EN    EN EN 
 
EN    EN  EUROPEAN COMMISSION 
Brussels, 8.10.2010 
SEC(2010) 1164 final 
  
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 
SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY LEVEL ACTION 
 
Accompanying document to the 
 
REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO  THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT 
 
THE 2010 ASSESSMENT OF IMPLEMENTI NG THE EU BIODIVERSITY ACTION 
PLAN 
COM(2010) 548 
 SEC(2010) 1163  SEC(2010) 1165 
 
EN 2   EN INTRODUCTION 
In its 2006 Communication on "Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 and beyond" the 
European Commission has undertaken to provide  regular reports on progress implementation 
of the EC Biodiversity Action Plan linked to th e Communication. This acti on plan sets out the 
detailed framework of action to  meet the 2010 target. It identif ied what had to be undertaken 
at Community level and at Member St ate level to meet the 2010 target. 
The first reports, covering the period up to the end of 2007 and 2008 provided a summary of 
progress for each of the Commun ity level actions in the Biod iversity Action Plan (BAP). 
A similar approach has been ap plied to the 2010 update assess ment. The information for 2008 
has been updated and added to by each of the relevant Commission Services in light of the 
latest developments. As the 2010 update report is intended to cove r the situation up to the end 
of 2010 this summary also sometimes indicates ac tions that are foreseen to be launched or 
completed before the end of the year. Links are provided to relevant Commission web sites 
that provide further detail s about specific measures. 
It should be noted that some ac tions, including those relating to a llocations of funds to nature 
and biodiversity under different Community pr ogrammes are preliminary and will require 
further assessment. 
Discussions on preparation of th e 2010 report have taken place within the framework of the 
'Biodiversity Interservice Coordination Group' a forum for the different Commission Services 
to discuss implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Representatives of the relevant 
Commission services have also provided update s within the framework of the Co-ordination 
Group for Biodiversity and Nature, involving Me mber States and key stakeholder groups. 
This assessment is arranged according to the 4 main policy areas, 10 objectives and 4 
supporting measures set out in the Biodive rsity Action Plan. For each objective and 
supporting measure the original actions foreseen at Community level are given as well as the 
progress assessment. 
 
EN 3   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
A. THE TEN PRIORITY OBJECTIVES 
POLICY AREA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND THE EU 
OBJECTIVE 1: TO SAFEGUARD THE EU's MOST IMPORTANT HABITATS AND SPECIES. 
HEADLINE TARGET: Biodiversity loss of most important habitats  and species halted by 2010, these habitats and species showing su bstantial recovery by 2013. 
A1.1 TARGET: Natura 2000 network established, safeguarded, designated and under effective conservation management by 2010, 2012 in m arine. 
A1.1.1 
 ACTION:  
Accelerate efforts to finalise the 
Natura 2000 
network  including: 
complete 
terrestrial network 
of Special 
Protection Areas 
(SPA) [by 2006, 
2008 for marine ]; 
adopt lists of Sites 
of Community 
Importance (SCI) [by 2006, 2008 for 
marine] ; designate 
Special Areas of 
Conservation 
(SAC) and 
establish 
management 
priorities and 
necessary 
conservation 
measures for 
SACs [by 2010, 
2012 for marine ]; 
establish similar 
management and 
conservation 
measures for 
SPAs [by 2010, 
2012 for marine] . For EU15 - ensure MS 
which have not 
proposed sufficient 
sites complete their 
lists; adopt remaining 
lists of SCIs as soon as 
possible; provide 
necessary guidance on 
designation and 
establishment of 
management priorities 
and measures; for 
EU10 - ensure correct 
transposition of Birds and Habitats Directives, 
ensure MS which have 
not proposed sufficient 
sites complete their 
lists; adopt lists of SCIs 
as soon as possible; 
provide necessary 
guidance on 
designation and 
establishment of 
management priorities 
and measures; publish 
annual review of 
progress. Significant progress in work on the establishment of NATURA 2000 with 823 areas covering a total surface area 
of approximately 97,000 km², added to the network protected under the Habitats Directive. Commission 
Decisions of 13/11/2007, 25/1/2008 and 28/3/2008 updated and extended the lists of protected sites for the 
Atlantic, Continental, Boreal, Macaronesian and Mediterr anean biogeographical regions and provided a first list 
for the Pannonian region, thus extending the network for the first time to new Member States (EU 10).; By the 
end of 2008 there will be a second updating round of the lists of sites of Community  importance. Two meetings 
of marine expert group held, to assess state of play with marine Natura 2000 designations and to specify the 
assessment process and the implementation of fisheries measures. All coastal MSs working to identify further 
suitable marine Natura 2000 sites, including related re search and studies (sometimes with support from LIFE 
projects) and internal consultations. However Progress is slow and only a few MS (e.g. SW, UK) proposed 
additional offshore sites in 2008. At least 6 MS have i ndicated that they will propose sites in early 2009. 
Preparation of non-binding guidance on introducing measures for marine Natura 2000 sites under the CFP. 
Seminar for site selection for Atlantic Biogeographica l sea region scheduled in March 2009. Others to follow. 
464 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been designa ted by Member States under the Birds Directive 
covering 73528 km². 1st assessment of SPA designation for EU10+2 completed and legal action taken when 
necessary; infringement cases against 19 Member States (FIN, ES, IE, EL, PT, DE, AT, UK, PL, SL, SK, MT, 
LT, LV, HU, CY, CZ, RO, BG) on the basis that the list of areas classified as SPAs is not sufficient; transposition 
checks underway (see A.1.1.3); bilateral follow up with MS on completing NATURA 2000, including legal 
actions; infringement cases open against  4 Member States (IE, AT, UK, PL) on the basis that the list of pSCIs 
transmitted is not exhaustive.; Commission guidelines published for Natura 2000 in marine and for the 
implementation of Articles 12 and 16 of the Habitats  Directive; development of new guidance documents for 
Natura 2000 in estuaries and coastal zones, for non-energy extractive industries and for wind energy and nature 
conservation underway; NATURA barometer updated tw ice yearly by ETC/BD; COM contract to overview 
process of SAC designation, establishment of conserva tion objectives & management instruments being applied 
by MS; New COM contract for Natura 2000 to overview  economic and social benefits, dealing with conflicts, best 
practice at the Local/Site levels, and its relationship with  other initiatives which serve to protect biodiversity. Further progress on the establishment of NAT URA 2000 with 59 areas covering a total surface 
area of approximately 20,000 km² added to the network protected under the Habitats Directive, 
mainly in the marine. Commission Decisions in the context of the 2009 updating round 
extended the Community lists of protected sites for the Alpine, Atlantic, Continental, Boreal, 
Macaronesian and Mediterranean biogeographical re gions. By the end of 2010 there will be a 
fourth updating round of the lists of sites of  Community importance. The Natura 2000 network 
consists of about 26 000 sites and covers al most 18% of the EU terrestrial territory. 
In 2009 dedicated marine biogeographical semina rs were held for the Atlantic marine region 
and the Baltic Sea. Further marine seminars were organised in 2010 for the Black Sea and the 
Mediterranean and the Macaronesian Atlantic marine regions. All coastal MSs working to 
identify further suitable marine Natura 2000 sites, including related research and studies 
(sometimes with support from LIFE projects) and internal consultations. However progress is 
slow and only a few MS (e.g. NL, DK) proposed additional offshore sites in 2009. 
Between 12/2008 and 07/2009 36 Special Protec tion Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive 
were added, covering 29910 km². Work is also  under progress for the designation of marine 
SPAs. 
Two meetings of marine expert group held, to as sess state of play with marine Natura 2000 
designations and to specify the assessment pr ocess and the implement ation of fisheries 
measures. A further meeting is scheduled in 2nd half of 2010 to focus on marine sites 
management issues. 
Development of new guidance documents for Natura 2000 in estuaries and coastal zones, for 
non-energy extractive industries and for wind energy and nature conservation made further 
progress. These guidelines will be published in 2010. New initiative on guidelines for Natura 
2000 and Agriculture planned for 2010. NATURA barometer updated twice yearly by ETC/BD. 
New expert group on Natura 2000 management was set up and held its first meeting on 25 
November 2009. This group will inter alia wo rk on the process of SAC designation, the 
establishment of conservation obj ectives & management instruments.  
A1.1.2 
 ACTION:  Ensure 
adequate 
financing provided to 
Natura 2000 
implementation 
from Community 
sources (notably 
Rural Establish Community 
priorities for co-
financing under each instrument; provide 
guidance on co-
financing to MS and 
potential beneficiaries; 
evaluate MS co-
financing programme Comprehensive opportunities to co-fund Natura 2000 cost s provided in each appropriate EC funding regulation 
for 2007-2013. Guidelines & training under an EC contract  provided to assist Member States in applying these 
funds. An Information Technology Tool on financing Natura 2000 has been developed to assist potential beneficiaries on how individual measures for Natura 2000 might be funded by the different major EU sources. 
COM is checking relevant funding programmes submitted by Member States (See also A 2.1.1, A 3.4.1, A 4.1.1 
and B.1.1.1). A new COM study contract aims to further support linkages between financing and management of 
Natura 2000 This will update and refine cost estimate s of Natura 2000 financial needs, provide documented 
examples of good practice where EU funds have been used in a successful and innovative way and develop a 
methodology to identify and evaluate different socio-economic benefits. Specific Natura 2000 priority has been confirmed for relevant Community co-financing 
instruments (EAFRD, EFF, Stru ctural and Cohesion Funds). The guidelines for Natura 2000 
financing from various funds were prepared and published. However, it is in many cases 
difficult to effectively assess how much of t he funds have been allocated and spent on actions 
directly connected to Natura 2000 (with the ex ception of the dedicated Life+ Nature Fund and 
EAFRD Natura 2000 measures) because of absence of relevant programme indicators. 
Therefore the exact uptak e of the funds cannot  be fully quantified. 
An Information Technology Toolkit on financing Natura 2000 was prepared and made available  
 
EN 4   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
Development 
funds, Cohesion 
and Structural 
Funds, Pre-
Accession 
Instrument, Life-III, 
Life+) and MS 
sources, accessible to 
those who 
manage Natura 
2000 sites, with 
focus on 
optimising long-
term conservation 
benefits as well as 
priority awareness 
raising and 
networking 
initiatives [2006 
onwards ]. proposals; disburse 
funds; monitor 
effectiveness (in terms 
of biodiversity 
outcomes); audit 
expenditure. on the Internet. 
(http://www.financing-natura2000.moccu.com/pub/index.html ) 
The estimation of the costs of the Natura 2000 network is being revised, delivering results in 
2010. Preliminary results suggest a coherence wi th the previous figure 6,1 billion €/year, 
published in 2004. However, asse ssment of the budget allocation of the main EU and national 
funding streams suggests that this amount is currently not being met. 
A1.1.3 ACTION:  
Transpose fully [by 
2006]  Articles 
6(2), 6(3) and 6(4) 
of the Habitats 
Directive into 
national legislation 
and planning 
policies and 
ensure 
subsequent timely 
implementation; 
where appropriate 
(i.e. where 
development 
proposals cannot 
avoid damage to 
Natura 2000 sites, 
but proceed for 
reasons of 
overriding public 
interest) ensure 
special effort for 
adequate design 
and 
implementation of 
compensatory 
measures  [2006 
onwards ].  Check and ensure full 
transposition; address 
any complaints relating 
to implementation; 
establish external 
technical capacity for 
evaluating requests for 
derogations under 
Article 6(4); provide 
guidance on 
compensatory 
measures; evaluate 
adequacy of 
compensatory 
measures. General conformity studies for all EU 25 MS have been carried out for both Birds and Habitats Directive; where 
gaps in transposition appear COM has initiated non-c onformity cases. As regards the Birds Directive, 
infringement procedures related to non-conformity issu es are ongoing against 15 Members States (AT, IE, ES, 
DK, UK, EL, IT, CZ, EE, HU, LT, LV, PL, SK, RO). As r egards the Habitats Directive infringement procedures 
related to non-conformity issues are ongoing against 16 Member States (AT, DE, UK, FR, IE, ES, DK, NL, EL, 
CZ, EE, MT, PL, SI, SK, HU) COM Guidelines on compensatory measures have been published 
http://ec.europa.eu/environ ment/nature/natura2000/ma nagement/guid ance_en.htm . Update on COM guidance 
document on Article 6 is foreseen (start 2009). COM continues monitoring progress in the impl ementation and complaints in relation to bad 
implementation have been addressed and in fringement procedures launched where 
appropriate, both related to the Habitats and the Birds Directives. 
Efforts on developing sectoral guidance documents have been actively continued. 
Proactive seminars in selected MSs (e.g. IE, BG and CY) have been held to promote sound 
implementation of Art. 6 provisions.  
A1.1.4  
 ACTION:  
Strengthen 
effectiveness of 
Strategic 
Environmental 
Assessment 
(SEA) and 
Environmental 
Impact 
Assessment  Take stock of 
effectiveness of EIA 
(2006-07) and of SEA 
(2008-09) with respect 
to preventing 
biodiversity loss, 
produce guidance on 
best practice in 
treatment of biodiversity 
in SEA and EIA Two studies on the application of the EIA and SEA Directives have been la unched in 2008 and will include 
examination of the relationship between these directives and the EU Biodiversity Action Plan and the Habitats 
Directive. Final reports are expected in early 2009 . Experience with the application of SEA to Structural Funds 
for the 2007-2013 period suggests the need for specific guidance explaining 'how to do these' needs to be 
provided. The preparation of  guidance document will be submitted to the EIA – SEA Experts group for further 
consideration and follow-up action. Also, the working groups set-up under the ENEA (European network of 
environmental authorities dealing with structural funds pr ogrammes) such as the one on "Natura 2000", "SF and 
SEA" and on "climate change" will be invited to consider the biodiversity dimension in their forthcoming new 
work-programmes. Action taken as regards transpositi on of the SEA/EIA Directives: - SEA: infringement 
procedures related to non-conformity issues are ongoing against 9 Members States (DK, EE,  IE, LT, LV, SL, On the basis of two studies on the applicat ion of the EIA and SEA Directives (launched in 2008 
and finalized in 2009), the Commission has iss ued implementation reports for both Directives 
COM(2009)378 for the EIA Directive and COM(2009)46 9 for the SEA Directive. 
Experience with the applicatio n of SEA to Structural Funds for the 2007-2013 period suggests 
the need for specific guidance explaining 'how  to do these' needs to be provided. The 
preparation of guidance document will be submitt ed to the EIA – SEA Experts group for further 
consideration and follow-up action. According to the initial timetable, a guidance document 
may be available in 2011.  
 
EN 5   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
(EIA)  in informing 
decision-making 
(inter alia : take 
stock of 
effectiveness, 
produce guidance, 
tighten legal 
requirements as appropriate) so as 
to prevent, 
minimise and 
mitigate damages 
to Natura 2000 
sites [2006 
onwards] . (cf. 
Actions A4.1.4, 
A4.1.6 and A4.6.1 
to A4.6.4)  (specific to the 
directives), consider 
options to tighten legal 
requirements (e.g. 
require biodiversity to 
be addressed at 
assessment of 
alternatives, screening, scoping stages) where 
necessary. MT, CZ, UK). The assessment of the transposition measur es is ongoing regarding 15 Members States. - EIA: 
infringement procedures related to non-conformity issues  are ongoing against 12 Members States (BE, FR, IE, 
NL, AT, UK, EE, LV, LT, PL, CZ, SK). In addition, the working groups set-up under the ENEA (European network of environmental 
authorities dealing with structural funds progra mmes) such as the one on "Biodiversity", "SF 
and SEA" and on "climate change" consider the biodiversity dime nsion in their forthcoming 
new work-programmes.  
Action taken as regards transposit ion of the SEA/EIA Directives: 
• SEA: infringement procedures re lated to non-conformity iss ues are still on going against 10 
Members States (BE, EE, EL, FI, FR, IT, LT, PT, SK, SE). 
• EIA: infringement procedures related to n on-conformity issues are ongoing against 7 
Members States (BE, CZ, FR, NL, PL, HU, IT).  
A1.1.5  ACTION:  Ensure 
full and timely application of the 
Environmental 
Liability Directive  
(ELD) as it applies 
to protected 
species and 
natural habitats 
(as defined under 
the directive), 
including 
preventive 
measures and 
remedial actions, 
as appropriate 
[2006 onwards
]. Develop guidance, 
including on 
compensation required 
under ELD in respect of 
damages to Natura 
2000 sites. COM is monitoring progress on ELD transposition. At present 19 Member States have notified complete 
transposition of the Directive (in chronological order: IT, LT, LV, HU, DE, RO, SK, SE, ES, EE, CY, 
MT,BG, NL, CZ, PT, PL, DK, BE). The remaining 8 Me mber States are before th e ECJ potentially facing 
judgements in 2009. The conformity assessment of the transposing legislation is being launched. A  
potential horizontal non-conformity in fringement procedure resulting from this exercise will however not be 
instigated before summer 2009. When transposition will be complete t here will be information about the choices 
of the MS on Biodiversity coverage and also on ot her issues that will affect implementation , the COM may start 
work together with the MS for providing guidelines on compensation (for all environment al legislation covered by 
ELD). The results of the recently finished 6th framework programme Community funded 'REMEDE' project on the 
application of Resource Equivalency Methods for Remedi ation and the tool-kit it  produced will be of help  
(http://www.envliability.eu/index.htm ). 
In terms of financial security issues (for which the COM will produce a report by April 2010), the COM may seek 
examples of ELD incidents and applic ation and analyse the role of financia l security for remediation of damage 
and for compensation of the loss of services and goods. COM is monitoring progress on ELD transposition. At present all Member States have notified 
complete transposition of the Directive with a sm all exception the Region of Salzburg in Austria 
The conformity assessment of the transposing le gislation has started. Information about the 
choices of the MS on Biodiversity coverage and also on other issues that will affect 
implementation is available. 
The COM works together with the MS through bilate ral meetings as regards interpretation and 
application of the ELD, mainly within government  expert group meetings. EU wide guidelines 
on compensation (for all environmental legislat ion covered by ELD) is however unlikely to 
emerge due to opposition by several MSS. The results of the RTD funded 'REMEDE' project 
on the application of Resource Equivalency Me thods for Remediation and the tool-kit it 
produced will be of help  (http://www.envliability.eu/index.htm ).In terms of financial security 
issues the COM has finalised a report which will be adopted in the 3rd semester of 2010, the 
COM has asked for cases of ELD application a fter damage incidents and is currently analysing 
the role of financial security for the remediat ion of damage and for compensation of the loss of 
services and goods.  
A1.2 TARGET: Sufficiency, coherence, c onnectivity and resilience of the protected areas network in the EU substantially enhanced by 2010 and further enhanced by 2013 ( cf. objective 9, target 9.4) . 
A1.2.1  
 ACTION:  Carry 
out [in 2008 , 
following next 
reports] scientific 
review of habitat 
types listed in 
annexes of nature 
directives, 
informed by 
'shadow lists' of 
priority habitats; 
add to annexes 
any missing 
habitat types of 
Community 
interest, and 
ensure  all habitat 
types of 
Community 
interest are 
sufficiently Coordinate review, 
propose necessary 
amendments to 
annexes, assess 
sufficiency of MS 
proposals for any new 
sites in response to any 
amendments to 
annexes, adopt revised 
lists of SCIs where 
necessary. The first major 'health check' of the conservation stat us of species and habitats of Community interest under 
Article 17 of the Habitats Directive is underway. On the basis of national reports received in 2007/early 2008 the 
Commission with support of the European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity of the European Environment 
Agency will complete an EU level assessment (as part of the Commission's composite report by mid-2009. An 
overview on the national assessments can be already viewed through the following web-site: 
http://biodiversity.eione t.europa.eu/article17 . Also for each MS a so-called "national summary" of the Art.17 
reports can be viewed on the CIRCA-Reporting ( http://circa.europa.eu/Pub lic/irc/env/monnat/library ). The next 
step is to carry out the EU-level (biogeographic level) as sessment of conservation status: draft results in late 
2008 following the input of the public consultation on the dr aft results. This exercise will help identify the extent 
to which additional measures for the management and re storation of species popul ations and habitats are 
needed and will be a key input to any review of habitat ty pes of EU conservation concern; no separate review 
envisaged at present; preparatory actions for EC-level action plans for non-bird species are currently under 
preparation, a first set of action plans is envisaged to be prepared in 2009.Following up the Art.17 conservation 
status assessment exercise, the Commiss ion has started also a new initiative  in streamlining all reporting under 
the Birds and the Habitats Directive. The intention is  to have better data available in order to assess the 
effectiveness of the nature directives as well as for a multitude of other purpos es. Within this initiative a Member 
States Working Group was established, which deals not only with a review of the Art.17 exercise but also with 
(among others) starting up a similar status and trends  assessment for bird-species and improving the dataflow 
on Natura 2000. The first major 'health check' of the conservati on status of species and habitats of Community 
interest under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive was finalised in mid 2009. On 13 July 2009 
the Commission adopted the "Commission Report on the Conservation Status of Habitat 
Types and Species as required under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive". The report 
represents the first ever systematic assessment  of conservation status of Europe's most 
vulnerable habitat types and species. Enormous work is being done since then in the reporting 
working group to prepare the next  reporting, streamline the vari ous reporting processes, adopt 
new standard data form formats, etc.  The intention is to have better data available in order to 
assess the effectiveness of the nature directives  as well as for a multitude of other purposes. 
The working group has also elaborated and tested a draft format for improved reporting on bird 
populations status and trends. 
(The 'Article 17' Technical report, including the EU -level analysis and other material as well as 
links to national reports, etc. can be found under http://biodiversity.eio net.europa.eu/article17 .)  
 
