 2010 Assessment of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan

The EU’s commitment to halting Assessing the impact of the EU biodiversity loss Biodiversity Action Plan

The European Union has long been committed to biodiversity The Commission has carried out several reviews of the EU conservation in the EU and in the world. EU nature legislation Biodiversity Action Plan since 2006. The first detailed assessment dates back to 1979 and its biodiversity strategies have been in was carried out in 2008 and was repeated again in 2010. The place since 1998. The EU Member States were amongst the first, latest assessment confirmed that the overall target of halting in 2001, to undertake to halt biodiversity loss in their territory biodiversity loss by 2010 had not been reached, although by 2010. significant progress had been made in some areas.

To meet this ambitious target, the EU adopted a comprehensive In light of the expiry of the 2010 biodiversity targets, the EU is Biodiversity Action Plan in 2006. The Action Plan underlines the actively engaged in moving the EU and global biodiversity policy importance of biodiversity and ecosystems protection as a agendas forward taking account of the experiences under the prerequisite for sustainable development. For the first time, all present EU Biodiversity Action Plan and the new 2050 EU relevant economic sectors and policy areas are included in a biodiversity vision and 2020 target agreed by the EU Heads of single strategy document and given responsibility for its State and Government in March 2010 as well as the global targets implementation. The plan recognises the need for a concerted adopted at the 10th Conference of Parties of the Conference on effort from all sectors of society and Member States to deliver the Biological Diversity in October 2010. overall objective. The rest of this brochure summarises the key findings of the 2010 The EU Biodiversity Action Plan identifies four main areas of Biodiversity Assessment of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan, activity and sets out ten key objectives and four supporting highlighting in particular the main achievements and progress measures to deliver the 2010 biodiversity target and put made under each of the ten key objectives. biodiversity on the course to recovery. These are translated into over 150 individual priority actions and supporting measures which are to be implemented both at national and EU level.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 13  Policy Area 3: Biodiversity and climate change The four key policy areas of the EU In support of the Kyoto commitments to cut greenhouse gas Biodiversity Action Plan emissions, the Action Plan outlines a series of strategic measures to help biodiversity adapt to climate change. It also  Policy Area 1: Biodiversity in the EU promotes the use of healthy ecosystems as an effective The Action Plan accords top priority to the full and timely means of mitigating against the effects of climate change implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives which using nature’s own resources where appropriate which are are the cornerstones of biodiversity conservation in the EU. often much more cost effective than man-made solutions. But it also recognises that efforts are required to conserve biodiversity in the broader environment and therefore  Policy Area 4: The knowledge base stresses the importance of integrating biodiversity Finally, the Action Plan highlights the critical need to requirements into other sectoral policies, and of tackling the improve our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem problem of invasive alien species. services. Strengthening our knowledge of this complex environment will help to refine and improve our policies  Policy Area 2: The EU and global biodiversity response in years to come. As one of the world’s largest traders and donors of development aid, Europe has a particular responsibility for The four policy areas are backed up by a range of supporting ensuring that its practices do not lead to unsustainable measures. They include: ensuring adequate funding for development and over-exploitation. The Action Plan sets out biodiversity conservation, strengthening EU decision-making, a programme of measures to strengthen the coherence and building partnerships with key stakeholder groups, and synergies between trade, development co-operation and encouraging greater public awareness and participation in biodiversity conservation. biodiversity conservation.

EU Member States working together to conserve the EU’s biodiversity.

The souslik Spermophilous citellus is declining as a result of increasingly intensive agricultural practices.

14 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment The EU Biodiversity Action Plan summarised

Policy Area 1: Policy Area 2: Policy Area 3: Policy Area 4: Biodiversity in the EU The EU and global Biodiversity and The knowledge base biodiversity climate change Objectives: 1. To safeguard the EU’s most Objectives: Objective: Objective: important habitats and 6. To substantially strengthen 9. To support biodiversity 10. To substantially strengthen species. effectiveness of adaptation to climate the knowledge base for 2. To conserve and restore international governance change. conservation and biodiversity and ecosystem for biodiversity and sustainable use of services in the wider EU ecosystem services. biodiversity in the EU countryside. 7. To substantially strengthen and globally. 3. To conserve and restore support for biodiversity biodiversity and ecosystem and ecosystem services in services in the wider EU EU external assistance. marine environment. 8. To substantially reduce the 4. To reinforce compatibility impact of international of regional and territorial trade on global biodiversity development with and ecosystem services. f biodiversity in the EU. f 5. To substantially reduce the impact on EU biodiversity of invasive alien species and alien genotypes.

