annexes of nature directives, informed by 'shadow lists' of priority habitats; add to annexes any missing habitat types of Community interest, and ensure all habitat types of Community interest are sufficiently represented in the Natura 2000 network [by 2010].
Coordinate review, propose necessary amendments to annexes, assess sufficiency of MS proposals for any new sites in response to any amendments to annexes, adopt revised lists of SCIs where necessary.
The first major 'health check' of the conservation status of species and habitats of Community interest under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive is underway. On the basis of national reports received in 2007/early 2008 the Commission with support of the European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity of the European Environment Agency will complete an EU level assessment (as part of the Commission's composite report by mid-2009. An overview on the national assessments can be already viewed through the following web-site: http://biodiversity.eionet.europa.eu/article17. Also for each MS a so-called "national summary" of the Art.17 reports can be viewed on the CIRCA-Reporting (http://circa.europa.eu/Public/irc/env/monnat/library). The next step is to carry out the EU-level (biogeographic level) assessment of conservation status: draft results in late 2008 following the input of the public consultation on the draft results. This exercise will help identify the extent to which additional measures for the management and restoration of species populations and habitats are needed and will be a key input to any review of habitat types of EU conservation concern; no separate review envisaged at present; preparatory actions for EC-level action plans for non-bird species are currently under preparation, a first set of action plans is envisaged to be prepared in 2009.Following up the Art.17 conservation status assessment exercise, the Commission has started also a new initiative in streamlining all reporting under the Birds and the Habitats Directive. The intention is to have better data available in order to assess the effectiveness of the nature directives as well as for a multitude of other purposes. Within this initiative a Member States Working Group was established, which deals not only with a review of the Art.17 exercise but also with (among others) starting up a similar status and trends assessment for bird-species and improving the dataflow on Natura 2000.
The first major 'health check' of the conservation status of species and habitats of Community interest under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive was finalised in mid 2009. On 13 July 2009 the Commission adopted the "Commission Report on the Conservation Status of Habitat Types and Species as required under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive". The report represents the first ever systematic assessment of conservation status of Europe's most vulnerable habitat types and species. Enormous work is being done since then in the reporting working group to prepare the next reporting, streamline the various reporting processes, adopt new standard data form formats, etc. The intention is to have better data available in order to assess the effectiveness of the nature directives as well as for a multitude of other purposes. The working group has also elaborated and tested a draft format for improved reporting on bird populations status and trends.
(The 'Article 17' Technical report, including the EU-level analysis and other material as well as links to national reports, etc. can be found under http://biodiversity.eionet.europa.eu/article17.)
A1.2.2
ACTION: Accelerate efforts to place other designated protected areas (non-Natura 2000) of national, regional and local biodiversity importance under effective conservation management [by 2010, 2012 in marine].
Raise awareness of importance and relevance of these areas in context of Action 1.2.3 below.
Work undertaken & to be carried out under A 1.2.3 also takes account of national protected areas.
Work undertaken & to be carried out under A 1.2.3 also takes account of national protected areas.
A1.2.3
ACTION: Assess [by 2008] and substantially strengthen [by 2010] coherence, connectivity and resilience of the protected areas network (Natura 2000 and non-Natura protected areas) by applying, as appropriate, tools which may include flyways, buffer zones, corridors and stepping stones (including as appropriate to neighbouring and other third countries), as well as actions in support of biodiversity in the wider environment (see also actions under objectives 2, 3 and 9).
Coordinate assessment, develop guidelines to strengthen coherence.
Draft guidelines on 'the maintenance of landscape features of major importance for wild fauna and flora' have been prepared & discussed with Habitats Committee (June 2007), A new COM contract was launched in 2007 for further assessment of coherence of Natura 2000 network.
Guidelines on 'the maintenance of landscape features of major importance for wild fauna and flora' have been published in 2008. A contract on Natura 2000 and its relationships with other initiatives which may serve to protect biodiversity has been started in 2009. Another COM contract was launched for the further assessment of coherence of Natura 2000 network. Within this contract, a workshop on Green Infrastructure has been organised to identify actions that would be most effective at EU level, building on the experiences of existing initiatives across Europe. The workshop took place 25-26 March 2009. More information on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm. A conference will be held on Green Infrastructure in November 2010 as a follow-up event to the 2009 meeting and to further discuss the development of the Green Infrastructure concept, leading towards a Strategy on Green Infrastructure at the end of 2011.
A1.3
No priority species in worsening conservation status by 2010; the majority of priority species in or moving towards favourable conservation status by 2013
A1.3.1
ACTION: Implement [2006 onwards], at EC or MS level as appropriate, existing species action or management plans for species under threat and review and update as necessary; elaborate [2006 onwards] and implement [2007 onwards] additional species action or management plans for a wider range of species under threat - including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish, invertebrates and plants; ensure monitoring of implementation and effectiveness of plans.
Coordinate preparation of EC-level action plans; coordinate implementation at Community level.
COM has prepared EU guidelines for management plans for large carnivores promoting best practice and providing guidance on population level management planning http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/carnivores/index_en.htm;
New COM contract launched at end of 2007 for technical support in elaboration of Species Action Plans (Annex I, Birds Dir.) & Management Plans (Annex II, Birds Dir.). & action plans for a selected number of Habitats Dir. species; first drafts prepared for 3 revised (Acrocephalus paludicola, Marmaronetta anguistirostris, Aquila adalberti) and 3 new (Coracias garullus, Chersophilus duponti, Neophron percnopterus) bird action plans; draft criteria prepared for selecting non-bird species for action plans. 7 new management plans for huntable bird species finalised in 2007 (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/managt_plans_en.htm), as well as an international action plan for Saker Falcon (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/action_plans/index_en.htm). As regards Species Action Plans for non-bird species, preparatory actions are currently under preparation (development of selection criteria & format), a first set of action plans is envisaged to be prepared in 2009.
New COM contract launched at end of 2007 for technical support in elaboration of Species Action Plans (Annex I, Birds Dir.) & Management Plans (Annex II, Birds Dir.). & action plans for a selected number of Habitats Dir. species. First drafts prepared for 3 revised (Acrocephalus paludicola, Marmaronetta anguistirostris, Aquila adalberti) and 3 new (Coracias garullus, Chersophilus duponti, Neophron percnopterus) bird action plans. 7 new management plans for huntable bird species finalised in 2007 (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/managt_plans_en.htm), as well as an international action plan for Saker Falcon (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/action_plans/index_en.htm).
Draft criteria prepared for selecting non-bird species for action plans. EC-level action plans for non-bird species are currently under preparation, a first set of action plans is envisaged to be prepared in 2009/2010.
A1.3.2
ACTION: Carry out [in 2008, following next reports] scientific review of species listed in annexes of nature directives, informed by EU 'shadow lists' for major taxa and other relevant assessments of species status; add to annexes any missing species of Community interest, and ensure where appropriate that all species of Community interest are sufficiently represented in the Natura 2000 network [by 2010].
Coordinate review, coordinate monitoring and assessment of species conservation status, support development of EU 'shadow lists' (including Red Data lists), propose amendments to annexes, assess sufficiency of Natura 2000 network in respect of all new species added to annexes.
COM currently funding European Red Lists (EU27) for other taxa: amphibians and reptiles (ready end 2008), dragonflies, butterflies & saproxylic beetles (ready end 2009), molluscs and vascular plants (selected families) – ready end 2010.
Same as for habitat types in relation to Article 17 HD assessment (see 1.2.1);
COM funded European mammal red list (published in May 2007) as well as further Red Lists http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/redlist/index_en.htm on amphibians and reptiles (published in 2009), dragonflies, butterflies, freshwater fish & saproxylic beetles (ready end 2009), molluscs and vascular plants (selected families) – ready end 2010.
A1.3.3
ACTION: Identify and fill critical gaps in EU ex-situ (zoo, botanic gardens, etc.) conservation programmes for wild species, in line with best practice, with appropriate co-financing from EC and MS [2006 onwards].
Coordinate assessment, provide co-financing for priority projects.
New possibilities for EU financing of 'ex-situ' conservation actions under LIFE+ when justified for species conservation linked to delivery of BAP.
New possibilities for EU financing of 'ex-situ' conservation actions for species conservation under LIFE+ are available when linked to the delivery of BAP.
A1.4
TARGET: All above targets applied for Acceding Countries from date of accession.
A1.4.1
ACTION: Expand all above actions to Romania and Bulgaria (Acceding Countries) and to any future Acceding Countries in a timely manner, i.e. to provide for full implementation of environmental acquis, and provide lists of Natura 2000 sites [by date of accession].
Ensure transposition of nature directives for application from day of accession; ensure lists proposed by day of accession; adopt lists within 1 year of accession.
As regards transposition, see Action A1.1.3; Bulgaria submitted part of its national SPAs and pSCIs lists by beginning of 2008. Romania submitted the pSCIs list in mid-2007 its list of SPAs in December 2007. The level of designation of both SPAs evaluated in 2008. The biogeographic seminar to assess the pSCIs in the 5 biogeographic regions of these 2 MS (BG-ALP, BLACK SEA, CONT; RO -+ PANN & STEPPIC) held in June 2008.
As regards transposition, see Action A1.1.3.
Community lists were updated in 2008 and 2009 to include SCI proposed by new Member States.
A1.5
TARGET: For those EU Outermost Regions not covered by the nature directives, valued biodiversity sites and species not in worsening conservation status by 2010; majority of valued sites and species moving towards favourable conservation status by 2013.
A1.5.1
ACTION: Apply nature directives-type approach for valued sites and species in those EU Outermost Regions not covered by nature directives [2006 onwards].
None
ERA-net NET-BIOME - Community-funded network on biodiversity in EU outermost Regions – started in September 2006. European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change in Outermost Regions held in La Réunion, 7-11 July 2008. This conference brought together for the first time representatives of all OR and OCTs. The participants agreed, that there is a need for EU Member States and the European Commission, together with OCTs and ORs, to establish a voluntary scheme for the protection of species and habitats, inspired by the Natura 2000 approach. This scheme should be flexible, adapted to the local situation, balance conservation and development needs and take into account existing mechanisms and tools. The implementation of the scheme should be based on local commitment and shared financing. The importance of conservation, at species level, outside protected areas should be highlighted and priority should be given to globally threatened species. The elaboration of restoration or management plans is only a first step in the process, that has to be followed by effective implementation. The networking among existing national parks and other protected areas in order to harmonise monitoring, exchange best practices and share data is very valuable.
There was a European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change in Outermost Regions held in La Réunion, 7-11 July 2008. This conference brought together for the first time representatives of all OR and OCTs.
The EC is engaged with concerned Member States to develop a voluntary scheme to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services in European Overseas inspired by the experience of Natura 2000.
OBJECTIVE 2: TO CONSERVE AND RESTORE BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE WIDER EU COUNTRYSIDE.
HEADLINE TARGET: In wider countryside (terrestrial, freshwater, brackish wateroutsideNatura 2000 network), biodiversity loss halted by 2010 and showing substantial recovery by 2013.
AGRICULTURAL & RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY
A2.1
TARGET: Member States have optimised use of opportunities under agricultural, rural development and forest policy to benefit biodiversity 2007-2013.
A2.1.1
ACTION: Allocate, at MS initiative, within each national/regional Rural Development (RD) Programme, adequate Community and MS co-financing to measures available under all three axes of the RD Regulation which are directly or indirectly supportive of nature and biodiversity [2006/07 and any subsequent revisions]. (cf. Action B.1.1.2)
Assess MS RD Programmes and seek amendments where appropriate.
Covered under rural development policy for 2007-2013; All 94 national and regional programmes have been approved by management committee. At present the first analysis can be made: around 44% (€39.6 billion) of the EU resources have been allocated to Axis 2 dealing with land management and improvement of the environment including support to biodiversity and NATURA 2000 network. According to estimations, agri-environment, the biggest contributor to NATURA 2000 management, has been allocated more than a fifth part of the Community means devoted to rural development (around 22% i.e. €20.3 billion). In addition, approximately EUR 577 million of EAFRD resources have been dedicated specifically to Natura 2000 agriculture and forest areas.
Under the rural development policy for 2007-2013 some 44.4% (€42.75 billion) of the EU contribution was earmarked to Axis 2 dealing with land management and improvement of the environment including support to biodiversity and NATURA 2000 areas. Agri-environment, an important measure supporting the management of NATURA 2000 sites was allocated around 23% of the Community means devoted to rural development (€22.2billion). In addition, some EUR 590 million of EAFRD resources were dedicated specifically to the Natura 2000 agriculture and forest measures.
Following the implementation of the Health Check the funds earmarked by Member States for the agri-environment measure went up by almost 2 billion totalling 22.2 billion €.
See also examples under Green Infrastructure in A.1.2.3.
A2.1.2
ACTION: Apply Rural Development (RD) measures in the next programming period [2007-2013] to optimise long-term benefits for biodiversity - in particular for Natura 2000 areas and for other 'high nature value' farm and forest areas.
Provide guidance on application of RD measures, including on identification of high-nature-value farmland, forests and woodlands.
See A 2.1.1
The Council adopted in 2006 Community strategic guidelines for Rural development (period 2007-2013), inter alia to help make the link with the main EU priorities (Lisbon, Göteborg) and translate them into rural development policy, and to ensure consistency with other EU policies, in particular in the fields of cohesion and environment. DG Agriculture published in 2006 a working document on agri-environmental measures and their verifiability to help Member States implement the agri-environmental measures.
See also A 2.1.1
For high nature value farming guidance, see A2.1.3.
A2.1.3
ACTION: Define criteria and identify [2006-07] high-nature-value farmland and forest areas (including the Natura 2000 network) threatened with loss of biodiversity (with particular attention to extensive farming and forest/woodland systems at risk of intensification or abandonment, or already abandoned), and design and implement measures to maintain and/or restore conservation status [2007 onwards].
Evaluate extent to which Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) National Strategy Plans and National RDPs reflect this need - encourage adjustments where necessary.
See A 2.1.1; (High Nature Value) HNV farmland was element of work on agri-environmental indicators done by EEA under steering of the Commission (IRENA indicator report published in January 2006). Publication in September 2006 of a Communication on agri-environmental indicators (COM(2006(508)) based on IRENA work. Continuing work within the framework of a memorandum of understanding between Commission and EEA. In addition, the Commission has contracted a study on an HNV indicator for evaluation including a guidance document to the Member States on the application of the HNV impact indicator. This study has been completed in October 2007. A map of HNV farmland has been updated by the European Environment Agency and the Joint Research Centre (http://reports.eea.europa.eu/state_of_environment_report_2007_1/en/chapter4.pdf). Following consultations with the Member States, the guidance document on the application of the HNV impact indicator is currently being finalised in the context of the Evaluation Network for Rural Development under the auspices of the Commission. The final version is expected to be made available in December 2008
JRC has developed high-spatial resolution (25 m) forest maps for 1990 and 2000, which permit the identification of forest areas and the analysis of forest trends. Algorithms and GIS methods were developed by the JRC to assess forest pattern and fragmentation between 1990 and 2000.
The Commission contracted a study on HNV indicators for evaluation including a guidance document to the Member States on the application of HNV indicators in the context of evaluating Rural Development Programmes. The aim of the document is to set out a best practice approach to applying the indicator which allows a degree of flexibility in the data used. Following consultations with the Member States, the guidance document on the application of the HNV impact indicator was finalised in December 2008 in the context of the Evaluation Network for Rural Development under the auspices of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/eval/hnv/guidance_en.pdf ).
ACTION: Ensure effective implementation of cross-compliance (which provides a baseline for most of the measures of Axis 2 of the Rural Development Regulation) in ways that benefit biodiversity [2007-2013].
Evaluate extent to which CAP National Strategy Plans for RD and National or regional RD Programmes reflect this need - encourage adjustments where necessary.
The EEA, under the steering of the Commission, has undertaken work on Cross-compliance Indicators in the context of the Farm Advisory System (CIFAS) http://www.ewindows.eu.org/cifas.
The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) together with Oreade-Breche (Alliance Environnement), also under the steering of the Commission, provided, in July 2007, an evaluation of the cross-compliance application (http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/eval/reports/cross_compliance/index_en.htm)
On 20 May 2008, the Commission published proposals to further modernise, simplify and streamline the Common Agricultural Policy (COM(2008) 306), i.e. the "Health Check" proposals. The Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) of cross-compliance are proposed to be amended. The Commission has proposed to strengthen the standard on landscape features under GAEC aimed at the promotion of biodiversity. This will contribute to retaining the environmental benefits of set-aside which the Commission proposes to abolish There is also a proposal for a new standard aiming at the establishment of buffer strips along water courses..
In the “Health Check” of the CAP, adopted in 2008, the compulsory set aside was abolished and the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) of cross-compliance were amended. The standard on the retention of landscape features was amended to give more precise examples of features important for biodiversity. A new optional GAEC standard was introduced to favour the establishment and/or retention of habitats. In addition, the new compulsory standard on the establishment of buffer strips along watercourses could also provide benefits for biodiversity depending on the management applied on these areas. The aim was to compensate in part for the loss of market set-aside, which had provided benefits to set-aside and water quality.
A2.1.5
ACTION: Ensure that MS Rural Development Plans (RDPs) comply with environmental legislation and in particular with the nature directives so as to prevent and minimise any potential damages to biodiversity [2007-2013].
Assess whether proposed National Strategy Plans for RD and RDPs may result in breach of environmental legislation, seek adjustments where necessary
See A 2.1.1 Member States were requested in their Rural Development Plans to commit themselves that all actions undertaken under these programmes will have to be carried out in accordance with the then environmental legislation, with particular emphasis on the nature directives. Safeguard clauses had to be attached to those measures which can have potential adverse impact on biodiversity and NATURA sites.
Member States' draft Rural Development Programmes for 2007-13 were subject to an ex-ante evaluation as well as a strategic environmental assessment. Programmes had to be adjusted according to the conclusions of the assessments.
In addition, Member States were requested in their Rural Development Programmes to commit themselves that all actions undertaken under these programmes will have to be carried out in accordance with the environmental legislation, with particular emphasis on the nature directives. Safeguard clauses had to be attached to those measures which can have potential adverse impact on biodiversity and NATURA sites.
See also A 2.1.1
A2.1.6
ACTION: Broaden extension services, farm advisory systems and training actions to farmers, landowners and farm workers to strengthen biodiversity-related implementation in the next rural development programming [2007 onwards], including support from the LEADER axis.
Evaluate extent to which CAP National Strategy Plans for RD and National or regional RD Programmes reflect this need - encourage adjustments where necessary.
See A 2.1.1 all RDPs include the provision that the farm advisory services and system will cover standards and requirements of cross-compliance. The latter contains also some of the provisions of the Birds and Habitats Directive. Moreover, promotion of sustainable farming respecting biodiversity needs and raising environmental awareness of farmers form part of most training to be provided under the RDPs.
All Member States which provide support through their RDPs for farm advisory services include a provision that they will cover at the minimum the standards and requirements of cross-compliance. The latter contains also some of the provisions of the Birds and Habitats Directive. Member States plan to spend € 637 million from EAFRD on advisory services for the period 2007-2013.
During the same period, MSs planned expenditures for training amount to € 1232 million. In 2008 around one third of the EAFRD funding for training was devoted to the r, promotion of sustainable farming respecting biodiversity needs and raising environmental awareness of farmers.
See also A 2.1.1
A2.1.7
ACTION: Ensure future 'less favoured area' (LFA) regime [from 2010] under Axis 2 enhances its contribution to biodiversity and to 'high nature value' farm and forest areas.
Assess contribution of LFAs to biodiversity, means to enhance this contribution - and reflect this in 2008 report and proposals.
Covered under rural development policy for 2007-2013; See A 2.1.1 the revision of the LFA scheme should be seen as a separate exercise which is supposed to be finalised in 2009 in order to be put in place in 2010. The Commission published in November 2006 an evaluation of the Less Favoured Area measure in the 25 Member States of the EU. The results indicate that the LFA measure has been part of a set of policies which have proved successful in maintaining farming but with variable results at the more specific land management level. The focus on livestock farms has helped to address the key issue of continued grazing on farms where profitability tends to be low and this is a major contribution to meeting nature conservation and landscape goals over a significant area. Other habitat types have benefited less from the LFA measure. The results of this study are used as an input in the discussions on the revision of the LFA scheme. Following the inclusion into axis 2 of the renewed rural development policy, natural handicap payments now have a stronger focus on land management, contributing, through continued use of agricultural land, to maintaining the countryside and to maintaining and promoting sustainable farming systems that deliver public goods, such as valuable landscapes, biodiversity, soil conservation and fire prevention in areas where farming is difficult. The services of the Commission published different options for revising the scheme for public consultation as of end May 2008. The Commission proposal is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009.
Covered under rural development policy for 2007-2013.
The revision of the LFA scheme has been postponed until the CAP reform for the post 2013 period.
See also A 2.1.1
A2.1.8
ACTION: Implement the common monitoring and evaluation framework and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive requirements where applicable for rural development programmes, including the definition of indicators in a way that impact of measures on biodiversity is assessed [2006 onwards].
Evaluate the extent to which MS have used the mandatory indicators and the appropriateness and adequacy of their additional programme specific indicators.
See A 2.1.1; Mandatory work on indicators ongoing (farmland birds, Natura 2000, Tree species composition) & working to 2010 target. Communication on agri-env. indicators adopted (COM(2006)508));
Council conclusions on the Communication give broad mandate to Commission for continuing work on indicators along the lines proposed in COM(2006)508. This work will be undertaken within framework of memorandum of understanding between Commission and EEA. 3 main objectives: consolidate selected set of indicators and extend it to new MS, correct existing weaknesses, establish a permanent and stable arrangement for management and long-term functioning of indicator system.
All RDPs had to be accompanied by ex-ante evaluations and SEA whose evaluation was part of the assessment process;
Some of the agri-environmental indicators developed under the work mentioned above have been integrated into the common monitoring and evaluation framework of the rural development policy.
Work on improving the quality of indicators continues within the Evaluation Network on RD and in the context of a memorandum of understanding between Commission and EEA. Some of the agri-environmental indicators developed have been integrated into the common monitoring and evaluation framework of the rural development policy.
A few studies on forest biodiversity have already provided information and can serve as a first benchmark for assessing forest biodiversity trends. They have been co-funded under the frame of the Regulation 2152/2003 Forest Focus: the forest-biota study, the Biosoil study etc.
All RDPs had to be accompanied by ex-ante evaluations and SEA whose evaluation was part of the assessment process.
See also A 2.1.1 and A2.1.5
A.2.1.9
ACTION: Encourage that implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy first pillar benefits biodiversity, notably through mandatory cross-compliance, decoupling (single farm payments) and by encouraging take-up of modulation by the Member States.
Evaluate the extent to which MS have used the first pillar of CAP for supporting biodiversity.