EN 6   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
represented in 
the Natura 2000 
network  [by 
2010 ]. 
A1.2.2  
 ACTION:  
Accelerate efforts 
to place other 
designated 
protected areas 
(non-Natura 
2000) of national, 
regional and 
local biodiversity 
importance  under 
effective 
conservation 
management [by 
2010, 2012 in 
marine ]. Raise awareness of 
importance and 
relevance of these 
areas in context of 
Action 1.2.3 below. Work undertaken & to be carried out under A 1.2.3 also takes account  of national protected areas. Work undertaken & to be carri ed out under A 1.2.3 also takes account of national protected 
areas.  
A1.2.3  
 ACTION:  Assess 
[by 2008 ] and 
substantially 
strengthen [by 
2010 ] coherence, 
connectivity and 
resilience of the 
protected areas 
network (Natura 
2000 and non-
Natura protected areas) by 
applying, as 
appropriate, tools 
which may include 
flyways, buffer 
zones, corridors 
and stepping 
stones (including 
as appropriate to 
neighbouring and 
other third 
countries), as well 
as actions in 
support of 
biodiversity in the 
wider environment 
(see also actions 
under objectives 2, 
3 and 9 ). Coordinate 
assessment, develop 
guidelines to 
strengthen coherence. Draft guidelines on 'the maintenance of  landscape features of major import ance for wild fauna and flora' have 
been prepared & discussed with Habitats Committee (June 2007), A new COM contract was launched in 2007 
for further assessment of coherence of Natura 2000 network. Guidelines on 'the maintenance of landscape features of major importance for wild fauna and 
flora' have been published in 2008. A contract on Natura 2000 and its relationships with other 
initiatives which may serve to protect biodiv ersity has been started in 2009. Another COM 
contract was launched for the further assessment of coherence of Natura 2000 network. Within 
this contract, a workshop on Green Infrastructure has been organised to identify actions that 
would be most effective at EU level, building on the experiences of existing initiatives across 
Europe. The workshop took place 25-26 March 2009. More information on 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm
. A conference will be held 
on Green Infrastructure in November 2010 as a follow-up event to the 2009 meeting and to 
further discuss the development  of the Green Infrastructure concept, leading towards a 
Strategy on Green Infrastruc ture at the end of 2011.  
A1.3  No priority species in worsening conservation status by 2010; th e majority of priority species in or moving towards favourable  conservation status by 2013 
A1.3.1  
 ACTION:  
Implement [2006 
onwards ], at EC or 
MS level as 
appropriate, 
existing species 
action or Coordinate preparation 
of EC-level action 
plans; coordinate 
implementation at 
Community level. COM has prepared EU guidelines for management plan s for large carnivores promoting best practice and 
providing guidance on population level management planning 
http://ec.europa.eu/envir onment/nature/conservation/s pecies/carnivores/index_en.htm ;  
New COM contract launched at end of 2007 for technica l support in elaboration of Species Action Plans (Annex 
I, Birds Dir.) & Management Plans (An nex II, Birds Dir.). & action plans for a selected number of Habitats Dir. 
species; first drafts prepared for 3 revised ( Acrocephalus paludicola , Marmaronetta anguistirostris , Aquila 
adalberti ) and 3 new ( Coracias garullus , Chersophilus duponti , Neophron percnopterus ) bird action plans; draft COM has prepared EU guidelines for management  plans for large carnivores promoting best 
practice and providing guidance on population level management planning 
http://ec.europa.eu/envir onment/nature/conservation/s pecies/carnivores/index_en.htm  
New COM contract launched at end of 2007 for technical support in elaboration of Species 
Action Plans (Annex I, Birds Dir.) & Management Pl ans (Annex II, Birds Dir.) . & action plans for 
a selected number of Habitats Dir. species. First drafts prepared for 3 revised ( Acrocephalus  
 
EN 7   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
management 
plans for species 
under threat and 
review and update 
as necessary; 
elaborate [2006 
onwards ] and 
implement [2007 
onwards ] 
additional species 
action or 
management 
plans for a wider 
range of species 
under threat - 
including birds, 
mammals, reptiles, 
amphibians, 
freshwater fish, 
invertebrates and 
plants; ensure 
monitoring of 
implementation 
and effectiveness 
of plans.  criteria prepared for selecting non-bird species for ac tion plans. 7 new management plans for huntable bird 
species finalised in 2007 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/conservation/wildbirds /hunting/managt _plans_en.htm ), as well as an 
international action plan for Saker Falcon 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/conservation/wildbirds /action_plans/i ndex_en.htm ). As regards Species 
Action Plans for non-bird species, preparatory actions are currently under preparation (development of selection 
criteria & format), a first set of action plans is envisaged to be prepared in 2009. paludicola , Marmaronetta anguistirostris , Aquila adalberti ) and 3 new ( Coracias garullus , 
Chersophilus duponti , Neophron percnopterus ) bird action plans. 7 new management plans for 
huntable bird species finalised in 2007 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/conservation/wildbirds /hunting/managt _plans_en.htm ), 
as well as an international action plan for Saker Falcon 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/conservation/wildbirds /action_plans/i ndex_en.htm ). 
Draft criteria prepared for selecting non-bird species for action plans. EC-level action plans for 
non-bird species are currently under preparation, a first set of action plans is envisaged to be 
prepared in 2009/2010. 
A1.3.2  
 ACTION:  Carry 
out [in 2008 , 
following next 
reports] scientific 
review of species 
listed in annexes 
of nature 
directives, 
informed by EU 
'shadow lists' for 
major taxa and 
other relevant 
assessments of 
species status; 
add to annexes 
any missing 
species of 
Community 
interest, and 
ensure where 
appropriate that  
all species of 
Community 
interest are 
sufficiently 
represented in 
the Natura 2000  
network [by 2010 ]. Coordinate review, 
coordinate monitoring 
and assessment of 
species conservation 
status, support 
development of EU 
'shadow lists' (including 
Red Data lists), 
propose amendments 
to annexes, assess 
sufficiency of Natura 
2000 network in 
respect of all new 
species added to 
annexes. Same as for habitat types in relation to Article 17 HD assessment (see 1.2.1);
COM funded EUR mammal red data list (RDL) prepared (publish May 2007) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environm ent/nature/conservation /species/ema/index.htm ;  
EUR fresh-water fish RDL to be updated; 
COM currently funding European Red Lists (EU27) for other taxa: amphibians and reptiles (ready end 2008), 
dragonflies, butterflies & saproxylic beetles (ready end 2009 ), molluscs and vascular plants (selected families) – 
ready end 2010. Same as for habitat types in relation to  Article 17 HD assessment (see 1.2.1);
COM funded European mammal red list (published in May 2007) as well as further Red Lists 
http://ec.europa.eu/environm ent/nature/conservation/s pecies/redlist/index_en.htm  on 
amphibians and reptiles (published in 2009), dragonflies, butterflies, freshwater fish & 
saproxylic beetles (ready end 2009), molluscs and vascular plants (selected families) – ready 
end 2010.  
A1.3.3  
 ACTION:  Identify 
and fill critical gaps in EU  ex-situ 
(zoo, botanic 
gardens, etc.) 
conservation 
programmes for Coordinate 
assessment, provide 
co-financing for priority 
projects. New possibilities for EU financing of 'ex-situ' conser vation actions under LIFE+ when justified for species 
conservation linked to delivery of BAP. New possibilities for EU financing of 'ex-situ' conservation actions for species conservation 
under LIFE+ are available when linked to the delivery of BAP.  
 
EN 8   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
wild species,  in 
line with best 
practice, with 
appropriate co-
financing from EC 
and MS [2006 
onwards ]. 
A1.4 TARGET: All above targets applied for Acceding Countries from date of accession. 
A1.4.1  
 ACTION:  Expand 
all above actions 
to Romania and 
Bulgaria 
(Acceding 
Countries) and to 
any future 
Acceding 
Countries in a 
timely manner, i.e. 
to provide for full implementation of 
environmental 
acquis , and 
provide lists of 
Natura 2000 sites 
[by date of 
accession]
. Ensure transposition of 
nature directives for 
application from day of 
accession; ensure lists 
proposed by day of 
accession; adopt lists 
within 1 year of 
accession. As regards transposition, see Action A1.1.3; Bulgaria submitted part of its national SPAs and pSCIs lists by 
beginning of 2008. Romania submitted the pSCIs list in mi d-2007 its list of SPAs in December 2007. The level of 
designation of both SPAs evaluated in 2008. The bi ogeographic seminar to assess the pSCIs in the 5 
biogeographic regions of these 2 MS (BG-ALP, BLAC K SEA, CONT; RO -+ PANN & STEPPIC) held in June 
2008. As regards transposition, see Action A1.1.3. 
Community lists were updated in 2008 and 2009 to include SCI proposed by new Member 
States.  
A1.5 TARGET: For those EU Outermost Regions not covered by the nature directives, valued biodiversity sites and species not in worse ning conservation status by 2010; majority of valued sites and species moving towards favourable conservation status by 
2013. 
A1.5.1  
 ACTION:  Apply 
nature directives-
type approach for 
valued sites and 
species in  those  
EU Outermost 
Regions not 
covered by 
nature directives 
[2006 onwards ]. None ERA-net NET-BIOME - Community-funded network on bi odiversity in EU outermost Regions – started in 
September 2006. European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change in Outermost Regions held in La 
Réunion, 7-11 July 2008. This conferenc e brought together for the first time representatives of all OR and OCTs. 
The participants agreed, that there is a need for EU Member States and the European Commission, together 
with OCTs and ORs, to establish a voluntary scheme for th e protection of species and habitats, inspired by the 
Natura 2000 approach. This scheme should be flexible, ad apted to the local situation, balance conservation and 
development needs and take into account existing mech anisms and tools. The implementation of the scheme 
should be based on local commitment and shared financing. The importance of conserva tion, at species level, 
outside protected areas should be highlighted and priority  should be given to globally threatened species. The 
elaboration of restoration or  management plans is only a first step in the process, that has to be followed by 
effective implementation. The network ing among existing national parks and ot her protected areas in order to 
harmonise monitoring, exchange best practices and share data is very valuable. There was a European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change in Outermost Regions 
held in La Réunion, 7-11 July 2008. This c onference brought together for the first time 
representatives of all OR and OCTs.  
The EC is engaged with concerned Member St ates to develop a voluntary scheme to promote 
the conservation and sustainable use of biodiv ersity and ecosystem services in European 
Overseas inspired by the experience of Natura 2000.  
OBJECTIVE 2: TO CONSERVE AND RESTORE BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE WIDER EU COUNTRYSIDE. 
HEADLINE TARGET: In wider countryside (terrestrial, freshwater, brackish water outside  Natura 2000 network), biodiversity loss halted by 2010 and showing substantial recovery by 2013. 
AGRICULTURAL & RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 
A2.1 TARGET: Member States have optimised use of opportunities under agricultural, rural development and forest policy to benefit bi odiversity 2007-2013. 
A2.1.1 ACTION:  Allocate, 
at MS initiative, Assess MS RD 
Programmes and seek Covered under rural development policy for 2007-2013; All 94 national and regional programmes have been 
approved by management committee. At pr esent the first analysis can be made: around 44% (€39.6 billion) of Under the rural development policy for 2007-2013 some 44.4% (€42.75 billion) of the EU 
contribution was earmarked to Axis 2 dealing with land management and improvement of the  
 
EN 9   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
within each 
national/regional 
Rural 
Development 
(RD) Programme, 
adequate  
Community and 
MS co-financing  
to measures 
available under all 
three axes of the 
RD Regulation 
which are directly 
or indirectly 
supportive of 
nature and 
biodiversity 
[2006/07 and any 
subsequent 
revisions ]. ( cf. 
Action B.1.1.2 )  amendments where 
appropriate. the EU resources have been allocated to Axis 2 de aling with land management and improvement of the 
environment including support to biodiversity and NATURA 2000 network. According to estimations, agri-
environment, the biggest contributor to NATURA 2000 ma nagement, has been allocated more than a fifth part of 
the Community means devoted to rural development (around  22% i.e. €20.3 billion). In  addition, approximately 
EUR 577 million of EAFRD resources have been dedicated s pecifically to Natura 2000 agriculture and forest 
areas.  environment including support to biodiversity and NATURA 2000 areas. Agri-environment, an 
important measure supporting the management of NATURA 2000 sites was allocated around 
23% of the Community means devoted to rural dev elopment (€22.2billion). In addition, some 
EUR 590 million of EAFRD resources were ded icated specifically to the Natura 2000 
agriculture and forest measures. 
Following the implementation of the Health C heck the funds earmarked by Member States for 
the agri-environment measure went up by al most 2 billion totalling 22.2 billion €. 
See also examples under Green Infrastructure in A.1.2.3. 
A2.1.2 ACTION:  Apply  
Rural 
Development 
(RD) measures in 
the next 
programming 
period [2007-
2013 ] to optimise 
long-term benefits 
for biodiversity  - in 
particular for 
Natura 2000 areas 
and for other 'high 
nature value' farm 
and forest areas.  Provide guidance on 
application of RD 
measures, including on 
identification of high-
nature-value farmland, 
forests and woodlands. See A 2.1.1  The Council adopted in 2006 Community strat egic guidelines for Rural development (period 
2007-2013), inter alia  to help make the link with the main EU priorities (Lisbon, Göteborg) and 
translate them into rural development policy, and to ensure consistency with other EU policies, 
in particular in the fields of cohesion and environment. DG Agriculture published in 2006 a 
working document on agri-environmental measur es and their verifiability to help Member 
States implement the agri- environmental measures. 
See also A 2.1.1  
For high nature value farming guidance, see A2.1.3.  
A2.1.3 
 ACTION:  Define 
criteria and identify 
[2006-07 ] high-
nature-value 
farmland and 
forest areas  
(including the 
Natura 2000 
network) 
threatened with 
loss of biodiversity 
(with particular 
attention to 
extensive farming 
and 
forest/woodland 
systems at risk of 
intensification or 
abandonment, or 
already 
abandoned), and 
design and 
implement 
measures to Evaluate extent to 
which Common 
Agricultural Policy 
(CAP) National 
Strategy Plans and 
National RDPs reflect 
this need - encourage 
adjustments where 
necessary. See A 2.1.1; (High Nature Value) HNV farmland was el ement of work on agri-environmental indicators done by 
EEA under steering of the Commission (IRENA indicator report published in January 2006). Publication in 
September 2006 of a Communication on agri-environment al indicators (COM(2006(508)) based on IRENA work. 
Continuing work within the framework of a memo randum of understanding between Commission and EEA. In 
addition, the Commission has contra cted a study on an HNV indicator for evaluation including a guidance 
document to the Member States on t he application of the HNV impact indicator. This study has been completed 
in October 2007. A map of HNV farmland has been updat ed by the European Environment Agency and the Joint 
Research Centre ( http://reports.eea.europa. eu/state_of_environm ent_report_2007_1/ en/chapter4.pdf ). 
Following consultations with the Member States, the guidance document on the app lication of the HNV impact 
indicator is currently being finalised in the context of  the Evaluation Network for Rural Development under the 
auspices of the Commission. The final version is expected to be made available in December 2008 
JRC has developed high-spatial resolution (25 m) forest maps for 1990 and 2000, which permit the identification 
of forest areas and the analysis of forest trends. Algo rithms and GIS methods were developed by the JRC to 
assess forest pattern and fragmentation between 1990 and 2000.  The Commission contracted a study on HNV indicators for evaluation including a guidance 
document to the Member States  on the application of HNV indi cators in the context of 
evaluating Rural Development Programmes. The aim of the document is to set out a best 
practice approach to applying the indicator which allows a degree of flexibility in the data used. 
Following consultations with the Member Stat es, the guidance document on the application of 
the HNV impact indicator was finalised in Dece mber 2008 in the context of the Evaluation 
Network for Rural Development under the auspices of the Commission 
(http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/r urdev/eval/hnv/ guidance_en.pdf  ). 
Follow-up on the development of this indicator in the Member States is ensured by the 
Evaluation Network.  http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/r urdev/eval/hnv/gu idance_en.pdf  
The JRC and the EEA have pub lished the EU-wide HNV fa rmland indicator in 2008 
(http://agrienv.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pub lications/pdfs/HNV_Final_Report.pdf ).  
See also A 2.1.1  
 