Supporting measures 1. Ensuring adequate financing 2. Strengthening EU decision-making 3. Building partnerships 4. Building public education, awareness and participation

Monitoring, evaluation and review

BiodiversityBiodiversity Action Action Plan: Plan: 2010 2010 Assessment Assessment 15

Semi-natural grassland in full bloom, one of the species-rich habitat types protected by the Habitats Directive. plan action biodiversity e EU ❦ h ❦ t of assessment e 2010 h t ❦

16 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Objective 1 The Habitats and Birds Directives

The Birds and Habitats Directives lie at the heart of the EU’s policy response to halting To safeguard biodiversity loss in the European Union. The Birds Directive aims to protect all wild birds in the EU and the Habitats Directive adds a further 1,500 rare and threatened the EU’s most plants and animals in need of concerted conservation action. Some 230 valuable habitat types (e.g. hay meadows, heathland and salt marshes) are targeted for important conservation in their own right. These two Directives represent the most ambitious and large scale initiative ever habitats and undertaken to conserve Europe’s rich natural heritage and ecosystems. They enable all 27 Member States to work together, within a common legislative framework, to species conserve Europe’s most vulnerable species and habitats across their entire natural range within the EU, irrespective of political or administrative boundaries.

The Directives have two main objectives: to protect species in their own right across

the EU through species protection provisions; and to conserve the core areas for certain rare and endangered species through habitat protection provisions leading to the establishment of the Natura 2000 Network.

Within these Natura 2000 sites, Member States are required to avoid damaging activities that could significantly affect species or habitats for which the site has been protected, and to take appropriate conservation measures to maintain and restore them to a favourable conservation status. ❦❧ The Natura 2000 Network is nearing completion

One of the first priorities of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan is to ensure the full and timely implementation of the provisions of these two Directives. Significant progress has been made in establishing the Natura 2000 Network. Over 200,000 km² of land and sea have been added to the network since 2006.

By 2010 the network contained over 26,000 sites spread across all 27 Member States, making it the largest coordinated network of protected areas anywhere in the world.

Significant progress was also made in designating Natura 2000 sites in the marine environment, but the process here is not yet complete. Identifying sites at sea is ❦ complicated by the inaccessibility of the terrain and the lack of scientific knowledge, ❦❧ but the marine component of the Natura 2000 Network should be completed by 2012.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 17 Cumulative surface areas of sites designated per Member Romania Bulgaria State under the EU Habitats Directive over time. Slovenia Slovakia 80 Poland The EU Natura 2000 Network Malta of protected sites according 70 Lithuania Latvia to biogeographical region. 60 Hungary Estonia Czech Republic KEY: 50 Cyprus United Kingdom 40 Sweden Biogeographic regions within the EU Portugal 30 Netherlands ATLANTIC REGION Luxembourg Italy BOREAL REGION Cumulated ha, millions 20 Ireland Greece ALPINE REGION 10 France Finland CONTINENTAL REGION 0 Spain Denmark PANNONIAN REGION Germany 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Belgium STEPPIC REGION june-2009 Austria BLACK SEA REGION MEDITERRANEAN REGION MACARONESIAN REGION

Biogeographic regions outside the EU

ARCTIC REGION ANATOLIAN REGION

18 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Managing Natura 2000 sites

As the Natura 2000 network nears completion, attention is increasingly focused on Achievements to date ensuring that the sites and the species they aim to protect are conserved and positively managed so that they are capable of reaching a favourable conservation status within • The Natura 2000 Network has been the EU. At present only 17% of all protected species and habitat types are in a largely completed on land. favourable condition. • Significant progress has been made in Although not obligatory, management plans have proven to be useful tools for designating marine Natura 2000 sites. determining the conservation actions required at individual site level. They also help • Positive management measures have engage other stakeholders and land users in the process of managing these sites, taking been introduced for a number of sites. local land uses and regional characteristics into account. • Species Action Plans have been adopted for a range of species of EU importance. Natura 2000 is more than a network of protected nature reserves. It recognises that humans are an integral part of nature and that the two work best in partnership with one • A first comprehensive health check on another. Its aim is not to systematically exclude economic activities but rather to set the the conservation status of species and parameters within which these can be undertaken while safeguarding the valuable habitats of Community importance species and habitats present. across the EU was published in 2009. • Guidance documents have been Such an approach has many advantages for nature conservation and the people living and working in rural areas. By actively associating different land-users in the developed for various industry sectors management of Natura 2000 sites it is possible to ensure that vulnerable semi-natural to assist in the application of the two habitats and species, which are dependent upon positive management, are maintained. nature Directives. The scale of Natura 2000 makes it a powerful ally in helping to maintain the economic • On average, at least 119.5 million€/year viability and social fabric of many rural areas across Europe. was allocated in 2007–2009 from the EU LIFE+ Funds to support practical conservation within Natura 2000 or other actions to conserve biodiversity. • EU guidelines for financing Natura 2000 management through EU financial instruments have been published. • The Environmental Liability Directive has now been transposed in all EU Member States. • A new voluntary scheme has been set up for protecting threatened species and habitats in EU Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries, inspired by the Natura 2000 Network.