See A2.1.4; The proposed "health check" of the CAP includes proposals to require farmers to maintain field margins where appropriate, and to have buffer strips along water courses. The Commission has proposed to strengthen the standard on landscape features under GAEC aimed at the promotion of biodiversity. In addition to that, the CAP "health check" proposes to transfer additional resources (stemming from an increased rate of compulsory modulation) from pillar 1 of the CAP to Pillar 2, for use in meeting new challenges, which include biodiversity protection.
The "health check" of the CAP abolished the set aside but amended the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition of cross-compliance i.a. in favour of biodiversity (see action A2.1.4) and included the requirement for farmers to have buffer strips along water courses. In addition, the CAP "health check" provided for the transfer of additional resources (stemming from an increased rate of compulsory and the introduction of progressive modulation) from Pillar 1 of the CAP to Pillar 2, for strengthening the new challenges, which include biodiversity protection. The revisions of Rural Development Programmes to commit this additional money, as well as money from the Recovery Package, was completed by February 2010. For an assessment of how much additional funding was used for biodiversity related measures see Action A2.1.1.
See also A2.1.4
A2.1.10
ACTION: Consider, if appropriate, a possible review of cross-compliance requirements related to the preservation of biodiversity in the 2007 review of the cross-compliance system.
Evaluate in 2007, in the context of the foreseen review of cross-compliance
See A2.1.4 and 2.1.9.
See A2.1.4 and 2.1.9.
A2.1.11
ACTION: Strengthen measures to ensure conservation, and availability for use, of genetic diversity of crop varieties, livestock breeds and races, and of commercial tree species in the EU, and promote in particular their in situ conservation [2006 onwards].
Facilitate (remove obstacles), provide guidance, provide co-financing.
1. Rural Development Article 39 (1)-(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, and Article 27 of Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 offer the possibility to promote agri-environmental measures which may support the rearing of "farm animals of local breeds indigenous to the area and in danger of being lost to farming", and the preservation of "plant genetic resources naturally adapted to the local and regional conditions and under threat of genetic erosion". Article 39(5) of Regulation 1698/2005, and Article 28 of Regulation 1974/2006 may also support the conservation of genetic resources in operations not covered by the above-mentioned measures supporting the preservation of endangered animal and plant genetic resources.
2. Community programme
The Community programme on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture, which
has been established by Regulation (EC) No 870/2004, promotes genetic diversity in agriculture. The Community Programme has given rise to 17 actions, involving 179 partners located in 25 Member States and 12 non EU countries, and a total EU co-funding of EUR
8.9 million. 59% of the actions concern plant, 12% tree and 29% animal species. The actions started in 2007 and have a maximum duration of 4 years. For more details, see http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/genetic-resources/index_en.htm
Preparation of Commission Directives on the acceptance and marketing of landraces and varieties which are naturally adapted to the local and regional conditions and threatened by genetic erosion covering seed of agricultural plant species, vegetables, vegetable propagating and planting material other than seeds and fodder plant seed mixtures. Adapting Community zootechnical legislation with view to protect animal genetic resources (zootechnical Decisions ensuring the protection of breeding programmes for domestic livestock, in particular cattle, sheep and goats).
Commission Directives on the acceptance and marketing of landraces and varieties which are naturally adapted to the local and regional conditions and threatened by genetic erosion covering seed of agricultural plant species (Directive 2008/62/EC), vegetables (Directive 2009/145/EC) and fodder plant seed mixtures adopted.
Adaptation of Community zootechnical legislation with view to protect animal genetic resources (zootechnical Decisions ensuring the protection of breeding programmes for domestic livestock, in particular cattle, sheep and goats).
In 2008, €15.7 million out of EAFRD funding spent on agri-environment were used for the preservation of local and endangered animal and plant genetic resources, and €10 million for the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture.
In June 2010, the Member States endorsed a Commission proposal providing for the placing on the market of certain types of wild plant seeds from conserved habitats, which should boost the efforts to conserve genetic diversity in the EU.
A2.1.12
ACTION: Exploit opportunities under the CAP [2007-2013] to implement all above actions in the Outermost Regions.
Evaluate extent to which CAP National Strategy Plans for RD and National or regional RD Programmes (for MS with outermost regions) reflect this need - encourage adjustments where necessary.
See A 2.1.1 This has been done within the framework of the RDPs assessment with taking account of the specific character of those areas and their problems and needs.
This has been done within the framework of the RDPs assessment taking into account of the specific character of those areas and their problems and needs. See also A 2.1.1
FOREST POLICY
A2.1.13
ACTION: Ensure that the forthcoming EU Forest Action Plan [due 2006] addresses forest biodiversity among the priorities, in line with the EU Forest Strategy and the 6th Environment Action Programme.
The EU Forest Action Plan (2007-2011) was adopted as a Communication from Commission to Council and EP on 15 June 2006 (Council conclusions 24-25 October 2006). It contains 4 main objectives: 1) Improving long-term competitiveness, 2) Improving and protecting the environment, 3) contribution to the quality of life, 4) Fostering coordination and communication. Objective 2 is to maintain and appropriately enhance biodiversity, carbon sequestration, integrity, health and resilience of forest ecosystems at multiple geographical scales. Under Objective 2, Key action 7 is the contribution towards achieving the revised Community biodiversity objectives for 2010 and beyond.
A work programme for implementation of the EU Forest Action Plan has been developed between COM and MS through Standing Forestry Committee and the latter adopted it in 2008 (29 February 2008).
A Mid-term evaluation of the EU FAP to cover the implementation of actions and activities up to 2009 is now being developed.
A European Forest Data Centre (http://efdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu) has been established at the JRC as part of the implementation of Key Action 8 of the FAP. EFDAC provides access to forest datasets and models, which are relevant for European policy making
Measures to enhance the protection of EU Forests (Key Action 9) have been implemented through the European Forest Fire Information System (http://effis.jrc.it).
A Green Paper On Forest Protection and Information in the EU: Preparing forests for climate change was adopted by the Commission in March 2010 (COM(2010)66 final to trigger a discussion on the threats to EU forest and the role of forest to contribute to adaptation and mitigation of climate change and in halting biodiversity loss. [ I WOULD PUT THIS BULLET FIRST]
The work on the EU Forest Action Plan (2007-2011) continues. A Mid-term evaluation of the EU FAP to cover the implementation of actions and activities in 2007-2008 was completed by the Commission and discussed by the SFC in December 2009. Data from the forest biodiversity monitoring project Biosoil are included in the EFDAC and ESDAC data-centres of JRC-IES. Although a preliminary report is already available, the final report has been published in 2010 http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ESDB_Archive/eusoils_docs/other/EUR24258.pdf.
A2.1.14
ACTION: Implement Vienna Ministerial Conference resolution on forest biodiversity (2003) through forest policies of MS and EU Forest Action Plan with particular reference to the CBD Expanded Programme of Work on Forest Biological Diversity [2006 onwards].
Implement Resolution as it applies at Community level.
Objective 4 of the EU Forest Action Plan on 'Fostering coordination and communication' includes a Key Action 16 to strengthen the EU profile in international forest-related processes. This action includes participation of MS and the Community in the MCPFE process (expert level meeting in Oslo, May 2008 and Working group, in Vienna April 2008), participation in the Advisory Group for the EEA report "European forests ecosystem condition and sustainable use". The latter was presented in the CBD COP 9 in 2008.
The Commission actively takes part in the Forest Europe/MCPFE, including by contributing to the reporting on implementation of the Forest Europe/MCPFE declarations and resolutions and to the external review process performed in 2009
A2.1.15
ACTION:Assess potential impact on biodiversity of plans, programmes and projects for afforestation (or, should the case arise, deforestation); adjust accordingly in order to ensure no overall long-term negative impact on biodiversity [2006 onwards].
None
Objective 2 of the EU Forest Action Plan (2007-2011) is on 'Improving and protecting the environment' is to maintain and appropriately enhance biodiversity. Under Objective 2, Key action 9, which is to enhance the protection of EU forest, covers issues such as impact of afforestation (see work programme for implementation of the EU Forest Action Plan developed between COM and MS through Standing Forestry Committee). The "Feasibility study on means of combating forest dieback in the EU" executed in 2007 was presented in February 2008.
Two studies have been launched during 2008; "Implementation of the EU Forestry Strategy: "How to protect EU Forests against harmful Impacts?" and a second one on "Wilderness management in European forests".
The Forest Focus Regulation has also contributed towards the Objective 2, co- financing forest fires prevention activities and studies.
The Forest Focus Regulation has also contributed towards Objective 2, co-financing forest fires prevention activities and studies on forest biodiversity (e.g. forest biota, Biosoil, monitoring of biodiversity in boreal forests, forest soil biodiversity).
ENVIRONMENT POLICY
A2.2
TARGET: Risks to soil biodiversity in EU substantially reduced by 2013.
A2.2.1
ACTION:Identify geographical risk areas for factors affecting soil biodiversity (soil sealing, loss of organic matter, soil erosion, etc.) [by 2009].
Provide guidance on identification of risk areas.
Publication in 2006 of the report elaborated by the Joint Research Centre (Inst. f. Environment and Sustainability, JRC-IES) on Common criteria for risk area identification according to soil threats (EUR 22185 EN see: http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/esdb_archive/eusoils_docs/esb_rr/n20_EUR22185.pdf). This report has been distributed to all Member States in March 2007. This work will be continued by the JRC in the context of the Common Implementation Strategy for the Framework Directive on soil protection when the latter will be adopted by the EU.
As a major contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity, the new European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity has been compiled by the JRC (Inst. f. Environment and Sustainability, JRC-IES) and will be officially presented during the high-level meeting “Soils, Climate Change and Biodiversity-Where do we stand?” in Brussels, the 24th of September 2010. A specific side event at COP10 of CBD in Nagoya, Japan has been scheduled for the presentation and distribution of this atlas to the global biodiversity stakeholder community.
A2.2.2
ACTION:Minimise soil sealing, sustain soil organic matter and prevent soil erosion through timely implementation of key measures identified in the forthcoming Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection [2010 onwards].
Propose suitable measures, provide guidance on implementation, monitor implementation, enforce any measures required by Community law.
Adoption of the Commission Proposal for a Thematic Strategy on soil protection (COM(2006) 231 and COM(2006)232 of 22.9.2006). The European Parliament adopted its first reading decision on the Soil Framework Directive in November 2007. The Council failed to reach a political agreement on the proposal in its meeting of December 2007. However, discussions are currently ongoing with the EU institutions for its adoption and subsequent implementation.
In order to gain more knowledge about soil biodiversity, the COM is exploring the possibilities of funding research projects in the context of the 2009-2010 calls under FP7. The Commission has launched a study on soil biodiversity to gather the most recent information available on soil biodiversity taxonomy, the role of the different species in contributing to or performing soil functions, the vulnerability of soil organisms to different impacts and pressures, indicators and monitoring schemes for detecting trends in soil biodiversity, policies and legislation to specifically protect soil biodiversity. The results of this study will be available at the end of 2009.
The results of the study on soil biodiversity to gather the most recent information available on soil biodiversity taxonomy, the role of the different species in contributing to or performing soil functions, the vulnerability of soil organisms to different impacts and pressures, indicators and monitoring schemes for detecting trends in soil biodiversity, policies and legislation to specifically protect soil biodiversity were published in March 2010 and are available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/soil/biodiversity.htm. In addition, two studies were co-funded under the Forest Focus Regulation on forest soil biodiversity (in France and Belgium).
A2.3
TARGET: Substantial progress made towards 'good ecological status' of freshwaters by 2010 and further substantial progress made by 2013.
A2.3.1
ACTION: Ensure implementation of operational monitoring programmes [by 2006] and publication of River Basin Management Plans and establishment of River Basin District Programmes of Measures [by 2009] and that these Plans and Programmes of Measures are fully operational [by 2012], in line with provisions of the Water Framework Directive.
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
New work programme for common implementation strategy for WFD agreed for 2007-2009; Progress in monitoring - MS reporting due in March 2007; work on 'intercalibration' (harmonising biological methods to assess ecological status) advanced; guidance on intercalibration application being prepared; Eutrophication guidance review underway. The progress in implementation was presented in a Communication (COM(2007) 128 and SEC(2007) 362). 26 Member States have reported the monitoring programmes in time under the newly established WISE. Assessment is underway and will be presented in the end of 2008. The intercalibration decision was adopted in October 2008. River Basin Management Plans (incl. ecological reporting) are expected to be reported to WISE for 110 river basin districts in March 2010. Commission will report on progress of this first planning cycle (incl. progress towards contributing to biodiversity goals) in the end of 2012.
The new work programme for common implementation strategy for WFD was agreed for 2010-2012 and the results of the 'intercalibration' exercise were adopted (COM Decision of 30 October 2008 (2008/915/EC)). The results of intercalibration (harmonising biological methods to assess ecological status) phase 2 (2008-2011) are under way.
Guidance on intercalibration process revised and updated.
Eutrophication guidance and policy summary completed.
Implementation report on Member States' monitoring programmes available (COM(2009) 156 and SEC(2009) 415).
Between December 2009 and March 2010, adoption and submission to the Commission by Member States of the River Basin Management plans (110 river basin districts) pursuant to Article 13 of the Water Framework Directive. The Commission is in the process of carrying out the full assessment of the Plans. These should aim at complying with the obligation to achieve good ecological status of waters by 2015.
A2.4
TARGET: Principal pollutant pressures on terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity substantially reduced by 2010, and again by 2013.
A2.4.1
ACTION: Significantly reduce point source pollutant pressures on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems through strengthening implementation of relevant Directives, notably on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, Large Combustion Plants, Waste Incineration, Urban Waste Water Treatment (cf. action 3.2.1) [2006 onwards].
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
Implementation report for urban wastewater treatment directive (SEC(2007)363). After a 2 year review process, the Commission adopted on 21 December 2007 a package to improve the EU policy on industrial emissions. This includes a Proposal for a Directive on industrial emissions [COM(2007) 843 final] [SEC(2007) 1679] [SEC(2007) 1682] that recasts seven existing Directives related to industrial emissions into a single clear and coherent legislative instrument. The recast includes the IPPC Directive, the Large Combustion Plants Directive, the Waste Incineration Directive, the Solvents Emissions Directive and 3 Directives on Titanium Dioxide. (see http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/pollutants/stationary/ippc/proposal.htm). The IPPC Directive (2008/1/EC) requires installations falling under its scope to operate in accordance with permits including emission limit values based on the best available techniques (BAT), designed to prevent and, where that is not practicable, generally to reduce emissions and the impact to the environment as a whole. The prevention or reduction of emissions to air, water and soil should therefore be dealt with in the environmental permits issued in accordance with the IPPC Directive. The key deadline for the full implementation of the Directive was 30/10/2007.
EPER is the European Pollutant Emission Register, the first European-wide register of industrial emissions into air and water, which was established by a Commission Decision of 17 July 2000. According to the EPER Decision, Member States have to produce a triennial report, which covers the emissions of 50 pollutants to be included if the threshold values indicated in Annex A1 of the EPER Decision are exceeded. Reports (2001, 2004) are published on the internet (http://eper.ec.europa.eu). From 2007 reporting will be made according to Regulation 2006/166/EC concerning the establishment of a European Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers that replaces EPER.
The aim of the Waste Incineration Directive (2000/76/EC) is to prevent or to reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment caused by the incineration and co-incineration of waste. The WI Directive requires the Commission to report on the application of the Directive, in particular for new plants and on the progress achieved in emission control techniques and experience in waste management. The Commission's Communication 'Towards on improved policy on industrial emissions' summarises this report.
In order to streamline and facilitate the reporting and sharing of information on the water environment between the Member States, the European Commission, the European Environment Agency (EEA), EUROSTAT and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) the Water Information System for Europe (WISE) was set up. The first reporting obligation for which the new electronic system is used is the reporting of monitoring networks under the Articles 8 and 15 of the Water Framework Directive (2007).
The Commission adopted a 'Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive' in 2006 as the progress and work programme for 2007-2009 for the implementation of Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).
Under the 'Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive' a new work programme has been adopted for 2010-2012 for the implementation of Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), including Dangerous Substances Directive (2006/11/EC)
Dangerous Substances Directive (Directive 2006/11/EC) – codified version of Directive 76/464/EEC complements the scope of the WFD (Directive 2000/60/EC). It lays down the strategy against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances into aquatic environment. According to this directive, Member States shall take appropriate steps to eliminate/reduce pollution of waters by dangerous substances listed in Annex I to the directive. Annex I substances have to be seen in relation to Annex VIII of the WFD as well as to Annex I and II of the new Directive on Environmental Quality Standards (Directive 2008/105/EC).
A2.4.2
ACTION: Significantly reduce airborne eutrophying and acidifying pollution of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in line with Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution [2006 onwards]; revise National Emission Ceilings Directive [by 2007]. (cf. action 3.2.2)
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
COM preparing legislative proposal for a revision of the NEC Directive in order to lay down national emission ceilings for 2020 achievable with cost-effective measures at national level on top of recent Commission policy proposals for industrial installations, new emission standards for heavy duty vehicles, the Climate action and renewable energy package and the recent IMO agreement, which all together already will reduce emissions significantly, but not sufficiently to meet all the objectives of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. The proposal will also include a provision to monitor the effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems within all types of Natura 2000 sites. Background documentation prepared for the revision of the NECD http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/pollutants/iam_nec_dir.htm.
A2.4.3
ACTION: Significantly reduce pollution of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems from agricultural sources (notably pesticides, nitrates) through measures in line with Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, pesticides and biocides legislation, Nitrates Directive [2006 onwards]. (cf. action 3.2.3)
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
A report on implementation of Nitrates Directive based on the information transmitted by EU 15 Member States in the period 2004-2006 (3rd reporting exercise 2000-2003) produced (COM(2007) 120 final); preparations now underway for the implementation report for the period 2004-2007, with Commission report in 2010.
A Framework Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides was proposed to reduce the risks to human health and the environment from the use of pesticides. This new proposal is accompanied by a revision of existing legislation regarding the placing of plant protection products on the market and by two additional legislative proposals: one on the environmental protection requirements to be met by new pesticide application equipment placed on the market and the other one on the collection of statistics on plant protection products. The legislative adoption procedure of the Framework Directive has started in 2006 and should be terminated in 2009.
A report on implementation of Nitrates Directive based on the information transmitted by 27 Member States during 2008 (4th reporting period 2004-2007) was published by the Commission in 2010. Based on the feedback from this reporting period as well as following developments in other directives and IT preliminary work for next reporting period has started.
A Framework Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides entered into force on 25th November 2009 to reduce the risks to human health and the environment from the use of pesticides. The new Directive is accompanied by a Regulation on the placing of plant protection products on the market, revising Directive 91/414/EEC and by two additional pieces of legislation: the Regulation concerning the statistics on pesticides and the revision of the Machinery Directive.
The Nitrates Directive and Directive 91/414 have been part of cross-compliance under the Common Agricultural Policy since 2003. This has contributed to a better application of these directives. In addition, agri-environmental measures aimed at i.a. input reduction have provided incentives to reduce pollution in the agricultural sector.
The Commission is currently reflecting on the need to have specific measures addressing sustainable use of biocidal products. A study on the assessment of different options to address risks from the use phase of biocidal products was carried out in 2009 and another study on best practices in the area of sustainable use of biocides is being carried out at the moment. In June 2009, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation concerning the placing on the market and use of biocidal products. The proposal, which is currently discussed in the co-decision, does not contain provisions on sustainable use.
A2.4.4
ACTION: Significantly reduce current exposure, and limit future exposure, of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems to toxic chemicals through measures in line with EU chemicals legislation including REACH [2006 onwards]. (cf. action 3.2.4)
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
Agreement in 2nd reading was achieved in June 2008 for the Daughter Directive under the Water Framework Directive setting environmental quality standards for 41 dangerous chemical substances (including 33 priority substances and 8 other pollutants) that pose a particular risk to animal and plant life in the aquatic environment and to human health. Publication of the new Directive is foreseen in early 2009.
A review of the Paints Directive (2004/42/EC) in line with the provisions of Article 9 of the Directive is under completion and is likely to come into force in 2010. The directive obliges Member States to establish systems to monitor compliance of products with the requirements of the directive, the first of which was due by 31 June 2008.
Study to complement the priority list of endocrine disruptors with a focus on Low Production Volume Chemicals (LPVC) was completed end of December 2006; The third implementation report of the Community Strategy for Endocrine Disrupters was published in November 2007 (SEC (2007) 1635).
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances) (EC 1907/2006) entered into force on 1 June 2007. The Regulation will result in assessing risks to human health and the environment of ca. 30 000 chemical substances being currently used in the EU. The most risky substances, including those having persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties (or very persistent and very bioaccumulative), may be banned and specific uses may only be authorised if socio-economic benefits of a use outweigh risks and there are no suitable alternatives.
The 2nd triennial report (2003-2006) in line with the Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC) is under finalisation.
Environmental Quality Standards Directive (Directive 2008/105/EC) has been adopted. This directive has to be seen in the context of the Water Framework Directive and not as an independent directive. It establishes environmental quality standards for 41 dangerous chemical substances (including 33 priority substances and 8 other pollutants) that pose a particular risk (hazard and exposure) to animal and plant life in the aquatic environment and to human health.
In addition, the Commission is working on the preparation of a new proposal that need to be ready by January 2011 in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Quality Standard Directive.
Under the 'Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive' a new work programme has been adopted for 2010-2012 for the implementation of Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), including the implementation of Environmental Quality Standards Directive (2008/105/EC).
A2.5
TARGET: Flood risk management plans in place and designed in such a way as to prevent and minimise biodiversity loss and optimise biodiversity gains, by 2015.
A2.5.1
ACTION: As part of the preliminary flood risk assessment for each river basin, assess the risks and benefits of flooding for biodiversity [within 3 years of adoption of Directive].
Provide guidance
Adoption of Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23.10.2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p.27); 1st milestone will be preliminary flood risk assessment (for 2011); second step flood hazard maps and flood risk maps (for 2013). Information exchange on different topics in relation to implementation of this Directive is ongoing with thematic workshops organised under an expert working group established to support the implementation of the Directive. Issues addressed in 2008 are sustainable land use planning and flood risk management (April 2008) as well as on flood mapping (September 2008). Within the first topic the issue of working with natural processes is also addressed, and in the second topic the issue of mapping potential adverse consequences for the environment will be considered.
A2.5.2
ACTION:Ensure Flood risk management plans for each river basin optimise benefits for biodiversity through, in particular, allowing necessary freshwater input to wetland and floodplain habitats, and creating where possible and appropriate additional wetland and floodplain habitats which enhance capacity for flood water retention [by 2015].
Provide guidance
See 2.5.1.; 1st management plans set for 2015; To be co-ordinated with implementation of WFD. Certain aspects of flood risk management are also foreseen to be considered in the 1st river basin management plans currently in preparation to be established by 22.12.2009, in particular as far as prevention of pollution as a result of floods, as well as hydromorphology and the need to assessing better environmental options before undertaking a new modification to a water body which could hinder the achievement of the WFD objectives of the water body in question.
Expert group on rivers set up by DG ENV and DG TREN in 03/2009.