EN 10   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
maintain and/or 
restore 
conservation 
status [2007 
onwards ]. 
A2.1.4 ACTION:  Ensure 
effective implementation of 
cross-
compliance  
(which provides a 
baseline for most 
of the measures of 
Axis 2 of the Rural 
Development 
Regulation) in 
ways that benefit 
biodiversity [2007-
2013 ]. Evaluate extent to 
which CAP National 
Strategy Plans for RD 
and National or 
regional RD 
Programmes reflect this 
need - encourage 
adjustments where 
necessary. The EEA, under the steering of the Co mmission, has undertaken work on Cr oss-compliance Indicators in the 
context of the Farm Advisory System (CIFAS) http://www.ewindows.eu.org/cifas . 
The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) t ogether with Oreade-Breche (Alliance Environnement), 
also under the steering of the Commission, provided, in  July 2007, an evaluation of the cross-compliance 
application ( http://ec.europa.eu/ agriculture/eval/reports/cr oss_compliance/index_en.htm )  
On 20 May 2008, the Commission published proposals to further modernise, simplify and streamline the 
Common Agricultural Policy (COM(2008)  306), i.e. the "Health Check" pr oposals. The Good Agricultural and 
Environmental Conditions (GAEC) of cross-complianc e are proposed to be amended. The Commission has 
proposed to strengthen the standard on  landscape features under GAEC aimed at the promotion of biodiversity. 
This will contribute to retaining the environmental be nefits of set-aside which the Commission proposes to 
abolish There is also a proposal for a new standard aimi ng at the establishment of buffer strips along water 
courses.. In the “Health Check” of the CAP, adopted in 2008, the compulsory set aside was abolished 
and the Good Agricultural and Environmental Co nditions (GAEC) of cross-compliance were 
amended. The standard on the re tention of landscape features was amended to give more 
precise examples of features important for biodiversity. A new optional GAEC standard was 
introduced to favour the establishment and/or  retention of habitats. In addition, the new 
compulsory standard on the establishment of buffer strips along watercourses could also 
provide benefits for biodiversity depending on the management applied on these areas. The 
aim was to compensate in part for the loss of mark et set-aside, which had provided benefits to 
set-aside and water quality.  
A2.1.5 ACTION:  Ensure 
that MS Rural 
Development 
Plans (RDPs) 
comply with 
environmental 
legislation and in 
particular with the 
nature directives 
so as to prevent 
and minimise any potential 
damages to 
biodiversity 
[2007-2013
]. Assess whether 
proposed National 
Strategy Plans for RD 
and RDPs may result in 
breach of 
environmental 
legislation, seek 
adjustments where 
necessary See A 2.1.1 Member States were requested in their Ru ral Development Plans to commit themselves that all 
actions undertaken under these programmes will have to be carried out in accordance with the then 
environmental legislation, with particular emphasis on the nature directives. Safeguard clauses had to be 
attached to those measures which can have potentia l adverse impact on biodiversity and NATURA sites. Member States' draft Rural Development Programmes for 2007-13 were subject to an ex-ante 
evaluation as well as a strategic environment al assessment. Programmes had to be adjusted 
according to the conclusions of the assessments. 
In addition, Member States were requested in  their Rural Development Programmes to commit 
themselves that all actions undertaken under these programmes will have to be carried out in 
accordance with the environmental legislation,  with particular emphasis on the nature 
directives. Safeguard clauses had to be attached  to those measures which can have potential 
adverse impact on biodiversity and NATURA sites. 
See also A 2.1.1  
A2.1.6 ACTION:  Broaden 
extension 
services, farm 
advisory systems 
and training  
actions to farmers, 
landowners and 
farm workers to 
strengthen biodiversity-related  
implementation in 
the next rural 
development 
programming 
[2007 onwards
], 
including support 
from the LEADER 
axis. Evaluate extent to 
which CAP National 
Strategy Plans for RD 
and National or 
regional RD 
Programmes reflect this 
need - encourage 
adjustments where 
necessary. See A 2.1.1 all RDPs include the provis ion that the farm advisory services  and system will cover standards and 
requirements of cross-compliance. The latter contains al so some of the provisions of the Birds and Habitats 
Directive. Moreover, promotion of sustainable farming re specting biodiversity needs and raising environmental 
awareness of farmers form part of most training to be provided under the RDPs. All Member States which provide support through their RDPs for farm advisory services 
include a provision that they will cover at the minimum the standards and requirements of 
cross-compliance. The latter contains also some of the provisions of the Birds and Habitats 
Directive. Member States plan to spend € 637 million from EAFRD on advisory services for the 
period 2007-2013. 
During the same period, MSs planned expenditur es for training amount to € 1232 million. In 
2008 around one third of the EAFRD funding for tr aining was devoted to the r, promotion of 
sustainable farming respecting biodiversity needs and raising environmental awareness of 
farmers.  
See also A 2.1.1  
A2.1.7 ACTION:  Ensure 
future ' less 
favoured area' 
(LFA) regime 
[from 2010 ] under 
Axis 2 enhances Assess contribution of 
LFAs to biodiversity, means to enhance this 
contribution - and 
reflect this in 2008 
report and proposals. Covered under rural development policy for 2007-2013; See A 2.1.1 the revision of the LFA scheme should be 
seen as a separate exercise which is supposed to be fina lised in 2009 in order to be put in place in 2010. The 
Commission published in November 2006 an evaluation of  the Less Favoured Area measure in the 25 Member 
States of the EU. The results indicate that the LFA measur e has been part of a set of policies which have proved 
successful in maintaining farming but with variable results at the more specific land management level. The 
focus on livestock farms has helped to address the key iss ue of continued grazing on  farms where profitability Covered under rural development policy for 2007-2013. 
The revision of the LFA scheme has been postponed until the CAP reform for the post 2013 
period. 
See also A 2.1.1  
 
EN 11   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
its contribution to 
biodiversity and to 
'high nature value' 
farm and forest 
areas.  tends to be low and this is a major contribution to me eting nature conservation and landscape goals over a 
significant area. Other habitat types have benefited less from the LFA measure. The results of this study are 
used as an input in the discussions on the revision of the LFA scheme. Following the inclusion into axis 2 of the 
renewed rural development policy, natural handicap paym ents now have a stronger focus on land management, 
contributing, through continued use of  agricultural land, to maintaining the countryside and to maintaining and 
promoting sustainable farming systems that deliver pub lic goods, such as valuable landscapes, biodiversity, soil 
conservation and fire prevention in areas where farming is difficult. The services of the Commission published 
different options for revising the scheme for public consultation as of end May 2008. The Commission proposal is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009. 
A2.1.8 ACTION:  
Implement the common 
monitoring and 
evaluation 
framework and 
Strategic 
Environmental 
Assessment 
(SEA) Directive requirements  
where applicable 
for rural 
development 
programmes, 
including the 
definition of 
indicators in a way 
that impact of 
measures on 
biodiversity is 
assessed [2006 
onwards ]. Evaluate the extent to 
which MS have used 
the mandatory 
indicators and the 
appropriateness and 
adequacy of their 
additional programme 
specific indicators. See A 2.1.1; Mandatory work on indica tors ongoing (farmland birds, Natura 2000, Tree species composition) & 
working to 2010 target. Communication on agri-env. indicators adopted (COM(2006)508)); 
Council conclusions on the Communication give broad mandate to Commission for continuing work on indicators 
along the lines proposed in COM(2006)508. This work wi ll be undertaken within framework of memorandum of 
understanding between Commission and EEA. 3 main object ives: consolidate selected set of indicators and 
extend it to new MS, correct existing weaknesses,  establish a permanent and stable arrangement for 
management and long-term functioning of indicator system. 
All RDPs had to be accompanied by ex -ante evaluations and SEA whose evaluation was part of the assessment 
process; 
 Some of the agri-environmental indicators develope d under the work mention ed above have been integrated 
into the common monitoring and evaluation fr amework of the rural development policy. Work on improving the quality of indicators c ontinues within the Evaluation Network on RD and 
in the context of a memorandum of understanding between Commission and EEA. Some of 
the agri-environmental indicators developed have been integrated into the common monitoring 
and evaluation framework of t he rural development policy. 
A few studies on forest biodiversity have already provided information and can serve as a first 
benchmark for assessing forest biodiversity trends. They have been co-funded under the frame 
of the Regulation 2152/2003 Forest Focus: the forest-biota study, the Biosoil study etc. 
All RDPs had to be accompanied by ex-ante evaluations and SEA whose evaluation was part 
of the assessment process. 
See also A 2.1.1 and A2.1.5  
A.2.1.9 ACTION: 
Encourage that implementation of 
the Common 
Agricultural 
Policy first pillar 
benefits 
biodiversity , 
notably through 
mandatory cross-
compliance, 
decoupling (single 
farm payments) 
and by 
encouraging take-
up of modulation 
by the Member 
States.  Evaluate the extent to 
which MS have used 
the first pillar of CAP for 
supporting biodiversity. See A2.1.4; The proposed "health check" of the CAP includes proposals to require farmers to maintain field 
margins where appropriate, and to have buffer strips along water courses. The Commission has proposed to 
strengthen the standard on landscape feat ures under GAEC aimed at the promotion of biodiversity. In addition 
to that, the CAP "health check" proposes to transfer additional resources (stemming from an increased rate of 
compulsory modulation) from pillar 1 of the CAP to Pillar 2, for use in meeting new challenges, which include 
biodiversity protection. The "health check" of the CAP abolished the set aside but amended the Good Agricultural and 
Environmental Condition of cross-compliance i.a.  in favour of biodiversity (see action A2.1.4) 
and included the requirement for farmers to have bu ffer strips along water courses. In addition, 
the CAP "health check" provided for the transf er of additional resources (stemming from an 
increased rate of compulsory and the introduction of progressive modulation) from Pillar 1 of 
the CAP to Pillar 2, for strengthening the new c hallenges, which include biodiversity protection. 
The revisions of Rural Development Programmes to commit this additional money, as well as 
money from the Recovery Package, was completed by February 2010. For an assessment of 
how much additional funding was used for biodiversity related measures see Action A2.1.1. 
See also A2.1.4  
A2.1.10 ACTION:  
Consider, if appropriate, a 
possible review of cross-
compliance 
requirements 
related to the 
preservation of Evaluate in 2007, in the 
context of the foreseen 
review of cross-
compliance See A2.1.4 and 2.1.9. See A2.1.4 and 2.1.9.  
 
EN 12   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
biodiversity  in the 
2007 review of the 
cross-compliance 
system.  
A2.1.11 ACTION:  
Strengthen 
measures to 
ensure 
conservation, and 
availability for use, 
of genetic 
diversity  of crop 
varieties, livestock 
breeds and races, 
and of commercial 
tree species in the 
EU, and promote 
in particular their in situ  
conservation 
[2006 onwards
]. Facilitate (remove 
obstacles), provide 
guidance, provide co-
financing. 1. Rural Development Article 39 (1)-(4) of Regulation (EC)  No 1698/2005, and Article 27 of Regulation (EC) No 
1974/2006 offer the possibility to prom ote agri-environmental measures whic h may support the rearing of "farm 
animals of local breeds indigenous to the area and in da nger of being lost to farming", and the preservation of 
"plant genetic resources naturally ad apted to the local and regional conditions and under threat of genetic 
erosion". Article 39(5) of Regulation 1698/2005, and Ar ticle 28 of Regulation 1974/2006 may also support the 
conservation of genetic resources in operations not co vered by the above-mentioned measures supporting the 
preservation of endangered animal and plant genetic resources.
2. Community programme 
The Community programme on the conservation, characteri sation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources 
in agriculture, which 
has been established by Regulation (EC) No 870/2004,  promotes genetic diversity in agriculture. The 
Community Programme has given rise to 17 actions, invo lving 179 partners located in 25 Member States and 12 
non EU countries, and a total EU co-funding of EUR 
8.9 million. 59% of the actions conc ern plant, 12% tree and 29% animal species. The actions started in 2007 
and have a maximum duration of 4 years. For more details, see http ://ec.europa.eu/agric ulture/genetic-
resources/index_en.htm 
Preparation of Commission Directives on the acceptance  and marketing of landraces and varieties which are 
naturally adapted to the local and regional conditions and  threatened by genetic erosion covering seed of 
agricultural plant species, vegetables, vegetable propa gating and planting material other than seeds and fodder 
plant seed mixtures. Adapting Community zootechnical legisl ation with view to protect animal genetic resources 
(zootechnical Decisions ensuring t he protection of breeding programmes fo r domestic livestock, in particular 
cattle, sheep and goats). Commission Directives on the acceptance and mark eting of landraces and varieties which are 
naturally adapted to the local and regional conditions and threatened by genetic erosion 
covering seed of agricultural plant species ( Directive 2008/62/EC), vegetables (Directive 
2009/145/EC) and fodder plan t seed mixtures adopted. 
Adaptation of Community zootechnic al legislation with view to protect animal genetic resources 
(zootechnical Decisions ensuring the protec tion of breeding programmes for domestic 
livestock, in particular cattle, sheep and goats).  
In 2008, €15.7 million out of EAFRD funding spent on agri-environment were used for the 
preservation of local and endangered animal and plant genetic resources, and €10 million for 
the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture. 
In June 2010, the Member States endorsed a Co mmission proposal providing for the placing 
on the market of certain types of  wild plant seeds from conserved habitats, which should boost 
the efforts to conserve genetic diversity in the EU. 
  
A2.1.12 ACTION:  Exploit 
opportunities under the CAP 
[2007-2013
] to 
implement all 
above actions in 
the Outermost 
Regions . Evaluate extent to 
which CAP National 
Strategy Plans for RD 
and National or regional RD 
Programmes (for MS 
with outermost regions) 
reflect this need - 
encourage adjustments 
where necessary. See A 2.1.1 This has been done within the framework of the RDPs assessment with taking account of the 
specific character of those areas and their problems and needs. This has been done within the framework of t he RDPs assessment taking into account of the 
specific character of those areas and th eir problems and needs. See also A 2.1.1  
FOREST POLICY 
A2.1.13 ACTION:  Ensure 
that the forthcoming EU 
Forest Action 
Plan [due 2006
] 
addresses forest biodiversity among 
the priorities, in 
line with the EU 
Forest Strategy 
and the 6th 
Environment 
Action 
Programme.  Propose Action Plan, 
implement Community-
level components. The EU Forest Action Plan (2007-2011) was adopted as a Communication from Commission to Council and EP 
on 15 June 2006 (Council conclusions 24-25 October 2006).  It contains 4 main objectives: 1) Improving long-
term competitiveness, 2) Improving an d protecting the environment, 3) cont ribution to the quality of life, 4) 
Fostering coordination and communication. Objective 2 is to maintain and appropriately enhance biodiversity, 
carbon sequestration, integrity, health and resilience of forest ecosystems at multiple geographical scales. 
Under Objective 2, Key action 7 is the contribution towards achieving the revised Community biodiversity 
objectives for 2010 and beyond. 
A work programme for implementation of the EU Fore st Action Plan has been developed between COM and MS 
through Standing Forestry Committee and the latte r adopted it in 2008 (29 February 2008). 
A Mid-term evaluation of the EU FAP to cover the implem entation of actions and activities up to 2009 is now 
being developed.  
 
A European Forest Data Centre ( http://efdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu
) has been established at the JRC as part of the 
implementation of Key Action 8 of t he FAP. EFDAC provides access to fo rest datasets and models, which are 
relevant for European policy making  
Measures to enhance the protection of EU Forests (Key Action 9) have been implemented through the 
European Forest Fire  Information System ( http://effis.jrc.it ).  
 A Green Paper On Forest Protection and Information in the EU: Preparing forests for climate 
change was adopted by the Commission in March 2010 (COM(2010)66 final to trigger a 
discussion on the threats to EU forest and the ro le of forest to contribute to adaptation and 
mitigation of climate change and in halting biodiversity loss. [ I WOULD PUT THIS BULLET 
FIRST] 
The work on the EU Forest Action Plan (2007-2011) continues. A Mid-term evaluation of the 
EU FAP to cover the implementation of actions and activities in 2007-2008 was completed by 
the Commission and discussed by the SFC in December 2009. Data from the forest 
biodiversity monitoring project Biosoil are included in the EFDAC and ESDAC data-centres of 
JRC-IES. Although a preliminary report is alread y available, the final report has been published 
in 2010 http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ESDB_Ar chive/eusoils_docs/other/EUR24258.pdf . 
  