Red-footed falcon Falco vespertinus – a threatened species of European importance for which an EU Species Action Plan was developed in 2009.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 19 Objective 2 An increasingly fragmented landscape

The two Nature Directives alone will not conserve Europe’s biodiversity, so action is also To conserve needed to conserve natural ecosystems across the wider countryside. Today, most of the remaining areas of high nature value in Europe, including those within the Natura and restore 2000 Network, are still at risk from threats like pollution and intensifying land use. They biodiversity and are also surrounded by a hostile and increasingly impermeable environment. The repercussions extend beyond the loss of species. Common bird indicators ecosystem Biodiversity is the engine that 105 powers our ecosystems and 100 services in the ensures they are capable of 95 90 delivering important services 85 wider EU to society such as water 80 purification and soil 75 countryside fertilisation. If healthy 70

ecosystems lose their habitat 65 heterogeneity and species 60 diversity, or if they become 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 too degraded, fragmented All common species (136 species) Common farmland species (36 species)

and isolated, their ability to Common forest species (29 species) provide valuable services Farm and forest birds have declined by ca 25% in the last is severely reduced or 20 years but this downturn is finally starting to level off. lost altogether. ❦❧

❦❧

The dual pressures of agricultural intensification and land abandonment represent a major threat to ❦ Europe’s biodiversity.

20 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Greening the EU Common Agricultural Policy

As farming is still the dominant land use in Europe, covering almost 50% of the EU Achievements to date territory, the Biodiversity Action Plan places special emphasis on integrating biodiversity needs into the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). • Significant funds were made available through the EU Rural Recent reforms of the CAP and the Rural Development Regulation (2007–2013) have seen Development Regulation (2007– new policy tools and measures being made available to improve the integration of 2013) for supporting biodiversity in biodiversity considerations into farming and forestry practices across the EU. Direct forest and farming areas. payments to farmers under Pillar I of the CAP have been decoupled from production and • Over €22 billion has been instead linked to compliance with a number of environmental, animal welfare and food allocated to agri-environment and safety standards. forest environment measures across the EU-27. New rural development measures under Pillar II have also been introduced to support farming and forestry activities that are beneficial for wildlife. They include additional • A further €590 million is available payments in Natura 2000 sites to compensate for the loss of income or the cost of extra for payments in agriculture or forest management obligations necessary to deliver the objectives of the Natura 2000 Natura 2000 areas. Network. They also include compulsory agri- or forest environment schemes which can • Biodiversity was given a greater be tailor made to support farmers and foresters who voluntarily apply certain farming priority in the 2008 CAP Health practices that are deemed to be beneficial to the environment and to biodiversity (above check. the level of the minimum standards). • A Commission Forest Green Paper was adopted in 2010, launching a Overall, around 23% of the Rural Development budget has been allocated to agri- debate on options for an EU environment measures across the EU-27 and a further €590 million has been allocated approach to forest protection to Natura 2000 payments. While it is not yet possible to determine precisely how much and information. of the money allocated to agri-envrionment measures will be used specifically for • A new European Atlas of Soil nature conservation actions, it is clear that the overall impact on biodiversity should be Biodiversity was published in 2010. largely beneficial and should render the wider farming and forested landscape less hostile to wildlife. • All Member States are preparing their River Basin Management Plans under the Water Framework Directive. Reducing pollution • Water quality in Europe’s freshwater ecosystems is improving. Another important feature of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan is its emphasis on reducing pollution in Europe’s freshwater systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the • A new Framework Directive on the timely and effective implementation of the Water Framework Directive, protecting sustainable use of pesticides was surface and groundwater from pollution and degradation. adopted in 2009. • Work is underway to develop a The Directive is intended to ensure that all waters reach a good status (including concept of an ecologically coherent ecological status) by 2015. This will be achieved through the implementation of a series green infrastructure for Europe that of management plans and targeted action programmes adopted at the level of each of could help tackle the increasing the 110 river basins in the EU. The process of drafting these management plans is now problem of habitat fragmentation well underway, with a majority submitted for Commission approval by the end of 2009. and loss of valuable agricultural and Recent studies have shown that pollution in most of Europe’s rivers has started to forest areas in the wider decrease thanks to stricter EU environmental standards. countryside.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 21 Objective 3 European Seas under pressure

The extensive marine waters surrounding the EU play a major role in biodiversity To conserve conservation. Yet here too the environment is under tremendous pressure. Over-fishing is widespread and many fish stocks are beyond safe biological limits. Climate change, and restore invasive alien species and heavy maritime traffic, leading to an increased risk of oil spills, biodiversity and have added to these problems. Pollution and eutrophication from land sources continue at unacceptable levels. Eutrophication resulting from nutrient enrichment can trigger a chain of undesirable ecosystem effects, starting with excessive growth of planktonic algae which increases the amount of organic matter settling on the seabed. The consequent increase in oxygen services in the consumption can cause oxygen depletion and create ‘dead zones’ in which other forms wider EU of life cannot survive.

marine The Common Fisheries Policy

environment The Biodiversity Action Plan calls for a more sustainable use of marine resources under the EU Common Fisheries Policy. After decades of over- and unselective fishing the

management of the remaining stocks has reached a crisis point. In light of this, EU Member States have been urgently drawing up multi-annual management and recovery plans for a range of commercial fish in different marine areas to bring fishing levels down to more sustainable levels and help rebuild collapsed stocks. ❦❧

❦❧

Underwater Posidonia beds are extremely rich in biodiversity and play an important role in ❦ protecting the coastline.

22 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Measures have also been taken to introduce more selective fishing practices in order to reduce the unacceptably high levels of unwanted by-catches of non-target marine species, such as seals and dolphins, and to protect vulnerable deep sea habitats Achievements to date including Posidonia beds in the Mediterranean and coral reefs in the North East Atlantic. To assist in this process, the majority of Member States are using funds made available under the reformed European Fisheries Fund (2007–2013) to promote a more • The Marine Strategy Framework sustainable balance between resources and the EU’s fishing capacity and to foster a Directive adopted in 2008 aims greater protection of the marine environment and its endangered habitats and species. to achieve good environmental status for all EU marine waters by 2020. The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive • Nineteen of the 22 coastal Member States have adopted or In 2008, the EU adopted an ambitious Marine Strategy Framework Directive which sets out are in the process of adopting a coordinated ecosystems-based approach for improving the marine environment. integrated coastal zone Building on existing legislation and conventions, its ultimate objective is to achieve a good management plans (ICZM). environmental status in the marine environment by 2020. Like the Water Framework Directive, it establishes a series of common objectives and principles which are to be • The European Maritime Safety applied at the level of each of the four EU marine areas (the North East Atlantic, the Black Agency has provided technical Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea). and scientific assistance to the Commission and Member States As work has only just started on the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework on responses to oil spills. Directive, it is too early to gauge its impact on the marine environment. Nevertheless, it is • A range of recovery plans have clear that if a concerted been adopted for commercial programme of action can be Proportion of stocks within and outside safe biological limits. introduced and fish stocks in different marine implemented at the level of waters to help rebuild each marine area the collapsed stocks. benefits for marine • Legislation has been introduced ecosystems should be to protect vulnerable deep sea significant, both inside and habitats from unsustainable outside marine protected fisheries practices. areas. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive is also • A Community Action Plan for an important policy tool for Sharks was adopted in 2009. ensuring that environmental • Most Member States have put concerns are fully taken up forward projects to promote in the EU’s new Integrated sustainable fishing and support Maritime Policy adopted marine biodiversity in 2009. conservation under the European Fisheries Fund.

The chart shows the proportion of assessed stocks that are overfished (red) and stocks within safe biological limits (blue). The size of the circles is proportional to the magnitude of the regional catch.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 23 Objective 4 A more integrated spatial planning process

Compared to other regions of the world, the EU is a relatively densely populated To reinforce continent, and much of the land is in active use. This means that its remaining natural compatibility of areas are under intense pressure from a range of development activities. Recognising the need to safeguard such valuable ecosystems from inappropriate regional and developments, the Biodiversity Action Plan places particular emphasis on ensuring that all new development plans and projects undergo an appropriate biodiversity assessment, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), or an Environmental Impact territorial Assessment (EIA). This is to ensure that negative impacts on the natural environment are minimised or avoided through the identification of alternative locations or the

development introduction of appropriate mitigation measures.

with If carried out at the initial planning stage, these assessments allow biodiversity concerns

to be taken into account from the outset. This strategic approach to territorial planning biodiversity in leads to a more integrated and sustainable development framework and reduces the risk the EU of difficulties and delays. ❦❧

❦❧

❦ Artificial areas continue to expand at the expense of natural habitats.

24 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment All new plans and programmes involving the EU’s Structural Funds (the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund) are required to undergo a Strategic Environmental Assessment before they can be approved Achievements to date for funding.