OBJECTIVE 3: TO CONSERVE AND RESTORE BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE WIDER EU MARINE ENVIRONMENT.
HEADLINE TARGET: In wider marine environment (outside Natura 2000 network), biodiversity loss halted by 2010 and showing substantial recovery by 2013.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
A3.1
TARGET 3.1: Substantial progress achieved by 2010 and again by 2013 towards 'good environmental status' of the marine environment.
A3.1.1
ACTION: Make initial assessments,determine 'good environmental status', and establish environmental targets for each Marine Region in line within the timetable specified in the proposed Marine Strategy Directive [2006 onwards].
Council to adopt Marine Framework Directive by 2007. Commission to provide guidance, facilitate and where necessary enforce implementation.
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive was adopted in June 2008 (OJ L 164 of 25.6.2008, p.19). It provides the basis for achieving good environmental status in the marine environment and includes provision for the further development of marine protected areas. Adaptive management, on the basis of the ecosystem approach, will be applied to attain good environmental status.
European Marine Monitoring & Assessment (EMMA) led by COM & EEA, helping prepare ground for future implementation - will include initial assessment of state of marine.
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive was adopted in June 2008 (OJ L 164 of 25.6.2008, p.19). A Common Implementation Strategy has been adopted, entailing the set in motion of a Strategy Coordination Working Group as well as working groups to further develop the 'good environmental status' concept and data handling and monitoring activities.
The Commission is expected to adopt a decision specifying parameters and criteria to make operational the descriptors listed in the Directive by July 2010. To this end, preparatory work is being carried out by the International Council for the exploration of the Seas and the Joint Research Centre's Institute for Environment and Sustainability (JRC-IES).
ACTION: Develop programmes of measures designed to achieve good environmental status in each Marine Region [by 2016 at latest, earlier where possible].
As above
See A 3.1.1.
See A 3.1.1.
A3.1.3
ACTION: Ensure key biodiversity and ecosystem provisions of the Thematic Strategy for the Marine Environment are assured in the Maritime Policy for the Union and any consequent policy.
Com to implement Thematic Strategy action plan.
Green paper adopted (June 2006). Stakeholder consultation concluded with over 490 contributions received. Impact assessment also concluded end 2007.
In October 2007 the Commission adopted a Communication on an Integrated Maritime Policy for the EU together with a detailed Action Plan (COM (2007) 575 final) setting out an ambitious work programme for the years ahead. It ensures the key biodiversity and ecosystem provisions of the Marine Thematic Strategy while the Action Plan lists further actions towards the protection of marine. The Com is now working on the implementation of the action plan.
A European Monitoring and Data Network for the Seas (EMODNET), to be established (see A3.7.1).
The recently adopted Commission progress report on the Integrated Maritime Policy (COM/2009/0540 final) consolidates the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as the environmental pillar. Moreover, the definition of the boundaries of sustainability of human activities that have an impact on the marine environment, in line with the Directive is considered one of the six strategic directions to deliver the IMP objectives.
A3.1.4
ACTION: Ensure timely implementation of the Water Framework Directive as it applies to coastal areas [2006 onwards].
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
See A.2.3.1.
See A.2.3.1.
A3.1.5
ACTION: Ensure timely implementation and review of the EU Integrated Coastal Zone Management Recommendation [2006 onwards].
Coordinate implementation, review.
An external evaluation of the implementation of the ICZM Recommendation was carried out in 2006. It concluded that the Recommendation has had a positive effect in stimulating progress towards a more integrated planning and management of Europe's coastal zones. In its Communication (COM (2007) 308), COM presented broad policy directions for the further support of ICZM at EU level. These include the development of guidance and sharing of good-practices, and the identification of 2 priority themes, being (1) adaptation to coastal risks and climate change impacts and (2) cooperation in regional sea context, including management of the land-sea interface and marine spatial planning. Specific actions to be designed in coherence with the Maritime Policy and the Marine Strategy Directive in particular.
The evaluation of the EU ICZM Recommendation concluded that more support to the implementation of ICZM needed to be given. A call for tender (1M€) was launched in 2008 to support the exchange of experience and comparative analysis of ICZM. The contract should start 1/2009 and run through to 2/2012.
- In the framework of the Cohesion policy, the transnational operational programmes were adopted by the end of 2007. The programmes of all the European regional seas provided funding opportunities for ICZM. The implementation started in 2007/2008 with the first call for projects by the decentralised managing authorities.
- The negotiations on the Protocol on ICZM in the framework of the Barcelona Convention were successfully concluded. By June 2008 all EU Member States (except Cyprus) signed the Protocol. The Proposal for the Community signature of the Protocol was put forward by the Commission The French Presidency organises a stakeholder and Ministerial conference to promote the Protocol (18/19 December 2008) with specific attention for the role the Protocol can play in stopping biodiversity decline.
- The 6th RTD Framework programme supported a number of key projects to support ICZM which are to deliver results in the course of 2009/2010 (ENCORA, strategic coordination action to overcome the fragmentation of the coastal research and to facilitate research-education-user links; CONSCIENCE policy support project to make operational the concepts of sound coastal erosion management developed by the EUrosion project in 2004; SPICOSA, integrated project to support decision making and assessment of policy options in the coastal zones). In the context of the 7th Framework programme, calls for projects were launched end 2007 and in 2008 on marine spatial planning and ICZM, research to support ICZM in the Mediterranean and Black seas and coastal cities.
Following the evaluation of the ICZM Recommendation (COM (2007) 308), the Commission launched the process towards a follow-up proposal to the Recommendation in 2011. A working group report on strategic directions and scoping of the impact assessment was produced in 2009.
The ICZM Protocol to the Barcelona Convention was signed by the EU in 2008 (Council Decision 2009/89/EC) with a ratification proposal to follow in 2010.
To support implementation of ICZM the OURCOAST initiative was launched in 2009. OURCOAST focuses on exchange of experience and comparative analysis for ICZM. The first phase of the initiative runs from1/2009 through to 2/2012 (1M€).
In the framework of the Cohesion Policy, the transnational operational programmes 2007-2013 of all the European regional seas provide funding opportunities for ICZM. Relevant coastal projects have been selected in the first rounds and are being implemented (e.g. COASTANCE, ANCORIM, SUSCOD, CAMIS, C-SCOPE, TIDE? BLAST, COASTADAPT, IMCORE, BALTCICA, BALTSEAPLAN, LITOMAC),
The 6th RTD Framework programme supported a number of key projects to support ICZM which are to deliver results in the course of 2009/2010 (e.g. CONSCIENCE, SPICOSA,). In the context of the 7th Framework programme, a research project to support ICZM in the Mediterranean and Black seas was selected in 2008 (PEGASO).
A3.2
TARGET: Principal pollutant pressures on marine biodiversity substantially reduced by 2010, and again by 2013.
A3.2.1
ACTION: Significantly reduce point source pollutant pressures on marine ecosystems through strengthening implementation of relevant Directives, notably on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, Large Combustion Plants, Waste Incineration, Urban Waste Water Treatment [2006 onwards] (cf. action 2.3.1)
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
See A.2.4.1;
COM communication (2006/0863) presenting the current state of Community action in terms of preparedness and response to marine pollution, and indicating how the Commission intends to continue and promote its activities to the full in this field from 200; European Union established the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (1406/2002/EC) to strengthen its role in the field of maritime safety and pollution by ships. The Agency provides technical and scientific assistance to the COM and Member States on related matters and fulfils tasks on oil pollution response.
Beyond the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (which covers coastal waters), 2008 saw the adoption of the Marine Strategy Directive 2008/56/EC, expanding the scope of water protection to all marine areas, with the objective of good environmental status for all marine waters, and an obligation for Member States to cooperate and coordinate action in shared marine regions or subregions, across administrative and political boundaries.
Pollutants are already included within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). See A.3.1.1.
A3.2.2
ACTION: Significantly reduce airborne eutrophicating and acidifying pollution of marine ecosystems in line with Thematic Strategy on Air Quality [2006 onwards]; revise National Emissions Ceiling Directive [by 2007]. (cf. action 2.3.2)
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
See A.2.4.2.
Eutrophication and acidifying pollution are already included within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). See A.3.1.1.
A3.2.3
ACTION: Significantly reduce pollution of marine ecosystems from agricultural sources (pesticides, nitrates) through measures in line with Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, pesticides and biocides legislation, Nitrates Directive [2006 onwards]. (cf. action 2.3.3)
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
See A.2.4.3.
See A.2.4.3.
A3.2.4
ACTION: Significantly reduce current exposure, and limit future exposure, of marine ecosystems to toxic chemicals through measures in line with EU chemicals legislation [2006 onwards]. (cf. action 2.3.4)
Provide guidance, monitor implementation, address complaints, enforce where appropriate.
See A.2.4.4.
Toxic chemicals are already included within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). See A.3.1.1.
FISHERIES POLICY
A3.3
TARGET: Ecosystem approach to the protection of the seas in place and implying fisheries management measures no later than 2016.
A3.3.1
ACTION: Introduce the fisheries management measures required in the Regional Marine Strategies adopted by Member States in line with the requirements of the Marine Strategy Directive [by 2017].
Ensure respect of deadlines for Programmes of Measures to be adopted by Member States and propose pertinent fishery measures.
Measures being introduced into CFP – e.g. legislation implementing fisheries restrictive areas to protect vulnerable deep sea habitats in the Mediterranean & recovery plan for certain fish stocks in the Baltic Sea; Council Regulation fixing for 2007-2008 the fishing opportunities for Community fishing vessels for certain deep-sea fish stocks; Council Regulation concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in the Mediterranean; Legislation implementing fisheries restrictive areas to protect deep-sea habitats in the Mediterranean and in the North East Atlantic included in the proposed 2008 TAC & Quota Regulation.
Regional Marine Strategies will only be operational by 2016
A3.4
TARGET: Substantially enhanced funding provided to environmentally-friendly fisheries management from 2007 onwards.
A3.4.1
ACTION: Apply new European Fisheries Fund and Member State funds for actions beneficial to marine biodiversity [2007 onwards]. (cf. Action B1.1.3)
Negotiate Operational Plans with Member States
Council Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 of 27 July 2006 on the EFF. Designed to help implement the reformed CFP principles and to promote sustainable fisheries; National strategic reference frameworks and OPs being prepared; Member States have adopted National Strategic Plans for fisheries and aquaculture and proposed for approval by the Commission the Operational Plans. The Commission is checking their compliance with EU environmental acquis and their contribution to the sustainable exploitation of fisheries and aquaculture. The EFF may provide, opportunities to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. This can be done by the implementation of many different types of operations included in 4 of the 5 Priority Axes defined by regulation 1198/2006. However, in every OP these operations are grouped together with many other measures belonging to the same Axis and not linked to biodiversity and NATURA 2000. The financial information provided by the EFF OPs does not include the amount allocated to measures or operations. The only available information concerns the total allocation of the EFF plus the national public contribution for each Priority Axis, and the total annual commitment of the EFF in the operational programme.
The European Fisheries Fund Regulation offers the MS the possibility, to co-finance actions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. However, the information provided by MS in their Operational Programmes does not include the amount allocated to specific actions. At present it is not possible to know the amounts allocated to actions beneficial to marine biodiversity. However, the guidelines for the interim evaluation of the EFF should include questions related to this topic. The synthesis of these evaluations should be available by the end of 2011.
A3.5
TARGET: Stock levels maintained or restored to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield, where possible no later than 2015.
A3.5.1
ACTION: Prepare plan of action to attain maximum sustainable yield, prepare and implement multiannual plans for stocks outside safe biological limits [2006 onwards]
Propose plan of action to attain maximum sustainable yield. Seek scientific advice, consult stakeholders and elaborate proposals for recovery and management plans.
Communication on implementing sustainability in EU fisheries through Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) COM(2006)360; SEC(2006)868, the Council received the Communication and issued conclusions on the 17/12/2007; ongoing measures to introduce this objective into management of different stocks.
The following relevant Council Regulations have been adopted in 2007: multiannual plan for fisheries exploiting stocks of plaice and sole in the North Sea, recovery plan for blue fin tuna, multiannual plan for sustainable exploitation of the stock of sole in the Western Channel and a recovery plan for eel. Council Regulation for a recovery plan for Eastern Baltic Sea cod stocks and a multi-annual plan for cod stocks in the Baltic Sea adopted in September 2007.
The Commission's Communication on 'The role of the CFP in implementing an ecosystem approach to marine management' was adopted in April 2008; This shows how measures taken under the CFP will be guided by the ecosystem approach as the overarching principle.
A3.5.2
ACTION: Develop, adopt and implement restoration programmes for diadromous species (e.g. trout, salmon, sturgeon). [2006 onwards]
Propose programmes.
On 18 September 2007 Council adopted Regulation 1100/2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel COM (2005) 472 final; COM has produced a Guidance Document on preparations of Eel Management Plans in accordance with the regulation 1100/2007. The 19 concerned MS have submitted their Eel Management Plans to the COM, which the COM is scientifically assessing before adoption (15 EMP have been adopted so far).
Long-term management plan for the Baltic Salmon to be adopted in 2011.
A3.5.3
ACTION:Adjust fishing capacity to improve balance between fishing capacity and available fish stocks. [2006 onwards]
Work out efficient parameters for the assessment of fishing capacity.
Annual Report from the Commission to the Council and the EP on MSs efforts to achieve a sustainable balance between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities. Ongoing discussions with MSs to improve the framework of the annual report by ensuring a better evaluation of the over-capacity concept, according to data on fishing possibilities allocations, status of exploited fishing stocks and economic results of the fleet segments.
Improved reporting by Member States and the Commission in the Annual Report from the Commission to the Council and the EP on MSs efforts to achieve a sustainable balance between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities during 2008. Commission continues to work with MSs and STECF to provide a better evaluation of the EU over-capacity, according to data on fishing possibilities allocations, status of exploited fishing stocks and economic results of the fleet segments.
On-going external study in order to assess the extent of over-capacity.
A3.5.4
ACTION: Adopt and implement provisions under CFP for the wider establishment of no-take zones.
Seek scientific advice, consult stakeholders and elaborate proposals.
Technical workshops on Marine protected areas appropriateness as management tool for management of fisheries activities carried out by the Commission supported by Community experts. Measure being introduced to protect sensitive habitats (e.g. deep sea coral reefs) may result in no-take areas; Council Regulation concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries in the Mediterranean. Chapter III includes fishing protected areas.
A3.5.5
ACTION: Take concerted EU action to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. [2006 onwards]
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1262/2006 of 23 August 2006 has amended Council Regulation (EC) No 51/2006 as regards the list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries in the north-east Atlantic.
A Communication on "a new strategy for the Community to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing," COM(2007)601, as well as a proposal for Council Regulation Establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, COM(2007) 602, have been adopted by the Commission in October 2007. On 29 September 2008, the Council adopted the Regulation establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.
A stakeholder consultation has recently been launched on the reform of the CFP control system. Overcoming the shortcomings of the current control system, which dates back to 2003, will significantly help to ensure effective application of fisheries measures and deter illegal operations. The consultation exercise was open until 5 May 2008 and the Commission has adopted on 14 November 2008 a proposal for a Council Regulation on the reform of the control system of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). It is designed to strengthen the current regulatory framework in order to ensure a level playing field and to develop a culture of compliance within the fisheries sector across the European Union (COM(2008) 721 final).
A3.6
TARGET: Impact of fisheries on non-target species and habitats progressively and substantially reduced from 2006 onwards.
A3.6.1
ACTION: Implement technical measures to help ensure favourable conservation status of marine species and habitats which are not commercially exploited, aimed at the reduction of unwanted by-catch and of damage to the benthos. [2006 onwards]
Propose new technical measures under the CFP; supervise implementation at Community level.
Simplified technical measures through the New Technical Measures Regulation proposed in 2008 will improve selectivity of fishing gear. Ongoing work. e.g.: article 9 by-catch provisions of the Council Regulation Establishing a multi-annual recovery Plan for Bluefin tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.
In March 2007 the Commission adopted a Communication (COM 2007 (136)) on reducing unwanted catches and eliminating discards in European fisheries, for which the EP expressed broad support in its plenary session of the 31 January 2008. Legislation implementing fisheries restrictive areas to protect vulnerable deep-sea habitats in the Mediterranean and in the North East Atlantic is included in the 2008 TAC and Quota Regulation.
Council Regulation 1967/2006 of 21 December 2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries in the Mediterranean includes prohibition of fishing with devices impacting sensitive habitats (e.g. sea grasses) in areas known to host such habitats.
Ongoing work. e.g.: article 9 by-catch provisions of the Council Regulation Establishing a multi-annual recovery Plan for Bluefin tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. In October 2009, the Council Regulation No 1288/2009 for transitional technical measures in the Atlantic was adopted.
Legislation implementing fisheries restrictive areas to protect vulnerable deep-sea habitats he North East Atlantic is included in the NEAFC Regulation. Deep water coral reefs in the Atlantic are protected through several Council Regulations No 1568/2005, 602/2004 and 734/2008.
Council Regulation 1967/2006 of 21 December 2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries in the Mediterranean includes prohibition of fishing with devices impacting sensitive habitats (e.g. sea grasses) in areas known to host such habitats.
A3.6.2
ACTION: Adopt Community Plan of Action for the conservation of sharks and Community Plan of Action for reducing seabird by-catch and implement progressively thereafter.
Propose plans for Seabird by-catch action plan.
Shark action plan to be adopted.
Community Action Plan for Sharks; Shark Action Plan was opened for consultation until 15 February 2008, an impact assessment of the Shark Action Plan has been undertaken and is foreseen to be adopted in early 2009; COM following work of FAO/ IPOA on sharks.
COM is gathering information and scientific advice with a view to completing a Community plan of action for reducing seabird by-catch in the context of FAO by end 2009.
See also comments under A.1.1.1 in relation to the marine Natura 2000 and fisheries management
COM adopted the Community Action Plan for Sharks in February 2009, COM(2009)40 final. The Council welcomed the Action Plan and supported an approach to implement elements of the Plan. COM is working on the amendment of the finning Regulation and proposed to the Council the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quotas Regulation for 2010, which was adopted with a zero TAC for porbeagle and limited by-catch for spurdog. Measures have been taken on the improvement of data collection. Progress has been made in several Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), although in this particular aspect it should be noted that results of EU action are dependent also on other non-EU parties. COM supported the listing of several shark species in the annexes of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA/BD) Protocol of the Barcelona Convention. COM is preparing proposals to list two shark species in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
COM did not develop a Community plan of action for reducing incidental catches of seabird in the context of FAO by end 2009. The COM services have already initiated the impact assessment procedure. Such a process foresees, among other actions, a consultation with experts/stakeholders and an impact assessment study aimed to deliver recommendations on best practices to reduce incidental catches and, in parallel, the economic/social and environmental impacts associated to the use of mitigation measures. The study will focus in the pelagic and demersal longline fisheries at Gran Sol area (southwest of Ireland) and Mediterranean Sea, and in gillnet fisheries taking place in the Baltic and North Sea. COM is also planning to promote communication on easy-to-implement measures at RAC level and to promote management measures within RFMOs (such as General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean and International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) to alleviate the problem.
See also comments under A.1.1.1 in relation to the marine Natura 2000 and fisheries management.
A3.6.3
ACTION: Identify, define, adopt and enforce fisheries measures required for Natura 2000 sites in the marine environment. [by date of designation]
Define and propose measures, as appropriate, at Community level; supervise, guide and enforce implementation at Member State level.
Protection measures for four Irish SACs included as an amendment to 2008 TAC & QUOTA Regulation adopted in December 2007.
COM is responding to MS requests regarding fisheries management measures for Natura 2000 sites. New request from Spain for El Cachucho area is submitted.
Measures included in the Mediterranean Regulation. [
The Darwin Mounds: in 2003 and 2004 the Commission adopted, under the emergency procedure, two Commission Regulations (EC) 1475/2003 and (EC) 263/2004 for the protection of deep-water coral reefs from the effects of trawling. In 2004 these measures were made permanent by Council Regulation (EC) 602/2004.
In December 2007 temporary protection measures were adopted for four candidate Natura 2000 sites in Irish waters (amendments to the 2008 and 2009 TAC and Quota Regulations (40/2008 and 43/2009 respectively).
The Voordelta: Commission Decision of 11 June 2008 on the confirmation of measures proposed by the Netherlands for the conservation of marine ecosystems in the Voordelta area 2008/915/EC. Fisheries restrictions for certain areas within the 12 nm of Dutch waters (Compensation for Natura 2000 areas following the extension of Rotterdam harbour).
El Cachucho (offshore area 25km from the Spanish coast in the Cantabrian Sea: Protection measures adopted in December 2008 by amendment of the TAC and Quota Regulation (EC) No 43/2009).
A3.6.4
ACTION: Ensure adequate treatment of biodiversity concerns in all cases where environmental impact assessment or strategic environmental assessment is required in relation to fisheries or aquaculture, and ensure authorisation process and subsequent implementation take due account of EIA and SEA findings in order to prevent negative impacts on biodiversity or, where prevention is not possible, minimise, mitigate and/or compensate for these negative impacts [2006 onwards].
Address any complaints relating to incorrect application of EIA; enforce correct application where necessary.
Ongoing
Expert group on rivers set up by DG ENV and DG TREN in 03/2009.
Studies to provide tools for better integration of biodiversity issues in EIAs (local level) and SEAs (strategic level) launched under Preparatory Actions 2008.
A3.7
TARGET: Substantially improved information and reporting on environmental integration of the Common Fisheries Policy from 2008 onwards.
A3.7.1
ACTION: Make periodic assessments [2006 onwards] of the progress of the Common Fisheries Policy in incorporating environmental protection requirements (with particular reference to biodiversity).
Seek basic scientific information and report to Council and Parliament.
Study and expert workshops carried with STECF and ICES to identify improved indicators for reporting on impact of fishing on marine ecosystem (report released in July 2007). The Council adopted on 25 February 2008 the Regulation (EC) No 199/2008 concerning the establishment of a Community framework for the collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice regarding the Common Fisheries Policy. This new framework also introduces provisions to meet the new developments following the 2002 Reform of the CFP, in particular the move towards fisheries- or fleet-based management as opposed to managing individual stocks, the integration of environmental data, and the shift towards an ecosystem-based approach. The new Data Collection Regulation (DCR) includes the obligation for MSs to collect environmental data. The collection of basic scientific information will support periodic assessments of the progress of the CFP in integrating biodiversity protection requirements.
The new DCR also includes access to and use of detailed data, in particular, access to satellite monitoring (VMS) data will provide detailed information at the high level of resolution required for effective spatial planning. This will play a major role in enabling effective action to protect vulnerable marine habitats both under the EU's Habitats Directive, and in fulfilment of the EU's international commitments. In August 2008 the Commission adopted technical implementing rules (COM 665/2008). In addition the Commission has recently proposed detailed implementing rules concerning the Commission's financial contribution to the Data Collection National programmes.
A European Monitoring and Data Network for the Seas (EMODNET), to be established in the context of the new Integrated Maritime Policy, will monitor indicators on the natural state of the seas, including biodiversity.
