The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, the strategy to be implemented by 2030 to safeguard biodiversity. Each of us-individually or representing associations, research institutes, other public and private entities, businesses and cooperatives-can make comments, by 1/20/20, by following the link https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/ares-2019-7908307_it.
Biodiversity, a heritage to be saved
Biodiversity-understood as the variety of life on Earth-is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable well-being and human prosperity. Therefore, the European Union is in the process of setting specific goals to be pursued by 2030 for its preservation. To be shared in the broader forum of the 15th UN Conference on Biodiversity, next October in China (in Kunming).
Climate change, pollution and the spread of invasive alien species-along with overexploitation of soils and watersheds-are listed as major causes of biodiversity loss. Neglecting the deadly role of pesticides and ‘crop plutocracy‘. Namely, the concentration of global agricultural production on a very limited number of plants and animals, at the expense of the extraordinary wealth of native species and varieties.
Environmental protection, Europe’s roles and responsibilities.
Europe’s roles and responsibilities in environmental protection are rooted in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Where they are provided:
– the shared competence, of the EU with Member States, in environmental matters (Art. 4.2.e),
– the needs to protect the environment, particularly in the context of promoting sustainable development, among the policies of the Union (Art. 11),
– EU action on the environment (Art. 191).
The European Union, on this basis, participates as a full member in the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
Biodiversity in the EU, rules and prospects
Natura 2000
is in fact the main tool to date in the EU for maintaining biodiversity. An ecological network established under the so-called Habitats Directive and spread over the territories of all member countries. (1) For the purpose of ensuring the long-term preservation of natural habitats as well as rare or endangered species of flora and fauna.
In addition to the Natura 2000 network-which has enabled the creation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in line with the provisions of the so-called Birds Directive (2)-there are other regulatory instruments already adopted in the EU. Such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Regulation on Invasive Alien Species. (3)
The European Green Deal, announced by the European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, is also expected to contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. Provided we introduce effective restrictions on the use of agrotoxics and encourage organic production, including small- and micro-scale (e.g., peasant farming).
In contrast, new GMOs-from the misleading acronyms NBT(New Breeding Techniques) and GE(Gene Editing)-are a serious threat to biodiversity, on par with traditional GMOs. And it is therefore that Europe will have to be prevented from simplifying the procedure for their authorization. Without foregoing the necessary scientific risk assessment that must inescapably precede any authorization to release genetically modified organisms into the environment.
EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, the stated goals
The EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy is based on three keywords. Protect, Restore and Integrate:
▪ protect nature, increase the coverage and effectiveness of protected areas according to Natura 2000 network,
▪ restore damaged ecosystems, including the most carbon-rich ecosystems and those that maintain an appreciable ecological status,
▪ fully integrate biodiversity considerations into other European policies and address the EU’s impact on global biodiversity.
Other objectives included in the initiative pertain to the promotion of sustainable use of forest, agricultural, marine, freshwater and urban ecosystems. To securing adequate financial resources so as to increase knowledge through contributions from citizens and social stakeholders.
The ongoing consultation
The European Commission invited interested social partners to offer contributions to the work of the Biodiversity and Nature Coordination Group. With regard to the goals and measures being developed, which will be presented in 2021. The more the contributions are accompanied by precise references to published data and studies, the more their consideration by the European institutions involved will be due.
Dario Dongo and Martina Novelli
Notes
(1) SEE https://www.minambiente.it/pagina/direttiva-habitat
(3) See https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32008L0056, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1417443504720&uri=CELEX:32014R1143
Graduated in International Relations at the Sapienza University of Rome, she followed the Master in Law & Foody Safety of the University of Bologna.
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
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