In addition, major development projects (those costing more than €50 million) which are • All plans and programmes to be co-financed through the EU Structural Funds must first be approved by the operating under the new EU European Commission. The latter will ensure that the EIA, and the appropriate Structural Funds (2007–2013) have assessment in the case of projects affecting Natura 2000 sites, has taken full account of been subject to a Strategic the possible effects on the natural environment, including biodiversity, and introduced Environmental Assessment. the necessary measures to remove or minimise these impacts. • New opportunities have been made available under the EU Structural Funds for directly Investing in nature supporting biodiversity conservation within regional The EU Structural Funds for 2007–2013 also provide an opportunity to directly or development programmes and indirectly support biodiversity conservation within the framework of EU regional or local development plans and programmes. Member States have allocated a total of about cross border programmes. €2.7 billion to the ‘Promotion of biodiversity and nature protection (including Natura • The application form for major 2000)’. In the framework of tourism a further €1.1 billion has been allocated to the projects to be co-financed by EU ‘promotion of natural assets’ and €1.4 billion for the ‘protection and development of funds includes explicit reference natural heritage’, both including projects for nature and biodiversity. to the need for a complete EIA and Appropriate Assessments for Some Member States use the funds primarily to promote habitat restoration projects or Natura 2000 sites. to help reconnect areas that have been fragmented by infrastructure developments (e.g. through creation of ecological corridors). Others place more emphasis on the • The correct application of SEA, implementation of the Natura 2000 Network or the promotion of nature conservation EIA and Appropriate Assessments through tourism and other recreational developments. is promoted through Commission guidance and infringement procedures. • Work is underway to develop a concept of an ecologically coherent green infrastructure for Europe, with a view to adopting an EU strategy on this issue in 2011, that could help tackle the increasing problem of habitat fragmentation and be a useful tool for climate change adaptation through the development and maintenance of ecosystems.

Eco bridge over motorway in Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 25 Objective 5 The proliferation of invasive alien species in Europe

Invasive alien species (IAS) are non-native species whose introduction outside their natural To substantially range poses a threat to biodiversity. They can be animals, plants, fungi or micro-organisms, and are considered to be the second most important reason for biodiversity loss reduce the worldwide, after habitat loss and destruction. impact on EU Modern trading patterns increase the opportunities for species to move beyond their natural biogeographical barriers. As trade, travel and transport have expanded within the EU and the rest of the world, the rate of intentional and unintentional introductions of new biodiversity of species has risen exponentially. This trend is predicted to continue, along with the further invasive alien spread of already established alien species populations. Many introduced species are of critical importance for production systems that underpin species European economies. They provide a range of employment opportunities and are highly appreciated in society as ornamental plants, pet animals, exotic birds, game, or fish for angling and aquaculture. But a subset of introduced species has become invasive in

Europe and are threatening native biodiversity. Over 10,000 alien species have now been identified, of which some 10–15% are potentially dangerous to Europe’s biodiversity.

The consequences of their proliferation are being felt across the EU. Not only do they pose

a threat to native species and habitats by out-competing them but they also cause serious economic damage. In 2008, the cost of controlling invasive alien species and repairing the damage reached an estimated €9.6–12.7 billion in the EU.

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❦ Giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum has become invasive in many parts of Europe.

26 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Towards an EU Strategy for invasive alien species

The EU Biodiversity Action Plan highlights the importance of tackling the problem of Achievements to date invasive alien species as a matter of priority. The need to develop a common approach at EU level is evidenced by the fact that actions taken so far in some countries are often • The EU Communication ‘Towards being negated by the lack of action in others, resulting in piecemeal efforts. an EU Strategy on Invasive Alien Existing EU legislation and policy already provides part of the solution to the problems Species’ issued in 2008 identifies concerning invasive species. However, at present there are no mechanisms to support various policy options for the harmonisation or consistency of approaches between neighbouring countries or developing an EU strategy on countries in the same sub-region. There are also no formal requirements to undertake a invasive alien species. risk analysis as regards the intentional introduction of non-native species that may • A study was commissioned to affect biodiversity. examine the feasibility of establishing an EU-wide early Responding to this concern, the Commission issued a Communication ‘Towards an EU warning system on invasive Strategy on Invasive Species’ in December 2008 which outlines four possible Policy Options to address IAS-related threats. These are based on the internationally- alien species. recognised three-stage hierarchy that prevention of unwanted introductions is the • €38 million of EU LIFE money has most cost-effective, efficient and least environmentally damaging approach, followed been spent on eradicating and by eradication, where feasible, or long-term containment/control. controlling invasive alien species inside and outside the Natura The Communication stresses the importance of establishing an early warning system 2000 Network. for the prompt exchange of information between neighbouring countries on the emergence of invasive alien species and cooperation on control measures across • An evaluation of the impacts of national boundaries. The next step is the elaboration of an EU strategy for invasive invasive species on aquatic alien species. ecosystems (and how these species should be considered in the definition of the good The percentage of threatened and non-threatened species negatively affected by ecological quality of waters) is invasive alien species per group of species. being coordinated by the Joint Research Centre. All Non-Threatened • Several projects funded under EU Threatened Research and Technological Dragon ies Development programmes have Butter ies been launched to help inform EU policy development on invasive Marine mammals alien species, including DAISIE, Terrestrial ALARM and NOBANIS. mammals • Regulation 708/2007 on alien Reptiles species in aquaculture came into Amphibians force in 2007. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

(source: IUCN, 2009, 2010) Percentage of species impacted

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 27 Objectives 6-7-8 Supporting biodiversity through EU external assistance

To strengthen To be a credible partner in the international arena, the EU recognises that it is not enough to focus solely on biodiversity in Europe. The impact of the EU’s high the EU’s role in consumption patterns on the rest of the planet must also be addressed. That is why three of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan objectives concern the EU’s role in combatting combatting global biodiversity loss. global In addition to pressing for the effective worldwide implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and other biodiversity conventions, these objectives also biodiversity loss address issues such as international trade and the greening of EU development policies and programmes.