The basic data and information that could be used to assess progress on the actions foreseen for environmental integration (see COM(2002)186) is to a large extent routinely collected in the framework of the Data Collection Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 199/2008, formerly Regulation (EC) No 1543/2000).
As far as reporting is concerned, the services of the Commission had also developed a system of indicators of environmental integration for the CFP (SEC(2004)892). However, in absence of a legal reporting obligation, no comprehensive report to the Council and the Parliament has been done on progress towards environmental integration.
Conversely, regular reports are done on the reduction of fishing pressure in the context of multi-annual management plans, which was the most important action foreseen in the 2002 communication on integration. These reports, which range from scientific assessments to political guidelines to establish annually the fishing opportunities for Member States' fleets, are regularly made available to the Council, the Parliament and all stakeholders.
OBJECTIVE 4: TO REINFORCE COMPATABILITY OF REGIONAL AND TERRITORAL DEVELOPMENT WITH BIODIVERSITY IN THE EU.
HEADLINE TARGET: Regional and territorial development benefiting biodiversity and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented and minimised or, where unavoidable, adequately compensated for, from 2006 onwards.
REGIONAL POLICY, SPATIAL PLANNING
A4.1
TARGET: Cohesion and structural funds contributing to sustainable development and making (directly or indirectly) a positive contribution to biodiversity, and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised or, where unavoidable, adequately compensated for, from 2006 onwards.
A4.1.1
ACTION: Allocate, at MS initiative, cohesion and structural funds for projects directly or indirectly benefiting biodiversity in appropriate operational programmes [2006 onwards]. (cf. Action B1.1.4)
Encourage MS to provide for such projects, provide technical support for programming (consistent with Financing Natura 2000 proposal); evaluate national programmes submitted.
Funding possibilities included in ERDF Reg. 1080/2006 (Art.5, part B); guidance on Financing Natura 2000 includes ERDF; seminars on financing NATURA 2000 provided in MS; The 27 MS have planned to invest a total amount of €5,2 billion (in practice from ERDF, CF and ETC funds), which represent in average 1,5% of the total financial allocations of the programmes. This amount covers only the Community participation to be completed by national and private funds. The Community participation varies according to the level of development of the regions or countries and can reach 85% in the convergence regions and in the new MS. Member states have made allocations to several categories of spending related to the protection of biodiversity and management of natural resources. The most relevant category is the “Promotion of biodiversity and nature protection” (code 51) for which €2719 million has been allocated. Also highly relevant is the "protection of natural assets" (code 55) for which €1146 million is allocated. A total of €1376 million, foreseen for the protection and development of natural heritage" (Code 56) in the framework of tourism, will also include some spending for nature and biodiversity. With exception of Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg all MS have allocated some funds for nature and biodiversity protection although this varies considerable between countries. Lithuania and Malta have used more than 3% of their allocated funds for biodiversity. Biodiversity benefits can also be expected from measures in the urban context (quarters/brownfield rehabilitation, re-establishment of green areas/open space etc.) and, more directly, from landscape conservation measures where they accompany major infrastructure projects to compensate for biodiversity losses.
European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes (former INTERREG) compared to national programmes, show higher allocations for specific action in favour of biodiversity and / or Natura 2000, approximately 5.6 % of the ETC programmes budget. They include a wide variety of cross-border cooperation measures within transnational partnerships.
A4.1.2
ACTION:ESF contributing to biodiversity objectives through awareness-raising, capacity building, employment of the young, long-term jobless and elderly, etc. [2007 onwards] (cf. Action B1.1.5)
Encourage MS to provide for such projects, provide technical support for programming; evaluate national programmes submitted.
No explicit mention to biodiversity funding but relevant opportunities (e.g. life long learning, training) exist for MS - outlined in COM guidance doc on financing NATURA 2000. Under the ESF, no funds are planned to be spent under the categories 51, 55 and 56. However, on initiative of some MS regions, the ESF will support training/education measures for specific projects at regional and local levels (examples: co-funding of regional programmes under the UNESCO Decade for Education for sustainable development1, supporting schemes like the German ecological year for young people, training of park rangers). The ESF programmes offer a wide range of other funding opportunities but they need to be identified and proactively by the interested parties at national levels. Many Convergence programmes allow for using the technical assistance to support measures that indirectly promote Natura 2000/ biodiversity activities. This is for instance the case in DE, FR, IT, BG, RO or MT where technical assistance (or the OP on technical assistance or directly the technical assistance of the OP) allow funding of measures in relation to the implementation of the environmental measures; this can concern environmental monitoring, development of GIS, evaluation activities, reinforcement of capacity building and assistance to prepare Natura 2000 management plans.
A4.1.3
ACTION: Ensure National Strategic Reference Frameworks (NRSFs) and Operational Programmes 2007-2013 fully respect environmental acquis [2006 onwards]
Check conformity of NSRFs and Operational Programmes with environmental acquis.
All the NSRFs and most of the OP are now adopted (June 2008). The conformity of NSRFs and Operational Programmes with environmental acquis has been checked during the negotiations which are now completed.
A4.1.4
ACTION: Ensure strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of Operational Programmes [2006 onwards] gives adequate treatment to biodiversity concerns and that the final programmes take full account of the SEA findings in order to prevent, minimise and mitigate impacts on biodiversity and provide where possible benefits to biodiversity. (cf. Action A1.1.4)
Check SEA Directive is applied.
Most ERDF and CF supported OPs (326 out of 335) have been adopted (as of 01/04/08). COM (DG REGIO and ENV) wrote to MS (February 2006) regarding their obligations regarding SEA directive.
In the process of adoption, all relevant DGs have been consulted on the OPs and their accompanying documents, among them, the justification on how SEA finding have been taken into account in the OPs. The biodiversity dimension has been assessed, although in general terms. The level of detail of the assessment of the OP on biodiversity varies between countries and from one OP to the other, and is closely related to the level of detail of the programme.
This is not the case for the major projects i.e. those over Euro 50m (25m for environmental projects) and for the TENs projects, where more information on the location of the projects was available at the level of the programme. It seems, that the experience of common practice on how to deal with the biodiversity dimension in a SEA context is limited, especially at the intermediate geographical level of the regions where the OP intervenes. In general, the SEA of the regional programmes did not contain specific recommendations concerning biodiversity, except for most OPs on transport or large infrastructures when projects were likely to cross Natura 2000 areas. The SEA has also proposed additional monitoring and evaluation criteria to be incorporated in the programmes. In a few OPs clauses conditioning the funding to the respect of nature protection legislation with the focus on Natura 2000 sites, were introduced. For example, this is the case of Poland (Co-financing of projects having negative impact on the potential Natura 2000 sites which have not been designated shall not be eligible), Bulgaria (co-financing of projects having negative impact on potential Natura 2000 sites not permitted).
Modification of Operational Programmes might be undertaken by the relevant Managing Authorities in agreement with the European Commission.
Further reflexion is needed on how to deal with the biodiversity dimension in a SEA context, especially at the intermediate geographical level of the regions where the OP intervenes.
A4.1.5
ACTION: Ensure environmental impact assessment (EIA) of projects co-financed by Cohesion Fund and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), where such EIA is required, gives adequate treatment to biodiversity concerns and that final projects take full account of EIA findings in order to prevent, minimise and mitigate impacts on biodiversity and provide where possible benefits to biodiversity [2006 onwards]. (cf. Action A1.1.4)
Assess all proposals over Euro 50m (25m for environmental projects) for potential biodiversity impacts. Address any complaints relating to projects. Check EIA Directive is correctly applied.
The major projects' form includes an explicit reference to the EIA and Natura 2000 sites
Evaluations of Major Projects for the period 2007-2013 begun as soon as the projects submitted to the Commission. EIA includes a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the project, including fauna, flora, and landscape. The EIA provides also for the assessment of alternatives to take into account environmental effects. DG ENV will verify that the EIA takes duly into account impact on nature and biodiversity (including ecosystems) and the measures foreseen to avoid, minimise and compensate. Additional efforts to address also climate change effects in combination with the OP investments and the interrelations between them and biodiversity and the possible needs for adaptation.
A4.1.6
ACTION: Ensure full participation of civil society in development of NSRF and national Operational Programmes and in SEA/EIA and ensure biodiversity interests fully represented [2006 onwards].
Address complaints relating to inadequate participation.
The SEA process has allowed the participation of civil society (in conformity with the provisions of the SEA Directive). When the public (including NGOs) had expressed comments on the programmes or the SEA, the Authority responsible for the programmes had the obligation to explain how the opinions expressed during the consultation had been taken in consideration. In practice, even if the timeframe of the consultations were not always sufficient to allow a large public to take part in the consultation, the SEA process has given to NGOs interested in the programme an opportunity to express their voice.
Ongoing action for the modification of Operational Programmes
A4.2
TARGET: Negative impacts of territorial plans (within each MS) on biodiversity prevented or minimised, and positive benefits optimised, from 2006 onwards.
A4.2.1
ACTION: Ensure that all those territorial plans subject to strategic environmental assessment (SEA) (where deemed applicable by Member States under the SEA Directive) do not cause significant negative impacts on biodiversity (direct, indirect, cumulative) [2006 onwards].
Assess effectiveness of SEA in addressing biodiversity impacts (2006 SEA reports, commission special study to take stock).
See A.1.1.4 re SEA study.
See A.1.1.4 and the Commission report (COM(2009)469) regarding the SEA study.
A4.2.2
ACTION: Implement policies and measures in line with Thematic Strategy for Urban Environment to prevent urban sprawl [2006 onwards].
n/a
A4.3
TARGET: Ecological coherence and functioning strengthened through spatial planning from 2006 onwards.
A4.3.1
ACTION: Develop and implement spatial and programmatic plans that support the coherence of the Natura 2000 network (in line with the requirements of the nature directives to ensure such coherence) and maintain and/or restore the ecological quality of wider landscape [2006 onwards] (cf. Action B2.5.1)
Promote best practice at MS, regional and local levels
Promoting correct application of SEA, which covers land use plans. New initiative - "Territorial Agenda for the European Union" - agreed in May 2007, provides an opportunity for planning and implementation of European ecological networks, especially stressing its role for opportunities for sustainable development in marginal areas and preservation of traditional cultural landscapes of Europe.
The concept of territorial cohesion, which is part of the Lisbon Treaty, will also look at its environmental dimension, within the context of Cohesion Policy. Exchange of best-practice examples on integrated spatial planning at workshop on Green Infrastructure held in 03/2009. More information on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm
A4.4
TARGET: Significant increase in proportion of tourism which is ecologically sustainable by 2010 and again by 2013.
A4.4.1
CBD Guidelines on Sustainable Tourism promoted, adopted and implemented as appropriate by key stakeholders [2006 onwards].
Promote best practice.
To be considered under new EU Business and Biodiversity Initiative (See B 3.1.6).
On the broader 'Business and Biodiversity' initiative for business engagement see B 3.1.6
TARGET: All above outcomes achieved also in Outermost Regions.
A4.5.1
ACTION: All above actions applied, as appropriate, in Outermost Regions (French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Reunion, Martinique, Canaries, Azores, Madeira) [2006 onwards].
As for all above actions under targets 4.1-4.5, as appropriate.
Approach as for EU27 + Canaries, Azores & Madeira subject to EU nature legislation.
The concept of territorial cohesion, which is part of the Lisbon Treaty, will also look at its environmental dimension, within the context of Cohesion Policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
A4.6
TARGET: All Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments have taken full account of biodiversity concerns (2006 onwards).
A4.6.1
ACTION: Ensure effective treatment of biodiversity in all Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of programmes and plans, where such SEA is required, including by promotion of best practice through the development of guidelines, recognition of good performance) - and ensure that full account is taken of the findings of the assessment (in terms of impacts on biodiversity) in the final programmes or plans [2006 onwards]. (cf. Action A1.1.4)
See action 1.1.3 above.
See A.1.1.4.
See A.1.1.4.
A4.6.2
ACTION: Ensure effective treatment of biodiversity in all Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of projects, where such EIA is required, including by promotion of best practice through the development of guidelines, recognition of good performance) - and ensure that full account is taken of the findings of the assessment (in terms of impacts on biodiversity) in the authorisation procedure [2006 onwards]. (cf. Action A1.1.4)
See action 1.1.3 above.
See A.1.1.4.
See A.1.1.4.
A4.6.3
ACTION: Ensure all new Trans-European Networks provide for environmental assessment and take full account of biodiversity impacts in the design and authorisation process in the framework of the existing EU legislation [2006 onwards]. (cf. Action A1.1.4)
Check projects (existing modus operandi ENV/TREN).
Ongoing
Ongoing
A4.6.4
ACTION:Take stock of effectiveness of EIA and SEA in preventing and minimising negative impacts and improving positive impacts of developments on biodiversity and consider necessary measures to improve EIA and SEA performance in this respect [by 2009]. (cf. Action A1.1.4)
See 1.1.3 above.
See A.1.1.4.
See A.1.1.4.
OBJECTIVE 5: TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE IMPACT ON EU BIODIVERSITY OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES (IAS) & ALIEN GENOTYPES.
HEADLINE TARGET: Negative impacts on EU biodiversity of IAS and alien genotypes prevented or minimised from 2010 onwards.
A5.1
TARGET: Impact of IAS on biodiversity in the EU substantially reduced by 2010 and again by 2013.
A5.1.1
ACTION:Assess, at EU level, gaps in the current legal, policy and economic framework to prevent, control and eradicate IAS and mitigate their impacts on biodiversity and develop a community strategy to address IAS including, where necessary and appropriate, measures to fill gaps [by 2007].
Make assessment, propose measures to fill gaps.
A gap assessment of the current legal and policy framework applying to invasive species (IS) was completed in July 2006. A Council Regulation dealing specifically with alien species in aquaculture was agreed on 11 June 2007 (Council Regulation 708/2007) and a new permit system will enter into force for this sector no later than 1 January 2009.In June 2008 the Commission adopted two Regulations: Commission Regulation (EC) No 535/2008 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture; and Commission Regulation (EC) No 506/2008 amending Annex IV to Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture. COM adopted in 2008 a Communication "towards an EU Strategy on Invasive Species". This Communication will identify policy options to tackle IAS. An ongoing study for the Commission assessing environmental, economic, and social impacts of IS, assists with the development of this policy. An evaluation of the impacts of invasive species on the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, and how these species should be considered in the definition of the good ecological quality of waters, is being carried out under the coordination of the Joint Research Centre. Several projects help inform EU policy development on IAS, funded under EU Research and Technological Development programmes e.g. DAISIE (http://www.daisie.se/), which delivered a pan European inventory of invasive species.
Following the Commission's Communication adopted in 2008 "towards an EU Strategy on Invasive Species", there have been Council conclusions from June 2009, giving the Commission a mandate to present a comprehensive EU strategy against IAS by 2010. The EESC and Committee of the Regions stated that legislation will be needed. The strategy is currently being prepared.
Information on the latest scientific findings on invasive alien species is provided in the "Science for Environment Policy" thematic issue on Invasive Alien Species.
In the frame of the Water Framework Directive Common Implementation Strategy, the JRC's Inst. f. Environment and Sustainability (JRC-IES) has published a report addressing how Member States apply data on alien species for water body classification of ecological status. This report EUR 24257 EN is available at: http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/111111111/13564 scrolling down and using the View/Open option). A stakeholder consultation to develop the EU Strategy on Invasive Species will be held in September 2010.
COM is reviewing the current Plant Health regime which could also have a bearing on the Strategy to combat invasive species.
A5.1.2
ACTION: Encourage Member States to develop national strategies on invasive alien species [by 2007] and to implement them fully [by 2010].
Encourage MS
No specific measures yet taken.
No specific measures taken on COM level.
A5.1.3
ACTION: Encourage ratification of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments under the International Maritime Organisation [2006 onwards].
Encourage ratification
Yet to be decided if Community action in environment or transport policy will be followed.
Limited action on Community level. The Commission has strongly recommended the ratification of the convention. The European Maritime Safety Agency EMSA has presented a Ballast Water Action Plan.
A5.1.4
ACTION:Establish early warning system for the prompt exchange of information between neighbouring countries on the emergence of IAS and cooperation on control measures across national boundaries [by 2008].
Propose early warning system, coordinate implementation at Community level.
An effective early warning and information system (EWIS) is an integral part of the policy options suggested in Commission Communication "Towards an EU Strategy on Invasive Species". The EWIS shall be based on the DAISIE inventory and other relevant initiatives (NOBANIS, CABI...). The use of scientific online journals is explored. The European Environment Agency has launched a feasibility study of developing an EU Early warning system for IAS.
The JRC is analysing databases for aquatic alien species (including DAISIE, NOBANIS) for identifying gaps and complementarities in existing data. The report, expected to be ready by the end of 2010, intends to evaluate the potential use of existing data in the Water Framework Directive.
A5.2
TARGET: Impact of alien genotypes on biodiversity in the EU significantly reduced by 2010 and again by 2013.
A5.2.1
ACTION:Fully apply the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to ensure an adequate level of protection of biodiversity (and human health) in the field of the safe handling, use and transfer of genetically modified organisms [2006 onwards].
Apply as appropriate at Community level.
Regulatory framework in place. First regular implementation report of the European Community submitted in autumn 2007.
Regulatory framework in place.
A5.2.2
ACTION: Ensure protection of biodiversity as part of measures to protect human health and environment in relation to the deliberate release into the environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) [2006 onwards].
Ensure in GMO authorisation procedure.
A study on long-term effects of GM crops on health, biodiversity and the environment was launched in 2007 to be reported on end 2008/start 2009.
The European Food Safety Authority is working on a revision of the guidelines on environmental risk assessment, which is designed to prevent risk to biodiversity from GMOs. The revised guidelines are expected to be available by November 2010 and be followed by discussions with MS.
POLICY AREA 2: THE EU AND GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY
OBJECTIVE 6: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES.
A6.1
TARGET: International governance for biodiversity substantially more effective in delivering positive biodiversity outcomes by 2010.
A6.1.1
ACTION: Press for effective worldwide implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, decisions of the Conference of the Parties including thematic and cross-cutting programmes of work, and other related international and regional biodiversity agreements (e.g. Bonn, Berne, AEWA, Ramsar, UN Fish Stocks Agreement) and promote greater synergies between these [2006 onwards].
Work at EU, global and regional levels for enhanced effectiveness in CBD implementation by streamlining operations of CBD, coordinating action between related multilateral environmental agreements, working towards integrated outcome-based reporting, establishing global partnership with key stakeholders.
The EU is strongly promoting these objectives in international meetings. The 9th Conference of the Parties to the CBD (CBD COP9) in Bonn in May 2008 adopted decisions that significantly advance international efforts to reach the global 2010 target. Biodiversity has also been taken up by the G8, both in 2007 under German and in 2008 under Japanese G8 Presidencies. Both times it was discussed by the G8 environment ministers (which adopted the 'Potsdam Initiative' and the 'Kobe call of action' and is addressed in the respective G8 Summit statements. The European Commission has worked actively with the respective EU Presidencies and the EU Member States and was an important contributor to these outcomes. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, the Commission has made specific grants supporting the CBD Secretariat in implementing CBD COP decisions, to the IUCN Countdown 2010 global project and the UNEP-WCMC work on 2010 indicators and the world database on protected areas and to the AEWA Secretariat.
Funding was also provided to CAB International for the establishment of the Global Taxonomy Partnership and Fund. The European Commission submitted the 4th National Report of the European Community to the Convention on Biological Diversity on 15 May 2009.
In June 2010 a decision on the 2010 Annual Action Programme for Environment and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources including Energy has been taken which foresees 1 million € for the support of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in implementing CBD COP 10 decisions and a further 1 million € for support for the implementation of the CBD Work Programme on Protected Areas with a focus on marine protected areas in developing countries, least developed countries and small island developing states through targeted capacity development.
In 2009 the European Commission has started to make preparations for CBD negotiations in 2010. Council Conclusions on international biodiversity beyond 2010 were adopted December 2009. The new EU 2020 biodiversity target that was adopted in March 2010 foresees to step up the EU's efforts to avert global biodiversity loss.
The European Commission and Member States participated in the fourteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice and the third Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Review of Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nairobi in May 2010.
The global Biodiversity Indicators Partnership (BIP) supported by the EC has contributed to the 2010 Millennium Development Goals Report and the Global Biodiversity Outlook 3.
Following the successful if slow steps achieved on synergies for chemicals and waste cluster, UNEP’s work to promote synergies between biodiversity-related conventions is starting.
A6.1.2
ACTION: Enhance integration of biodiversity into global processes with important impacts on biodiversity such as sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals, trade and climate change [2006 onwards].
Work for effective integration of biodiversity concerns within Commission for Sustainable Development, in Doha Round of trade negotiations, and under the UNFCCC/Kyoto Protocol regime.
The integration of the biodiversity 2010 target into the Millennium Development Goals targets was announced by the UN Secretary General. Progress was made in integrating further biodiversity indicators into the EU SDS indicators. The G8+5 Potsdam initiative has been welcomed by the G8 Summits in 2007 and 2008. Several activities are ongoing to integrate biodiversity into Climate Change with the aim to maximise co-benefits between Biodiversity and Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures (e.g. joint meeting of SBSTTA/SBSTA chairs, work on biofuels standards, work on reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, IPCC WG2 report results on biodiversity). The EU has been instrumental in achieving at COP9 global recognition for the principle that the production and use of biofuels should be sustainable in relation to biodiversity. COP9 also supported a de-facto moratorium on ocean fertilisation and put on track a process for feeding biodiversity considerations into the ongoing negotiations for a post 2012 international climate regime with focus on REDD and climate change adaptation activities.
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT-PGRFA) aims at supporting the conservation and sustainable use of the PGRFA and at sharing the benefits of this use. The legal basis for the accession of the Community is Council Decision 2004/869/EC of 24 February 2004 concerning the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The adoption in June 2006 of the Standard Material Transfer Agreement at the 1st session of the Governing Body of the IT was a cornerstone for the implementation of this Treaty
The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources was adopted at the 1st International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in Interlaken in June 2007.
The second Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Biodiversity and Climate Change (AHTEG) under the CBD convened two meetings in 2008 and 2009 one of which was attended by an expert from the European Commission. The findings of the group have been presented at UNFCCC COP 15.
The Commission Staff Working Document "Policy Coherence for Development Work Programme 2010- 2013" accompanies the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on "A twelve-point EU action plan in support of the Millennium Development Goals identifies biodiversity related targets and indicators to address the global challenges of food security and climate change".
In 2009 under the Italian G8 Presidency, Environment Ministers adopted the “Siracusa Carta” on Biodiversity, which list priority actions to be taken on biodiversity.
In September 2010, there will be for the first time a High-Level meeting of UN General Assembly (UNGA) as a contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity.
