Biodiversity

Our Work

Our work supports the EU's objective of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2020, currently focusing on key issues such as the socio-economic benefits of ecosystems services, the implementation and financing of EU biodiversity conservation measures, the development of policies on invasive alien species, and measures to support the adaptation of biodiversity to climate change. We primarily work on policy analysis and development projects commissioned by the European Commission, but also contribute to the biodiversity conservation work of national governments and NGOs.

Our work supports the EU’s objective of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2020, currently focusing on key issues such as the socio-economic benefits of ecosystems services, the implementation and financing of EU biodiversity conservation measures, the development of policies on invasive alien species, and measures to support the adaptation of biodiversity to climate change.

We primarily work on policy analysis and development projects commissioned by the European Commission, but also contribute to the biodiversity conservation work of national governments and NGOs.

The EU has a relatively strong and comprehensive biodiversity conservation policy framework, with key instruments including the Birds and Habitats Directives, as well as other relevant regulations (e.g. those of controlling pollution) and sources of funding for environmentally beneficial land management (e.g. under the Common Agricultural Policy).

In 2001, EU Heads of State and Government committed to halting the decline of biodiversity in the EU by 2010 and to restoring habitats and natural systems. This ambitious target was further supported in 2006 by a European Commission Communication and detailed EU Biodiversity Action Plan, which aimed to provide a comprehensive plan of actions to achieve the 2010 target.

The EU’s existing commitments and the stimulus of the Action Plan have contributed to substantial progress in the implementation of policies and practical measures for biodiversity conservation – for example, the Natura network is now the largest network of protected areas in the world. Despite this the EU failed in meeting its 2010 biodiversity target.

There is evidence, however, that biodiversity losses are now being taken more seriously and being addressed in core policy making. This is largely as a result of growing evidence from the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the G8 initiated study of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) that clearly shows that biodiversity is worthy of protection, not just for its own sake but also for its contribution to human well-being.

Consequently, EU Heads of State have signed up to a new post-2010 EU biodiversity target, which reflects the economic and welfare agenda by aiming to halt biodiversity and ecosystem services loss by 2020, restoring them where feasible and ‘stepping up the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss.’

More about our work in this area...

Latest in Biodiversity

  • Natural capital in a Nordic context

    A report for the Nordic Council of Ministers reviewing five different approaches to natural capital accounting and exploring their links with biodiversity and ecosystems.

  • Incorporating biodiversity into national strategies and action plans

    This guidance document has been prepared to support practitioners of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans to update their plans to incorporate biodiversity and ecosystem service values. Six in depth country case studies provide common lessons of good practice.

  • Webinar: Incorporating biodiversity into national strategies and action plans

    IEEP has just produced a roadmap and guidance document to help practitioners to incorporate biodiversity and ecosystem values into their NBSAPs. See case study examples and tune into the webinars on June 5 and 7.

  • Land as an Environmental Resource

    How can we meet the different and often conflicting demands we make on our limited supply of rural land in Europe? A more strategic approach to the way in which land is used is needed than has been the case in the past. This report for DG Environment looks at the data, the challenges and the policy options for Europe.

  • Biodiversity proofing of the EU budget

    This study shows how more can be done to firstly avoid and minimize detrimental impacts of EU funding on biodiversity, and secondly to increase biodiversity benefits.

  • Land use mapping for sustainable biofuels

    IEEP and WWF join forces to define criteria and principles to guide the mapping of appropriate land use to ensure sustainable biofuel crops.

  • Socio-economic importance of ecosystem services in the Nordic countries

    New TEEB-inspired regional assessment (published on 31 January) shows that nature and its ecosystem services are of high socio-economic significance for the Nordic countries. In order to be truly sustainable, Nordic economic systems need to build on a more comprehensive appreciation and understanding of the value of natural capital.

  • Addressing ILUC? The European Commission’s proposal on indirect land use change

    The European Commission’s proposal on indirect land use change – what’s in it for mitigating emissions? Read IEEP’s latest Biofuel ExChange briefing.

  • The role of bioenergy in Europe's energy future

    IEEP’s review questions the potential contribution of increased use of biomass for heat and electricity generation to reduce emissions.

  • Bioenergy and climate change: hard questions to answer

    We have a policy framework which will drive greater use of bioenergy to 2020 but with no associated guarantee of reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, concludes IEEP report.

  • Increasing regional prosperity by investing in nature: Guidance to mainstream biodiversity

    Investment in natural capital through the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems has a lot to offer for regional development. A new publication authored by IEEP provides guidance on integrating biodiversity into EU Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in 2014-2020.

  • Nature and its role in the transition to a Green Economy

    This new IEEP-authored report highlighting the importance of nature to the economy aims to clarify and help mainstream nature’s role in the transition to a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.

  • Draft ILUC proposal leaked

    The European Commission's draft proposal for a Directive on the indirect land use change (ILUC) from biofuels was leaked to the public in mid-September 2012. This briefing summarises and reacts to these leaked proposals.

  • Resource mobilisation at the heart of CBD COP discussions

    The eyes of the world’s biodiversity community are on Hyderabad as Parties to the Convention tackle the pressing challenges faced in implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, including mobilising sufficient resources to translate the Plan into concrete action.

  • Exploring key priorities and actions for the 7th EAP

    This policy paper examines how the forthcoming 7EAP can contribute to protecting natural systems and improving the way in which we use natural resources. It also examines a number of cross-cutting actions needed to support the priorities of the 7EAP and ensure better delivery of EU environment policy.

  • Refreshing Europe's water policy

    The latest edition of IEEP's newsletter is now available with a lead article on efforts to reinvigorate EU water policy. Plus CAP reform, nature in the Green Economy, using straw for biofuels, emissions trading revenues ...

  • What do we mean by Green Economy?

    What is the Green Economy? What policy actions can contribute to achieving it? And how have EU-funded research projects supported these actions?

  • Green Economy in the European Union

    Elements of the green economy concept are relatively well integrated in EU strategic documents - but the focus is on achieving green/sustainable growth, rather than achieving a ‘green economy’.

  • After Rio, it’s up to us to shape the Future We Want

    Despite some new commitments on Green Economy, oceans, and Sustainable Development Goals, progress on much of the Rio agenda will depend on actions taken by individual countries, blocs (like the EU), companies and civil society networks.

  • Estimating the Overall Economic Value of the Benefits provided by the Natura 2000 Network

    Estimated benefits provided to EU citizens from the EU’s Natura 2000 Network could be in the range of €200 to €300 billion a year.

Highlights