 
EN 13   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
A2.1.14 ACTION:  
Implement Vienna 
Ministerial 
Conference 
resolution on 
forest 
biodiversity 
(2003)  through 
forest policies of 
MS and EU Forest 
Action Plan with 
particular 
reference to the 
CBD Expanded 
Programme of 
Work on Forest 
Biological Diversity 
[2006 onwards ]. Implement Resolution 
as it applies at 
Community level. Objective 4 of the EU Forest Action Plan on 'Fostering coordination and communication' includes a Key Action 
16 to strengthen the EU profile in international forest-rela ted processes. This action includes participation of MS 
and the Community in the MCPFE process (expert level meeting in Oslo, May 2008 and Working group, in 
Vienna April 2008), participation in the Advisory Group for the EEA report "European forests ecosystem 
condition and sustainable use". The latter wa s presented in the CBD COP 9 in 2008. The Commission actively takes part in the Forest Europe/MCPFE, including by contributing to 
the reporting on implementation of the Forest Europe/MCPFE declarations and resolutions and 
to the external review process performed in 2009  
A2.1.15 ACTION:  Assess 
potential impact on biodiversity of 
plans, 
programmes and 
projects for 
afforestation  (or, 
should the case 
arise, 
deforestation); 
adjust 
accordingly in 
order to ensure no 
overall long-term 
negative impact on 
biodiversity [2006 
onwards ]. None Objective 2 of the EU Forest Action Plan (2007-20 11) is on 'Improving and protec ting the environment' is to 
maintain and appropriately enhance biodiversity. Under Objective 2, Key action 9, which is to enhance the 
protection of EU forest, covers issues such as impact  of afforestation (see work programme for implementation 
of the EU Forest Action Plan developed between CO M and MS through Standing Forestry Committee). The 
"Feasibility study on means of combating forest dieback in  the EU" executed in 2007 wa s presented in February 
2008.  
Two studies have been launched during 2008; "Implementation of the EU Forestry Strategy: "How to protect EU 
Forests against harmful Impacts?" and a second one on "Wilderness management in European forests".  
The Forest Focus Regulation has also contributed toward s the Objective 2, co- financ ing forest fires prevention 
activities and studies. The Forest Focus Regulation has also contribut ed towards Objective 2, co-financing forest 
fires prevention activities and studies on forest bi odiversity (e.g. forest bi ota, Biosoil, monitoring 
of biodiversity in boreal forests, forest soil biodiversity).  
ENVIRONMENT POLICY 
A2.2 TARGET: Risks to soil biodiversity in EU substantially reduced by 2013. 
A2.2.1 ACTION:  Identify 
geographical risk areas for factors 
affecting soil 
biodiversity  (soil 
sealing, loss of 
organic matter, 
soil erosion, etc.) 
[by 2009
]. Provide guidance on 
identification of risk 
areas. Publication in 2006 of the report elaborated by t he Joint Research Centre (Inst. f. Environment and 
Sustainability, JRC-IES) on Common criteria for risk area identification according to soil threats (EUR 22185 EN 
see: http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/esdb_arch ive/eusoils_docs/esb_rr/n20_EUR22185.pdf ). This report has been 
distributed to all Member States in March 2007. This work will be continued by the JRC in the context of the 
Common Implementation Strategy for the Framework Dire ctive on soil protection when the latter will be adopted 
by the EU. As a major contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity, the new European Atlas of Soil 
Biodiversity has been compiled by the JRC (Inst. f. Environment and Sustainability, JRC-IES) 
and will be officially presented during the high-level meeting “Soils, Climate Change and 
Biodiversity-Where do we stand?” in Brussels, the 24th of September 2010. A specific side 
event at COP10 of CBD in Nagoya, Japan has been scheduled for the presentation and 
distribution of this atlas to the global biodiversity stakeholder community.  
A2.2.2 ACTION:  
Minimise soil sealing, sustain 
soil organic 
matter and 
prevent soil 
erosion  through 
timely 
implementation of Propose suitable 
measures, provide 
guidance on 
implementation, 
monitor 
implementation, 
enforce any measures 
required by Community 
law. Adoption of the Commission Proposal for a Thematic  Strategy on soil protection (COM(2006) 231 and 
COM(2006)232 of 22.9.2006). The Eu ropean Parliament adopted its first reading decision on the Soil 
Framework Directive in November 2007. The Council faile d to reach a political agreem ent on the proposal in its 
meeting of December 2007. However, di scussions are currently ongoing with the EU institutions for its adoption 
and subsequent implementation. 
In order to gain more knowledge about soil biodiversity , the COM is exploring the possibilities of funding 
research projects in the context of the 2009-2010 calls under FP7. The Commission has launched a study on The results of the study on soil biodiversity to gather the most recent information available on 
soil biodiversity taxonomy, the role of the differ ent species in contributing to or performing soil 
functions, the vulnerability of soil organisms to di fferent impacts and pressures, indicators and 
monitoring schemes for detecting trends in soil biodiversity, policies and legislation to 
specifically protect soil biodiversity were published in March 2010 and are available at 
http://ec.europa.eu/environm ent/soil/biodiversity.htm
. In addition, two studies were co-funded 
under the Forest Focus Regulation on forest  soil biodiversity (in France and Belgium).  
 
EN 14   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
key measures 
identified in the 
forthcoming 
Thematic Strategy 
for Soil Protection 
[2010 onwards ]. soil biodiversity to gather the most recent information av ailable on soil biodiversity taxonomy, the role of the 
different species in contributing to or performing soil f unctions, the vulnerability of soil organisms to different 
impacts and pressures, indicators and monitoring schemes for detecting trends in soil biodiversity, policies and 
legislation to specifically protect soil biodiversity. The results of this study will be  available at the end of 2009.  
 
A2.3 TARGET: Substantial progress made towards ' good ecological status' of freshwaters by  2010 and further substantial progress made  by 2013. 
A2.3.1 ACTION:  Ensure 
implementation of operational 
monitoring 
programmes  [by 
2006 ] and 
publication of 
River Basin 
Management 
Plans  and 
establishment of 
River Basin District 
Programmes of 
Measures  [by 
2009 ] and that 
these Plans and 
Programmes of 
Measures are fully 
operational [by 
2012 ], in line with 
provisions of the 
Water Framework 
Directive.  Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, 
address complaints, 
enforce where 
appropriate. New work programme for common implementation stra tegy for WFD agreed for 2007-2009; Progress in 
monitoring - MS reporting due in March 2007; work on 'i ntercalibration' (harmonising biological methods to 
assess ecological status) advanced; guidance on interca libration application being prepared; Eutrophication 
guidance review underway. The progress in implementat ion was presented in a Communication (COM(2007) 
128 and SEC(2007) 362). 26 Member Stat es have reported the monitoring programmes in time under the newly 
established WISE. Assessment is underwa y and will be presented in the end of 2008. The intercalibration 
decision was adopted in October 2008. River Basin Mana gement Plans (incl. ecological reporting) are expected 
to be reported to WISE for 110 river basin districts in Ma rch 2010. Commission will report on progress of this first 
planning cycle (incl. progress towards contributing to biodiversity goals) in the end of 2012. The new work programme for common implementation strategy for WFD was agreed for 2010-
2012 and the results of the 'intercalibration' exercise were adopted (COM Decision of 30 
October 2008 (2008/915/EC)). The results of intercalibration (harmonising biological methods 
to assess ecological status) phase 2 (2008-2011) are under way. 
Guidance on intercalibration process revised and updated. 
Eutrophication guidance and policy summary completed. 
Implementation report on Member States' moni toring programmes available (COM(2009) 156 
and SEC(2009) 415). 
Between December 2009 and March 2010, adoption and submission to the Commission by 
Member States of the River Ba sin Management plans (110 river basin districts) pursuant to 
Article 13 of the Water Framework Directive. The Commission is in the process of carrying out 
the full assessment of the Plans. These should aim at complying with the obligation to achieve 
good ecological status of waters by 2015. 
  
A2.4 TARGET: Principal pollutant pressures on terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity substantially reduced by 2010, and again by 20 13. 
A2.4.1 ACTION:  
Significantly  
reduce point 
source pollutant 
pressures on 
terrestrial and 
freshwater 
ecosystems  
through 
strengthening 
implementation of 
relevant 
Directives, notably 
on Integrated 
Pollution 
Prevention and 
Control, Large 
Combustion 
Plants, Waste 
Incineration, 
Urban Waste 
Water Treatment 
(cf. action 3.2.1 ) Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, 
address complaints, 
enforce where 
appropriate. Implementation report for urban wastewater treatment dire ctive (SEC(2007)363). After a 2 year review process, 
the Commission adopted on 21 December 2007 a package  to improve the EU policy on industrial emissions. 
This includes a Proposal for a Directive on industri al emissions [COM(2007) 843 final] [SEC(2007) 1679] 
[SEC(2007) 1682] that recasts seven existing Directives related to industrial emissions into a single clear and 
coherent legislative instrument. The reca st includes the IPPC Directive, the Large Combustion Plants Directive , 
the Waste Incineration Directive , the Solvents Emissions Directive  and 3 Directives on Titanium Dioxide.  (see 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/pollu tants/stationary/ippc/proposal.htm ). The IPPC Directive (2008/1/EC) 
requires installations falling under its scope to operate in accordance with permits including emission limit values 
based on the best available techniques (BAT), designed to prevent and, where that is not practicable, generally 
to reduce emissions and the impact to the environment as  a whole. The prevention or reduction of emissions to 
air, water and soil should therefore be dealt with in  the environmental permits issued in accordance with the 
IPPC Directive. The key deadline for the full im plementation of the Directive was 30/10/2007. 
EPER is the European Pollutant Emission Register, the firs t European-wide register of industrial emissions into 
air and water, which was established by a Commission Decision of 17 July 2000. According to the EPER 
Decision, Member States have to produce a triennial repo rt, which covers the emissions of 50 pollutants to be 
included if the threshold values indicated in Annex  A1 of the EPER Decision are exceeded. Reports (2001, 
2004) are published on the internet ( http://eper.ec.europa.eu ). From 2007 reporting will be made according to 
Regulation 2006/166/EC concerning the establishment of  a European Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers 
that replaces EPER. 
The aim of the Waste Incineration Dire ctive (2000/76/EC) is to prevent or to reduce as far as possible negative 
effects on the environment caused by the incineration and co-incineration of waste. The WI Directive requires 
the Commission to report on the application of the Dire ctive, in particular for new plants and on the progress 
achieved in emission control techniques and experience in waste management. The Commission's Under the 'Common Implementation Strategy fo r the Water Framework Directive' a new work 
programme has been adopted for 2010-2012 for the implementation of Water Framework 
Directive (2000/60/EC), including Danger ous Substances Directive (2006/11/EC) 
Dangerous Substances Directive (Directive 2006/11/EC) – codified version of Directive 
76/464/EEC complements the scope of the WFD (Directive 2000/60/EC). It lays down the 
strategy against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances into aquatic environment. 
According to this directive, Member States s hall take appropriate steps to eliminate/reduce 
pollution of waters by dangerous substances listed in Annex I to the directive. Annex I 
substances have to be seen in re lation to Annex VIII of the WFD as well as to Annex I and II of 
the new Directive on Environmental Qualit y Standards (Directive 2008/105/EC).   
 
EN 15   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
[2006 onwards ]. Communication 'Towards on improved policy on industrial emissions'  summarises this report. 
The 4th Implementation Report on Urban Waste Water Directi ve (91/271/EEC) was published on 22 March 2007 
linked to the Communication “ Towards Sustainable Water Management in the European Union ”. The Executive 
Summary presents the overall pict ure in the EU, whilst a more detailed report  presents the status of 
implementation in each Member State. ( http://ec.europa.eu/envi ronment/water/water-
urbanwaste/implementation/ implementationreports_en.htm )  
In order to streamline and facilitate the reporting and sharing of informati on on the water environment between 
the Member States, the European Co mmission, the European Environment Agency (EEA), EUROSTAT and the 
Joint Research Centre (JRC) the Water Information Syst em for Europe (WISE) was set up. The first reporting 
obligation for which the new electronic system is used is  the reporting of monitoring networks under the Articles 
8 and 15 of the Water Framework Directive (2007). 
The Commission adopted a 'Common Implementation Strate gy for the Water Framework Directive' in 2006 as 
the progress and work programme for 2007-2009 for the implementation of Water Framework Directive 
(2000/60/EC). 
A2.4.2 ACTION:  
Significantly 
reduce airborne 
eutrophying and 
acidifying pollution  of 
terrestrial and 
freshwater 
ecosystems in line 
with Thematic 
Strategy on Air 
Pollution [2006 
onwards ]; revise 
National Emission 
Ceilings Directive 
[by 2007 ]. ( cf. 
action 3.2.2 ) Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, 
address complaints, 
enforce where appropriate. COM preparing legislative proposal for a revision of the NE C Directive in order to lay down national emission 
ceilings for 2020 achievable with cost-effective measur es at national level on top of recent Commission policy 
proposals for industrial installations, new emission st andards for heavy duty vehicles, the Climate action and 
renewable energy package and the recent IMO agreemen t, which all together already will reduce emissions 
significantly, but not sufficiently to meet all the objectives of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. The proposal 
will also include a provision to monitor the effects on aquat ic and terrestrial ecosystems within all types of Natura 
2000 sites. Background documentation prepared for the revision of the NECD 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/a ir/pollutants/iam_nec_dir.htm
.   
A2.4.3 ACTION:  
Significantly reduce pollution 
of terrestrial and 
freshwater 
ecosystems from 
agricultural 
sources  (notably 
pesticides, 
nitrates) through 
measures in line 
with Thematic 
Strategy on the 
Sustainable Use of 
Pesticides, 
pesticides and 
biocides 
legislation, 
Nitrates Directive 
[2006 onwards
]. 
(cf. action 3.2.3 ) Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, 
address complaints, 
enforce where 
appropriate. A report on implementation of Nitrates Directive based on  the information transmitted by EU 15 Member States 
in the period 2004-2006 (3rd reporting exercise 2000-20 03) produced (COM(2007) 12 0 final); preparations now 
underway for the implementation report for the per iod 2004-2007, with Commission report in 2010.  
A Framework Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pestic ides was proposed to reduce the risks to human health 
and the environment from the use of pesticides. This new proposal is accompanied by a revision of existing 
legislation regarding the placing of plant protection products on the market  and by two additional legislative 
proposals: one on the environmental protection requirements to be met by new pesticide application equipment 
placed on the market and the other one on the collection of statistics on plant protecti on products. The legislative 
adoption procedure of the Framework Directive has started in 2006 and should be terminated in 2009. A report on implementation of Nitrates Directiv e based on the information transmitted by 27 
Member States during 2008 (4th reporting period 2004-2007) was published by the 
Commission in 2010. Based on the feedback from th is reporting period as well as following 
developments in other directives and IT preliminar y work for next reporting period has started.  
A Framework Directive on the Sustainable Us e of Pesticides entered into force on 25th 
November 2009 to reduce the risks to hum an health and the environm ent from the use of 
pesticides. The new Directive is accompanied by a Regulation on the placing of plant 
protection products on the market, revising Di rective 91/414/EEC and by two additional pieces 
of legislation: the Regulation concerning the statistics on pesticides and the revision of the 
Machinery Directive. 
The Nitrates Directive and Directive 91/414 ha ve been part of cross-compliance under the 
Common Agricultural Policy since 2003. This has  contributed to a better application of these 
directives. In addition, agri-environmental measures  aimed at i.a. input reduction have provided 
incentives to reduce pollution in the agricultural sector. 
The Commission is currently reflecting on the need to have specific measures addressing 
sustainable use of biocidal products. A study on the assessment of different options to address 
risks from the use phase of biocidal produc ts was carried out in 2009 and another study on 
best practices in the area of sust ainable use of biocides is being carried out at the moment. In 
June 2009, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation concerning the placing on the 
market and use of biocidal products. The propos al, which is currently discussed in the co-
decision, does not contain pr ovisions on sustainable use.  
A2.4.4 ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce current 
exposure, and Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, 
address complaints, Agreement in 2nd reading was achieved in June 2008 for the Daughter Directive under the Water Framework 
Directive setting environmental quality standards fo r 41 dangerous chemical substances (including 33 priority 
substances and 8 other pollutants ) that pose a particular risk to animal and plant life in the aquatic environment 
and to human health. Publication of the ne w Directive is foreseen in early 2009. Environmental Quality Standards Directive (Directive 2008/105/EC) has been adopted. This 
directive has to be seen in the context of the Water Framework Directive and not as an 
independent directive. It establishes envi ronmental quality standards for 41 dangerous 
chemical substances (including 33 priority substances and 8 other pollutants ) that pose a  
 
EN 16   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
limit future 
exposure, of 
terrestrial and 
freshwater 
ecosystems to 
toxic chemicals  
through measures 
in line with EU chemicals 
legislation 
including REACH 
[2006 onwards
]. 
(cf. action 3.2.4)  enforce where 
appropriate. A review of the Paints Directive (2004/42/EC) in line wi th the provisions of Articl e 9 of the Directive is under 
completion and is likely to come into force in 2010. The directive obliges Member Stat es to establish systems to 
monitor compliance of products with the requirements of the directive, the first of which was due by 31 June 
2008. 
Study to complement the priority lis t of endocrine disruptors with a focus on Low Production Volume Chemicals 
(LPVC) was completed end of December 2006; The third im plementation report of the Community Strategy for 
Endocrine Disrupters was published in November 2007 (SEC (2007) 1635). 
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Au thorisation and Restriction of Ch emical substances) (EC 1907/2006) 
entered into force on 1 June 2007. The Regulation w ill result in assessing risks to human health and the 
environment of ca. 30 000 chemical substances being cu rrently used in the EU. The most risky substances, 
including those having persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties (or very persistent and very 
bioaccumulative), may be banned and specific uses may only  be authorised if socio-ec onomic benefits of a use 
outweigh risks and there are no suitable alternatives. 
The 2nd triennial report (2003-2006) in line with the Biocid al Products Directive (98/8/EC) is under finalisation. particular risk (hazard and exposure) to animal and plant life in the aquatic environment and to 
human health.  
In addition, the Commission is working on the preparation of a new proposal that need to be 
ready by January 2011 in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Quality Standard 
Directive.  
Under the 'Common Implementation Strategy fo r the Water Framework Directive' a new work 
programme has been adopted for 2010-2012 for the implementation of Water Framework 
Directive (2000/60/EC), including the implemen tation of Environmental Quality Standards 
Directive (2008/105/EC). 
A2.5 TARGET: Flood risk management plans in place and designed in su ch a way as to prevent and minimise biodiversity loss and optimi se biodiversity gains, by 2015. 
A2.5.1 ACTION:  As part 
of the preliminary flood risk 
assessment for each river basin, 
assess the risks 
and benefits of 
flooding for 
biodiversity 
[within 3 years of 
adoption of 
Directive ]. Provide guidance Adoption of Directive 200 7/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23.10.2007 on the 
assessment and management of flood risks (OJ L 288, 6.11 .2007, p.27); 1st milestone will be preliminary flood 
risk assessment (for 2011); second step flood hazard maps and flood risk maps (for 2013). Information 
exchange on different topics in relation to implementati on of this Directive is ongoing with thematic workshops 
organised under an expert working group established to support the implementation of the Directive. Issues 
addressed in 2008 are sustainable land use planning and flood risk management (April 2008) as well as on flood 
mapping (September 2008). Within the first topic the issue of working with natural processes is also addressed, 
and in the second topic the issue of mapping potential  adverse consequences for the environment will be 
considered.    
A2.5.2 ACTION:  Ensure 
Flood risk 
management plans for each 
river basin 
optimise benefits 
for biodiversity 
through, in 
particular, allowing 
necessary 
freshwater input to 
wetland and 
floodplain habitats, 
and creating 
where possible 
and appropriate 
additional wetland 
and floodplain 
habitats which 
enhance capacity 
for flood water 
retention [by 
2015 ]. Provide guidance See 2.5.1.; 1st management plans set for 2015;  To be co-ordinated with im plementation of WFD. Certain 
aspects of flood risk management are also foreseen to be considered in the 1st river basin management plans 
currently in preparation to be establis hed by 22.12.2009, in particular as far as prevention of pollution as a result 
of floods, as well as hydromorphology and the ne ed to assessing better environmental options before 
undertaking a new modification to a water body which could hinder the achievement of the WFD objectives of 
the water body in question. Expert group on rivers set up by DG ENV and DG TREN in 03/2009.   
OBJECTIVE 3: TO CONSERVE AND RESTORE BIODIVERSITY AND EC OSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE WIDER EU MARINE ENVIRONMENT. 
HEADLINE TARGET: In wider marine environment (outside Natura 2000 network), biodiversity loss halted by 2010 and showing substa ntial recovery by 2013. 
 
