1 The EU Platform – a commitment or an opportunity? European Commission DG Environment Unit B2 Biodiversity

2 Presentation outline 1.Rationale for Action 2.EU policy context Platform

3 Biodiversity: why does it matter?  A moral duty: to conserve the sheer variety of life on earth  An environmental asset: healthy ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the environment – e.g. a major tool for climate change adaptation  An economic imperative: ecosystem goods and services provide a whole range of direct and indirect economic benefits Our life support system

4 Species facing risk of extinction: up to 25% of European animals are included in the IUCN Red List Source: EEA EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline POOR Conservation Status: 62% of habitats and 52% of species covered by Habitats and Birds Directives State of biodiversity in the EU in 2010

5 State of ecosystem services in EU in 2010

6  Commission Communication in 2006 on “halting the loss of biodiversity to 2010 – and beyond: Sustaining ecosystem services for human well- being”  EU target 2010 to halt biodiversity loss not reached (based on the assessment of the Art. 17 of the Habitats Directive and other reports (EEA, BAP)  The drivers of biodiversity loss are:  Degradation and fragmentation of habitats  Over-exploitation of natural resources  Contamination  Invasive species  Climate Change Loss of biodiversity in the EU

7 A 2020 Headline target: Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restoring them insofar as feasible, while stepping up the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss A 2050 VISION European Union biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides – its natural capital – are protected, valued and appropriately restored for biodiversity’s intrinsic value and for their essential contribution to human wellbeing and economic prosperity, and so that catastrophic changes caused by the loss of biodiversity are avoided. EU biodiversity policy March 2010 European Spring Council endorsed:

Vision 2020 headline target Halt biodiversity loss – restore ecosystem services – global contribution Enhance implementation of nature legislation Restore ecosystems est. Green Infrastructure Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry Sustainable Fisheries Combat Alien Invasive Species Contribute to averting global biodiversity loss ANNEX OF ACTIONS 6 Targets: EU Biodiversity Strategy by 2020

9 Cross-cutting issues  Biodiversity knowledge base  Mobilising resources for implementation  Common implementation framework  Partnerships - Engaging stakeholders (e.g. Business and Biodiversity Platform, civil society, non-EU countries “The Commission has set up the EU Business and Biodiversity Platform, which currently brings together businesses from six different sectors (agriculture, extractive industries, finance, food supply, forestry and tourism) to share their experiences and best practices. The Commission will further develop the Platform and encourage greater cooperation between businesses in Europe, including SMEs, and links to national and global initiatives.”

10 Why important to engage economic sectors ? Who benefits? This must be a common benefit approach. BIODIVERSITY Responsible business reduces negative impact on the natural environment and participates in enhancing preservation of European nature heritage and culture BUSINESS Biodiversity creates business opportunities (e.g. enables creation of local or specialised industry of service providers) EU Business and Biodiversity Initiative

11 TEEB D3 A special version for businesses of the study on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity was launched in July

12 GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS Sector specific guidance in reference to Natura 2000 developed: “Non-energy mineral extraction and Natura 2000” Further on wind farms, estuaries, agriculture.. management/docs/neei_n2000_guidance.pdf

13 Guidance document on Non-Energy Extractive Industries and Natura 2000 Activity triggered by the Commission Communication on Raw Materials Initiative (esp. sustainable supply of raw materials, access to land) Aims at providing guidance on how extraction activities can be reconciled with Natura 2000 requirements, drawing on available good practices Elaborated with the assistance of Working Group consisting of representatives of Member States, NEEI sectors and NGOs Key issues: –Strategic planning –Appropriate assessment of NEEI plans/projects according to Art. 6 of the Habitats Directive; mitigation; alternatives; compensation –Positive contribution of NEEI to biodiversity –Marine extraction

14 Guidance document on NEEI&Natura 2000 – Key messages Potential effects of mines/quarries on nature –Specific constraints of NEEI regarding location of mineral resources –Biodiversity can be affected throughout the life-cycle of a project, directly or indirectly. Extent of impact depends on type/size/method of operation and sensitivity of environment –Mitigation measures exist to prevent/reduce impacts Potential for positive contribution of NEEI to biodiversity –rehabilitation of extraction sites to (re)create habitats and reinstate species (supported by several good practice examples). –Site biodiversity action plans useful instruments. Strategic planning –Important tool to help avoid conflicts at site level – link to land-use planning –Knowledge/mapping of mineral reserves essential to develop sensitivity maps

15 EU Business and Biodiversity Initiative Building partnerships with business was already highlighted in the Commission’s Communication on Biodiversity (2006); The «Lisbon Declaration» - outcome of the High Level Conference on Business and Biodiversity, organised by the Portuguese Presidency of EU Council - called on action at EU level - a technical platform to engage various key sectors (Nov 2007); Activity under BAP (2006); re-articulated in the Mid-term Report on the delivery to the EU Biodiversity Action Plan (COM(2008) 864 Final) - highlighted need for better engagement of businesses; «Message from Athens» ("Biodiversity Protection - Beyond 2010: Priorities and options for future EU Policy" conference, Apr 2009) - engagement of business crucial for shaping EU's biodiversity policy, re-instated by the Environment Council.

16 A role of the EU Initiative To speed up development of policy and instruments which support the common benefit approach the Commission has launched a technical facility called the Platform" (June 2010). To: develop, together with businesses and other stakeholders, means to establish pro-biodiversity businesses; help businesses in finding solutions to change their activities and to ensure a fair income and sustainable growth, while providing benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems; establish new market for products with an EU wide award scheme, acknowledging the good practice of the best performing businesses.

17 Business and Biodiversity Platform Main features  A web-based platform to provide up-to-date information on know-how and best practices, to facilitate discussion and co-operation, and to enhance business engagement; extractive industry among priority sectors  Tools to measure biodiversity impacts - benefits;  EU award scheme to acknowledge outstanding performance.

18 Award

19 Thank you for your attention BISE Platform: