Transcript Document
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation in the EU today – Business & Biodiversity Alexandra Vakrou, EC, DG Environment IEF European Roundtable ‘Addressing Industry’s Impacts on Biodiversity” 8 June 2006 European Commission Overview of presentation EU policy context for Biodiversity and nature protection The NATURA 2000 network Business and Biodiversity Future priorities European Commission Nature Protection & Conservation European Commission What is happening to biodiversity in Europe ? Major habitats under threat wetlands in north & west Europe have been reduced by 60% in recent decades Species also in decline 64 % endemic plants extinct in Europe 45 % of Europe’s butterflies threatened 38% of Europe’s birds threatened European Commission Key Nature & Biodiversity Aims under the 6th EAP Halt biodiversity decline by 2010 Protect / restore nature & biodiversity from damaging pollution and activities Conservation of marine, coasts & wetlands Species & Habitat conservation including the avoidance of habitat fragmentation Promote sustainable use of Soils European Commission Main provisions of the Birds and Habitats Directives BIRDS DIR. All bird species protected No priority bird species (cf. indicative list for Life-Nature) HABITATS DIR. Species/habitats of EU interest protected Priority habitats/species EU territory treated as a whole Biogeographical regions Habitat conservation measures (incl. SPAs in NATURA 2000) Site protection measures (SACs) in NATURA 2000 Regulated hunting and trade limited to a few species Species protection and management 1979 European Commission 1992 BIRDS AND HABITATS DIRECTIVES A COMBINATION OF SPECIES AND OF HABITATS PROTECTION The NATURA 2000 network of sites Very large overall surface area has been proposed For Habitats Directive ~ 17 % of EU-15 territory For Birds Directive ~ 9 % of EU-15 territory European Commission Natura 2000 Sites European Commission BAROMETER European Commission BAROMETER European Commission How are the Natura 2000 sites to be managed ? This remains the responsibility of the Member States - Subsidiarity Natura 2000 are not ‘strict Nature Reserves’ where human activities are excluded emphasis on Sustainable Management (ecologically, economically and socially) management plans for the sites or species are a useful tool European Commission ARE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES ALLOWED INTO NATURA 2000 SITES? New activities are not ‘a priori’ forbidden Development projects are treated on a caseby-case basis Evaluation and decision procedure Supplementary protection measures for priority habitats sometimes is needed Documents/guidelines on Article 6 provisions Encouragement of MS to create similar guidelines adapted to national conditions/laws European Commission Dealing with plans and projects (Art. 6.3/4 Habitats Directive, simplified) Possible negative impact on Natura 2000 site? Nature impact assessment If negative Alternatives? Overriding public interest? Compensation measures - Commission opinion (if priority interest) European Commission yes If no If yes Studies on the effects of plan/project If there are negative impacts (for ex. if the impact causes damages) the Member States accept the project only if: No other alternative reasons of major overriding public interest (including social/economic) compensatory measures are taken When the site hosts priority habitats and/or species, only following reasons can apply: reasons of public health or security or major benefits for environment, or following an opinion of the Commission, other reasons of major overriding public interest European Commission Specific problems remain Dealing with plans and projects Problems: – no or inappropriate nature impact assessments – negative results of assessments not respected – no alternatives considered – no or inadequate mitigation / compensation measures – no designation or nomination of a qualifying site: provisions apply nevertheless (SPAs: even stricter rules!) New Member States: Art.6.(2/3/4) apply from accession onwards European Commission Managing NATURA 2000 sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/nature_conservation/eu_ nature_legislation/specific_articl es/art6/pdf/art6_en.pdf European Commission The new Biodiversity Communication HALTING THE LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY BY 2010 – AND BEYOND Sustaining ecosystem services for human well-being COM(2006) 216 final Adopted by Commission on 22.05.2006 European Commission Business and Biodiversity Impacts exist (direct or indirect) Sometimes no possibility to avoid impacts Cumulative effects Increased Risks by operations But also LIABILITY European Commission How industry’s impacts can be addressed? Proactive measures Better planning, design of projects/operations New technological solutions /innovations Mitigation Strengthening implementation of environmental policies by all stakeholders But also a need to change mentality of companies Building partnerships, transferring best practices European Commission The role of the European Commission Tight cooperation with Member States and stakeholders Building partnerships with stakeholders and strengthening communication (one of the 4 key priorities in the new Biodiversity Communication) Building on a strong public education, awareness by information & communication on Natura 200 (for ex. Newsletter, promotion of exchanges of good practices between Member States and operators in the fields of biodiversity protection and nature management Ensuring compliance of proposed actions and operations with Community environmental legislation European Commission Priorities for the Future on Business and Biodiversity Follow-up of the Green Week 2006 on Biodiversity Development of further dialogue between stakeholders and building partnerships Working for the development of best practices documents for sharing experiences Increasing Communication efforts and provide explanations of the objectives of the Biodiversity Communication and the Nature Directives and guidance ‘Supporting Business and Biodiversity’ contract to promote in a pilot phase pro-biodiversity projects in co-operation with major Banks European Commission HOMEPAGE European Commission