EN 17   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 
A3.1 TARGET 3.1: Substantial progress achieved by 2010 and again by 20 13 towards 'good environmental stat us' of the marine environme nt. 
A3.1.1 ACTION:  Make 
initial assessments,  
determine 'good 
environmental 
status' , and 
establish 
environmental 
targets  for each 
Marine Region in 
line within the 
timetable specified 
in the proposed 
Marine Strategy 
Directive [2006 
onwards ]. Council to adopt Marine 
Framework Directive by 
2007. Commission to 
provide guidance, 
facilitate and where 
necessary enforce implementation. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive was adopted in June 2008 (OJ L 164 of 25.6.2008, p.19). It provides 
the basis for achieving good environmental status in  the marine environment and includes provision for the 
further development of marine prot ected areas. Adaptive management, on the basis of the ecosystem approach, 
will be applied to attain good environmental status. 
European Marine Monitoring & Assessment (EMMA) l ed by COM & EEA, helping pr epare ground for future 
implementation - will include initia l assessment of state of marine. 
Physically Sensitive Areas and high Oxygen Depletion Risk Areas mapped, see: 
http://emis.jrc.ec.eur opa.eu/4_1_gismap.php
. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive was ad opted in June 2008 (OJ L 164 of 25.6.2008, 
p.19). A Common Implementation Strategy has be en adopted, entailing the set in motion of a 
Strategy Coordination Working Group as well as  working groups to further develop the 'good 
environmental status' concept and data handling and monitoring activities. 
The Commission is expected to adopt a decision specifying parameters and criteria to make 
operational the descriptors listed in the Directive by  July 2010. To this end, preparatory work is 
being carried out by the International Council fo r the exploration of the Seas and the Joint 
Research Centre's Institute for Envi ronment and Sustainability (JRC-IES). 
The reports prepared from different working gr oups of experts include one on biodiversity 
(available at http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ repository/handle/111111111/13642  scrolling 
down and using the View/Open option). ).  
A3.1.2 ACTION:  Develop 
programmes of measures  
designed to 
achieve good 
environmental 
status in each 
Marine Region [by 
2016 at latest, 
earlier where 
possible ]. As above See A 3.1.1. See A 3.1.1.  
A3.1.3 ACTION:  Ensure 
key biodiversity and ecosystem 
provisions of the 
Thematic Strategy 
for the Marine 
Environment are 
assured in the 
Maritime Policy  
for the Union and 
any consequent 
policy.  Com to implement 
Thematic Strategy 
action plan. Green paper adopted (June 2006). Stakeholder consultati on concluded with over 490 contributions received. 
Impact assessment also concluded end 2007. 
In October 2007 the Commission adopted a Communicati on on an Integrated Maritime Policy for the EU 
together with a detailed Action Plan (COM (2007) 575 final) setting out an ambitious work programme for the 
years ahead. It ensures the key biodiversity and ecosystem provisions of the Marine Th ematic Strategy while the 
Action Plan lists further actions towards the protec tion of marine. The Com is now working on the 
implementation of the action plan. 
A European Monitoring and Data Network for the S eas (EMODNET), to be established (see A3.7.1). The recently adopted Commission progress re port on the Integrated Maritime Policy 
(COM/2009/0540 final) consolidates the Mari ne Strategy Framework Directive as the 
environmental pillar. Moreover, the definition of  the boundaries of sustainability of human 
activities that have an impact on the marine environment, in line with the Directive is 
considered one of the six strategic dire ctions to deliver the IMP objectives.  
A3.1.4 ACTION: Ensure 
timely 
implementation of 
the Water 
Framework 
Directive  as it 
applies to coastal 
areas [2006 
onwards ]. Provide guidance, 
monitor implementation, 
address complaints, 
enforce where 
appropriate. See A.2.3.1. See A.2.3.1.  
A3.1.5 ACTION: Ensure 
timely implementation 
and review of the Coordinate 
implementation, review. An external evaluation of the implementation of the ICZM Recommendation was carried out in 2006. It 
concluded that the Recommendation has had a positive effect in stimulating progress towards a more integrated 
planning and management of Europe's coastal zones. In  its Communication (COM (2007) 308), COM presented 
broad policy directions for the further support of ICZM at EU level. These include the development of guidance Following the evaluation of the ICZM Recomm endation (COM (2007) 308), the Commission 
launched the process towards a follow-up proposal to the Recommendation in 2011. A working 
group report on strategic directions and scopi ng of the impact assessment was produced in  
 
EN 18   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
EU Integrated 
Coastal Zone 
Management 
Recommendation  
[2006 onwards ]. and sharing of good-practices, and the identification of 2 priority themes, being (1) adaptation to coastal risks 
and climate change impacts and (2) cooperation in regional sea context, including management of the land-sea 
interface and marine spatial planning. Specific actions to  be designed in coherence with the Maritime Policy and 
the Marine Strategy Dir ective in particular. 
The evaluation of the EU ICZM Reco mmendation concluded that more supp ort to the implementation of ICZM 
needed to be given. A call for tender (1M€) was launc hed in 2008 to support the exchange of experience and 
comparative analysis of ICZM. The contract should start 1/2009 and run through to 2/2012.  
- In the framework of the Cohesion policy, the transna tional operational programmes were adopted by the end of 
2007. The programmes of all the European regional seas provided funding opportunities for ICZM. The 
implementation started in 2007/2008 with the first call fo r projects by the decentralised managing authorities. 
- The negotiations on the Protocol on ICZM in the fram ework of the Barcelona Convention were successfully 
concluded. By June 2008 all EU Member States (exc ept Cyprus) signed the Protocol. The Proposal for the 
Community signature of the Protocol was put forward by the Commission The French Presidency organises a 
stakeholder and Ministerial conference to promote the Pr otocol (18/19 December 2008) with specific attention 
for the role the Protocol can play  in stopping biodiversity decline.  
- The 6th RTD Framework programme supported a number of key projects to support ICZM which are to deliver 
results in the course of 2009/2010 (E NCORA, strategic coordination action to  overcome the fragmentation of the 
coastal research and to facilitate research-education-us er links; CONSCIENCE policy support project to make 
operational the concepts of sound coas tal erosion management developed by the EUrosion project in 2004; 
SPICOSA, integrated project to support decision making an d assessment of policy options in the coastal zones). 
In the context of the 7th Framework programme, calls  for projects were launched end 2007 and in 2008 on 
marine spatial planning and ICZM, research to support ICZM in the Mediterranean and Black seas and coastal 
cities. 2009.  
The ICZM Protocol to the Barcelona Convention was signed by the EU in 2008 (Council 
Decision 2009/89/EC) with a ratifica tion proposal to follow in 2010. 
To support implementation of ICZM the OURCOAST initiative was launched in 2009. 
OURCOAST focuses on exchange of experience and comparative analysis for ICZM. The first 
phase of the initiative runs from 1/2009 through to 2/2012 (1M€).  
In the framework of the Cohesion Policy, th e transnational operational programmes 2007-2013 
of all the European regional seas provide fund ing opportunities for ICZM. Relevant coastal 
projects have been selected in the first r ounds and are being implemented (e.g. COASTANCE, 
ANCORIM, SUSCOD, CAMIS, C-SCOPE,  TIDE? BLAST, COASTADAPT, IMCORE, 
BALTCICA, BALTSEAPLAN, LITOMAC),  
The 6th RTD Framework programme supported a num ber of key projects to support ICZM 
which are to deliver results in the course of  2009/2010 (e.g. CONSCIE NCE, SPICOSA,). In the 
context of the 7th Framework programme, a re search project to support ICZM in the 
Mediterranean and Black seas was selected in 2008 (PEGASO). 
A3.2 TARGET: Principal pollutant pressures on marine biodiversity substantially reduced by 2010, and again by 2013. 
A3.2.1 ACTION:  
Significantly  
reduce point 
source pollutant 
pressures on 
marine 
ecosystems 
through 
strengthening 
implementation of 
relevant 
Directives, notably 
on Integrated 
Pollution 
Prevention and 
Control, Large 
Combustion 
Plants, Waste 
Incineration, 
Urban Waste 
Water Treatment 
[2006 onwards ] 
(cf. action 2.3.1 ) Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, 
address complaints, 
enforce where 
appropriate. See A.2.4.1; 
COM communication (2006/0863)  presenting the current state of Commu nity action in terms of preparedness 
and response to marine pollution, and indicating how the Commission intends to continue and promote its 
activities to the full in this field from 200; European Union established the European Maritime Safety Agency 
(EMSA)  (1406/2002/EC)  to strengthen its role in the field of mariti me safety and pollution by ships. The Agency 
provides technical and scientific assistance to the COM and Member States on related matters and fulfils tasks 
on oil pollution response. 
Beyond the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (which  covers coastal waters), 2008 saw the adoption of 
the Marine Strategy Directive 2008/56/EC, expanding the scope of water protection to all marine areas, with the 
objective of good environmental status for all marine waters, and an obligation for Member States to cooperate 
and coordinate action in shared marine regions or subr egions, across administrative and political boundaries. Pollutants are already included within the Mari ne Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). See 
A.3.1.1.  
A3.2.2 ACTION:  
Significantly reduce airborne 
eutrophicating 
and acidifying 
pollution of 
marine 
ecosystems  in 
line with Thematic 
Strategy on Air Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, 
address complaints, 
enforce where 
appropriate. See A.2.4.2. Eutrophication and acidifying pollution are already included within the Marine Strategy 
Framework Directive (MSFD). See A.3.1.1.  
 
EN 19   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
Quality [2006 
onwards ]; revise 
National 
Emissions Ceiling 
Directive [by 
2007 ]. (cf. action 
2.3.2 ) 
A3.2.3 ACTION:  
Significantly reduce pollution 
of marine 
ecosystems from 
agricultural 
sources  
(pesticides, 
nitrates) through 
measures in line 
with Thematic 
Strategy on the Sustainable Use of 
Pesticides, 
pesticides and 
biocides 
legislation, 
Nitrates Directive 
[2006 onwards
]. 
(cf. action 2.3.3 ) Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, 
address complaints, 
enforce where 
appropriate. See A.2.4.3. See A.2.4.3.  
A3.2.4 ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce current exposure, and limit 
future expo sure, of 
marine 
ecosystems to 
toxic chemicals  
through measures 
in line with EU 
chemicals 
legislation [2006 
onwards ]. (cf. 
action 2.3.4)  Provide guidance, 
monitor 
implementation, address complaints, 
enforce where 
appropriate. See A.2.4.4. Toxic chemicals are already included within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). 
See A.3.1.1.  
FISHERIES POLICY 
A3.3 TARGET: Ecosystem approach to the protection of the seas in place and implying fisheries management measures no later than 2016 . 
A3.3.1 ACTION:  
Introduce the 
fisheries 
management 
measures 
required in the 
Regional Marine 
Strategies 
adopted by 
Member States in 
line with the 
requirements of Ensure respect of 
deadlines for 
Programmes of 
Measures to be 
adopted by Member 
States and propose 
pertinent fishery 
measures. Measures being introduced into CFP – e.g. legislatio n implementing fisheries restrictive areas to protect 
vulnerable deep sea habitats in t he Mediterranean & recovery plan for certain fish stocks in the Baltic Sea; 
Council Regulation fixing for 2007-2008 the fishing opportunities for Community fishing vessels for certain deep-
sea fish stocks; Council Regulation concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of 
fisheries resources in the Mediterranean; Legislation impl ementing fisheries restrictive areas to protect deep-sea 
habitats in the Mediterranean and in the North East Atlantic included in the proposed 2008 TAC & Quota 
Regulation. Regional Marine Strategies will only be operational by 2016  
 
EN 20   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
the Marine 
Strategy Directive 
[by 2017 ]. 
A3.4 TARGET: Substantially enhanced funding provided to envir onmentally-friendly fisheries mana gement from 2007 onwards. 
A3.4.1 ACTION:  Apply 
new European 
Fisheries Fund 
and Member 
State funds for 
actions beneficial 
to marine 
biodiversity [2007 
onwards ]. ( cf. 
Action B1.1.3 ) Negotiate Operational 
Plans with Member 
States Council Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 of 27 July 2006 on the EFF. Designed to help implement the reformed 
CFP principles and to promote sustainable fisheries; National strategic reference frameworks and OPs being 
prepared; Member States hav e adopted National Strategic Plans for fisheries and aquaculture and proposed for 
approval by the Commission the Operational Plans. T he Commission is checking their compliance with EU 
environmental acquis and their contribution to the sustai nable exploitation of fisheries and aquaculture. The EFF 
may provide, opportunities to support biodiversity conser vation and sustainable use of  natural resources. This 
can be done by the implementation of many different type s of operations included in 4 of the 5 Priority Axes 
defined by regulation 1198/2006. However, in every OP these operations are grouped together with many other 
measures belonging to the same Axis and not linke d to biodiversity and NATURA 2000. The financial 
information provided by the EFF OPs does not include t he amount allocated to meas ures or operations. The 
only available information concerns the total allocation of the EFF plus the national public contribution for each 
Priority Axis, and the total annual commitment of the EFF in the operational programme. The European Fisheries Fund Regulation offers the MS the possibility, to co-finance actions for 
biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of  natural resources. However, the information 
provided by MS in their Operational Programmes does not include the amount allocated to 
specific actions. At present it is not possible to know t he amounts allocated to actions 
beneficial to marine biodiversity. However, the guidelines for the interim evaluation of the EFF 
should include questions related to this topic.  The synthesis of these evaluations should be 
available by the end of 2011.  
A3.5 TARGET: Stock levels maintained or restored  to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield, where possible no later than 2015. 
A3.5.1 ACTION:  Prepare 
plan of action to 
attain maximum 
sustainable yield , 
prepare and 
implement 
multiannual plans 
for stocks outside 
safe biological 
limits [2006 
onwards ] Propose plan of action 
to attain maximum 
sustainable yield. Seek 
scientific advice, 
consult stakeholders 
and elaborate 
proposals for recovery 
and management 
plans. Communication on implementing sustainability in EU fisheries through Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) 
COM(2006)360; SEC(2006)868,  the Council received the Communication and issued conclusions on the 
17/12/2007; ongoing measures to introduce this ob jective into management of different stocks. 
The following relevant Council Regulations have been adop ted in 2007: multiannual plan for fisheries exploiting 
stocks of plaice and sole in the Nort h Sea, recovery plan for blue fin tu na, multiannual plan  for sustainable 
exploitation of the stock of sole in the Western Channel and a recovery plan for eel. Council Regulation for a 
recovery plan for Eastern Baltic Sea cod stocks and a mu lti-annual plan for cod stocks in the Baltic Sea adopted 
in September 2007. 
The Commission's Communication on 'The role of the CFP in implementing an ecosystem approach to marine 
management' was adopted in April 2008; This shows how measures taken under the CFP will be guided by the 
ecosystem approach as the overarching principle.   
A3.5.2 ACTION:  Develop, 
adopt and 
implement 
restoration 
programmes for 
diadromous 
species (e.g. 
trout, salmon, 
sturgeon). [2006 
onwards ] Propose programmes. On 18 September 2007 Council adopted Regulati on 1100/2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the 
stock of European eel COM (2005) 472 final; COM has produced a Guidance Document on preparations of Eel 
Management Plans in accordance with the regulation 1100/2007. The 19 concerned MS have submitted their 
Eel Management Plans to the COM, which the COM is scientifically assessing before adoption (15 EMP have 
been adopted so far). 
Long-term management plan for the Baltic Salmon to be adopted in 2011.   
A3.5.3 ACTION:  Adjust 
fishing capacity  
to improve 
balance between 
fishing capacity and available fish 
stocks.  [2006 
onwards ] Work out efficient 
parameters for the 
assessment of fishing 
capacity. Annual Report from the Commission to the Council an d the EP on MSs efforts to achieve a sustainable balance 
between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities. Ongoing discussions with MSs to improve the framework of 
the annual report by ensuring a better evaluation of t he over-capacity concept, according to data on fishing 
possibilities allocations, status of exploited fish ing stocks and economic result s of the fleet segments. Improved reporting by Member States and t he Commission in the Annual Report from the 
Commission to the Council and the EP on MSs efforts to achieve a sustainable balance 
between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities during 2008. Commission continues to work 
with MSs and STECF to provide a better evaluation of the EU over-capacity, according to data 
on fishing possibilities allocations, status of ex ploited fishing stocks an d economic results of 
the fleet segments. 
On-going external study in order to assess the extent of over-capacity.  
A3.5.4 ACTION:  Adopt 
and implement 
provisions under 
CFP for the wider 
establishment of 
no-take zones.  Seek scientific advice, 
consult stakeholders 
and elaborate 
proposals.  Technical workshops on Marine protected areas approp riateness as management tool for management of 
fisheries activities carried out by the Commission supported by Community experts. Measure being introduced 
to protect sensitive habitats (e.g. deep sea coral reef s) may result in no-take areas; Council Regulation 
concerning management measures for t he sustainable exploitation of fisheries in the Mediterranean. Chapter III 
includes fishing protected areas.   
 
