The Spanish Presidency of the European Union has as one of its main priorities the fight against the loss of biodiversity, and for this reason Spain wants to open a constructive debate to establish a global biodiversity target for the post-2010 period.

The Spanish Presidency of the European Union has as one of its main priorities the fight against the loss of biodiversity, and for this reason Spain wants to open a constructive debate to establish a global biodiversity target for the post-2010 period.

The European Conference “Post-2010 Biodiversity Goal and Vision. The role of protected areas and ecological networks in Europe”, which began today in Madrid under the presidency of the Minister of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, Elena Espinosa, aims to promote this dialogue.

During this year, designated as the International Year for Biodiversity, international negotiations will be held that will culminate in New York with the celebration in September of a high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly, attended by Heads of State and Government. In addition, the Tenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity will be held in Nagoya, Japan, in October. In order to ensure that the European Union arrives prepared for both meetings, the Spanish Presidency undertakes to facilitate the preparatory negotiations during this semester, through meetings such as the one at the Conference that began today.

The Spanish Presidency of the EU has five priorities in the field of biodiversity, which include the establishment of a global biodiversity target for the post-2010 period, the revision of the strategic plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the conclusion of international negotiations on Access to Genetic Resources and Sharing of the Benefits Arising from their Use, the establishment of an International Platform to enhance the interaction between science and policy on biodiversity, and the better understanding of the economic implications of biodiversity loss.

Spain defends the ethical obligation to prevent the loss of species and habitats caused by human activity, and considers that Europe has a responsibility to demonstrate that the preservation of natural heritage is not at odds with the achievement of optimal levels of well-being, but also contributes to them. In this regard, the Spanish Presidency considers it important that the Spring European Council adopts a European Union target for the post-2010 period, which will also serve as a contribution to the ongoing international negotiations.

On the other hand, Spain encourages Member States to complete the lists of Natura 2000 Network Sites of Community Importance for the marine environment and to establish management plans.

In addition, Spain will continue to collaborate with the Commission and the Member States with the aim of ensuring that biodiversity is properly integrated into the future definition of the European Union’s sectoral policies, and in particular, into the common fisheries and agricultural policies and their financing mechanisms.

Likewise, the Spanish rotating presidency of the EU will continue to support initiatives to address the threats to species, ecosystems and the economy caused by the introduction of invasive species. 

For more information about the Conference click here.