A6.1.3
ACTION: Promote improved oceans governance for conservation and recovery of marine biodiversity, ecosystem services and integration of key sectors, including in relation to areas beyond national jurisdiction; make progress towards mechanisms for establishment of Marine Protected Areas in the high seas, including by supporting the adoption of an Implementing Agreement to the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, with the scientific support from the CBD, notably in developing criteria for identifying the areas to be protected. [2006 onwards]
Coordinate EU action
COM and MSs actively participated in the UNCLOS process which led to adoption in December 2006 of Resolution 61/105 of the UN General Assembly on Sustainable Fisheries, where a commitment was made by the UN members to ensure the protection of vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems in the high seas. The Resolution calls on States and RFMOs to take measures to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems from the potential destructive impact of bottom fishing practices. In October 2007 the Commission adopted a Communication on "destructive fishing practices in the High Seas and the protection of vulnerable deep sea ecosystems" and a proposal for a Council Regulation aiming at implementing the UNGA recommendations of December 2006. On 15 July 2008 the Council adopted Regulation 734/2008. In accordance with the policy line laid down in the Commission's Communication, the EC will continue to push for international measures to address this issue within Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, taking into account that the UNGA will review the response given to its recommendations in 2009. Also of relevance is the active contribution of the EU to the development of FAO technical guidelines for deep sea fisheries in the framework of the code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The guidelines were adopted in August 2008.
CBD COP9 adopted criteria for the identification of marine protected areas in the high seas. COP9 also launched a process for gathering information on marine areas that meet the agreed criteria. It also agreed to develop guidelines for environmental impact assessment of activities in the high seas.
COM and MSs actively participated in the review of the measures of UNGA Resolution 61/105 on the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the context of the annual negotiations on the 2009 UN Sustainable Fisheries Resolution. The new measures included in the Resolution aim to improve the protection of these ecosystems.
Several actions were approved under the ENRTP that are relevant to this priority:
OBJECTIVE 7: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN SUPPORT FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN EU EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE.
A7.1
TARGET: Financial resources flowing annually to projects directly benefiting biodiversity has substantially increased in real terms (for period 2006-2010 compared with period 2000-2005; and again for period 2011-2013).
A7.1.1
ACTION: Ensure adequate community funds earmarked for biodiversity in development cooperation (in line with European Consensus on Development Cooperation) in EC Thematic Programme for Environment and Natural Resources and ensure the use of these funds is targeted at biodiversity priorities [2007-2013]; decide [in 2006] on an adequately funded EC Thematic Programme for Environment and Natural Resources (ENRTP) in the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) and the Development Cooperation and Economic Cooperation Instrument (DCECI) and ensure that biodiversity priorities receive an appropriate share of the total ENRTP and DCECI resources [2007-2013].
Include an adequate multiannual indicative resource framework and robust programming priorities for biodiversity in the ENRTP Article of both the DCECI and ENPI which should be adopted as early as possible in 2006. Further elaborate the biodiversity priorities in the Thematic Strategy Paper for the ENRTP and ensure its adoption well before the end of 2006. Seek coverage for biodiversity actions in financing strategy papers and indicative programmes under ENPI instrument.
The global amount allocated for biodiversity and related sectors (sustainable forest management etc.) remains at a similar level in absolute terms between former period (2000-2006) and the one following the Communication (2007-2010) – with a yearly allocation of about €38 millions.
The global increase of the budget of thematic instrument for environment (from EUR 323 million for 7 years (2000-2006) to EUR 470 million for 4 years (2007-2010)) has not benefited biodiversity, as some new themes within the energy and climate change sectors have been included.
A total of €30.6 million has been allocated to biodiversity for the four year period from 2007-2010 under the EC Thematic Programme for Environment and Natural Resources (ENRTP). Furthermore, some other headings of ENRTP are strongly linked to biodiversity. A total of €72 million is earmarked for the promotion of Sustainable Forest Management. €34 million is available for implementation of the initiative on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT). €6.4 million is earmarked for fisheries & marine/coastal resources. €12,3 million is earmarked for climate change and biodiversity projects for countries covered by the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). In total, approximately €155 millions will be available for biodiversity related matters under 2007-2010 ENRTP.
In January 2008 EuropeAid launched a restricted Call for Proposals for the period 2007 – 2008 under the ENRTP. About € 9 million has been reserved for biodiversity and about € 20 million for forests. In addition € 4.2 million and about € 8 has been reserved for targeted proposal for biodiversity and forests respectively for 2007 - 2008.
The ENRTP Call for Proposals for 2009 includes several specific envelopes closely related to biodiversity: 14 Mill EUR for forests, 10 Mill EUR for FLEGT, 5 Mill EUR for land biodiversity, 3 Mill EUR for fisheries and 4 Mill EUR for biodiversity and climate change in ENPI countries. In addition to the Call for Proposals, two direct agreements on biodiversity projects (1 South ENP, 1 East ENP) have been financed from the 2009 ENRTP Annual Action Programme with a total value of EUR 3.48 million.
The 2009 call for proposals was topped up in 2010 with equivalent amounts for each priority.
The Environment and Natural Resources Thematic Programme (ENRTP) mid-term review said that the programme was highly relevant to its objectives, which include the protection of biodiversity, however the external evaluatos called for better integration of the work achieved under the ENRTP in the main geographic programmes. Its second phase will be from 2011 to 2013.
UNEP: Strengthening the regional environmental governance capacity of the Caspian states
ACTION: Allocate adequate resources in Country and Regional Strategy Programmes wherever biodiversity identified as a key issue in country/regional environmental profiles [2006 onwards].
Check and ensure that resources are available to implement the recommendations in the R/CEP through biodiversity projects or mainstreaming biodiversity concerns in to other relevant projects.
For the 2007-2010 period, the actual previsions show that more than EUR 220 millions would be allocated to programmes with a focus on biodiversity (EUR 55 millions yearly). The global amount is comparable to the former period 2002-2006. A slight increase in foreseen for ACP countries and Latin America, while a decrease is expected in Asia. This stability in real terms has to be put in perspective with the general increase of EC external aid.
In Asia, the following strategy papers promote biodiversity objectives: the RSP (Regional Strategy Paper) for Asia and the CSP (Country Strategy Paper) for Malaysia promoting the FLEGT process (approx. amount respectively €6 & €4 millions). The CSP for Pakistan mentions water and forest management activities within its focal area ‘Rural development and natural resource management’ that receives 54% of the total country allocation. Additionally, the CSPs of Bangladesh, India, China and Bhutan have environment as a focal sector, thus biodiversity is not specifically targeted. The RSP for Central Asia and in particular its focal sector on environment promotes the management and governance of water and forests.
In Latin America, the CSPs of Brazil, Honduras and Bolivia address biodiversity, the latter two country programmes having natural resources management as a focal area. For Brazil, the focal sector in question targets the promotion of the environmental dimension of sustainable development, and foresees among its priority objectives the curbing of deforestation, the prevention of biodiversity loss and the improvement of governance in natural resource utilization. For Bolivia, the focal sector on sustainable water management targets inter alia to improve conservation and preservation of water and to increase the government capacity for the integrated management of water resources. The foreseen allocation in Latin America would be around € 115 millions within National Indicative Programmes.
For ACP countries, programming is in its final phases and all CSPs still need final official adoption. However, general trends can be drawn from the process and show that biodiversity is very rarely selected as a priority sector (these need to be limited to 2 only). Globally, an increase is foreseen with €34 millions per year on average for 2007-2010 compared to €24 millions during the 2002-2006 period (However, the annual EDF allocation has been approximately doubled between the two periods).
The African CSP is the one for which biodiversity appears in most cases in non-focal sectors. However, around 20 draft CSPs include biodiversity as non-focal sector or as a component of a wider action (mainly in rural development programmes). Central African region, Malawi and Ethiopia are the countries where CSPs/RSPs present the highest focus on biodiversity. In the Caribbean and Pacific, biodiversity has not been included as a focal sector, even if some sectors such as waste or water management are expected to have a positive impact on ecosystems (including marine ecosystems). Two Intra-ACP programmes have also been included in the 10th intra-ACP EDF Strategy Paper: Support to FLEGT (€ 10 M) and to protected area network (€20 M).
CSPs are drafted jointly with the partner country and follow the ownership principle. In partner countries, environment ministers are often weak meaning that environment rarely appears among the cooperation priorities presented by the governments. A number of ACP CSPs include commitments to undertake SEAs, which will allow biodiversity issues to be adequately taken into account in other sectors and programmes.
For information on ENPI, see A7.1.5.
In the context of the midterm review of external cooperation, a new focal sector on Climate Change has been introduced for 2011-13 for the Andean Community, with an indicative amount of € 7 million. It foresees activities for institutional reinforcement, legal development at regional level and cross-border cooperation, and as such, would indirectly contribute also to fostering biodiversity objectives.
A 20 million € Financing Agreement for Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management in ACP countries (BIOPAMA) that is expected to be approved in 2010, addressing capacity building for protected areas management as well as for Access and Benefit Sharing in the African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries.
Other envelopes in the Intra-ACP program are closely related to biodiversity: 20 million for desertification in which the focus is put on sustainable land management (which benefits to biodiversity) and the funds for agriculture and food security in which proposals for sustainable agriculture are currently assessed and, if approved, will greatly benefit to agro-biodiversity.
For information on ENPI, see A7.1.5.
A7.1.3
ACTION:Enhance MS funds earmarked for biodiversity (in line with European Consensus on Development Cooperation) in MS bilateral development cooperation programmes in support of implementation of the CBD, Millennium Development Goals and other programmes relevant for biodiversity in developing countries [2006 onwards].
n/a
A7.1.4
ACTION:Enhance the overall contribution of EU MS for biodiversity through a substantial 4th replenishment of the GEF based on the agreed policy priorities [2006/07].
Use EU high level meetings to press for a substantial replenishment based on fair burden-sharing.
Globally, there is a 34% increase on the overall envelope for the 4threplenishment of the Global Environment Facility.
The replenishment of the 5th Global Environment Facility has been concluded (see http://www.thegef.org/gef/node/3010). If all allocations had received the same priority as in GEF 4 they would all have increased by 34%.
Biodiversity $1.2 billion (28% increase) including $130 million for sustainable forest management REDD+ $700 million for protected areas $250 million for sustainable land use of productive land and seascapes
- $40 million for biosafety capacity building
- $40 million for ABS capacity building
- $25 million for marine protected areas in areas beyond national jurisdiction( to be used in a joint programme with international waters money)
- $15 million for enabling activities and regional actions to supplement national allocations. IPBES is mentioned as a candidate for support.
A7.1.5
ACTION: Enhance funds for biodiversity related actions under the national and regional components of the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) and the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI)
Seek coverage for biodiversity actions in financing strategy papers and indicative programmes under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) and Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA).
As regards the ENPI, environment is included as a focal sector in several ENPI CSPs and NIPs (National Indicative Programmes) for 2007-2010, and both the RIP (Regional Indicative Programme) ENPI South and the RIP ENPI East contain environment protection as one of their priorities. But in the vast majority of cases there is no earmarking for the different environmental sectors. For this reason, it is so far difficult to foresee if activities will be implemented as regards biodiversity in this region. Moreover, regular sectoral policy dialogue, including on biodiversity issues, takes places with ENP partner countries.
Under the ENRTP, two biodiversity projects (I South, I East) have been financed with a total value of €3.48 million and an additional €3.6 million is allocated for the region for the topics of biodiversity and climate change within the 2009 ENRTP call for proposals. Following a mid-term review of CSPs, the vast majority of new IPs for 2011 to 2013 have been adopted. They include opportunities to address biodiversity related actions in several national programmes. The new RIP for ENPI East also contains opportunities to address environment protection and natural resources, including biodiversity protection. Some of the ENP partners have also used the TAIEX instrument with a view to enhancing capacity to address biodiversity related issues, through expert missions, workshops or seminars and study visits.
The IPs for 2011 to 2013 are still under preparation.
Under IPA component I (national and multibeneficiary) it is possible that the beneficiary countries receive assistance related to biodiversity nature protection. Under assistance programmes 2007 – 2009 there are three projects related to these topics: Serbia 2007 – strengthening administrative capacities to protect natural resources; FYROM 2009; Strengthening of administrative capacity in the area of water management and nature protection and Croatia 2009 Capacity building for preparation of management plans and strengthening of nature protection inspection for proposed Natura 2000 sites. The Regional Environmental Network for Accession (IPA multi-beneficiary project 2009) will have a working group on cross border cooperation which will be focusing on nature protection issues in the transboundary context.
A7.1.6
ACTION: Enhance economic and development assistance funds available for biodiversity-related actions in the MS' Overseas Countries and Territories [2006 onwards].
Check and ensure that biodiversity is addressed through specific programmes and projects or through integration in other sectors covered by economic development assistance.
The programming for OCTs is under way. A Country Environmental Profile has been prepared which identified the importance of biodiversity in these countries and territories.
The Commission participated in and actively contributed to the European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change in Outermost Regions held in La Réunion on 7-11 July 2008. This conference brought together for the first time representatives of all OR and OCTs and stressed inter alia the need for earmarked additional funding for biodiversity conservation as currently the available funds for environmental protection are not sufficiently allocated to biodiversity.
The Commission is engaged with concerned MS (UK, FR, DK and NL) to develop a voluntary scheme to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services in European Overseas inspired by the experience of Natura 2000.
A7.2
TARGET: EU 'mainstream' external development assistance delivering enhanced biodiversity and related livelihoods benefits, and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards.
A7.2.1
ACTION:Preparecountry and regional environmental profiles with specific attention to the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services (in particular in relation to livelihood concerns), and take these needs fully into account in preparation of Country Strategy Papers (CSPs) and Regional Strategy Papers (RSPs) and in equivalent MS country and regional aid programming [2006 onwards].
Check and ensure that appropriate action in response to the recommendations in the Regional and Country Environmental Profiles is undertaken as specific biodiversity projects or mainstreamed in to other relevant projects.
From 2007, CEPs and REPs have been established systematically as part of preparation of cooperation strategies for individual development partner countries/regions. Some 75 of these were developed in a detailed form, broadly in accordance with the standard terms of reference, while in some cases a shorter version was prepared. Work is ongoing to improve the quality and comprehensiveness of these CEPs, and the level of uptake of findings and recommendations in country analyses, response strategies and indicative programming. Standard terms of reference for CEPs and REPs include an assessment of the biodiversity concerns, and the identification of possible response measures.
While CEP are structured to meet the specific needs of EC cooperation programming, the EC is committed to work with other EU donors and other development agencies to promote greater harmonisation of analytical work and joint analytical work when possible.
Consistent biodiversity indicators are now developed by the JRC. CSPs/RSPs show variable level of environment integration. Very few countries identify biodiversity as sector for cooperation. SEAs are planned to be carried out when relevant and will be the main tool to take biodiversity into account in sector programs.
Within the EC work with other EU donors and development agencies to promote greater harmonisation of analytical work and joint analytical work, a specific initiative is under way with UNEP to draft joint environmental profiles.
Consistent biodiversity indicators are now developed by the JRC. CSPs/RSPs show variable level of environment integration. Very few countries identify biodiversity as sector for cooperation. SEAs are planned to be carried out when relevant and will be the main tool to take biodiversity into account in sector programs.
A7.2.2
ACTION: Systematically carry out ex-ante strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of relevant strategies and programmes and environmental impact assessment (EIA) of relevant projects funded by EU in partner countries and ensure actions are identified and implemented to prevent and mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity in a timely manner [2006 onwards].
Check and ensure that SEAs and EIAs are systematically carried out on relevant development strategies, programmes and projects.
A screening questionnaire has been established applicable to all EC programmes/projects during identification and formulation stages of the operations cycle to help identify the most appropriate measures to take in relation to environmental aspects - including the possible need for an SEA/EIA.
According to the DCI Regulation (Art 22(4)) and as foreseen in a number of Country Strategy Papers of the last generation, SEAs will be/are being carried out when relevant, i.e. in relation to environmentally sensitive cooperation sectors. Alongside with more common, traditional project-level EIA, a number of SEAs have been carried out or are actively planned as part of preparation of EC-supported sector-wide programmes in areas such as transport and infrastructure development (Mali, Ghana, Zambia), sugar sector reform,(Mauritius, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize etc) regional development planning (Maldives).
Impacts on biodiversity are expected to be addressed as a rule under the terms of reference for these studies and mitigation measures are to be identified as appropriate
Although many National Indicative Programs (NIPs) referred to SEAs and committed to undertake them if deemed necessary, the current state shows that it has not systematically been the case.
Only 9 SEAs have been carried out so far. These SEAs have mainly been carried out in countries receiving funds under the Sugar protocol to ensure that the restructuring of the sugar sector is consistent with the environmental criteria.
A7.2.3
ACTION: Substantially strengthen capacities in recipient countries and in Commission and MS cooperation programming for these purposes, including integrating implementation of the CBD into national development strategies including Poverty Reduction Strategies [2006 onwards].
Capacities within the EC and partner countries have been strengthened as a result of an ambitious seminar programme on environmental integration in development cooperation put in place since 2005 including seminars in EC Delegations overseas and at EC Headquarters. Seminars have been open to participation from staff of MS agencies. Methodological support has been made on request to operational staff. Environmental Integration Handbook is increasingly used by desk officers.
Under the ENV/TROP FOR budget line, a number of projects have been carried out to support capacity building in the area of biodiversity, including projects for:
- Conservation and sustainable development in the Chocó Biogeographic Region: Building Capacities for livelihood improvement and environmental - Capacity Building of Developing Country NGOs to Achieve Sustainable Development through Implementation of Principle 10
- Strengthening the African Biodiversity Network (ABN)
- Capacity building within formal and non-formal education systems to support the implementation of national biodiversity strategic action plans in the South Pacific
- 'Renforcement des capacités nationales en matière d’éducation et de sensibilisation à l’environnement dans les domaines de la biodiversité, des changements climatiques et de la désertification' (Morocco)
- Strengthening and Capacity Development for the Long-term Management and Conservation of MCPAs encompassing coral reef resources in South Asia
- Capacity building in the Congo Basin and implementation of Independent Monitoring of Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (IM-FLEG) in the Republic of Congo
- Strengthening civil society networks to address dryland degradation and poverty issues in the context of strategic development frameworks and the UNCCD
- Conference on Integrating Biodiversity into Development Co-operation – “Support the Sustainable Management and Preservation of Natural Resources”
- Ensuring international trade in CITES-listed timber species is consistent with their sustainable management and conservation
- Consumer Organisations and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety – protecting the consumer's right to a healthy environment in the developing world
In addition, € 19 million environmental capacity building programme is under preparation under the intra-ACP envelope.
Finally, a contract for the EC environment helpdesk has been concluded for an additional period up to the end of 2008, and this will be extended.
In support to Target A7.1. of this document, the MONDE action (Monitoring of Natural Resources for Development) of the JRC has developed an experimental tool for assessing the state of more than 700 African Protected Areas (http://bioval.jrc.ec.europa.eu/PA/). The purpose of the work is to provide to decision makers a tool for prioritizing Protected Areas (PAs) according to biodiversity values and threats so as to support decision making and fund allocation processes.
In the frame of competitive activities (2009-2012), and in partnership with Birdlife Int., UNEP-WCMC, GBIF and RSPB, current efforts in MONDE focus on setting up the DOPA, a Digital Observatory for Protected Areas, which will allow end-users to assess, monitor and forecast biodiversity in Protected Areas at the global scale, although with a priority for ACP countries.
Biodiversity training of EU staff. Training for EU staff in EU delegations and headquarters geographical desks has been initiated to contribute to outreach activities on biodiversity with third countries network.
A7.2.4
ACTION: Ensure that projects financed by EU under the Development Cooperation and Economic Cooperation Instrument (DCECI), European Development Fund (EDF), pre-accession, neighbourhood and partnership instruments delivering enhanced biodiversity benefits, and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised [2006 onwards].
Commission to ensure that safeguards are included in procedures to ensure that these considerations are taken into account before funding can be released.
A screening questionnaire has been established applicable to all EC programmes/projects during identification and formulation stages of the operations cycle to help identify the most appropriate measures to take in relation to environmental aspects - including the possible need for an SEA/EIA.
JRC develops systems for monitoring the trends in biodiversity in EU-funded African protected areas.106 ‘critical’ protected areas in ACP countries have been identified.
A7.2.5
ACTION: Ensure that projects financed by EU economic and development assistance do not cause significant negative impacts on biodiversity in the MS Overseas Countries and Territories [2006 onwards].
Check and ensure that SEAs and/or EIAs are systematically carried out on development strategies, programmes and projects.
Programming is still under way; OCTs have launched a study including the organisation of SEA workshop.
OCTs have organised an SEA workshop in Brussels, which led to very interesting discussions and exchanges of good practices. The complexity and high cost of SEAs is however clearly a challenge for the limited resources and capacities of most of the OCTs.
OBJECTIVE 8: TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE ON GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES.
8.1
TARGET 8.1: Impact on biodiversity of EU trade significantly reduced by 2010 and again by 2013.
A8.1.1
ACTION:Identify major impacts of trade on third countries’ and EU biodiversity and adopt measures to significantly reduce (in case of negative impacts) and/or enhance (in case of positive impacts) these impacts [by 2010]. This will in particular be done in the context of the Commission's trade-related Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) Programme, that covers a number of sectoral studies (e.g. agriculture, forests and forest products as well as fisheries), in the context of multilateral (WTO, ongoing negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda) and/or regional/bilateral free trade agreements (e.g. EPAs with ACP countries).
Identify impacts and follow-up measures - in particular in the context of the Commission's trade-related Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) Programme, covering a number of sectoral studies (e.g., agriculture, forests and forest products, fisheries, tourism), in connection to multilateral (WTO, ongoing negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda) and/or regional/bilateral free trade agreements (e.g. the planned Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and ACP countries and the EU-Mediterranean Free Trade Area).
Work on FLEGT is described below in 8.1.6.
As part of its trade-related Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) Programme, the Commission is in the process of conducting SIAs for all its planned regional and bilateral free trade and partnership agreements, be they in Asia, Africa or Latin-America. These studies include an assessment of potential impacts on biodiversity (e.g. as a result of trade liberalisation in biofuels) and identify possible preventive or mitigation measures. The challenge facing trade negotiators on both sides is to translate the results and recommendation of sustainability impacts assessments into negotiations.
Regardless of SIA results, sustainability and environment issues are important aspects of most if not all regional and bilateral free trade, association and partnership agreements under negotiation.
The EU plays a leading role within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), notably the Conference of Parties held in March 2010, where it was not very successful in particular in relation to the conservation of marine species.
Two projects under ENRTP have been launched: one aiming at " Strengthening the CITES implementation capacity of developing countries to ensure sustainable wildlife management and non-detrimental trade" and the other is a Country focused project (2nd phase) to strengthen the CITES implementation capacity of developing countries to ensure sustainable wildlife management and non-detrimental trade
For work on FLEGT please see 8.1.6.
A8.1.2
ACTION: Foster links between the WTO agreements and biodiversity-related international agreements, and ensure biodiversity taken into account as a Non-Trade Concern, in order to identify and put in place key measures to reduce the ecological impact of globalisation in line with the precautionary principle and with the commitment made in the context of the WTO's Doha Development Agenda to promote the objective of sustainable development (paragraph 6 of the Doha Declaration) and to enhance the mutual supportiveness of trade and environment (paragraph 31) [2006 onwards].