EN 21   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
A3.5.5 ACTION: Take 
concerted EU action to combat 
illegal, 
unreported and 
unregulated 
fishing. [2006 
onwards ]   Commission Regulation (EC) No 1262/2006 of 23 August 2006 has amended Council Regulation (EC) No 
51/2006 as regards the list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries in the north-east 
Atlantic. 
A Communication on "a new strategy for the Community to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and 
Unregulated fishing," COM(2007)601, as well as a proposal  for Council Regulation Establishing a Community 
system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreporte d and unregulated fishing, COM(2007) 602, have been 
adopted by the Commission in October 2007. On 29 S eptember 2008, the Council adopted the Regulation 
establishing a Community system to pr event, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. 
A stakeholder consultation has recently been launched on the reform of the CFP control system. Overcoming 
the shortcomings of the cu rrent control system, which dates back to 2003, will significantly help to ensure 
effective application of fisheries measures and deter ille gal operations. The consultation exercise was open until 
5 May 2008 and the Commission has adopted on 14 November 2008 a proposal for a Council Regulation on the 
reform of the control system of t he Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). It is designed to strengthen the current 
regulatory framework in order to ensure a level playing field and to develop a culture of compliance within the 
fisheries sector across the Europe an Union (COM(2008) 721 final).    
A3.6 TARGET: Impact of fisheries on non-target species and habitats  progressively and substantially reduced from 2006 onwards. 
A3.6.1 ACTION:  
Implement technical 
measures to help 
ensure favourable 
conservation status of marine 
species and 
habitats which are 
not commercially 
exploited, aimed at 
the reduction of 
unwanted by-catch 
and of damage to 
the benthos. [2006 
onwards ] Propose new technical 
measures under the 
CFP; supervise 
implementation at 
Community level. Simplified technical measures through the New Techni cal Measures Regulation proposed in 2008 will improve 
selectivity of fishing gear. Ongoing work. e.g.: articl e 9 by-catch provisions of the Council Regulation 
Establishing a multi-annual recovery Plan for Bluef in tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. 
In March 2007 the Commission adopted a Communication (COM 2007 (136)) on reducing unwanted catches 
and eliminating discards in European fisheries, for whic h the EP expressed broad support in its plenary session 
of the 31 January 2008. Legislation implementing fisheries restrictive ar eas to protect vulnerable deep-sea 
habitats in the Mediterranean and in the North East Atlantic is included in the 2008 TAC and Quota Regulation. 
Council Regulation 1967/2006 of 21 December 2006 co ncerning management measures for the sustainable 
exploitation of fisheries in the Mediterranean includes prohibition of fishing with devices impacting sensitive 
habitats (e.g. sea grasses) in areas known to host such habitats. Ongoing work. e.g.: article 9 by-catch provisions of the Council Regulation Establishing a multi-
annual recovery Plan for Bluefin tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Medi terranean. In October 
2009, the Council Regulation No 1288/2009 for tr ansitional technical measures in the Atlantic 
was adopted. 
Legislation implementing fisheries restrictive ar eas to protect vulnerable deep-sea habitats he 
North East Atlantic is included  in the NEAFC Regulation. Deep wa ter coral reefs in the Atlantic 
are protected through several Council Regulati ons No 1568/2005, 602/2004 and 734/2008.  
Council Regulation 1967/2006 of 21 December 2006 concerning management measures for 
the sustainable exploitation of fisheries in the Mediterranean includes prohibition of fishing with 
devices impacting sensitive habitats (e.g. sea gr asses) in areas known to host such habitats.  
A3.6.2 ACTION:  Adopt 
Community Plan 
of Action for the conservation of 
sharks and 
Community Plan 
of Action for 
reducing seabird 
by-catch and 
implement 
progressively 
thereafter.  Propose plans for 
Seabird by-catch action 
plan. Shark action plan to be 
adopted. Community Action Plan for Sharks; Shark Action Plan was opened for consultation until 15 February 2008, an 
impact assessment of the Shark Action Plan has been un dertaken and is foreseen to be adopted in early 2009; 
COM following work of FAO/ IPOA on sharks. COM is gathering information and scientific advice with a view to completing a Community plan of action for 
reducing seabird by-catch in the context of FAO by end 2009. 
See also comments under A.1.1.1 in relation to  the marine Natura 2000 and fisheries management COM adopted the Community Action Plan for S harks in February 2009, COM(2009)40 final. 
The Council welcomed the Action Plan and suppor ted an approach to implement elements of 
the Plan. COM is working on the amendment of the finning Regulation and proposed to the 
Council the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quotas Regulation for 2010, which was adopted 
with a zero TAC for porbeagle and limited by-catch for spurdog. Measures have been taken on 
the improvement of data collection. Progress has  been made in several Regional Fisheries 
Management Organisations (RFMOs), although in this particular aspect it should be noted that 
results of EU action are dependent also on ot her non-EU parties. COM supported the listing of 
several shark species in the annexes of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory 
Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and Specially Prot ected Areas and Biological Diversity in the 
Mediterranean (SPA/BD) Protocol of the Barcelo na Convention. COM is preparing proposals to 
list two shark species in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). 
COM did not develop a Community plan of action for reducing incidental catches of seabird in 
the context of FAO by end 2009. The COM services have already initiated the impact 
assessment procedure. Such a process foresees , among other actions, a consultation with 
experts/stakeholders and an impact assessment study aimed to deliver recommendations on 
best practices to reduce incidental catches and, in parallel, the economic/social and 
environmental impacts associated to the use of mitigation measures. The study will focus in 
the pelagic and demersal longline fisheries at  Gran Sol area (southwest of Ireland) and 
Mediterranean Sea, and in gillnet fisheries taki ng place in the Baltic and North Sea. COM is 
also planning to promote communication on eas y-to-implement measures at RAC level and to  
 
EN 22   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
promote management measures within RFMOs (such as General Fisheries Commission for 
the Mediterranean and International Commission fo r the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) to 
alleviate the problem.  
See also comments under A.1.1.1 in relati on to the marine Natura 2000 and fisheries 
management. 
A3.6.3 ACTION:  Identify, 
define, adopt  and 
enforce fisheries 
measures 
required for 
Natura 2000 sites 
in the marine 
environment. [by 
date of 
designation]  Define and propose 
measures, as 
appropriate, at 
Community level; 
supervise, guide and 
enforce implementation 
at Member State level. Protection measures for four Irish SACs included as an amendment to 2008 TAC & QUOTA Regulation adopted 
in December 2007. 
DG ENV and DG MARE have completed a guidance doc ument for Member States on how to request for 
fisheries management measures for marine N2000 sites under the CFP 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environm ent/nature/natura2000/mari ne/docs/fish_measures.pdf )  
COM is responding to MS requests regarding fisherie s management measures for Natura 2000 sites. New 
request from Spain for El Cachucho area is submitted. 
Measures included in the Mediterranean Regulation. [ 
The Darwin Mounds: in 2003 and 2004 the Commissi on adopted, under the em ergency procedure, two 
Commission Regulations (EC) 1475/2003 and (EC) 263/2004 for the protection of deep-water coral reefs from 
the effects of trawling. In 2004 these measures were made permanent by  Council Regulation (EC) 602/2004. 
In December 2007 temporary protection measures were adopted for four candidate Natura 2000 sites in Irish 
waters (amendments to the 2008 and 2009 TAC and Quot a Regulations (40/2008 and 43/2009 respectively). 
 The Voordelta: Commission Decision of 11 Ju ne 2008 on the confirmation of measures 
proposed by the Netherlands for the conservati on of marine ecosystems in the Voordelta area 
2008/915/EC. Fisheries restrictions for certai n areas within the 12 nm of Dutch waters 
(Compensation for Natura 2000 areas follow ing the extension of Rotterdam harbour). 
El Cachucho (offshore area 25km from the Span ish coast in the Cantabrian Sea: Protection 
measures adopted in December 2008 by amendm ent of the TAC and Quota Regulation (EC) 
No 43/2009).  
A3.6.4 ACTION:  Ensure 
adequate 
treatment of 
biodiversity 
concerns in all 
cases where 
environmental 
impact 
assessment or 
strategic 
environmental assessment  is 
required in relation 
to fisheries or 
aquaculture, and 
ensure 
authorisation 
process and 
subsequent 
implementation 
take due account 
of EIA and SEA 
findings in order to 
prevent negative 
impacts on 
biodiversity or, 
where prevention 
is not possible, 
minimise, mitigate 
and/or 
compensate for 
these negative 
impacts  [2006 
onwards ]. Address any complaints 
relating to incorrect 
application of EIA; 
enforce correct 
application where 
necessary. Ongoing  Expert group on rivers set up by DG ENV and DG TREN in 03/2009.  
Studies to provide tools for better integration of biodiversity issues in EIAs (local level) and 
SEAs (strategic level) launched under Preparatory Actions 2008.  
A3.7 TARGET: Substantially improved information and reporting on enviro nmental integration of the Common Fisheries Policy from 2008 onwards. 
 
EN 23   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
A3.7.1 ACTION:  Make 
periodic assessments  
[2006 onwards
] of 
the progress of the 
Common Fisheries 
Policy in 
incorporating environmental 
protection 
requirements (with 
particular 
reference to 
biodiversity).  Seek basic scientific 
information and report 
to Council and 
Parliament. Study and expert workshops carried with STECF and ICES to identify improved indicators for reporting on 
impact of fishing on marine ecosystem (report released in July 2007). The Council adopted on 25 February 2008 
the Regulation (EC) No 199/2008 concerning the establis hment of a Community framework for the collection, 
management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice regarding the Common 
Fisheries Policy. This new framework also introduces provisions to meet the new developments following the 
2002 Reform of the CFP, in particular the move toward s fisheries- or fleet-based management as opposed to 
managing individual stocks, the in tegration of environmental data, and the shift towards an ecosystem-based 
approach. The new Data Collection Regulation (DCR) inclu des the obligation for MSs to collect environmental 
data. The collection of basic  scientific information will support periodi c assessments of the progress of the CFP 
in integrating biodiversit y protection requirements. 
The new DCR also includes access to and use of detail ed data, in particular, access to satellite monitoring 
(VMS) data will provide detailed informati on at the high level of resolution requ ired for effective spatial planning. 
This will play a major role in enabling effective action to protect vulnerable marine habitats both under the EU's 
Habitats Directive, and in fulfilment of the EU's in ternational commitments. In August 2008 the Commission 
adopted technical implementing rules (COM 665/2008). In addition the Commission has recently proposed 
detailed implementing rules concerning the Commission's fi nancial contribution to the Data Collection National 
programmes. 
A European Monitoring and Data Network for the Seas (E MODNET), to be established in the context of the new 
Integrated Maritime Policy, will monitor indicators on t he natural state of the seas, including biodiversity. The basic data and information that  could be used to assess progress on the actions foreseen 
for environmental integration (see COM(2002)186) is to a large extent routinely collected in the 
framework of the Data Collection Regulati on (Regulation (EC) No 199/2008, formerly 
Regulation (EC) No 1543/2000).  
As far as reporting is concerned, the servic es of the Commission had also developed a system 
of indicators of environmental integration for t he CFP (SEC(2004)892). However, in absence of 
a legal reporting obligation, no comprehensive re port to the Council and the Parliament has 
been done on progress towards environmental integration. 
Conversely, regular reports are done on the reduc tion of fishing pressure in the context of 
multi-annual management plans, which was the most important action foreseen in the 2002 
communication on integration. These reports, which range from scientific assessments to 
political guidelines to establish annually the fi shing opportunities for Member States' fleets, are 
regularly made available to the Council,  the Parliament and all stakeholders.  
OBJECTIVE 4: TO REINFORCE COMPATABILITY OF REGIONAL AN D TERRITORAL DEVELOPMENT WITH BIODIVERSITY IN THE EU. 
HEADLINE TARGET: Regional and territorial development benefiting biodiversity and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented an d minimised or, where unavoidable, adequately compensated for, from 2006 onwards. 
REGIONAL POLICY, SPATIAL PLANNING 
A4.1 TARGET: Cohesion and structural funds contributing to sustainabl e development and making (directly  or indirectly) a positive co ntribution to biodiversity, and negative impacts on biodiversi ty prevented or minimised or, where unavoidable, adequately 
compensated for, from 2006 onwards. 
A4.1.1 ACTION:  Allocate, 
at MS initiative, cohesion and 
structural funds 
for projects 
directly or 
indirectly 
benefiting 
biodiversity  in 
appropriate  
operational 
programmes [2006 
onwards ]. ( cf. 
Action B1.1.4 ) Encourage MS to 
provide for such 
projects, provide 
technical support for 
programming 
(consistent with 
Financing Natura 2000 
proposal); evaluate 
national programmes 
submitted. Funding possibilities included in E RDF Reg. 1080/2006 (Art.5, part B); guidance on Financing Natura 2000 
includes ERDF; seminars on financing NATURA 2000 provided in MS; The 27 MS have planned to invest a total 
amount of €5,2 billion (in practice from ERDF, CF and ETC funds), which represent in  average 1,5% of the total 
financial allocations of the programmes. This amount co vers only the Community participation to be completed 
by national and private funds. The Community participation varies according to the level of development of the 
regions or countries and can reach 85% in the converge nce regions and in the new MS. Member states have 
made allocations to several categories of spending related to the protection of biodiv ersity and management of 
natural resources. The most relevant category is the “Pro motion of biodiversity and nature protection” (code 51) 
for which €2719 million has been allocated. Also highly re levant is the "protection of natural assets" (code 55) for 
which €1146 million is allocated. A total of €1376 million, foreseen for the protection and development of natural 
heritage" (Code 56) in the framework of tourism, will also include some spending for nature and biodiversity. 
With exception of Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg all MS have allocated some funds for nature and biodiversity 
protection although this varies considerable between coun tries. Lithuania and Malta have used more than 3% of 
their allocated funds for biodiversity. Biodiversity ben efits can also be expected fr om measures in the urban 
context (quarters/brownfield rehabilitation, re-establishm ent of green areas/open spac e etc.) and, more directly, 
from landscape conservation measures where they accom pany major infrastructure projects to compensate for 
biodiversity losses.  
European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes ( former INTERREG) compared to national programmes, 
show higher allocations for specific action in favour of biodiversity and / or Natura 2000, approximately 5.6 % of 
the ETC programmes budget. They include a wide variety of cross-border cooperation measures within 
transnational partnerships.   
A4.1.2 ACTION:  ESF 
contributing to biodiversity Encourage MS to 
provide for such 
projects, provide No explicit mention to biodiversity funding but relevant opp ortunities (e.g. life long learning, training) exist for MS 
- outlined in COM guidance doc on financing NATURA 2000. Under the ESF, no funds are planned to be spent 
under the categories 51, 55 and 56. However, on init iative of some MS regions, the ESF will support  
 
 
EN 24   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
objectives  
through 
awareness-raising, 
capacity building, 
employment of the 
young, long-term 
jobless and 
elderly, etc. [2007 
onwards ] ( cf. 
Action B1.1.5 ) technical support for 
programming; evaluate 
national programmes 
submitted. training/education measures for specific  projects at regional and local leve ls (examples: co-funding of regional 
programmes under the UNESCO Decade for Education for sustainable development1, supporting schemes like 
the German ecological year for young people, training  of park rangers). The ESF programmes offer a wide 
range of other funding opport unities but they need to be identified and proactively by the interested parties at 
national levels. Many Convergence programmes allow for using the technical assistance to support measures 
that indirectly promote Natura 2000/ biod iversity activities. This is for instan ce the case in DE, FR, IT, BG, RO or 
MT where technical assistance (or the OP on technical assistance or directly  the technical assistance of the OP) 
allow funding of measures in relation to the implementat ion of the environmental measures; this can concern 
environmental monitoring, development of GIS, evaluation activities, reinforcement of capacity building and 
assistance to prepare Natura 2000 management plans. 
A4.1.3 ACTION:  Ensure 
National 
Strategic 
Reference 
Frameworks 
(NRSFs) and 
Operational 
Programmes 
2007-2013 fully respect 
environmental 
acquis  [2006 
onwards ] Check conformity of 
NSRFs and Operational 
Programmes with 
environmental acquis. All the NSRFs and most of the OP ar e now adopted (June 2008). The conf ormity of NSRFs and Operational 
Programmes with environmental acquis has been checked during the negotiations wh ich are now completed.   
A4.1.4 ACTION:  Ensure 
strategic 
environmental 
assessment 
(SEA) of 
Operational 
Programmes  
[2006 onwards ] 
gives adequate 
treatment to 
biodiversity 
concerns and that 
the final 
programmes take 
full account of the 
SEA findings in 
order to prevent, 
minimise and 
mitigate impacts 
on biodiversity and 
provide where 
possible benefits 
to biodiversity. ( cf. 
Action A1.1.4 ) Check SEA Directive is 
applied. Most ERDF and CF supported OPs (326  out of 335) have been adopted (as of 01/04/08). COM (DG REGIO and 
ENV) wrote to MS (February 2006) regarding t heir obligations regarding SEA directive.  
In the process of adoption, all re levant DGs have been consulted on the OPs and their accompanying 
documents, among them, the ju stification on how SEA finding have been taken into account in the OPs. The 
biodiversity dimension has been assessed, although in ge neral terms. The level of detail of the assessment of 
the OP on biodiversity varies between countries and from one OP to the other, and is closely related to the level 
of detail of the programme. This is not the case for the major pr ojects i.e. those over Euro 50m (25m  for environmental projects) and for the 
TENs projects, where more information on the location of the projects was availa ble at the level of the 
programme. It seems, that the experience of common practi ce on how to deal with the biodiversity dimension in 
a SEA context is limited, especially at the intermedi ate geographical level of t he regions where the OP 
intervenes. In general, the SEA of the regional  programmes did not contain specific recommendations 
concerning biodiversity, except for most OPs on transport or large infrastructures when projects were likely to 
cross Natura 2000 areas. The SEA has also proposed additional monitoring and evaluati on criteria to be 
incorporated in the programmes. In a few OPs clause s conditioning the funding to the respect of nature 
protection legislation with the focus on Natura 2000 site s, were introduced. For example, this is the case of 
Poland (Co-financing of projects having negative impact on the potential Natura 2000 sites which have not been 
designated shall not be eligible), Bulgaria (co-financing of  projects having negative impact on potential Natura 
2000 sites not permitted). Modification of Operational Programmes might  be undertaken by the relevant Managing 
Authorities in agreement with the European Commission. 
Further reflexion is n eeded on how to deal with the biod iversity dimension in a SEA context, 
especially at the intermediate geographical leve l of the regions where the OP intervenes. 
  
A4.1.5 ACTION:  Ensure 
environmental 
impact 
assessment (EIA) 
of projects co-
financed by Assess all proposals 
over Euro 50m (25m for 
environmental projects) 
for potential biodiversity 
impacts. Address any 
complaints relating to The major projects' form includes an explicit reference to the EIA and Natura 2000 sites  
Evaluations of Major Projects for the period 2007-20 13 begun as soon as the projects submitted to the 
Commission. EIA includes a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by 
the project, including fauna, flora, an d landscape. The EIA provides also for the assessment of alternatives to 
take into account environmental effects.  DG ENV will verify that the EIA ta kes duly into account impact on nature 
and biodiversity (including ecosystems) and the meas ures foreseen to avoid, minimise and compensate.   
                                                 
1 UNESCO was designated  by UN General Assembly Resolution 57/254 to lead the Decade of Educati on for Sustainable Developmen t (2005-2014). In addressin g biodiversity, the focus is on the interlinking is sues of biodiversity and livelihoods, such as 
agriculture, livestock raising, forestry and fisheries. The Decade offers an opportunity  to develop a better understanding of how consumption impacts biodiversity at local and global levels, to sensitize young peopl e to their role and responsibility in this 
process and to accelerate human resource develo pment, education and training to prevent habitat loss and degradation, species l oss, and pollution. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001388/138846e.pdf  
 
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Cohesion Fund 
and European 
Regional 
Development 
Fund (ERDF) , 
where such EIA is 
required, gives 
adequate treatment to 
biodiversity 
concerns and that 
final projects take 
full account of EIA 
findings in order to 
prevent, minimise 
and mitigate 
impacts on 
biodiversity and 
provide where 
possible benefits 
to biodiversity 
[2006 onwards
]. 
(cf. Action A1.1.4)   projects. Check EIA 
Directive is correctly 
applied. Additional efforts to address also climate change effe cts in combination with the OP investments and the 
interrelations between them and biodiversit y and the possible needs for adaptation.  
A4.1.6 ACTION:  Ensure 
full participation 
of civil society  in 
development of 
NSRF and 
national 
Operational 
Programmes and 
in SEA/EIA and 
ensure biodiversity 
interests fully 
represented [2006 
onwards ]. Address complaints 
relating to inadequate 
participation. The SEA process has allowed the participation of civil so ciety (in conformity with the provisions of the SEA 
Directive). When the public (including NGOs) had ex pressed comments on the programmes or the SEA, the 
Authority responsible for the programmes had the obligat ion to explain how the opinions expressed during the 
consultation had been taken in consideration. In practi ce, even if the timeframe of the consultations were not 
always sufficient to allow a large public to take part in the consultation, the SEA process has given to NGOs 
interested in the programme an opportunity to express their voice. Ongoing action for the modifica tion of Operational Programmes  
A4.2 TARGET: Negative impacts of territorial plans (within each MS) on  biodiversity prevented or minimised, and positive benefits op timised, from 2006 onwards. 
A4.2.1 ACTION:  Ensure 
that all those 
territorial plans 
subject to 
strategic 
environmental 
assessment 
(SEA) (where 
deemed 
applicable by 
Member States 
under the SEA 
Directive) do not 
cause significant 
negative impacts 
on biodiversity 
(direct, indirect, 
cumulative) [2006 
onwards ]. Assess effectiveness of 
SEA in addressing 
biodiversity impacts 
(2006 SEA reports, 
commission special 
study to take stock). See A.1.1.4 re SEA study. See A.1.1.4 and the Commission report (CO M(2009)469) regarding the SEA study.  
 
