The proposal addresses important gaps in the implementation of the nature laws, for instance the long-overdue completion of the Natura 2000 network of protected nature sites, and the adoption of necessary conservation measures for all sites. Regrettably, there are numerous gaps in the current action plan as it stands.
Whilst Friends of the Earth Europe welcomes the 15 steps announced by the Commission, we call for much greater action to be taken – by the Commission, Member States and local authorities – in order to halt the loss of nature by 2020. Europe is currently far off track on this target.
Robbie Blake, nature campaigner for Friends of the Earth Europe, said: "Nature is a right, not a privilege - when nature thrives we do too. Today's Action Plan takes some small steps to improve the perilous shape of European wildlife, but it lacks teeth and is silent on the need to save bees and tackle industrial farming – nature's biggest killer.
"Access to nature is proven to be good for our health and wellbeing, so member states and local authorities now need to go above and beyond this plan if we are to have a chance of stemming wildlife loss and protecting nature for all."
Highlights of what's in the Commission's plan:
Nevertheless, the mildly-worded action plan lacks teeth to stem the decline in nature, in a number of important areas:
It is now key that the Commission, Member States and relevant authorities and stakeholders engage in the implementation of this action plan and go beyond, if we are to have a chance of halting Europe's biodiversity loss.