This will be done in line with the commitment made in the context of the WTO's Doha Development Agenda to promote the objective of sustainable development (paragraphs 6 and 51 of the Doha Declaration) and to enhance the mutual supportiveness of trade and environment (notably paragraphs 28 and 31).
Ongoing discussions in the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, but little progress to date.
A8.1.3
ACTION: Promote full implementation of the CBD Bonn Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits (ABS) arising out of their Utilisation, and other agreements relating to ABS such as the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture – and continue to contribute to negotiation of an international regime on ABS according to the mandate adopted at the 7th Conference of the Parties of the CBD [2006 onwards].
Further implement actions set out in the Commission Communication on implementation of the Bonn Guidelines in the EC. Support effective EU coordination and defending of EU positions in ongoing negotiations on an international ABS regime.
Further efforts at EC level to raise awareness of the Bonn Guidelines throughout the Commission and by stakeholders. Commission contributed to successful adoption of the standard MTA under the FAO International Treaty in June 2006. Furthermore, the Commission has held a series of expert meetings on technical aspects of the international ABS negotiations in the CBD framework and continues to play a leading role in EU efforts to conclude these negotiations by 2010 in line with the respective decision adopted by the Eighth and Ninth Conferences of the Parties to the CBD in March 2006 and May 2008 respectively.
Note: the mandate adopted at the 7th Conference of the Parties of the CBD has been amended by the Eighth and Ninth Conferences of the Parties in March 2006 and May 2008 respectively.
Final text-based negotiations on the international ABS regime started in April 2009. The EU is fully engaged in this process and committed to finalise the international regime in time for its consideration and adoption by CBD COP10 in October 2010. The Council in October 2009 conferred a negotiating mandate upon the Commission to formally represent the EU in the eighth and ninth meeting of the ABS Working Group (11/2009; 03/2010). The EU has submitted proposals for ABS compliance measures of legally binding nature. It also continues to argue that the international regime must build on the Bonn Guidelines.
The Commission seeks to ensure consistency in EU positions in negotiations on ABS matters across international fora (CBD, WHO, FAO, UNGA/ UNCLOS, WIPO IGC, WTO/ TRIPS)
The Commission contributed to successful adoption of the standard MTA under the FAO International Treaty in June 2006.
The Commission and MS hold regular meetings with indigenous representatives and other stakeholders from research and industry.
See also A7.1.2: a 20 Mln € Financing Agreement for Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management in ACP countries (BIOPAMA) is expected to be approved in 2010 which includes a 5 Mln € component for Access and Benefit Sharing in the African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries
A8.1.4
ACTION: Maximise the proportion of EU consumption of wood products deriving from sustainable sources [by 2010].
Ensure implementation of CITES provisions for listed timber species and support capacity building in range states. Review of other timber species with criteria for listing. Analyse options for further legislation to control imports of illegally harvested timber into the EU (as foreseen in FLEGT action plan). Facilitate exchange of best practice in private and public sector procurement policies favouring wood products from sustainable sources.
The 14th Conference of Parties added Brazilwood to CITES control, but did not adopt EU proposals for listing additional tree species under CITES Appendices. CoP agreed however on further development of these and new proposals for CoP15 (2010). Import restrictions in EU in place for mahogany and ramin of non-sustainable source. Commission supports ITTO-CITES project on capacity building on the implementation of CITES listed timber species.
In February 2008, the Commission adopted an Action Plan on "Innovative and Sustainable Forest-based Industries in the EU" that, among other things, encourages private initiatives and engagements to help prevent illegal logging and promote sustainable forest management.
The EU monitors closely the implementation by range States of the listing under CITES of timber and tree species. This includes regular exchange of information with those States and can lead to temporary suspension of trade, like was the case for Afromosia from Democratic Republic of Congo until December 2009.
At EU level, each Member State is encouraged by the European Commission (COM (2008) 400) to reach the target of 50% green public procurement by 2010, where "green" means tendering procedures compliant with endorsed 10 common "core" GPP product criteria. Many of the identified priority GPP product groups are referring to the "sustainable and legal" timber / wood. Exchanges of best practice on procurement policies for wood have taken place in the Standing Forest Committee and in the Advisory Committee on Community Policy regarding Forestry and Forest-based Industries.
A8.1.5
ACTION: In the context of action 8.1.1, identify EU non-wood imports driving deforestation in third countries (particularly in the context of trade-related SIAs, notably on agricultural products) and adopt and implement measures to prevent, minimise and/or mitigate this deforestation [by 2010].
Identify impacts and follow-up measures, in particular in the context of the Commission's trade-related Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) Programme, that covers a number of relevant sectoral studies (e.g., agriculture, forests and forest products, fisheries, tourism), both in connection to multilateral (WTO, ongoing negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda) and to regional/bilateral free trade agreements (e.g. the planned Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and ACP countries and the EU-Mediterranean Free Trade Area).
Ongoing, including in EU-Mercosur SIA. The challenge facing trade negotiators on both sides is to translate the results and recommendation of these SIA studies into concrete provisions.
In its 2008 Communication on "Addressing the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss" (COM(2008)645) the Commission identified profitable alternative uses of land with a high market value, such as obtaining commodities as a potential driver of deforestation, and undertook to conduct a study on this issue.
A8.1.6
ACTION: Put in place bilateral agreements between EU and major timber exporting countries with aim to support forest law enforcement, governance and trade (FLEGT) [2006 onwards].
Identify and secure key bilateral agreements.
Negotiations successfully finished and the first FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement was initialled with Ghana in September 2008. Other negotiations of FLEGT VPA are underway were officially launched with Malaysia, Indonesia, Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville. The Commission works to start negotiations with several other countries. To complement FLEGT VPAs, the Commission has also proposed a Regulation laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the Market (COM(2008) 644/3).
Progress has been made in implementing the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan. The first Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) was ratified with Ghana in November 2009. Negotiations on FLEGT VPA are ongoing with (Malaysia, Indonesia, Liberia and Central African Republic. Agreements are being finalised with Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville. A new regulation on Due Diligence aiming at eliminating illegal timber in EU market is expected to be adopted by the end of the year.
A8.1.7
ACTION: Ensure Fisheries Partnership Agreements compatible with maintenance and recovery of stocks at levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield, and with minimising impact on non-target species and habitats [2006 onwards].
Negotiate agreements; support assessments and recommendations for sustainable fisheries through Joint Scientific Committees, implementation by Parties through Joint Committees.
The Commission is at the final stage of renegotiation of the new Fisheries Partnership Agreements which will allow to support the sectoral fisheries policy of the third countries with a view of establishing a sustainable and responsible fisheries policy in their waters. Therefore, the biodiversity (and impact on non target species or habitats) which are elements of a sustainable and responsible fisheries policy could be covered by the actions undertaken in the framework of the FPAs.
In 2007, the fisheries partnership agreements with Ivory Coast, Madagascar and Guinea Bissau were successfully renegotiated. In March 2007 the mid-term modification of the FPA with Seychelles was finalised.
In March 2008, the Commission negotiated a new fisheries protocol (1st August 2008 to 31 July 2012) with Mauritania.
The current Fisheries Partnership Agreements in force (as from 1.03.2008) are: Cap Verde, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Greenland, Kiribati, Madagascar, Mozambique, Morocco, Mauritania, Micronesia, Solomon, Sao Tomé, Seychelles.
The Commission is in the process of negotiating agreements with Guinea Conakry and Mauritius as these are the only two remaining countries that do not yet benefit from a FPA.
A8.1.8
ACTION: Support capacity-building and implementation of CITES provisions to ensure that trade in CITES species is effectively regulated and controlled and not detrimental to the conservation of the species in range states [2006 onwards].
Support CITES programmes to implement CoP decisions on capacity building, national legislation, enforcement and species specific measures in range states. Continue to ensure coordinated response to unsustainable trade in CITES species through the EU Scientific Review Group, including consultation with range states and ensure constructive follow-up to possible import suspensions with range states. Review MS enforcement of EC CITES Regulations, including gaps and best practice in addressing illegal trade, following completion of on-going study in this field. Assess the effectiveness of EC CITES Regulation in ensuring that trade in endangered species is sustainable.
Regular meetings by the EU Scientific Review Group meeting were held and several positive and negative opinions were established for imports into the EU of specific CITES species of certain countries. They were followed up with consultation by the Commission with Range States, where necessary. SRG negative opinions were published in Commission Suspension Regulations. Reviews and studies were undertaken to assist SRG.
A Commission study of the enforcement of the EC CITES Regulations in EU-25 was finalised in December 2006. As a result of the study the Commission adopted on 13th June 2007 a Recommendation to the Member States identifying a set of actions for the effective enforcement of the EC CITES Regulations. The recommendations were formally sent to Member States (Autumn 2007). Several MS replied formally and further replies are awaited for follow up action. In its December 2006 conclusions, the Council also underlined the importance of effective implementation of the CITES Convention and EC CITES Regulations, it stressed the need for capacity-building on CITES in developing countries and called upon Member States to reinforce efforts to combat illegal trade. The Commission concluded in 2008 under its ENRTP programme 2 grant agreements with the CITES Secretariat to implement CITES CoP14 decisions on national legislation, enforcement and species programmes (0,5 mln euro) as well as the first phase of a CITES capacity building programme in developing countries (1 mln euro). A Study on Effectiveness of EU regulations has been finalised and a stakeholder meeting has been organised as well as Member States experts to discuss the findings. The Commission is currently considering its follow-up.
The Commission is the main donor for the implementation of CITES, through funds granted to implement decisions adopted by the CITES CoP (0.5 Mln €), to improve capacity building in developing countries (1 mln €), for the monitoring of illegal killing of elephants and for the partnership between CITES and the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO). A Study on Effectiveness of EU regulations has been finalised and a stakeholder meeting has been organised as well as Member States experts to discuss the findings.
The EU plays a leading role within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), notably the Conference of Parties held in March 2010. However, the meeting failed in relation to the conservation of marine species.
A8.1.9
ACTION: Apply principle of prior informed consent when commercially using traditional knowledge relating to biodiversity and encourage the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of such knowledge [2006 onwards].
n/a
COM is raising awareness of Article 8j CBD and relevant parts of the Bonn Guidelines throughout its services and in EC delegations in third countries.
A special Interservice Group on Indigenous Issues regularly reflects on indigenous issues in the Commission's work.
Since 2005, the Commission external relations directorate general has convened regular trainings for staff of Commission delegations in third countries, including a module on the CBD and Article 8j.
Traditional knowledge is recognised as part of biodiversity related research.
The EC provides financial support to enable representatives of indigenous groups to participate as observers in the meetings of the Convention on Biological Diversity including the international ABS negotiations.
The EC and MS also follow closely the work on the protection of traditional knowledge in the World Intellectual Property Organization and push for recognition of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People adopted on 13 September 2007 in relevant CBD negotiating fora.
In the ongoing negotiations of the international ABS regime (see 8.1.3 above), the EU defends the view that the prior informed consent of indigenous and local communities must be obtained whenever traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is accessed.
The EC and MS in September 2009 supported the adoption by the WIPO General Assembly of a mandate to undertake text-based negotiations in WIPO on a legal instrument (or instruments) to effectively protect genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expresses.
The EU seeks to strengthen international recognition of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People adopted on 13 September 2007 in relevant international fora.
POLICY AREA 3: BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
OBJECTIVE 9: TO SUPPORT BIODIVERSITY ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
HEADLINE TARGET: Potential for damaging impacts, related to climate change, on EU biodiversity substantially reduced by 2013.
A9.1
TARGET: 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved by 2010.
A9.1.1
ACTION:Commitments made under the Kyoto Protocol respected [2006 onwards].
Implement measures identified in European Climate Change Programme (ICCP) including European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS); review ECCP and ETS.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, the European Community (EC) has agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 8% by 2008–12 compared to base year levels. Based on the latest available inventory data of 2006, total GHG emissions in the EU-15 were 2.7% below base year levels when excluding Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF). In 2006, EU-15 GHG emissions decreased by 0.8% compared to 2005 while the EU-15 economy grew by 2.8%. Total EU-27 GHG emissions were, in 2006, 10.8% below base year level without emissions and removals by LULUCF and 0.3% lower compared to 2004. 2007 projections have indicated that the Community will reach its Kyoto target on the condition that MS put in place and implement as soon as possible their additional policies and measures. As for future action, in spring 2007, the European Council endorsed the EU's independent commitment to reduce GHG emissions by at least 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels even if no international agreement is reached. The EU would be prepared to increase this reduction to 30%, provided that such an agreement would indeed materialize. This underlines the need for the EU and its MS to put as soon as possible the necessary legislation in place to implement all the new policies and measures identified in the climate change and energy package.
Copenhagen Accord. Further to the Copenhagen Accord under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2009, and in particular provisions on financial assistance from industrialised countries, the Commission is exploring options to enhance biodiversity co-benefits.
A9.2
TARGET: Global annual mean surface temperature increase limited to not more than 2ºC above pre-industrial levels.
A9.2.1
ACTION: Further ambitious measures to limit temperature increase agreed in line with the long-term Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments, and action against climate change post-2012 extended to all the polluting countries (with common but differentiated responsibilities) and sectors involved.
Explore strategies for achieving necessary emission reductions and reduction pathways for the group of developed countries in the order of 15-30% by 2020, compared to the baseline envisaged in the Kyoto Protocol, and beyond, without prejudging new approaches for differentiation between Parties; follow-up on Montreal UNFCCC COP 11 and negotiate international response addressing climate change. Actions at Community and Member State level to be differentiated in due course.
Major EU priority activity; Target to limit global climate change to 2° Celsius reconfirmed by Council. In order to achieve this target a global deal on climate change will be needed; European Council (March 2007) endorsement of EU objective of 30% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2020 compared to 1990 (provided similar commitments of developed countries & economically more advanced developing countries are contributing adequately) - notwithstanding EU makes a firm independent commitment to achieve at least a 20% reduction; Commission (Dec. 2007 and Jan 2008) put forward legislative proposals for achieving at least 20% emission reduction in the EU and 30% in the context of an international agreement as part of comprehensive package of measures to establish new climate and energy policy for EU.
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD). Based on the Communication on deforestation from 2008, the EU calls for halting global forest cover loss by 2030 at the latest and reducing gross tropical deforestation by at least 50% by 2020 from current levels. The key tool to deliver on this objective, which would entail major climate/biodiversity co-benefits, is REDD. Achieving an agreement on REDD by the UNFCCC COP in December 2010 in Cancún is a core EU objective.
A9.3
TARGET: Climate change adaptation or mitigation measure from 2006 onwards delivering biodiversity benefits, and any negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards.
A9.3.1
ACTION: All climate change adaptation and mitigation measures assessed to prevent negative impacts or, where prevention not possible, to minimise, mitigate and/or compensate for negative impacts and, wherever possible, provide positive benefits to biodiversity [2006 onwards].
Impact assessment of new policies at Community level where appropriate.
COM Green Paper on climate change adaptation (COM(2007) 354 final) recognises the central importance of maintaining healthy functioning ecosystems and emphasises the need for practical and early implementation of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan; ongoing work to minimise negative effects of CC mitigation measures, New COM contract launched in 2007 will help prepare guidelines on wind, hydro & tidal barrages. Policy option of including Avoided Deforestation into the post 2012 climate regime explored, methodology discussed at SBSTA under the UNFCCC. White paper on adaptation to climate change to be adopted in the Spring of 2009. This will emphasise the importance of maintaining and restoring ecosystem integrity and the development of a "green infrastructure", an interconnected network of natural areas, including some agricultural land, wetlands, forests, marine areas. This would help ensure vital ecosystem services such as the regulation of storm water, temperatures, flooding risk, water, air and ecosystem quality. The MACIS project supported by RTD FP6 (see http://www.macis-project.net/links.html) will deliver a detailed report on adaptation and mitigation measures in different sectors and their impact on biodiversity.
White paper on adaptation to climate change (COM (2009) 0147) was adopted by the Commission on 1 April 2009. It emphasises the importance of maintaining and restoring ecosystem integrity and the development of a "green infrastructure", an interconnected network of natural areas, including some human made, agricultural land, wetlands, forests, marine areas. The White Paper recognises the important role played by ecosystems and notes that "a comprehensive and integrated approach towards the maintenance and enhancement of ecosystems and the goods and services they provide is needed". This should help ensure vital ecosystem services such as the regulation of storm water, temperatures, flooding risk, water, air and ecosystem quality. The MACIS project supported by RTD FP6 (see http://www.macis-project.net/links.html) delivered a detailed report on adaptation and mitigation measures in different sectors and their impact on biodiversity.
ACTION: Ensure that implementation of EU Biomass Action Plan takes due account in assessments, where relevant, of impacts on biodiversity, in particularly on high-nature-value farmland and forests, in order to achieve ecological sustainability of biomass production [2006 onwards].
Provide guidance on sustainability impact assessments.
EEA report ‘How much bioenergy can Europe produce without harming the environment?’ launched (June 2006); Ongoing debate (including in Council WPIEI and COP9 CBD) on bio-energy. As a follow-up to the Biomass Action Plan, the Commission published a Communication on an EU strategy for biofuels (COM(2006)34) which looks at the issue of the sustainability of biofuel feedstock cultivation. In addition, in its proposal for a directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, tabled on 23 January 2008 (COM(2008) 19), the Commission included a set of environmental sustainability criteria for biomass for fuel use which aim inter alia at protecting biodiversity both inside and outside the EU..
Directive 2009/28//EC including environmental sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids entered into force in 2009 and requires the Commission to provide guidance to MS regarding the implementation of these criteria. In addition, it requires the Commission to report by the end of 2009 on sustainability criteria for biomass energy use other than biofuels and bioliquids. This report was adopted in December 2009 with relevant follow-up processes.
The Report on sustainability requirements for the use of solid and gaseous biomass sources in electricity, heating and cooling (COM (2010)11) was adopted by the Commission on February 25th 2010. The report makes recommendations on sustainability criteria to be used by those Member States that wish to introduce a scheme at national level.
A9.4
TARGET: Resilience of EU biodiversity to climate change substantially strengthened by 2010.
A9.4.1
ACTION: Develop a comprehensive programme of priority actions to support biodiversity adaptation to climate change in the EU [by 2008].
Coordinate development of programme.
Forthcoming White Paper on climate change adaptation (see A9.3.1) provides impetus for follow up debate on policy responses. An ad hoc consultation group on biodiversity and climate change with Member State representatives and stakeholders will be set up.
The White Paper on climate change adaptation (see A9.3.1) provides impetus for follow up debate on policy responses. An EU Ad hoc Expert Working Group on biodiversity and climate change with Member State representatives, scientists and other stakeholders was set up. The group delivered a discussion paper – "Towards a Strategy on Climate Change, Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity". See http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/pdf/discussion_paper_climate_change.pdf.
A9.4.2
ACTION: Assess [by 2008], on the basis of available scientific evidence, and substantially strengthen [by 2010] coherence, connectivity and resilience of the protected areas network (Natura 2000 and non-Natura protected areas) in order to maintain favourable conservation status of species and habitats in the face of climate change by applying, as appropriate, tools which may include flyways, buffer zones, corridors and stepping stones (including as appropriate to neighbouring and third countries), as well as actions in support of biodiversity in the wider environment (cf.action 1.2.3).
Coordinate assessment, develop guidelines to strengthen coherence.
See A 1.2.3 - assessments and guidance are taking into account the potential significance of climate change impacts as appropriate.
Assessments and guidance are taking into account the potential significance of climate change impacts as appropriate. Green Infrastructure promoted as tool for adaptation and mitigation measures. More information on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm
See also A 1.2.3
A9.4.3
ACTION: Make a preliminary assessment of habitats and species in the EU most at risk from climate change [by 2007], detailed assessment and appropriate adaptation measures prepared [by 2009], commence implementation [by 2010].
Launch debate, raise awareness of need for Community level approach to adaptation.
An INTERREG IIIB funded project (BRANCH) examining spatial planning issues in relation to biodiversity adaptation to climate change has been completed in 2007. Several EU funded studies including RTD projects (e.g. ALARM, COCONUT, MACIS) in their final phase; COM has also launched in 2007 a review of current information, especially in the context of NATURA 2000.
COM has also launched in 2007 a review of current information, especially in the context of NATURA 2000. The final task reports are available. The reports include:
- Impacts of climate change on EU biodiversity: evidence and modelling results;
- An assessment framework for climate change vulnerability: methodology and results;
- Impacts of climate change on EU biodiversity policy and recommendations for policies and measures to maintain and restore biodiversity in the EU in the face of climate change;
- Applying the vulnerability assessment framework: impacts of climate change on the Natura 2000 network;
- Wind, hydro and marine renewable energy infrastructures in the EU: biodiversity impacts, mitigation and policy recommendation.
POLICY AREA 4: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE
OBJECTIVE 10: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN THE KNOWLEDGE BASE FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY, IN THE EU AND GLOBALLY.
A10.1
TARGET: Research findings on biodiversity and ecosystem services has substantially advanced our ability to ensure conservation and sustainable use by 2010 and again by 2013.
A10.1.1
ACTION: Subject to funding being found from existing financial resources, establish an EU mechanism for independent, authoritative research-based advice to inform implementation and further policy development.
Develop concept in consultation with key stakeholders, confirm funding availability, put mechanism in place.
See B 2.1.2
The European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy (EPBRS), an informal science-policy interface whose main aim is to identify the knowledge gaps that hinder the creation or application of policy, or that make it difficult to manage ecosystems effectively, has been very active. The EPBRS has contributed to the European consultation on an International Mechanism of Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity (IMoSEB) and will also contribute to other science-policy interfaces, including the recent proposal for an Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), when called upon to do so in the future.
A third consultation meeting on an Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services IPBES was organised by UNEP in June 2010, which led to an agreement to establish IPBES. The regional contribution to such a mechanism is being discussed at EU level.
See also B 2.1.2
A10.1.2
ACTION: Identify ways and means to strengthen independent scientific advice to global policy making, inter alia by actively contributing to CBD consideration of the 2007 evaluation of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, and the ongoing consultations on the need for improved International Mechanisms on Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity.
Engage in CBD consideration of 2007 MA evaluation, and ongoing IMoSEB consultations.
The European Community is engaged in the global strategy for follow-up to the UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and is committed to develop a sub-global assessment for the European region, using the EURECA project launched by the European Environment Agency, and the outcomes of the study on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). At CBD COP9 in May 2008 the EC and its Member States have supported UNEP's proposal for establishing an Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES), to strengthen independent scientific advice to global policy making.
The European Commission participated in the three Ad-hoc Intergovernmental and Multi-stakeholder Meeting on an Intergovernmental Science-Policy Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and has provided a grant of 1 million € to UNEP to support the strengthening of the Science-Policy Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, in particular through organisation of regional consultations.
