All EU member states are part of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This means they must report on the state of biodiversity within their borders.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the relationships among species and their environments. Currently, about 8.7 million species exist, but we’ve only identified around 1.2 million. This shows how much more we have to learn and how crucial it is to protect what we do know.
In 2022, the parties to the UN Convention adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This plan aims to stop and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and seeks a balance between humans and nature by 2050. It includes four main goals and 23 specific targets. These focus on protecting ecosystems, stopping species extinctions, using resources sustainably, and enhancing funding and support for biodiversity projects.
The EU’s 7th National Biodiversity Report details how it contributes to achieving these global goals. It’s aligned with the European Green Deal and the Biodiversity Strategy, both frameworks for nature conservation in Europe.
Unfortunately, the report reveals troubling news: many ecosystems and species in the EU are faring poorly. Habitats linked to farming, wetlands, and marine areas are particularly at risk. Declining pollinator populations pose a significant threat to food production, driven by factors like habitat loss, intensive farming, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. On a positive note, certain large mammals and bird species are seeing population growth thanks to focused conservation efforts.
Biodiversity is vital. Without it, we risk losing the systems that provide clean air, water, and fertile land. When these systems fail, it goes beyond environmental issues to affect our economy and society. While this trend is alarming, there is still time to make a difference through international cooperation and local actions.
Interesting statistics show that local initiatives can significantly boost biodiversity. For instance, planting pollinator-friendly gardens or restoring local wetlands can start small but create substantial positive impacts. Often, these actions require fewer resources than we might think.
Ultimately, every effort counts—whether it’s a family planting flowers or a city transforming brownfields into green spaces. The future of our planet depends on these collective actions.
For more detailed insights, you can check the EU’s comprehensive biodiversity report here.
If you’re interested in engaging further with this topic, consider exploring discussions on social media platforms where people share inspiring local biodiversity projects or initiatives.