In its 2007–2013 Development Policy, the EU pledged to help mainstream biodiversity into its development cooperation programmes. Environmental Profiles have therefore been established for most countries and regions covered by EC external cooperation. So

far some €133 million has been allocated for biodiversity within these geographical programmes, principally in the Central African region, Ethiopia, Malawi, Honduras, Bolivia and Brazil. But further efforts are still needed. One reason for the low uptake is the fact that biodiversity is often not a priority for the partner countries themselves. ❦❧

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❦ The EU is providing significant funds for tropical forest conservation.

28 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment The EU also has a dedicated Thematic Programme for Environment and Natural Resources (ENRTP) which has made over €114 million available for biodiversity conservation in the last four years (2007–2010). In addition, the EU contributes Achievements to date significantly to the replenishment of the 5th Global Environment Facility which provides grants to developing countries for projects related to biodiversity, climate change and • Under the EU Development Policy other global environmental issues. $1.2 billion has been earmarked for biodiversity (2007–2013) €133 million has been projects and programmes for 2010–2014. allocated to biodiversity within the external assistance programmes for various developing countries. • A total of €114 million has also been Reducing the impact of international trade allocated to biodiversity for the four-year period 2007–2010 under the Since the adoption of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan, the EU has redoubled its efforts to EC Thematic Programme for promote the integration of the environmental dimension into international trade. As Environment and Natural Resources part of its Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) Programme, the Commission conducts (ENRTP). SIAs for all its planned regional and bilateral free trade and partnership agreements in Asia, Africa and Latin America. • A further €20 million has been approved in a Financing Agreement At EU level, the European Commission is encouraging Member States to set themselves for Biodiversity and Protected Areas the target of ensuring that 50% of their tendering procedures are green. Public Management in ACP countries. authorities in the EU spend over €2,000 billion on purchasing goods and services such • As part of its trade-related as computers, buildings, paper, food and cleaning services every year. By insisting on Sustainability Impact Assessment environmentally friendly options in their tendering procedures, these authorities can, (SIA) Programme, the Commission is collectively, exert a major influence on consumption patterns within the EU and create a conducting SIAs for all its planned stronger demand for green products regional and bilateral free trade and and technology. partnership agreements. • The Commission and Member States As regards global trade in biodiversity, are actively engaged in efforts to progress has been made in raise awareness and promote implementing the Convention on implementation of the Bonn International Trade in Endangered Guidelines on Access and Benefit Species (CITES) and the EU Action Plan Sharing (ABS) for genetic resources. for Forest Law Enforcement Governance • The EU is actively engaged in the and Trade (FLEGT) adopted in 2003. To implementation of the Convention on support the efforts of the latter, the EU International Trade in Endangered has also made a proposal for a Species (CITES). Regulation laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and • Significant progress has been made timber products on the market. The in promoting Forest Law proposal is based on the due diligence Enforcement, Governance and Trade principle requiring the operators (FLEGT). covered by it to apply a system to • The EU continues to press for the minimise the risk of placing illegally effective worldwide implementation harvested timber and timber products of the Convention on Biological on the Community market. Diversity and other international The red-eyed tree frog Agalychnis callidryas has become a symbol for many campaigns biodiversity conventions. to save tropical forests.

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 29 Objective 9 Climate change and biodiversity

There is now a broad scientific and political consensus that the climate is changing as a To support result of human activities. This is manifesting itself through more extreme weather patterns in various parts of the world, including lengthier droughts, more frequent biodiversity flooding and melting glaciers. The economic, social and environmental costs are adaptation to potentially enormous. Climate change is also taking its toll on wildlife. In a recent assessment of 122 widespread European bird species, climate warming had a negative impact on 92 species, climate change benefitting only 30. This shows that huge changes in biodiversity and ecosystems can be

expected in Europe.

Entire ecosystems could also be disrupted and many are already reaching a point of no return. But when maintained and sustainably used, ecosystems can play a major role in

mitigating the effects of climate change, and might also be effectively and efficiently used in actions taken to adapt to climate change. Peatlands, forests and wetlands are capable of storing significant amounts of carbon, while dunes and freshwater ecosystems provide a natural defence against floods and rising seas. ❦❧

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❦ The willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus is likely to be strongly affected by climate change.

