A two-day conference on the future of European biodiversity policy entitled ‘Biodiversity conservation after 2010’ kicked off today in Athens. Some 230 delegates from all EU Member States, as well as representatives of NGOs, European businesses and UN organisations, will discuss the EU’s current EU policy on the conservation of EU biodiversity and define priorities for future action. There are growing signs that the loss of ecosystems and species continues, although important progress has been made, such as the establishment of the Natura 2000 network. Achieving the EU’s objective of tackling biodiversity loss will require political and economic decision-making to take into account the true value of biodiversity.

The conference will start with an updated overview of the state of biodiversity in the EU and beyond before looking to the future. Parallel sessions will address topics such as the effects of climate change on biodiversity, the response of industry and business, possible improvements to the Natura 2000 network, the need to integrate biodiversity considerations more effectively into other policy areas (e.g. in agriculture, fisheries, regional development, etc.). transport, energy, trade and development aid) and the need to ensure that the true value of biodiversity is considered in economics and accounting. The conference will end with a synthesis of recommendations and an ‘Athens message’ with suggestions for future biodiversity policy.

An ethical and economic obligation

The protection of biodiversity has to do with the conservation of the strength and vitality of our natural ecosystems both for their intrinsic value and for the benefits they bring to human society. Healthy ecosystems are our best defence against the worst weather extremes related to climate change.

There is a growing recognition that the benefits that human society derives from nature have a very high value and that sustainable human development depends on the continuation of those advantages. However, its real value is not currently reflected in its market price or in political decision-making. Until this basic deficiency is addressed, biodiversity will continue to be lost.

More information:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/conference/index_en.htm