1. Fitness check of the Nature Directives: state of play
ECR Rural Economy Policy Group
6 December 2016
Mark DEMESMAEKER

2. Introduction
My wishlist for “Sinterklaas”:
save the Nature Directives

3. Why does biodiversity matter?
Biodiversity loss = loss for nature, people and the economy
Key global challenge, connected to climate change and resource scarcity
Not on track for 2020 targets!
Socio-economic importance:
not meeting 2020 targets costs 50 billion euro a year
1 in 6 jobs depends on nature
benefits Natura 2000 outweigh costs

5. Importance of Nature Directives
Smart regulation “avant la lettre”
Basis of the largest network of protected areas in the world: the Natura 2000 network
Full potential far from being achieved
Best practices demonstrate the effectiveness and relevance of the Nature Directives, when implemented correctly.

6. Nature Directives under threat?
2014: President Juncker to Com Vella: evaluation – assess the potential for merging the BHD into a more modern piece of legislation.
Fitness check ongoing for more than 2 years
Due to delay, Nature Conference of Dutch Presidency in June 2016 canceled
Uncertainty, political turmoil
Vice-President Timmermans committed to publish the results of the Fitness Check in autumn
Orientation debate tomorrow in the College!

7. Fit for purpose! EP – strategic initiative report adopted on 2/2/2016
Opposes any revision of the Nature Directives
Key problem is not the legislation itself but rather its implementation.
Opening the nature directives would
jeopardise achieving the biodiversity strategy altogether
create a long period of legal uncertainty and
could potentially weaken the legislation
ENVI Council 16/12/2015 – strong conclusions in favour of better implemenation
500,000 citizens participate in Nature Alert Campaing
Eurobarometer 1/7/2016: 67% want the EU to be more active in protecting the environment
Evaluation study concludes: fit for purpose!

8. Focus on better implementation
To revise or not to revise?
Focus on better implementation
is the answer!

9. THANK YOU