30 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Addressing climate change requires two types of response. Firstly, there must be a Achievements to date reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, adaptation and mitigation measures must be put in place to deal with the unavoidable impacts. • Several Member States have In the case of the former, the latest EEA inventory of greenhouse gas emissions by already substantially reduced Member States indicates that emissions have decreased by 11.3% compared to 1990. their greenhouse gas emissions. Several countries, especially the newer Member States, have substantially reduced their • The EU as a whole has achieved emissions. As a result, the EU 27 as a whole has achieved more than half of its unilateral more than half of its unilateral reduction target of 20% by 2020 through domestic emission reductions alone and is well reduction target of 20% by 2020 on the way to meeting its overall Kyoto targets. and is well on the way to meeting its overall Kyoto targets. • The EU has called for halting the Using nature to mitigate against climate change loss of global forest cover by 2030 at the latest and reducing In 2009, the Commission issued a White Paper on adapting to climate change. The gross tropical deforestation by paper emphasises the importance of maintaining and restoring ecosystem integrity at least 50% by 2020 from and developing a ‘green infrastructure’ for the EU with healthy, interconnected ecosystems and natural landscape elements. It stresses the need for a comprehensive current levels. and integrated approach to maintain and enhance ecosystems and the goods and • In 2009, the Commission issued a services they provide. White Paper on adaptation to climate change, emphasising the The paper recognises that ecosystem-based approaches are ready to use, accessible to importance of maintaining and all, and cost-effective. Maintaining healthy ecosystems makes economic sense: finding restoring ecosystem integrity. man-made solutions to replace the services that nature offers for free is technically challenging and extremely • EU-funded research projects expensive. have been launched to examine The impact of climate change on widespread bird the impact of climate change on There is however also a need to populations has increased markedly in the past 20 years. biodiversity. ensure that adaptation and • The new EU Directive 2009/28/ mitigation measures are not 130 EC on the promotion of the use detrimental to biodiversity. of energy from renewable Various initiatives have been 120 sources includes environmental taken in this respect, including 110 the introduction of sustainability criteria to protect biodiversity. environmental sustainability 100 criteria for biofuels and bioliquids within the new EU 90 Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from 80 renewable sources. 70

60 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 31 Objective 10 Biodiversity research in support of policy

Understanding the complexity of biodiversity is an enormous scientific challenge. To substantially There is a critical need to fill the numerous gaps in our knowledge if we are to improve our understanding of our interrelationship with, and dependency on, biodiversity and strengthen the ecosystem services. This will create a more robust and comprehensive knowledge base for supporting future policies and actions. In addition, investment in long-term knowledge ecological monitoring programmes, using modern technology and ensuring access to interoperable databases, is essential to support our knowledge about the impact of base biodiversity on the functioning of ecosystems. The EU, through its Biodiversity Action Plan, places particular emphasis on funding basic research on biodiversity and ecosystems through its research Framework Programmes. Already over €200 million has been allocated to biodiversity related projects under the 6th (2002–2006) and 7th (2007–2013) Framework Programmes. The results of these projects, together with Member States’ own research investments,

are continuously fed into the development of EU biodiversity policy.

To assist this process further, an Atlas of Biodiversity Risk was launched in June 2010, bringing together the

results of a number of European Research projects in a comprehensive manner. The European Commission and European Environmental Agency have also set up a new Biodiversity Information System for Europe (BISE) whose overall objective is to build a single ❦point of access to consistent, up-to-date and peer- ❧ reviewed information, data and knowledge on BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION biodiversity in Europe. SYSTEM FOR EUROPE

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❦ Long-term ecological monitoring is essential to support our knowledge on the state of biodiversity.

32 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment The EU is also actively promoting biodiversity research and data collection at the international level. It has been instrumental in getting the international community to agree, in June 2010, to set up an Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Achievements to date Biodiversity and Ecosystems services (IPBES) to strengthen independent scientific advice to global policy making. The EU is also providing €1 million to UNEP to facilitate the establishment of the IPBES. • €78.6 million spent under the EU’s 6th Research Framework Programme (2002–2006) on biodiversity-related Studying the economics of biodiversity research projects. • A further €199.5 million allocated so Responding to a proposal of the G8+5 Environment Ministers in 2007, the EU has been far under the EU’s 7th Research the main funder of a decisive global study on ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Framework Programme (2007–2013). Biodiversity (TEEB)’. The study, which draws on expertise from around the world in the • The European Commission is engaged fields of natural sciences, economics and policy, evaluates the costs of the loss of in the global strategy for follow up to biodiversity and the associated decline in ecosystem services worldwide, and compares them with the costs of effective conservation and sustainable use. the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and is committed to developing a In May 2008, an interim TEEB report was presented at the CoP-9 meeting of the regional assessment for Europe using Convention of Biological Diversity. It provided strong evidence of significant global the EURECA project launched by the and local economic losses and human welfare impacts attributable to the loss of European Environment Agency. biodiversity and ecosystem services, estimated to be around €50 billion a year. • The Commission was instrumental in gaining agreement in 2010 for an The second phase of TEEB work included a Report on Ecological and Economic Intergovernmental Science-Policy Foundations and four targeted end-user reports that build on this baseline. The latter offers tailored insights and advice for national and international policy makers, local Platform on Biodiversity and and regional administrators, businesses as well as consumers and citizens on how to Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and is foster sustainable development by better conserving ecosystems and biodiversity and contributing €1 million to facilitate its taking their economic value into account at the outset. establishment. • An EU Atlas of Biodiversity Risk was launched in June 2010, bringing 生 態 系 と 生 物 多 様 性 の together the results of a number of 経 済 生態系と生物多様性の経済学 学 中 T he c o n o m cs i 間 報 告 ec o f se ysm t s yt o&vbes di r European Research Projects. • A new Biodiversity Information System L lo a la s E for Europe (BISE) has been set up to E c B c o i o n o s o provide a single point of contact for d is i m v te e m í a T h e E c o n o m ci s r o Ef c o s y s et m s s a d s & B o i d v ei y tsr i data relevant to EU biodiversity. id e a y d

中 間 報 告 • The EU is the main funder of the global study on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), the

TE EB PARA LOS RE SPONSA results of which will be instrumental in ELA BLES BORACI DE LA NACIO ÓN DE P RES NALES OLÍTI UMEN: R E INT CAS ESPOND ERNAC ER AL VA IONAL LOR DE ES LA NATU RALEZA informing future policy responses.

TEEB FOR BUSINESS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 33 To ensure the EU Biodiversity Action Plan’s objectives and actions are implemented as Supporting effectively as possible, they are supported by additional measures dealing with funding, measures decision-making, building partnerships and raising awareness.  Ensuring adequate financing The EU Financial Perspectives for 2007–2013 have opened up new opportunities for co-financing Natura 2000 and other biodiversity-related activities across the EU. The LIFE+ fund, which supports nature and biodiversity actions, is set to spend €836 million on Natura 2000 and biodiversity during this period.

 Strengthening EU decision-making Strengthening the European decision-making process involves improving the coordination between EU and Member State policies on biodiversity, notably through an efficient governance structure. Regular meetings are held between the Commission and National Authorities to review progress on the Biodiversity Action Plan and the two Nature Directives, ensuring a coordinated policy response within the EU and in relations with the rest of the world.

 Building partnerships The European Commission attaches particular importance to building partnerships with different stakeholder groups and has undertaken many initiatives in this area. In

2010 it launched the Business and Biodiversity (B@B) Platform, a web-based tool that helps businesses integrate biodiversity considerations into their core activities and enables them to find solutions to biodiversity challenges related to their sector of activity.

 Promoting public education, awareness and participation ❦ Successful EU policy action on biodiversity depends on support from citizens. To ❧ mark the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, the European Commission launched a major EU-wide communications and outreach campaign on biodiversity. The main aim of the campaign, which was built around the slogan ‘Biodiversity – we are all in this together’, was to familiarise Europeans with the problems caused by biodiversity loss and the impacts this can have on their daily lives. It also illustrates ❦ what individuals can do to help stop this decline. ❦❧

34 Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment Further reading European Commission EU Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment European Commission Nature and Biodiversity website http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/index_en.htm Luxembourg : Publications Office of the European Union The 2006 EU Biodiversity Action Plan and 2010 Assessment 2010 — 36 pp. — 21 x 21 cm http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/comm2006/ index_en.htm ISBN 978-92-79-16248-0 doi 10.2779/42306 2010 EU Biodiversity Baseline http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/eu-2010-biodiversity-baseline/ Copies of this publication are available free of charge while stocks last from: Biodiversity Information System for Europe (BISE) European Commission www.biodiversity.europa.eu Directorate-General Environment Information Centre (BU-9 0/11) The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) reports: B-1049 Brussels http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/economics/ http://bookshop.eu/ index_en.htm

The Natura 2000 Network http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm

Photo credits: Cover: All three photos, Istockphoto Page 20: David Kjaer Page 4: David Kjaer Page 22: Stella Del Curto Page 6: Peter Creed Page 24: Istockphoto Page 8: Istockphoto Page 25: Staatsbossbeheer Page 9: Kern, Nationalpark Donauauen Page 26: Flickr Page 10: J. Peltomaki, Wild Wonders Page 28: Istockphoto Page 12: Kocacs, Nationalpark Donauauen Page 29: Istockphoto Page 14: K. Wothe, Wild Wonders Page 30: Istockphoto Page 14: European Commission Page 32: Ruth Haynes Page 16: Peter Creed Page 33: Istockphoto Page 19: Csaba Loki Page 34: 1st photo David Kjaer, 2nd photo European Commission

Biodiversity Action Plan: 2010 Assessment 35 KH-32-10-350-EN-C