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A4.2.2 ACTION:  
Implement policies and measures in 
line with Thematic 
Strategy for Urban 
Environment to 
prevent urban 
sprawl [2006 
onwards ]. n/a     
A4.3 TARGET: Ecological coherence and functioning strengthened through spatial planning from 2006 onwards. 
A4.3.1 ACTION:  Develop 
and implement 
spatial and 
programmatic 
plans that support 
the coherence of 
the Natura 2000 
network (in line 
with the requirements of 
the nature 
directives to 
ensure such 
coherence) and 
maintain and/or 
restore the 
ecological quality 
of wider landscape 
[2006 onwards
] 
(cf. Action B2.5.1 ) Promote best practice 
at MS, regional and 
local levels Promoting correct application of SEA, wh ich covers land use plans. New initia tive - "Territorial  Agenda for the 
European Union" - agreed in May 2007, provides an opportunity for planning and implementation of European 
ecological networks, especially stressing its role for oppor tunities for sustainable development in marginal areas 
and preservation of traditional cultural landscapes of Europe. The concept of territorial cohesion, which is part of the Lisbon Treaty, will also look at its 
environmental dimension, within the context of  Cohesion Policy. Exchange of best-practice 
examples on integrated spatia l planning at workshop on Green Infrastructure held in 03/2009. 
More information on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nat ure/ecosystems/index_en.htm   
A4.4 TARGET: Significant increase in proportion of tourism which is ecologically sustainable by 2010 and again by 2013. 
A4.4.1 CBD Guidelines 
on Sustainable 
Tourism  
promoted, 
adopted and 
implemented as 
appropriate by key 
stakeholders 
[2006 onwards ]. Promote best practice. To be considered under new EU Business and Bi odiversity Initiative (See B 3.1.6). On the broader 'Busine ss and Biodiversity' initiative for business engagement see B 3.1.6 
Guidance on sustainable tourism and Natura 2000 published 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environm ent/nature/info/pubs/do cs/nat2000/sust _tourism.pdf ) 
The 'European Destination of Excellence' award in itiative of the COM includes nature related 
criteria. The theme of 2009 was dedicated especially to 'Tourism and Protected areas' 
(http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ sectors/tourism/eden/themes -destinations/index_en.htm )  
A4.5 TARGET: All above outcomes achieved also in Outermost Regions. 
A4.5.1 ACTION:  All 
above actions 
applied, as 
appropriate, in 
Outermost 
Regions (French 
Guyana, 
Guadeloupe, 
Reunion, 
Martinique, 
Canaries, Azores, 
Madeira) [2006 As for all above actions 
under targets 4.1-4.5, as appropriate. Approach as for EU27 + Canaries, Azores & Madeira subject to EU  nature legislation. The concept of territorial cohesion, which is part of the Lisbon Treaty, will also look at its 
environmental dimension, within the context of Cohesion Policy.  
 
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onwards ]. 
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 
A4.6 TARGET: All Strategic Environmental Assessmen ts and Environmental Impact Assessments have taken full account of biodiversity co ncerns (2006 onwards). 
A4.6.1 ACTION:  Ensure 
effective treatment of biodiversity in 
all Strategic 
Environmental 
Assessment 
(SEA) of 
programmes and 
plans, where 
such SEA is 
required, 
including by 
promotion of best 
practice through 
the development 
of guidelines, recognition of 
good 
performance) - 
and ensure that 
full account is 
taken of the 
findings of the 
assessment (in 
terms of impacts 
on biodiversity) in 
the final 
programmes or 
plans [2006 
onwards ]. ( cf. 
Action A1.1.4 ) See action 1.1.3 abov e. See A.1.1.4. See A.1.1.4.   
A4.6.2 ACTION:  Ensure 
effective treatment 
of biodiversity in 
all Environmental 
Impact 
Assessment 
(EIA) of projects, 
where such EIA 
is required, 
including by 
promotion of best 
practice through 
the development 
of guidelines, 
recognition of 
good 
performance) - 
and ensure that 
full account is 
taken of the 
findings of the See action 1.1.3 abov e. See A.1.1.4. See A.1.1.4.  
 
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assessment (in 
terms of impacts 
on biodiversity) in 
the authorisation 
procedure [2006 
onwards ]. ( cf. 
Action A1.1.4 ) 
A4.6.3 ACTION:  Ensure 
all new Trans-
European 
Networks  provide 
for environmental 
assessment and 
take full account of 
biodiversity 
impacts in the 
design and 
authorisation 
process in the framework of the 
existing EU 
legislation [2006 
onwards ]. ( cf. 
Action A1.1.4 ) Check projects (existing 
modus operandi 
ENV/TREN). Ongoing Ongoing  
A4.6.4 ACTION:  Take 
stock of effectiveness of 
EIA and SEA  in 
preventing and 
minimising negative impacts 
and improving 
positive impacts of 
developments on 
biodiversity and 
consider 
necessary 
measures to 
improve EIA and 
SEA performance 
in this respect [by 
2009 ]. (cf. Action 
A1.1.4 ) See 1.1.3 above.  See A.1.1.4. See A.1.1.4.  
OBJECTIVE 5: TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE IMPACT ON EU BI ODIVERSITY OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES (IAS) & ALIEN GENOTYPES. 
HEADLINE TARGET: Negative impacts on EU biodiversity of IA S and alien genotypes prevented or minimised from 2010 onwards. 
A5.1 TARGET: Impact of IAS on biodiversity in the EU substantially reduced by 2010 and again by 2013. 
A5.1.1 ACTION:  Assess, 
at EU level, gaps in the current 
legal, policy and 
economic 
framework  to Make assessment, 
propose measures to fill 
gaps. A gap assessment of the current legal and policy framework applying to invasive species (IS) was completed in 
July 2006. A Council Regulation dealing specifically with alien species in aquaculture was agreed on 11 June 
2007 (Council Regulation 708/2007) and a new permit system will enter into force for this sector no later than 1 
January 2009.In June 2008 the Commission adopted two Regulations: Commission Regulation (EC) No 
535/2008 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 concerning 
use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture; and Commission Regulation (EC) No 506/2008 amending Following the Commission's Communication adopted in 2008 "towards an EU Strategy on 
Invasive Species", there have been Council conclusions from June 2009, giving the 
Commission a mandate to present a comprehensiv e EU strategy against IAS by 2010. The 
EESC and Committee of the Regions stated that legislation will be needed. The strategy is 
currently being prepared.  
 
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prevent, control 
and eradicate IAS 
and mitigate their 
impacts on 
biodiversity and 
develop a 
community 
strategy to address IAS 
including, where 
necessary and 
appropriate, 
measures to fill 
gaps  [by 2007
]. Annex IV to Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 conc erning use of alien and locally absent species in 
aquaculture. COM adopted in 2008 a Communication "towards an EU Strategy on Invasive Species". This 
Communication will identify policy options to tackle IAS. An ongoing study for the Commission assessing 
environmental, economic, and social impacts of IS, assists with the development of this policy. An evaluation of 
the impacts of invasive species on the functioning of  aquatic ecosystems, and how these species should be 
considered in the definition of the good ecological quality of waters, is being carried out under the coordination of 
the Joint Research Centre. Several projects help in form EU policy development on IAS, funded under EU 
Research and Technological Development programmes e.g. DAISIE ( http://www.daisie.se/ ), which delivered a 
pan European inventory of invasive species.  Information on the latest scientific findings on invasive alien species is provided in the "Science 
for Environment Policy" thematic issue on Invasive Alien Species.  
In the frame of the Water Framework Directiv e Common Implementation Strategy, the JRC's 
Inst. f. Environment and Sustainability (J RC-IES) has published a report addressing how 
Member States apply data on alien species for wa ter body classification of ecological status. 
This report EUR 24257 EN is available at: 
http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ repository/handle/111111111/13564  scrolling down and 
using the View/Open option). A stakeholder consultation to develop the EU Strategy on Invasive Species will be held in September 2010. 
COM is reviewing the current Plant Health regime which could also have a bearing on the 
Strategy to combat invasive species.  
A5.1.2 ACTION:  
Encourage 
Member States to 
develop national 
strategies on invasive alien 
species  [by 2007
] 
and to implement 
them fully [by 
2010 ].  Encourage MS No specific measures yet taken. No specific measures taken on COM level.  
A5.1.3 ACTION:  
Encourage ratification of the 
International 
Convention for the 
Control and Management of 
Ship's Ballast 
Water and 
Sediments  under 
the International 
Maritime 
Organisation 
[2006 onwards
].  Encourage ratification  Yet to be decided if Community action in environment or transport policy will be followed. Limited acti on on Community level. The Commission has strongly recommended the 
ratification of the convention. The European  Maritime Safety Agency EMSA has presented a 
Ballast Water Action Plan.  
A5.1.4 ACTION:  
Establish early 
warning system 
for the prompt 
exchange of information 
between 
neighbouring 
countries on the 
emergence of IAS 
and cooperation 
on control 
measures across 
national 
boundaries [by 
2008 ]. Propose early warning 
system, coordinate 
implementation at 
Community level. An effective early warning and information system (EWIS) is an integral part of the policy options suggested in 
Commission Communication "Towards an EU Strategy on Invasive Species". The EWIS shall be based on the 
DAISIE inventory and other relevant initiatives (NOBANIS, CABI...). The us e of scientific onl ine journals is 
explored. The European Environment Agency has launc hed a feasibility study of developing an EU Early 
warning system for IAS. The JRC is analysing databases for aquatic alien species (including DAISIE, NOBANIS) for 
identifying gaps and complementarities in existi ng data. The report, expected to be ready by 
the end of 2010, intends to evaluate the potent ial use of existing data in the Water Framework 
Directive.  
A5.2 TARGET: Impact of alien genotypes on biodiversity in the EU significantly reduced by 2010 and again by 2013. 
 
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A5.2.1 ACTION:  Fully 
apply the Cartagena 
Protocol on 
Biosafety  to 
ensure an 
adequate level of 
protection of biodiversity (and 
human health) in 
the field of the 
safe handling, use 
and transfer of 
genetically 
modified 
organisms [2006 
onwards ]. Apply as appropriate at 
Community level. Regulatory framework in place. First regular implemen tation report of the European Community submitted in 
autumn 2007. Regulatory framework in place.  
A5.2.2 
 ACTION:  Ensure 
protection of 
biodiversity as part 
of measures to 
protect human 
health and 
environment in 
relation to the 
deliberate 
release into the 
environment of 
Genetically 
Modified 
Organisms 
(GMOs) [2006 
onwards ]. Ensure in GMO 
authorisation procedure. A study on long-term effects of GM crops on health, biodiversity and the environment was launched in 2007 to 
be reported on end 2008/start 2009. The European Food Safety Authority  is working on a revision of the 
guidelines on environmental risk asse ssment, which is designed to prevent 
risk to biodiversity from GMOs. The revised guidelines ar e expected to be 
available by November 2010 and be followed by discussions with MS.   
POLICY AREA 2: THE EU AND GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY 
OBJECTIVE 6: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN EFFECTIVENESS OF INTE RNATIONAL GOVERNANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. 
A6.1 TARGET: International governance for biodiversity substantially more effective in delivering positive biodiversity outcomes by 2010. 
A6.1.1 ACTION:  Press 
for effective 
worldwide 
implementation 
of the 
Convention on 
Biological 
Diversity, 
decisions of the 
Conference of the 
Parties including  
thematic and 
cross-cutting  
programmes of 
work, and other Work at EU, global and 
regional levels for 
enhanced effectiveness 
in CBD implementation 
by streamlining 
operations of CBD, 
coordinating action 
between related 
multilateral 
environmental 
agreements, working 
towards integrated 
outcome-based 
reporting, establishing 
global partnership with The EU is strongly promotin g these objectives in international meetings. The 9th Conference of the Parties to the 
CBD (CBD COP9) in Bonn in May 2008 adopted decisions that significantly advance international efforts to 
reach the global 2010 target. Biodiversity has also been taken up by the G8, both in 2007 under German and in 
2008 under Japanese G8 Presidencies. Both times it wa s discussed by the G8 environment ministers (which 
adopted the 'Potsdam Initiative' and the 'Kobe call of acti on' and is addressed in the respective G8 Summit 
statements. The European Commission has worked actively  with the respective EU Presidencies and the EU 
Member States and was an important contributor to these outcomes. In  2006, 2007 and 2008, the Commission 
has made specific grants supporting the CBD Secretaria t in implementing CBD COP decisions, to the IUCN 
Countdown 2010 global project and the UNEP-WCMC work on 2010 indicators and the world database on 
protected areas and to the AEWA Secretariat.  Funding was also provided to CAB International for the establishment of the Global Taxonomy 
Partnership and Fund. The European Commission submitted the 4th National Report of the 
European Community to the Convention on Biological Diversity on 15 May 2009. 
In June 2010 a decision on the 2010 Annu al Action Programme for Environment and 
Sustainable Management of Natural Resources including Energy has been taken which 
foresees 1 million € for the support of the Secret ariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity 
(CBD) in implementing CBD COP 10 decisions and a further 1 million € for support for the 
implementation of the CBD Work Programme on  Protected Areas with a focus on marine 
protected areas in developing countries, leas t developed countries and small island developing 
states through targeted capacity development. 
In 2009 the European Commission has started to make preparations for CBD negotiations in 
2010. Council Conclusions on international bi odiversity beyond 2010 were adopted December 
2009. The new EU 2020 biodiversity target that  was adopted in March 2010 foresees to step 
up the EU's efforts to avert global biodiversity loss.   
 
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related 
international and 
regional 
biodiversity 
agreements (e.g. 
Bonn, Berne, 
AEWA, Ramsar, 
UN Fish Stocks Agreement) and 
promote greater 
synergies between 
these [2006 
onwards ].  key stakeholders. The European Commission and Member States par ticipated in the fourteenth meeting of the 
Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Tec hnological Advice and the third Meeting of the 
Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Review of Implementation of  the Convention on 
Biological Diversity in Nairobi in May 2010. 
The global Biodiversity Indicators Partnership (B IP) supported by the EC has contributed to the 
2010 Millennium Development Goals Report and the Global Biodiversity Outlook 3. 
Following the successful if slow steps achieved on synergies for chemicals and waste cluster, 
UNEP’s work to promote synergies between bi odiversity-related conventions is starting. 
A6.1.2 ACTION:  Enhance 
integration of biodiversity into 
global processes  
with important 
impacts on biodiversity such 
as sustainable 
development and 
the Millennium 
Development 
Goals, trade and 
climate change 
[2006 onwards
]. Work for effective 
integration of 
biodiversity concerns 
within Commission for 
Sustainable 
Development, in Doha Round of trade 
negotiations, and under 
the UNFCCC/Kyoto 
Protocol regime. The integration of the biodiversity 2010 target into the Millennium Development Goals targets was announced by 
the UN Secretary General. Progress was made in integrati ng further biodiversity indicators into the EU SDS 
indicators. The G8+5 Potsdam initiative has been we lcomed by the G8 Summits in 2007 and 2008. Several 
activities are ongoing to integrate biodiversity into Clim ate Change with the aim to maximise co-benefits between 
Biodiversity and Climate change adaptation and miti gation measures (e.g. joint meeting of SBSTTA/SBSTA 
chairs, work on biofuels standards, work on reduced emi ssions from deforestation an d forest degradation, IPCC 
WG2 report results on biodiversity). The EU has been instru mental in achieving at COP9 global recognition for 
the principle that the production and us e of biofuels should be sustainable in relation to biodiversity. COP9 also 
supported a de-facto moratorium on ocean fertilisation and put on track a process for feeding biodiversity 
considerations into the ongoing negotiations for a post  2012 international climate regime with focus on REDD 
and climate change adaptation activities. 
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT-PGRFA) aims at supporting 
the conservation and sustainable use of  the PGRFA and at sharing the benefits of this us e. The legal basis for 
the accession of the Community is Council Decisi on 2004/869/EC of 24 February 2004 concerning the 
conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of t he International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for 
Food and Agriculture. The adoption in June 2006 of the Standard Material Transfer Agreement at the 1st 
session of the Governing Body of the IT was a cornerstone for the implementation of this Treaty 
The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resour ces was adopted at the 1st International Technical 
Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in Interlaken in June 2007. The second Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Biodiversity and Climate Change (AHTEG) 
under the CBD convened two meetings in 2008 and 2009 one of which was attended by an 
expert from the European Commission. The findings of the group have been presented at 
UNFCCC COP 15. 
The Commission Staff Working Document "Policy Coherence for Development Work 
Programme 2010- 2013" accompanies the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the 
Committee of the Regions on "A twelve-point EU action plan in support of the Millennium 
Development Goals identifies biodiversity related targets and indicators to address the global 
challenges of food security and climate change". 
In 2009 under the Italian G8 Presidency,  Environment Ministers adopted the “ Siracusa Carta ” 
on Biodiversity, which list priority actions to be taken on biodiversity.   
In September 2010, there will be for the firs t time a High-Level meeting of UN General 
Assembly (UNGA) as a contribution to t he International Year of Biodiversity.  
A6.1.3 ACTION:  Promote 
improved oceans 
governance  for 
conservation and 
recovery of marine 
biodiversity, 
ecosystem 
services and 
integration of key 
sectors, including 
in relation to areas 
beyond national 
jurisdiction; make 
progress towards 
mechanisms for 
establishment of 
Marine Protected 
Areas in the high 
seas, including by 
supporting the 
adoption of an 
Implementing 
Agreement to the 
UN Convention of 
the Law of the 
Sea, with the 
scientific support 
from the CBD, Coordinate EU action COM and MSs actively participated in the UNCLOS process which led to adoption in December 2006 of 
Resolution 61/105 of the UN General Assembly on Su stainable Fisheries, where a commitment was made by 
the UN members to ensure the protection of vulnerable de ep-sea ecosystems in the high seas. The Resolution 
calls on States and RFMOs to take measures to prot ect vulnerable marine ecosystems from the potential 
destructive impact of bottom fishing practices. In October 2007 the Commission adopted a Communication on 
"destructive fishing practices in the High Seas and th e protection of vulnerable deep sea ecosystems" and a 
proposal for a Council Regulation aiming at implement ing the UNGA recommendations  of December 2006. On 
15 July 2008 the Council adopted Regulation 734/2008. In accordance with the policy line laid down in the 
Commission's Communication, the EC will continue to push  for international measures to address this issue 
within Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, ta king into account that the UNGA will review the 
response given to its recommendations in 2009. Also of relevance is the active contribution of the EU to the 
development of FAO technical guidelines for deep sea fi sheries in the framework of the code of Conduct for 
Responsible Fisheries. The guideli nes were adopted in August 2008. 
CBD COP9 adopted criteria for the identification of marine protected ar eas in the high seas. COP9 also 
launched a process for gathering information on marine areas that meet the agreed criteria. It also agreed to 
develop guidelines for environmental impact assessment of activities in the high seas. COM and MSs actively participated in the review of the measures of UNGA Resolution 61/105 
on the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems  in the context of the annual negotiations on 
the 2009 UN Sustainable Fisheries Resolution. The new measures included in the Resolution 
aim to improve the protecti on of these ecosystems. 
Several actions were approved under the ENRT P that are relevant to this priority:  
 
