1. EU legislation Protection of nature and biodiversity

2. Protection of nature and biodiversity Increased urbanisation and the spread of human infrastructures, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution are the main factors, which highly damage biodiversity. Introduction of exotic species into the native ecosystems pose also a hazard. As a result, 42% of mammals, 15% of birds and 52% of freshwater fish across Europe are under threat. In addition, nearly 1000 plant species are at serious risk or on the verge of disappearing completely. In order to safeguard biodiversity and combat the extinction of animal and plant species, the European Union has set up a vast network of protected sites (the Natura 2000 network) and made the protection of biodiversity one of the key objectives of the Sixth Environment Action Programme. Please find hereinafter the web links to the EU legislation and actions on the protection of nature and biodiversity Source: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/environment/nature_and_biodiversity/index_en.htm

3. BIODIVERSITY Action Plan for biodiversity Biodiversity strategy Biodiversity Action Plan for the Conservation of Natural ResourcesBiodiversity Action Plan for the Conservation of Natural Resources Biodiversity Action Plan for Agriculture Biodiversity Action Plan for FisheriesArchivesBiodiversity Action Plan for Fisheries Biodiversity Action Plan for Economic and Development Co-operationBiodiversity Action Plan for Economic and Development Co-operation Bern Convention The Rio de Janeiro Convention on biological diversityThe Rio de Janeiro Convention on biological diversity

4. MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Strategy on the sustainable use of natural resources Environment and sustainable management of natural resources, including energyEnvironment and sustainable management of natural resources, including energy Action plan for an integrated maritime policy Biofuels –EU strategy for biofuelsEU strategy for biofuels –Motor vehicles: use of biofuelsMotor vehicles: use of biofuels Management of marine resources –Conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resourcesConservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources –Conservation of highly migratory fish: safeguardsConservation of highly migratory fish: safeguards –Conservation and management of sharksConservation and management of sharks

5. FAUNA AND FLORA Natural habitats (Natura 2000) Conservation of wild birds Conservation of wild birdsArchivesConservation of wild birds Endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) Conservation of Antarctic marine living resources Conservation of migratory species - Bonn Convention The keeping of wild animals in zoos Protection of animals used for experimental purposes Accidental catches of cetaceans Protection of certain seal species International Dolphin Conservation Programme Whaling Protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the high seas from bottom fishing Destructive fishing practices in the high seas and the protection of ecosystems Aquaculture: use of alien and locally absent species Humane trapping standards Convention on the Protection of the Alps Ban on trade in cat and dog fur Trade in seal products

6. FORESTS European Union forest action plan Combating deforestation The EU forestry strategy Forest Focus (2003−2006)

7. GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS Contained use of genetically modified micro- organisms (GMMs)Contained use of genetically modified micro- organisms (GMMs) Directive on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)Directive on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) Transboundary movement of genetically modified organismsTransboundary movement of genetically modified organisms Novel foods and novel food ingredients Traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)Traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) GM Food and Feed