Under the 2010 Annual Environment and Natural Resources Thematic Programme (ENRTP) the EC is providing 1.5 million € to develop capacity for effective use of ecosystem assessment in developing countries.
A10.1.3
ACTION: Enhance research on status, trends and distribution of all habitats and species of community interest and of additional habitats and species of policy relevance [2006 onwards].
Accommodate in FP7 work programmes - notably under the Specific Programmes for Cooperation and for Capacities (including research infrastructures).
There have been 2 calls for proposals in the first 2 years of FP7, 8 successful proposals (HUNT, SOILSERVICE, HighARCS, LiveDiverse, PALMS, SCALES and EBONE) as well as the LIFEWATCH support are expected to be funded with a Community contribution of EUR 23 122 421.
There have been 4 calls for proposals of FP7 resulting in the following successful projects: HUNT, SOILSERVICE, HighARCS, LiveDiverse, PALMS, SCALES, EBONE, STEP, CONGRESS, TESS, BioFresh and the projects SPIRAL, FunDivEUROPE, (ECOFINDERS?) and KNEU are under negotiation.
An “Atlas of Biodiversity Risk” has been launched during Green Week 2010. The Atlas brings together the results of a number of European Research Projects in a comprehensive manner thus contributing significantly to the biodiversity knowledge base for informed policy making. The RUBICODE project on Conservation of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Europe: From Threat to Action provided knowledge support to EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline.
A10.1.4
ACTION: Enhance research on most significant pressures on biodiversity, develop and test prevention and mitigation options [2006 onwards].
Accommodate in FP7 work programmes - notably under the Specific Programmes for Cooperation and for Capacities (including research infrastructures) plus Direct Cost Action Research within the JRC.
See A 10.1.3 JRC has developed tools for assessing in a consistent way pressures on biodiversity in 741 major African protected areas and made this available via the WWW http://www-tem.jrc.it//PA/index.html.
JRC has developed a methodology and a software tool that has been used for the assessment of forest fragmentation and lack of connectivity (pressure on biodiversity) at the European level (http://forest.jrc.it/biodiversity).
JRC, in the context of the European Forest Fire Information System, has assessed the impact of forest fires in Natura 2000 sites; reports on the impact of fires in Greece (2007) on forest fragmentation and connectivity in Natura2000 sites has recently been produced.
The FP6 projects ALARM, MACIS and COCONUT have achieved first results regarding prevention and mitigation options as well as assessment tools.
As indicated in A 7.2.4, the MONDE action of the JRC has developed methodologies for assessing pressure on more than 700 African Protected Areas (http://bioval.jrc.ec.europa.eu/PA/). Current work is addressing new visualisation means for describing these pressures as well as, in collaboration with the FOREST action, to assess fragmentation and connectivity of natural habitats in Africa.
Additionally, the JRC developed high-spatial resolution forest maps of Europe to assess forest change over time. This is the basis of the development of European wide datasets of forest spatial pattern and forest fragmentation, which have already been used e.g. in the EEA State of Forest Report, and the MCPFE 2007 European Forest report.
In the context of the Action BIOMES, the JRC is developing a methodology to map the capacity of ecosystems to provide a sustainable flow of ecosystem services. A first set of biophysical maps of ecosystem services at EU scale is foreseen by the end of 2010.
A10.1.5
ACTION: Develop and apply tools to measure, anticipate and improve effectiveness of most important policy instruments for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity [2006 onwards].
Accommodate in FP7 work programmes - notably under the Specific Programmes for Cooperation and for Capacities.
See A 10.1.3.
See A 10.1.3.
A10.1.6
ACTION: Allocate adequate financial resources to European and national biodiversity research and to dissemination of its results, including under the Seventh Framework Programme [2006 onwards].
Accommodate in FP7 work programmes - notably under the Specific Programmes for Cooperation and for Capacities (including research infrastructures).
The first call for the Environment Theme (FP7 SP Cooperation) has a budget of EUR 200 Million of which only EUR 24 Million for the Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources under which the topic of biodiversity is treated.
The indicative budget for the second call for the Environment Theme is of EUR 212 Million. The Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources under which the topic of biodiversity is treated has an indicative budget of EUR 30 Million.
The funding profile over the duration of FP7 is expected to rise quite steeply towards the end but cannot be extrapolated from the first 2 years of the remaining 5 of this 7-year programme.
As part of the Environment Theme (FP7 SP Cooperation) Biodiversity is treated as topic under the Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources. The following financial resources have been allocated so far within, to Environment theme Sub-Activity 6.2.1 Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and biodiversity under Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources:
- First call 2007: EUR 24 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 200 Million.
- Second call 2008: EUR 30 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 212 Million.
- Third call 2009: EUR 27 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 193,5 Million
- Forth call 2010: EUR 28,5 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 175 Million (FP7-ENV-2010)
A10.1.7
ACTION: Establish effective and inclusive European Research Area for biodiversity and strengthen capacities (including infrastructures) in key disciplines, interdisciplinary and participatory science [2006 onwards].
Accommodate in FP7 work programmes - notably under the Specific Programmes for Cooperation and for Capacities (including research infrastructures).
BiodivERsA is an ERA-NET in biodiversity research with a Community contribution of EUR 2.8 Million. LIFEWATCH, an e-science and technology infrastructure for biodiversity data and observatories is supported through the "infrastructure" budget.
LIFEWATCH has been launched on 12 March 2008 in Amsterdam. In the 3 years preparatory phase (2008-2010) the Community allocates EUR 5 Million to the project, Member States add further EUR 4.6 Million. The construction phase is planned from 2011-2018 with an overall budget of EUR 368 Million.
A follow-up ERA-Net project BiodivERsA2 will be funded with € 1 Million by the EU for further 4 years.
A10.1.8
ACTION: Put institutional arrangements in place to ensure policy-relevant research done (e.g. in support of implementation of the nature directives, integration of biodiversity into sectoral policies) and research outcomes are reflected where appropriate in policy development [2006 onwards].
Strengthen Community-level institutions/mechanisms at the science-policy interface (see Action A10.1.1); accommodate in FP7 work programmes - notably under the Specific Programmes for Cooperation and for Capacities; strengthen ability to assimilate research results at policy level.
For progress with the EU Mechanism and international mechanisms for scientific advice on biodiversity, sees Actions B 2.1.2 and A10.1.2. The FP7 1st call included 3 biodiversity topics of considerable policy relevance (related to the development of the ecosystem services concept). The European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy (EPBRS) has developed a set of priorities for biodiversity research in response to the EU Action Plan to 2010 and Beyond and continues to help orient biodiversity research strategy towards policy needs.
In the second call (FP7-ENV-2008-1) one topic was particularly dedicated to the science-policy interface, a co-ordination and support actions with a max. of EUR 1 Million EC contribution.
EPBRS continues work towards an EU biodiversity research strategy.
In the forth call (FP7-ENV-2010) one topic is dedicated to create a prototype of an EU network of knowledge (KNEU).
In May 2009 a workshop in Brussels was dedicated to elaborate on a concept of a network of knowledge as science side of a science-policy-interface.
Information on the latest scientific findings for biodiversity is provided by the "Science for Environment Policy" news alert service under its Biodiversity topic and in the Biodiversity Thematic Issue.
A10.1.9
ACTION: Establish and promote [2006 onwards]common data standards and quality assurance procedures to enable interoperability of key European and national biodiversity databases and inventories [by 2008].
Accommodate in FP7 work programmes - notably under the Specific Programmes for Cooperation and for Capacities (including research infrastructures).
See A10.1.7 the LIFEWATCH project.
See A10.1.3. the project EBONE contributing to GEO/GEOSS.
The EuroGEOSS project, a European approach to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems, has been funded by DG RTD. The MONDE action of the JRC is coordinating the development of a biodiversity operating capacity (http://www.eurogeoss.eu/)
JRC is working to ensure the extension of the INSPIRE guidelines to Natura2000 that, among others, should take into consideration the outcome of the Expert Group on Reporting under the Nature Directive. In addition, JRC has recently started to work on following Annex II and Annex III data themes particularly relevant for the Action Plan in collaboration with DG ENV Thematic Units: 17. Bio-geographical regions, 18. Habitats and biotopes, 19. Species distribution, 2. Land cover, 3. Soil, 12. Natural risk zones.
B.THE FOUR SUPPORTING MEASURES
SUPPORTING MEASURE 1: ENSURING ADEQUATE FINANCING FOR BIODIVERSITY.
B1.1
TARGET: Adequate funding provided for Natura 2000, biodiversity outside Natura 2000 in EU, biodiversity in external assistance and biodiversity research, inventory and monitoring 2007-2013.
B1.1.1
ACTION: Ensure adequate financing provided [2007-2013] to Natura 2000 implementation through community (CAP Rural Development, Structural Funds, Life+) and MS co-financing, accessible to those who manage Natura 2000 sites, with focus on optimising long-term conservation status and benefits as well as priority awareness raising and networking initiatives. (cf. Action A1.1.2)
See Action A1.1.2
See Action A1.1.2
See Action A1.1.2
B1.1.2
ACTION: Allocate, at MS initiative, within each national/regional Rural Development (RD) Programme, adequate Community and MS co-financing to measures available under all three axes of the RD Regulation which are directly or indirectly supportive of nature and biodiversity [2006/07 and any subsequent revisions].
See Action A2.1.1
See Action A2.1.1
See Action A2.1.1
B1.1.3
ACTION: Apply new European Fisheries Fund and Member State funds for actions beneficial to marine biodiversity [2007-2013]. (cf. Action A3.4.1)
See Action A3.4.1
See Action A3.4.1
See Action A3.4.1
B1.1.4
ACTION: Allocate, at MS initiative, cohesion and structural funds for projects directly or indirectly providing biodiversity benefits in all MS operational programmes [2006 onwards]. (cf. Action A4.1.1)
See Action A4.1.1
See Action A4.1.1
See Action A4.1.1
B1.1.5
ACTION: ESF contributing to biodiversity objectives through awareness-raising, capacity building, employment of the young, long-term jobless and elderly, etc. [2007 onwards]. (cf.Action A4.1.2)
See Action A4.1.2
See Action A4.1.2
See Action A4.1.2
B1.1.6
ACTION: Ensure adequate financing of other biodiversity measures outside Natura 2000 in the EU through other Community co-financing (e.g. Life+) and Member States’ financing [2007-2013].
Ensure adequate co-financing within limits of funds available.
New LIFE+ programme (2007-2013) is providing additional possibilities to finance specific innovative or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the EU biodiversity action plan.
4 of the LIFE+ projects co-financed in 2007, 8 of the 2008 and 12 of the 2009 ones are aimed at supporting wider biodiversity policy (i.e. other than those related to the Birds and Habitats Directive), which gives a total budget of 48.5 Mill EUR.
B1.1.7
ACTION: Increase in real terms international development assistance funds flowing annually to projects directly benefiting biodiversity [for period 2006-2010 compared with period 2000-2005; and again for period 2011-2013]. (cf. Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6)
See Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6
See Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6
See Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6
B1.1.8
ACTION: Allocate adequate financial resources to European and national biodiversity research and to dissemination of its results, including under the Seventh Framework Programme [2006 onwards]. (cf. Action A10.1.5)
See Action A10.1.5
Under FP5 a total of 39 projects have been funded with an overall budget of EUR 58.597.463.
Under FP6 the number of projects has been reduced to 20, but the overall budget allocated increased to EUR 77.480.422. Further 13 projects funded under FP6, focus on ecosystems, but also address biodiversity – with an overall allocated budget of EUR 78.608.847.
For FP7, there have been 2 calls for proposals in the first 2 years and 7 projects are expected to be funded with a Community contribution of EUR 23.122.421. The funding profile under FP7 is expected to rise quite steeply but it is not possible to extrapolate from the first 2 years for the remaining 5 of this 7-year programme.
See Action A10.1.6
Further financial resources have been allocated to biodiversity topics within the Environment theme to the Sub-Activities 6.2.2 Management of marine environments under Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources as well as under Sub-activity 6.4.2 Forecasting methods and assessment tools for sustainable development taking into account different scales of observation (e.g. TESS).
B1.1.9
ACTION: Allocate adequate funds for supporting measures including promoting joined-up planning, development of partnerships, monitoring, awareness raising and institutional capacity-building for biodiversity [2007-2013].
Allocate funds through available instruments including Life+
See B 1.1.6
See Action B 1.1.6
SUPPORTING MEASURE 2: STRENGTHENING EU DECISION-MAKING FOR BIODIVERSITY.
B2.1
TARGET: EU vision on biodiversity and ecosystem services agreed and providing policy framework by 2010.
B2.1.1
ACTION: Launch, hold and conclude EU debate on this vision and policy framework [2007/08].
There is an ongoing discussion on the establishment of a process to support the EU vision on biodiversity and ecosystem services, which would incorporate the valuable contribution from "The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)", the work and results of the EEA's EURECA project, the development of sub-global assessments (SGA) for Europe and research effort focusing over the course of FP7 on making human use of biodiversity sustainable. This process should be supported by an efficient science-policy interface, notably through promoting the establishment of an Intergovernmental science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) (see A.10.1.1).
The Commission organised a conference on 'Biodiversity Protection – Beyond 2010', 27-28 Athens, Greece, which was the first major stakeholder event. Dedicated working groups were held on all major issues of the biodiversity policy (The EU Biodiversity Action Plan, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Integration of Biodiversity Issues into Policies and Business, Natura 2000, Economics and Finance, Objectives for Biodiversity Protection beyond 2010).
The European Council at its March meeting agreed on a 2050 vision and a 2020 target on EU biodiversity.
The Green Week, the major environment policy event with a broad outreach, was dedicated to biodiversity in 2010. Sessions discussed, among others, the lessons learned from the current policy and certain aspects and elements of the future biodiversity policy.
The Commission is working on the development of a post-2010 EU biodiversity policy framework (strategy) aimed at delivering on the post-2010 EU biodiversity vision and target. Inter alia this work, the current policy framework is being assessed and discussed.
ACTION: Strengthen understanding and communication of the values of natural capital and of ecosystem services, and the taking into account of these values in the policy framework, expand incentives for people to safeguard biodiversity [2006 onwards].
Studies, meetings, research to feed into EU debate (Action 2.1.1) - development of proposals as appropriate.
As part of the Potsdam initiative agreed by G8 in 2007, a study on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) has been jointly initiated by the European Commission and Germany in collaboration with the European Environment Agency. Under the lead of Indian economist Pavan Sukhdev, the first results of this assessment of the global economic benefit of biological diversity, the costs of the loss of biodiversity and the failure to take protective measures versus the costs of effective conservation have been presented at CBD COP9 in May 2008.
A second phase of this study will further develop a methodological framework for valuation of the services provided by ecosystems, as a contribution to the Millennium Development Goals.
A COM study on Habitat banking will start in 2008 and run in 2009, as this instrument has been identified as one of Market Based Instruments (MBI) with potential for addressing Biodiversity off-sets.
The full package of the TEEB study will be published at CBD CO10 in October 2010. For further details on TEEB see www.teebweb.org
Further studies have been carried out on the economic aspects of environment, including on the use of market based instruments (2010), environmentally harmful subsidies (2010), understanding the causes of biodiversity loss and the policy assessment framework (2009), the monetary valuation of biodiversity costs of policy inaction (2009). For further details and the reports of studies conducted by DG ENV see http://ec.europa.eu/environment/enveco/studies.htm#7
B2.2
TARGET: New policies benefit biodiversity and ecosystem services, and their negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards.
B2.2.1
ACTION: Integrate concerns for biodiversity and ecosystem services, given their economic important in terms of jobs and growth for some sectors such as tourism, into Lisbon National Reform Programmes and the development of policies and budgets under these NRPs [2006 onwards].
Address biodiversity and ecosystem services in future guidelines, evaluate adequacy of integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services concerns in NRPs, address these issues in annual reports and any future recommendations to MS.
COM assessment in January 2006 showed that: Two thirds of the Member States refer to biodiversity or nature protection in their National Reform Programmes. Some of them consider biodiversity a particularly crucial resource due to the important economic contribution from nature tourism. However, later in the year COM assessment in December 2006 showed that: 'While on biodiversity important progress is reported by many countries, additional integrated policy efforts are needed.'
The European Council (2008) encourages Member States and the Commission to strengthen efforts aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond.
In the annex to the Strategic Report (January 2009), it has been indicated that progress in the implementation of policy measures to halt the loss of biodiversity is mixed – some Member States such as Poland still had very low sufficiency levels in establishing Natura 2000 network as of June 2008.
The preliminary results of the report "Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity" (TEEB) demonstrate the high dependency of human society upon ecosystem services, and suggested that a "business-as-usual" scenario could lead to substantial economic losses. For the period 2000-2050, the annual loss of world-wide terrestrial ecosystem services is estimated at around €50 billion. By 2050, the cumulated welfare losses were estimated equivalent to 7% of GDP. It emphasizes the urgency with which Member States need to incorporate the value of ecosystem services into policy measures.
The recently adopted Europe 2020 Strategy identified the new paradigm towards sustainable growth by promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy. Within the Europe 2020 the flagship "Resource Efficient Europe" introduces the need to establish a vision on the structural and technological changes required, so that Europe moves to a low carbon, resource efficient and climate resilient economy by 2050 allowing EU to achieve its emissions reduction and biodiversity targets.
B2.2.2
ACTION:Screen all new legislative and policy proposals at EU and MS levels for potential significant impacts on biodiversity in general and on ecosystem goods and services in particular, and ensure effective treatment of biodiversity concerns in policy impact assessments, in particular to ensure the maintenance of ecosystem goods and services [2006 onwards].
Implement policy impact assessment effectively as part of Better Regulation, including taking biodiversity impacts better into account.
Impact assessment guidelines used by the COM include biodiversity concerns.
As a result, around 100 Impact Assessments are undertaken each year and published (though most do not have biodiversity impacts). An Impact Assessment Board provides quality checking.
B2.3
TARGET: Biodiversity needs have been better integrated, as necessary, into post-2013 Financial Perspectives and any mid-term review of FP 2007-2013.
B2.3.1
ACTION: Strengthen alignment of the biodiversity policy cycle with the broader EU policy and budgeting cycle to enable more effective integration [2006 onwards].
Carry out mid-term and final reviews in timely manner in order to feed in to broader policy reviews (e.g. CAP) and into next Financial Perspectives post 2013.
6EAP mid term review carried out (03-05-2007), four priority areas confirmed. The 2007 Environment Policy Review carried out (02-07-2008), shows that the year 2007 was a turning point in EU environment policy. The main commitments under the 6th Environment Action Programme have been delivered and environment issues were firmly at the top of the political agenda. But there are also reasons for concern: while the policy framework is in place, implementation of EU environment legislation by Member States is often slow or incomplete. Further, the EU needs to prepare for the major environmental challenges ahead: defining a long-term strategic vision for sustainable consumption and production, adaptation to the inevitable climatic changes, and the protection of biodiversity. The accompanying Commission Staff Working Paper provides more factual details, including some key indicators of trends in the different priority areas of the 6th Environment Action Programme, as well as an overview of 2007 environment policy initiatives in all 27 Member States.
The 2009 Environment Policy Review (to be published in July 2010-ISC is ongoing) presents the main developments in EU environment policy during 2009 for the 4 priority areas of the 6th Environment Action Programme (part 1). Part 2 draws on statistical data and environmental trends and part 3 contains the Commission’s summary of the major environment policy developments in the Member States. Concerning nature and biodiversity, the EPR 2009 shows that the EU biodiversity pictures remains mixed with positive developments for some species and habitats overshadowed by worrying trends among others. To reverse the alarming trends of loss, the EU needs to fully implement relevant legislation – from the Habitats and Birds Directives to the Water Framework and Marine Directives. The 2009 EPR is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/policyreview.htm.
A mid-term evaluation of rural development programmes and national rural development strategies will be carried out in 2010. Results will feed into the debate on the CAP post-2013.
The time for mid-term and final review is fixed by the EFF Regulation. 2011 mid term review of the EFF Regulation could feed into the last phase of the CFP reform process
B2.4
TARGET: Complementarity of EC and MS biodiversity strategies and action plans substantially enhanced by 2010.
B2.4.1
ACTION:Re-align MS biodiversity strategies and action plans with this EU Action Plan [by 2007] and strengthen mechanisms for ongoing alignment of EC and MS biodiversity strategies and action plans [2007 onwards].
Encourage MS to re-align; propose and establish new mechanisms.
Ongoing discussions with Member States, including promoting co-operation on BAP delivery in Nature Directors meetings under each Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
B2.4.2
ACTION:Strengthen the institutional arrangements in support of coherence and complementarity in the implementation of EC and MS biodiversity strategies and action plans and in particular of this Action Plan [2006 onwards].
Propose and establish effective mechanism.
See B2.4.1
There have been discussions on improving the governance structure for implementation of EU nature and biodiversity policy, with particular regard to delivery of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan. This has led to the creation of a new Co-ordination Group on Biodiversity and Nature, involving the competent authorities of the Member States, different Commission services and representatives of key stakeholder groups.
B2.4.3
ACTION:Strengthen mechanisms for delivery from MS level to local level [2006 onwards].
None
See B2.4.1
See B2.4.1
B2.5
TARGET: Effective integration of Natura 2000, rural development, river basin management and other territorial plans and programmes in support of biodiversity achieved by 2010.
B2.5.1
ACTION: Strengthen proactive integration of available planning instruments including Natura 2000, river basin management planning, programmes of measures for soils, rural development plans - towards application of an ecosystems approach in the terrestrial and freshwater environment [2006 onwards]. (cf. Action A4.3.1)
Provide guidance
Ongoing
Ongoing
B2.5.2
ACTION: Integrate biodiversity concerns into the evaluation, monitoring and reporting mechanisms of Community-funded programmes which have an impact on the conservation and recovery of biodiversity [2006 onwards].
Provide guidance, integrate into community level evaluation and reporting.
COM has included biodiversity concerns and targets in the assessment of the National Strategies submitted by MS in the context of the EC Cohesion Policy (Structural, Cohesion Funds) for the financing period 2007-2013. Rural Development programs are also being monitored and assessed.
On regional development policy: COM has included biodiversity concerns and targets in the assessment of the National Strategies (NSRFs) submitted by MS in the context of the EC Cohesion Policy (Structural, Cohesion Funds) for the financing period 2007-2013.
On rural development policy: all rural development interventions for the programming period 2007-2013 are subject to monitoring and evaluation under the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF). The CMEF establishes means for improving programme performance, ensuring the accountability of programmes and allowing an assessment on the achievement of established objectives, including environmental objectives. A number of CMEF indicators directly concern biodiversity. See also actions A2.1.3 and A2.1.8.
On fisheries policy: ongoing work to develop guidelines to help MS with the 2011 interim evaluation of the EFF (2007-2013). Final guidelines should include questions on integration of environmental protection in EFF assistance.
B 2.6
TARGET: Substantial improvement in compliance with environmental regulations by 2010 and again by 2013.
B2.6.1
ACTION: Reinforce efforts to ensure compliance, control and enforcement at national, regional and local levels [2006 onwards].
Monitor compliance at Community level, enforce where necessary.
The European Commission has started a consultation exercise on its initiative to reform the control system of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Continued failure of the control policy would have serious consequences for the future of fisheries resources and on conservation efforts. In February 2008, the Commission has therefore launched a public consultation on how CFP control should be improved and strengthened to make it fit to deliver the core goals of the Common Fisheries Policy, namely, a genuinely sustainable European fishing industry. The Commission has adopted on 14 November 2008 a proposal for a Council Regulation on the reform of the control system of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). (see also section A3.5.5)
The Joint Deployment Plan (JDP) was launched in March 2008 by the Commission. This major EU control campaign will be coordinated by the Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA) and marks the EU's determination to ensure that the fifteen-year recovery plan for the blue fin tuna, agreed within the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) in November 2006, is fully respected. The JDP brings together the resources of the seven main Member States involved in the fishery and will cover all stages in the market chain, including controls at sea, onshore and at fattening farms.
Regarding fisheries policy: The Commission has adopted on 20 November 2009 Council Regulation (EC) N° 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). (see also section A3.5.5). With this text, control and inspection are focused where they are most effective, through an approach based on systematic risk analysis. Inspection procedures are standardised and harmonised for all stages along the chain, including transport and marketing. Use of modern data-processing and communications technologies is extended. Where possible, data processing is automated, and subject to systematic and comprehensive cross-checking. The result is a system which is more effectively targeted, more effective, and also less costly and burdensome to operate.
Regarding Bluefin tuna, a new Joint Deployment Plan (JDP) was launched in March 2010 by the Commission. The fifteen-year recovery plan for the blue fin tuna, agreed within the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) was revised.
Regarding rural development policy: Member States are required, within the framework of the common agricultural policy, to adopt all legislative, regulatory and administrative provisions and to take any other measures necessary to ensure effective protection of the financial interests of the Community, and particularly in order to check the genuineness and compliance of operations financed by the EAGF and the EAFRD. The Commission services carry out audits in the Member States a) to provide the Commission with reasonable assurance that expenditure financed by the Community in the area of agriculture and rural development has been effected in conformity with Community rules and, where this is not the case, to exclude the expenditure concerned from Community financing so as to protect the Community's financial interests; b) to contribute to improving the management and control systems in the area of agriculture and rural development.
SUPPORTING MEASURE 3: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR BIODIVERSITY.
B3.1
TARGET: Key stakeholder groups actively engaged in conservation of biodiversity from 2006 in each MS.
B3.1.1
ACTION: Enhance communication, cooperation and concerted action between Commission, Member States, landowners, scientific and conservation communities in support of Natura 2000 (including implementation of 'El Teide' Declaration) [2006 onwards].
Provide guidance, facilitate, co-finance.
Initiatives launched in 2008 by the Commission, aiming at the development and rewarding of Partnerships in the context of the management of the Natura 2000 network. The first initiative includes the establishment of a web-based 'Natura 2000 communication platform'. This will allow different socio-economic sectors to become actively involved on their own initiative in the exchange of good practice and the preparation of sector-specific guidance and recommendations for good conduct. The second initiative is the development of a 'Natura 2000 Partner Reward Scheme'. This will reward individuals, organizations and public institutions that show particular merit in promoting the management of and the communication on Natura 2000. Both initiatives are well under way, and the launch of the instruments is expected in 2009.
LIFE and LIFE+ projects have been promoting partnerships for nature since 1992 and it continues to promote in the future too.
B3.1.2
ACTION: Develop farming and biodiversity, forestry and biodiversity partnerships, building on existing consultative processes under the Common Agricultural Policy and forest policy [2006 onwards].
Facilitate such partnerships at Community level.
Input to consultation on RD strategies and some RD Plans.
B3.1.3
ACTION: Establish and adequately fund Regional Advisory Councils for fisheries, as provided for under the Common Fisheries Policy, and support their operations [2006 onwards].
Support RACs at Community level as provided for in Common Fisheries Policy.
Since 2004, 6 Regional Advisory Councils have been established and are now operational:
South-western waters RAC;
High Seas/Long Distance Fleet RAC;
Baltic Sea RAC
North-Western Waters RAC
Pelagic stocks RAC
North Sea RAC
The Mediterranean RAC was established in 2008.
B3.1.4
ACTION: Establish a Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation Task Force at EU level [2007] to advise on measures to support biodiversity adaptation to climate change and the prevention of damaging impacts of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures on biodiversity [2007 onwards].
Establish task force
A new ad hoc working group on Biodiversity and Climate change has been established by DG ENV of COM to help frame biodiversity and climate change policy for post 2010, including issues of Natura 2000 and ecological connectivity and the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services with regards to combating climate change. First meeting of group was in November 2008.
The Ad hoc working group on Biodiversity and Climate change has been established by DG ENV to help frame biodiversity and climate change policy for post 2010, including issues of Natura 2000 and ecological connectivity and the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services with regards to combating climate change.
In collaboration of the Hadley Centre of the UK Met Office, the MONDE action (Monitoring of Natural Resources for Development) of the JRC is setting up e-Habitat, a habitat modelling service for assessing vulnerability of habitats in protected areas to climate change.
The importance of the climate change-biodiversity link and the benefits of tackling climate change and biodiversity loss in an integrated, mutually supportive manner have been stated in numerous policy documents2.However, collaboration between the biodiversity and climate change communities needs to be a lot more interactive. An EU Ad Hoc Expert Working Group has been initiated by the Commission in 20083.The Group deliver a Discussion Paper – Towards a Strategy on Climate Change, Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity.4Another promising initiative is the “Rio Conventions’ Ecosystems and Climate Change Pavilion, which will be hosted for the first time at CBD COP 10 in Nagoya, then at UNFCCC COPs, UNCCD COP and at RIO + 20. The Pavilion will be hosted by the secretariats of the three Rio Conventions. The Commission is one of the core partners.
B3.1.5
ACTION: Develop biodiversity and planning partnership [2007 onwards].
Encourage such partnerships at MS levels, facilitate exchange of best practice.
ACTION: Develop a business and biodiversity partnership [2006 onwards].
Facilitate such partnerships at Community level
The Commission plans to launch a call for tender for a contract to help the Commission to set up and to put into operation an EU Business and Biodiversity Technical Facility / Platform. This work is a follow up to the outcome of the major conference on this subject, organised by Portuguese Presidency, in Lisbon on 12-13 November 2007. The Message from Lisbon, a consensus document from over 400 conference participants, half of them representing businesses, stressed the importance of engaging business in meeting the 2010 target, underlined the need for concerted action at the EU level Sectoral discussions aim at guidance documents for Natura 2000 are being prepared for the non-energy extractive industries, and for port operators in estuaries and coastal zones. A COM funded pilot study creating biodiversity technical assistance units in three selected new Member States (BU, HU & PL) aims to facilitate the creation of a new pro-biodiversity investment market for businesses, especially SMEs and the banking sector, and to help prepare bankable projects for future investment loans. Launching of the web-based 'Natura 2000 Communication Platform' and the 'Natura 2000 Partner' Reward scheme prepared for 2008.
The Commission launched the web-based Platform Business and Biodiversity in June 2010 to help businesses to identify business risks and opportunities linked to biodiversity. Synergies will be built with similar initiative at national level. The project focuses on 6 priority sectors (agriculture, food supply industry, forestry, extractive, financial and tourism). (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/business/index_en.html)
A COM funded project set up biodiversity technical assistance units in three selected Member States (BU, HU & PL) aiming to facilitate the creation of a pro-biodiversity investment market for businesses, especially SMEs and the banking sector, and to help prepare bankable projects and business plans for entrepreneurs for future investment loans. (see www.smeforbiodiversity.eu)
A study on businesses' risk on biodiversity was prepared to provide decision-makers with recommendations on incentives to business to minimise their risk related to ecosystem services.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity works towards preparing the TEEB specialised report on Biodiversity and Business (D3 report), which has just been published and will be presented in CBD COP-10 in Nagoya alongside with the other TEEB reports.
B3.1.7
ACTION: Develop partnership between financing sector and biodiversity [2006 onwards].
Facilitate such partnerships at Community level, including involving EBRD and EIB.
See B 3.1.6 - Finance sector involved in the business & biodiversity partnership.
The Commission is also working together with the insurance industry to develop instruments and financial security solutions under the requirements of the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD). This may lead to the production of guidelines for compensating for damages in biodiversity under the ELD. Furthermore the Commission has addressed the issue of remediation of environmental damage covered under the ELD with major industrial sectors.
The Commission is also exploring possibilities together with the EIB and EBRD for enhancing the financial opportunities for biodiversity and engaging more the private sector.
B3.1.8
ACTION: Apply the CBD Akwe-Kwon Guidelines for projects affecting terrestrial lands of indigenous and local communities both within the EU MS and in Third countries [2006 onwards].
Apply in respect of projects financed by Community public aid.
Provision of training to staff of EC delegations ongoing.
Provision of training to staff of EC delegations ongoing.
SUPPORTING MEASURE 4: BUILDING PUBLIC EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION FOR BIODIVERSITY.
B4.1
TARGET: 10 million Europeans actively engaged in biodiversity conservation by 2010, 15 million by 2013.
B4.1.1
ACTION: Develop [2006/07] and implement [2007 onwards] a communications campaign in support of full implementation of this Action Plan.
Coordinate development and implementation of campaign in partnership with MS.
In March 2008 a scoping study for an EU wide communications campaign on biodiversity and nature was published. Recommendations from this study (on campaign objectives, key messages, target audience, framework and components of a communications campaign) feed into the call for proposals of the third component of LIFE +, which focuses Information and Communication. Under this heading priority will be given to proposals focusing on nature protection and biodiversity. A common visual identity for communications campaigns on biodiversity and nature will be developed at EU level and subject to a call for tender in 2008. A Natura 2000 Book was launched in May 2008 and will play an important role in awareness raising and communication efforts. The Interim Report on the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity was also finalized in May 2008 and was the subject of a series of presentations in a number of key Member States during 2008.
The Commission carried out a Eurobarometer opinion poll on biodiversity in 2010. Two thirds of EU citizens were familiar with the term biodiversity but 8 out of 10 respondents had never heard about Natura 2000.
The 'European communications and outreach campaign on Biodiversity' was launched mid February 2010 and it consits of:
- - PR events and events for general public at the occasion of 22nd of May (in 6 target countries) and a street art happening at Green Week 2010 with participation of Commissioner Potocnik.
- - Paid advertising (outdoor, press, on-line).
Campaign's strategy: show the relevance of biodiversity and the implications its loss has for our daily lives (e.g. provision of goods and services such as clean air, food, water, medicines, etc.). This strategy is executed through visual identity / slogan that show how human society is interconnected with a larger life's system, and thus, depend on it.
Available indicators suggest that the implementation so far is very successful (2.2mln of visits to the website, more than 1mln views of the viral clip, above average click-through rate for the on-line advertisement, high press coverage of PR events).
Continuation of activities in the second half of 2010 is foreseen, with further focus on social media and approaching people with messages in innovative and original ways. The Commission has launched (1/6/2010) a call for tender to develop a complementary communications strategy, focusing on the promotion of Natura 2000 – to consolidate the awareness and positive image of this network of conservation areas.
Several communication materials have been produced, including leaflets, factsheets and Video News Releases on the Biodiversity Action Plan Mid term Report, the Message from Athens, Health check for Habitats and Species, Invasive Alien Species, Nature's role in climate change, Ecosystem Goods and Services, TEEB and Wild Europe.
Key information material on Natura 2000 was updated and translated into more languages, and the Natura 2000 Newsletter is published twice a year.
The TEEB Report for Policy Makers was also finalized and it was released to the international media at the press conference in Brussels on Nov 13th 2009.
B4.1.2
ACTION: Strengthen and implement IUCN Countdown 2010 initiative [2006 onwards].
Support the initiative, implement joint actions under the initiative.
Financial support has been granted to the Countdown 2010 initiative. COM participation in "European regions as champions for biodiversity 2010" in Noord-Brabant, NL, 15-16.02.2007 A new grant for 2008/2009 will support activities to extend the Countdown 2010 network to missing Member States, work with the European Parliament and preparation of the post 2010 biodiversity target.
A grant for 2008/2009 supported activities to extend the Countdown 2010 network to missing Member States, work with the European Parliament and preparation of the post 2010 biodiversity target. The activities continue one more year, while considering a re-launch of the initiative after 2010 in relation to a post-2010 target.
B4.1.3
ACTION: Ensure public participation, related access to justice requirements of the Aarhus Convention applied to projects, plans and programmes relating to or having an impact on biodiversity conservation [2006 onwards].
Ensure provisions of community law transposed and applied, address complaints.
Commission monitoring proper implementation of Directive 2003/35 on 'Public Participation when drawing up certain plans and programmes relating to the environment' (to be implemented as from June 2005), where it amends the EIA and IPPC Directives in relation to public participation in the permitting of projects that might affect biodiversity, and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive / SEA Directive (2001/42). In relation to access to justice, the Commission completed a study on the implementation of Article 9(3) of the Aarhus Convention in September 2007. The study shows that there is still work to be done as there are still barriers to ensuring wide access to justice. A conference on access to justice took place on 2 June 2008 to discuss the issue further. The Commission is now considering the next steps to take on this subject.
C.MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW
ANNUAL REPORTING
C1.1
TARGET: Annual, Mid-term and Final Reports submitted in timely fashion to Council and Parliament
C1.1.1
ACTION: Submit annual report on progress in implementation to Council and Parliament [starting end 2007].
2010 BAP assessment highlights the development done at both on Community and MSs level since 2008.
INDICATORS
C1.2
TARGET: Indicators in place and informing policy decisions by 2010
C1.2.1
ACTION: Adopt and apply [by 2007], at EC and MS levels, a small set of biodiversity headline indicators (see Annex 2) which inform the public and decision-makers on the state and trends of biodiversity, pressures on biodiversity and the effectiveness of key policy measures; adopt and apply at EC level a biodiversity index as a Sustainable Development Indicator and as a Structural Indicator [by 2007]
Development, quality assessment, make proposal, implement indicators.
A set of 26 pan-European biodiversity indicators (SEBI 2010) provides the basis for a first European indicator based assessment of progress towards the 2010 biodiversity target to be published by the EEA in the first half of 2009. A set of indicator fact sheets has been produced by the European Environment Agency, related for the mid-term BAP assessment. The development of national indicators aligned to the SEBI 2010 indicator framework is underway in the Member States. Further refinement and improvement of the SEBI 2010 indicators is ongoing, including with regard to the impact of climate change on biodiversity and communication. Response indicators have been collected by the European Commission in 2008. Indicators used in the context of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), such as the Mean Species abundance and other indicators being developed, such as the Net Landscape Ecological Potential may be evaluated for their inclusion in other assessment reports or the SEBI 2010 set. SEBI 2010 is also contributing to the update, improvement and review of the section on natural resources of the next Sustainable Development Monitoring Report to be published by Eurostat in 2009.
In 2009, EEA published a report on 'Progress towards the European 2010 biodiversity target' based on SEBI 2010 indicators (EEA report 4/2009)) The SEBI 2010 indicator set will be updated in 2010 for the EU.
EEA published in 2010 the EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline, which provides the best available facts and figures on the state and trends of the different biodiversity and ecosystem components. It hereby support the EU in developing the post-2010 sub-targets and provides factual data for measuring and monitoring progress in the EU from 2011 to 2020. The Biodiversity Information System for Europe (BISE) and the EU biodiversity data centre have been launched in 2010 and provide a single entry point for data and information on biodiversity in the EU http://www.biodiversity.europa.eu/
MONITORING
C1.3
TARGET: Monitoring providing adequate data flow for implementation of indicator set, for reporting on favourable conservation status, and for broader assessment of effectiveness of this Action Plan by 2010.
C1.3.1
ACTION: Establish reference values for favourable conservation status for Habitats and Birds Directive habitats and species to achieve a consensus of definitions across Member States [2006/07]; monitor habitats and species status in relation to these values [2007 onwards].
Coordinate development of reference values.
MS have provided Article 17 HD reports including 1st conservation status assessment and favourable reference values for species and habitats under the Habitats Directive- to be evaluated at Community level (mid 2009).
See A 1.2.1.
C1.3.2
ACTION: Use, and as necessary develop, monitoring tools, approaches and frameworks (building on those existing, including those of civil society) in order to establish and coordinate adequate harmonised data flows for the biodiversity indicators to reveal key trends [2007 onwards].
Coordinate implementation of the action with EEA.
Building on SEBI 2010 outcomes, COM is working with EEA, ESTAT, JRC and DG RTD on strengthening the knowledge base for biodiversity within the framework of the Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS) on developing a common approach for the establishment of a Europe wide biodiversity data centre and assessment facility to inform biodiversity policy. This will be undertaken jointly with Member States and NGOs.
The first health check for habitats and species in the EU has been published in July 2009 based on monitoring data from MS on conservation status of the most vulnerable habitats and species in EU (see A 1.2.1.).
Substantial work on streamlining of nature reporting is currently being undertaken with MS including improvement and harmonisation of data flows.
EEA published in 2010 the EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline, which provides the best available facts and figures on the state and trends of the different biodiversity and ecosystem components. It hereby support the EU in developing the post-2010 sub-targets and provides factual data for measuring and monitoring progress in the EU from 2011 to 2020.
Natura 2000 viewer. In 2010, COM launched an interactive tool enabling people to locate Natura 2000 sites and access related information: the Natura 2000 viewer.
C1.3.3
ACTION: Develop shared information system for biodiversity monitoring and reporting in the EU, based on agreed biodiversity indicators, which makes data available to all interested users, streamlines reporting and supports policy evaluation and development at national, regional and global levels [2006 onwards].
Coordinate development of shared information system, including exploitation of generic information and communication technologies.
COM is developing a clear concept regarding the information needs for supporting the biodiversity policy cycle within the framework of the SEIS initiative. This concept will be developed progressively- within the COM, the EEA, with the Group of 4 (COM, EEA, Eurostat, JRC), with the Member States and with other stakeholders. A concept paper and a roadmap is being developed with EEA, which is responsible for the EU Biodiversity Data Centre within the Group of 4.
In January 2008, the European Commission has adopted a Communication towards a Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS)5, based on technologies such as the internet and satellite systems. It is closely linked to INSPIRE, the environmental geographic data and services portal (see http://www.inspire-geoportal.eu/) and the ‘Global Monitoring for Environment and Security’ (GMES), which represents a concerted effort to bring data and information providers together with users, so they can better understand each other and make environmental and security-related information available to the people who need it through enhanced or new services (http://www.gmes.info/).
In the framework of SEIS, the European Commission is currently working on a legal proposal, The SEIS legislative proposal is envisaged to provide a legal basis for the new DG ENV wide electronic reporting mechanism, focusing especially on information and data currently reported under Community environmental law.
See C 1.2.3 on BISE
The Biodiversity Information System for Europe (BISE) and the EU biodiversity data centre have been launched in 2010 and provide a single entry point for data and information on biodiversity in the EU http://www.biodiversity.europa.eu/
For what concerns non EU region, the MONDE action of the Global Environment Monitoring Unit of the JRC is, in partnership with Birdlife Int., UNEP-WCMC, GBIF, RSPB and, possibly, IUCN, setting up the DOPA, a Digital Observatory for Protected Areas, which will allow end-users to assess, monitor and forecast biodiversity in Protected Areas at the global scale. DOPA is designed to be a reference network of information systems in the field of biodiversity.
EVALUATION AND REVIEW
C1.4
TARGET: Action Plan adjusted as necessary in 2010, new plan adopted in 2013
C1.4.1
ACTION: Submit to Council and Parliament in 2009 a concise mid-term evaluation of progress towards the 2010 targets (to end 2008) and make any essential adjustments in actions to meet targets.
Commission to coordinate evaluation, prepare and submit evaluation report; Council to respond to evaluation report.
The mid-term Report from the Commission to the Council and European Parliament, comprises the Communication, which is summary text of progress at EC and MS levels in relation to objectives and targets; an updated assessment at Community level for each action of the BAP; a summary Country Profiles for each Member State; an indicator fact sheets from the European Environment Agency led project on Streamlining of European Biodiversity Indicators (SEBI 2010); a synthesis consolidated report, combining for different objectives and targets the summaries for Community and Member State level assessments, the relevant indicators and any key messages in support of the Communication.
The mid-term report of implementing the EU Biodiversity Action Plan has been adopted by EC on 16/12/08 (see C 1.1.1). It provides the first comprehensive assessment of progress at both European Community and Member State levels The report studies the four main policy areas: biodiversity in the EU, the EU and global biodiversity, biodiversity and climate change, and the knowledge base. A summary of progress in each Member State is included for the first time. It also includes for the first time a set of indicators (SEBI 2010) to monitor progress towards the EU 2010 biodiversity target.
COMPLETE
C1.4.2
ACTION: Submit to Council and Parliament, in 2011, a full evaluation of extent to which EU has met its 2010 targets.
Commission to coordinate evaluation, prepare and submit evaluation report; Council to respond to evaluation report.
See C 1.4.1 - The fourth annual report (to end 2010) will evaluate the extent to which the EU has met its 2010 commitments. This will involve qualitative assessment of the extent to which Action Plan actions have been implemented and targets achieved, and an overall assessment of whether implementation of the BAP has had an impact on improving conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. These evaluations will also be informed by the Community Article 17 report, the indicator-based assessment of the extent to which Europe has met the 2010 biodiversity target to be published in 2009 by EEA and drawn on the ongoing study on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity (TEEB).
The 2010 update of the assessment of the current policy, similarly to the 2008 mid-term report, evaluates progress made both on Community and MSs level.
COMPLETE
C1.4.3
ACTION: Submit to Council and Parliament, in 2014, a full evaluation of extent to which EU has met all post-2010 targets of this Action Plan, and proposing a new Action Plan for the period of the new Financial Perspectives post-2013.
Commission to coordinate evaluation and preparation of new action plan, prepare and submit evaluation report and action plan; Council to respond to evaluation report and new action plan.
See C 1.4.1 - The seventh annual report (to end 2013) will provide a similar evaluation, addressing also all post–2010 targets in the Action Plan. The development of o sub-global ecosystem assessment for Europe will inform final evaluation of the 6th EAP, review of sectoral policies and budgets during the 2007–2013 period, and policies and budgets for the post–2013 period.
The post-2010 EU biodiversity vision and target was adopted by the European Council in March 2010. The Commission is in the process to develop a detailed policy frame having the potential to most effectively and efficiently deliver to the 2020 target.
ONGOING
1UNESCO was designated by UN General Assembly Resolution 57/254 to lead the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). In addressing biodiversity, the focus is on the interlinking issues of biodiversity and livelihoods, such as agriculture, livestock raising, forestry and fisheries. The Decade offers an opportunity to develop a better understanding of how consumption impacts biodiversity at local and global levels, to sensitize young people to their role and responsibility in this process and to accelerate human resource development, education and training to prevent habitat loss and degradation, species loss, and pollution. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001388/138846e.pdf