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notably in 
developing criteria 
for identifying the 
areas to be 
protected. [2006 
onwards ] 
OBJECTIVE 7: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN SUPPORT FOR BIOD IVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN EU EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE. 
A7.1 TARGET: Financial resources flowing annually to projects directly  benefiting biodiversity has substantially increased in real t erms (for period 2006-2010 compared with peri od 2000-2005; and again for period 2011-2013).  
A7.1.1 ACTION: Ensure 
adequate 
community funds 
earmarked for 
biodiversity in 
development 
cooperation (in 
line with European 
Consensus on 
Development 
Cooperation) in EC Thematic 
Programme for 
Environment and 
Natural Resources 
and ensure the 
use of these funds 
is targeted at 
biodiversity 
priorities [2007-
2013]; decide [in 
2006] on an 
adequately funded 
EC Thematic 
Programme for 
Environment and 
Natural Resources 
(ENRTP) in the 
European 
Neighbourhood 
and Partnership 
Instrument (ENPI) 
and the 
Development 
Cooperation and 
Economic 
Cooperation 
Instrument 
(DCECI) and 
ensure that 
biodiversity 
priorities receive 
an appropriate 
share of the total 
ENRTP and 
DCECI resources [2007-2013]. Include an adequate 
multiannual indicative 
resource framework 
and robust 
programming priorities 
for biodiversity in the 
ENRTP Article of both 
the DCECI and ENPI 
which should be 
adopted as early as 
possible in 2006. Further elaborate the 
biodiversity priorities in 
the Thematic Strategy 
Paper for the ENRTP 
and ensure its adoption 
well before the end of 
2006. Seek coverage 
for biodiversity actions 
in financing strategy 
papers and indicative 
programmes under 
ENPI instrument. The global amount allocated for biodiversity and relat ed sectors (sustainable forest management etc.) remains 
at a similar level in absolute terms between former period (2000-2006) and the one following the Communication 
(2007-2010) – with a yearly allocation of about €38 millions.  
The global increase of the budget of  thematic instrument for environm ent (from EUR 323 million for 7 years 
(2000-2006) to EUR 470 million for 4 years (2007-2010)) has not benefited biodiversity, as some new themes 
within the energy and climate change sectors have been included.  
A total of €30.6 million has been allocated to biodiversi ty for the four year period from 2007-2010 under the EC 
Thematic Programme for Environment and Natural Res ources (ENRTP). Furthermore, some other headings of 
ENRTP are strongly linked to biodiversity. A total of €72 million is earmarked for the promotion of Sustainable 
Forest Management. €34 million is available for implemen tation of the initiative on Forest Law Enforcement, 
Governance and Trade (FLEGT). €6.4 million is earmark ed for fisheries & marine/coastal resources. €12,3 
million is earmarked for climate change and biodiversity projects for countries covered by the European 
Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). In tota l, approximately €155 millions will be available for 
biodiversity related matters under 2007-2010 ENRTP.  
In January 2008 EuropeAid launched a restricted Call for Proposals for the period 2007 – 2008 under the 
ENRTP. About € 9 million has been reserved for biodiversi ty and about € 20 million for forests. In addition € 4.2 
million and about € 8 has been reserved for targeted proposal for biodiversity and forests respectively for 2007 - 
2008. The ENRTP Call for Proposals for 2009 includes several specific envelopes closely related to 
biodiversity: 14 Mill EUR for forests, 10 Mill EUR for FLEGT, 5 Mill EUR for land biodiversity, 3 
Mill EUR for fisheries and 4 Mill EUR for biodiversity and climate change in ENPI countries. In addition to the Call for Proposals, two direct agr eements on biodiversity projects (1 South ENP, 
1 East ENP) have been financed from the 2009 ENRTP Annual Action Programme with a total 
value of EUR 3.48 million. 
The 2009 call for proposals was topped up in 2010 with equivalent amounts for each priority. 
The Environment and Natural Resources Thematic Programme (ENRTP) mid-term 
review said that the programme was highly relevant to its objectives, which include 
the protection of biodiversity, however the external evaluatos called for better 
integration of the work achieved under the ENRTP in the main geographic 
programmes. Its second phase will be from 2011 to 2013. 
 
UNEP: Strengthening the regional environmental go vernance capacity of the Caspian states 
2010 Annual Action Programme (Part I) for Environment and Sustainable Management of 
Natural Resources including Energy adopted in June 2010 see 
http://ec.europa.eu/ europeaid/documents /aap/2010/aap_20 10_dci-env_en.pdf   
  
 
EN 33   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
A7.1.2 ACTION:  Allocate 
adequate resources in 
Country and 
Regional 
Strategy 
Programmes  
wherever biodiversity 
identified as a key 
issue in 
country/regional 
environmental 
profiles [2006 
onwards ]. Check and ensure that 
resources are available 
to implement the 
recommendations in 
the R/CEP through 
biodiversity projects or 
mainstreaming 
biodiversity concerns in to other relevant 
projects. For the 2007-2010  period, the actual previsions show that more than EUR 220 millions would be allocated to 
programmes with a focus on biodiversity (EUR 55 millions yearly). The global amount is comparable to the former period 2002-2006. A slight increase in foreseen fo r ACP countries and Latin America, while a decrease is 
expected in Asia. This stability in real terms has to be put  in perspective with the general increase of EC external 
aid.  
In Asia , the following strategy papers promote biodiversity  objectives: the RSP (Regional Strategy Paper) for 
Asia and the CSP (Country Strate gy Paper) for Malaysia promoting the FLEGT process (approx. amount 
respectively €6 & €4 millions). The CSP for Pakistan menti ons water and forest management activities within its 
focal area ‘Rural development and natural resource management’ that receives 54% of the total country 
allocation. Additionally, the CSPs of Bangladesh, Indi a, China and Bhutan have environment as a focal sector, 
thus biodiversity is not specifically targeted. The RSP for Central Asia  and in particular its focal sector on 
environment promotes the management a nd governance of water and forests.  
In Latin America , the CSPs of Brazil, Honduras and Bolivia address biodiversity, the latter two country 
programmes having natural resources management as a fo cal area. For Brazil, the focal sector in question 
targets the promotion of the environm ental dimension of sustainable development, and foresees among its 
priority objectives the curbing of deforestation, the prevention of biodiversity loss and the improvement of 
governance in natural resource utilization. For Bolivia, t he focal sector on sustainable water management targets 
inter alia to improve conservation and preservation of water and to increase the government capacity for the 
integrated management of water resour ces. The foreseen allocation in Latin America would be around € 115 
millions within National Indicative Programmes. 
For ACP countries , programming is in its final phases and all CSPs still need final official adoption. However, 
general trends can be drawn from the pr ocess and show that biodiversity is very rarely selected as a priority 
sector (these need to be limited to 2 only). Globally, an increase is foreseen with €34 millions per year on 
average for 2007-2010 compared to €24 millions du ring the 2002-2006 period (However, the annual EDF 
allocation has been approximately doubled between the two periods). 
The African CSP is the one for which biodiversity appears in mo st cases in non-focal se ctors. However, around 
20 draft CSPs include biodiversity as non-focal sector or as a component of a wider action (mainly in rural development programmes). Central African region, Mala wi and Ethiopia are the countries where CSPs/RSPs 
present the highest focus on biodiversity. In the Caribbean  and Pacific , biodiversity has not been included as a 
focal sector, even if some sectors such as waste or  water management are expected to have a positive impact 
on ecosystems (including marine ecosystems). Two Intra-ACP  programmes have also been included in the 10
th 
intra-ACP EDF Strategy Paper: Support to FLEGT (€ 10 M) and to protected area network (€20 M). 
CSPs are drafted jointly with the par tner country and follow the ownershi p principle. In partner countries, 
environment ministers are often weak meaning that environment rarely ap pears among the cooperation priorities 
presented by the governments. A number of ACP CSPs  include commitments to undertake SEAs, which will 
allow biodiversity issues to be adequately taken into account in other sectors and programmes. 
For information on ENPI , see A7.1.5. In the context of the midterm review of extern al cooperation, a new focal sector on Climate 
Change has been introduced for 2011-13 for the Andean Community, with an indicative 
amount of € 7 million. It foresees activities for institutional reinforcement, legal development at 
regional level and cross-border cooperation, and as such, would indirectly contribute also to 
fostering biodiversity objectives. 
A 20 million € Financing Agreement for Biodivers ity and Protected Areas Management in ACP 
countries (BIOPAMA) that is expected to be approv ed in 2010, addressing capacity building for 
protected areas management as well as for Access and Benefit Sharing in the African, 
Caribbean and Paci fic Countries. 
Other envelopes in the Intra-ACP program are closely related to biodiversity: 20 million for 
desertification in which the focus is put on su stainable land management (which benefits to 
biodiversity) and the funds for agriculture and f ood security in which proposals for sustainable 
agriculture are currently assessed and, if approv ed, will greatly benefit to agro-biodiversity. 
For information on ENPI , see A7.1.5.  
A7.1.3 
 ACTION:  
Enhance MS funds earmarked 
for biodiversity  
(in line with 
European Consensus on 
Development 
Cooperation) in 
MS bilateral 
development 
cooperation 
programmes in 
support of 
implementation of 
the CBD, n/a     
 
EN 34   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
Millennium 
Development 
Goals and other 
programmes 
relevant for 
biodiversity in 
developing 
countries [2006 
onwards ]. 
A7.1.4 ACTION:  
Enhance the overall 
contribution of 
EU MS for 
biodiversity 
through a 
substantial 4th 
replenishment of 
the GEF  based on 
the agreed policy 
priorities 
[2006/07
]. Use EU high level 
meetings to press for a 
substantial 
replenishment based 
on fair burden-sharing.   Globally, there is a 34% increase on  the overall envelope for the 4th replenishment of the 
Global Environment Facility. 
The replenishment of the 5th Global Environment Facility has been concluded (see 
http://www.thegef.o rg/gef/node/3010 ). If all allocations had received the same priority as in 
GEF 4 they would all have increased by 34%.  
Biodiversity $1.2 billion (28% increase) including $130 million for sustainable forest 
management REDD+  $700 million for protected areas  $250 million for sustainable land use of 
productive land and seascapes 
• $40 million for biosafety capacity building 
• $40 million for ABS capacity building  
• $25 million for marine protected areas in areas beyond national jurisdiction( to be used in a 
joint programme with international waters money) 
• $15 million for enabling activities and regional actions to supplement national 
allocations. IPBES is mentioned as a candidate for support.   
A7.1.5 ACTION:  Enhance 
funds for biodiversity related 
actions under the 
national and 
regional 
components of 
the Instrument 
for Pre-
Accession (IPA) 
and the 
European 
Neighbourhood 
and Partnership 
Instrument 
(ENPI)  Seek coverage for 
biodiversity actions in 
financing strategy 
papers and indicative 
programmes under the 
European 
Neighbourhood and 
Partnership Instrument 
(ENPI) and Instrument 
for Pre-Accession 
(IPA).  As regards the ENPI , environment is included as a focal sector in several ENPI CSPs and NIPs (National 
Indicative Programmes) for 2007-2010, and both the RIP (Regional Indicative Programme) ENPI South and the 
RIP ENPI East contain environm ent protection as one of their priorities. Bu t in the vast majority of cases there is 
no earmarking for the different environmental sectors. For this reason, it is so far difficult  to foresee if activities 
will be implemented as regards biodiversity in this region . Moreover, regular sectoral policy dialogue, including 
on biodiversity issues, takes places with ENP partner countries. Under the ENRTP, two biodiversity projects (I  South, I East) have been financed with a total 
value of €3.48 million and an additio nal €3.6 million is allocated for the region for the topics of 
biodiversity and climate change within the 200 9 ENRTP call for proposals. Following a mid-
term review of CSPs, the vast majority of ne w IPs for 2011 to 2013 have been adopted. They 
include opportunities to address biodiversity re lated actions in several national programmes. 
The new RIP for ENPI East also contains opportu nities to address environment protection and 
natural resources, including biodiversity protec tion. Some of the ENP partners have also used 
the TAIEX instrument with a view to enhancing ca pacity to address biodiversity related issues, 
through expert missions, workshops or seminars and study visits. 
The IPs for 2011 to 2013 are still under preparation. 
Under IPA component I (national and multibenef iciary) it is possible that the beneficiary 
countries receive assistance related to biodiversity nature protection. Under assistance 
programmes 2007 – 2009 there are three projects related to these topics: Serbia 2007 – 
strengthening administrative capacities to  protect natural resources; FYROM 2009; 
Strengthening of administrative capacity in the area of water management and nature 
protection and Croatia 2009 Capacity buildi ng for preparation of management plans and 
strengthening of nature pr otection inspection for proposed Natura 2000 sites. The Regional 
Environmental Network for Accession (IPA multi- beneficiary project 2009) will have a working 
group on cross border cooperation which will be focusing on nature protection issues in the 
transboundary context.   
A7.1.6 ACTION:  Enhance 
economic and 
development 
assistance funds 
available for 
biodiversity-related 
actions in the MS' Check and ensure that 
biodiversity is 
addressed through 
specific programmes 
and projects or through 
integration in other 
sectors covered by The programming for OCTs is under way. A Country En vironmental Profile has been prepared which identified 
the importance of biodiversity in these countries and territories.  
The Commission participated in and actively contri buted to the European Conference on Biodiversity and 
Climate Change in Outermost Regions held in La Réunion on 7-11 July 2008. This conference brought together 
for the first time representatives of all OR and OCTs  and stressed inter alia the need for earmarked additional 
funding for biodiversity conservation as currently the available funds for environmental protection are not 
sufficiently allocated to biodiversity.  The Commission is engaged with concerned MS (UK, FR, DK and NL) to develop a voluntary 
scheme to promote the conservation and sustai nable use of biodiversity and ecosystem 
services in European Overseas inspired by the experience of Natura 2000.  
 
EN 35   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
Overseas 
Countries and 
Territories [2006 
onwards ]. economic development 
assistance. 
A7.2 TARGET: EU 'mainstream' extern al development assistance delivering enhanced biod iversity and related li velihoods benefits, and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards. 
A7.2.1 ACTION: Prepare  
country and regional 
environmental 
profiles with 
specific attention 
to the 
maintenance of 
biodiversity and 
ecosystem 
services (in 
particular in 
relation to 
livelihood concerns), and 
take these needs 
fully into account 
in preparation of 
Country Strategy 
Papers (CSPs) 
and Regional 
Strategy Papers 
(RSPs) and in 
equivalent MS 
country and 
regional aid 
programming 
[2006 onwards
]. Check and ensure that 
appropriate action in 
response to the 
recommendations in 
the Regional and 
Country Environmental 
Profiles is undertaken 
as specific biodiversity 
projects or 
mainstreamed in to 
other relevant projects. From 2007, CEPs and REPs have been established systematically as par t of preparation of cooperation 
strategies for individual development partner countries/r egions. Some 75 of these were developed in a detailed 
form, broadly in accordance with the standard terms of reference, while in some cases a shorter version was 
prepared. Work is ongoing to impr ove the quality and comprehensiveness of these CEPs, and the level of 
uptake of findings and recommendations  in country analyses, response stra tegies and indicative programming. 
Standard terms of reference for CEPs and REPs includ e an assessment of the biodiversity concerns, and the 
identification of possible response measures.  
While CEP are structured to meet the specific needs of EC cooperation pr ogramming, the EC is committed to 
work with other EU donors and other development agencies  to promote greater harmonisation of analytical work 
and joint analytical work when possible. 
Consistent biodiversity indicators are now develo ped by the JRC. CSPs/RSPs show variable level of 
environment integration. Very few countries identify biodiversity as sect or for cooperation. SEAs are planned to 
be carried out when relevant and will be the main tool to take biodiversity into account in sector programs. Within the EC work with other EU donors and development agencies to promote greater 
harmonisation of analytical work and joint analytical  work, a specific initiative is under way with 
UNEP to draft joint environmental profiles. 
Consistent biodiversity indicators are now de veloped by the JRC. CSPs/RSPs show variable 
level of environment integration. Very few co untries identify biodiversity as sector for 
cooperation. SEAs are planned to be carried out when relevant and will be the main tool to 
take biodiversity into a ccount in sector programs.  
A7.2.2 ACTION:  
Systematically carry out ex-ante 
strategic 
environmental 
assessment 
(SEA) of relevant 
strategies and 
programmes and 
environmental 
impact 
assessment (EIA) 
of relevant 
projects  funded 
by EU in partner 
countries and 
ensure actions are 
identified and 
implemented to 
prevent and 
mitigate negative 
impacts on 
biodiversity in a 
timely manner Check and ensure that 
SEAs and EIAs are 
systematically carried 
out on relevant 
development 
strategies, programmes 
and projects. A screening questionnaire has been established applicable to all EC programmes/projects during identification 
and formulation stages of the operations cycle to help iden tify the most appropriate measures to take in relation 
to environmental aspects - includi ng the possible need for an SEA/EIA. 
According to the DCI Regulation (Art 22(4)) and as foreseen  in a number of Country Strategy Papers of the last 
generation, SEAs will be/ are being carried out when relevant, i.e. in  relation to environmentally sensitive 
cooperation sectors. Alongside
 with more common, traditional project- level EIA, a number of SEAs have been 
carried out or are actively planned as  part of preparation of EC-suppor ted sector-wide programmes in areas 
such as transport and infrastructure development (Mali,  Ghana, Zambia), sugar sector reform,(Mauritius, 
Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize etc) regional development planning (Maldives). 
Impacts on biodiversity are expected to be addressed as a rule under the terms of reference for these studies 
and mitigation measures are to  be identified as appropriate Although many National Indicative Programs (NIPs) referred to SEAs and committed to 
undertake them if deemed necessary, the current state shows that it has  not systematically 
been the case. 
Only 9 SEAs have been carried out so far. These SEAs have mainly been carried out in 
countries receiving funds under the Sugar protocol  to ensure that the rest ructuring of the sugar 
sector is consistent with the environmental criteria.  
 
EN 36   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
[2006 onwards ]. 
A7.2.3 ACTION:  
Substantially strengthen 
capacities in 
recipient 
countries and in 
Commission and 
MS cooperation 
programming  for 
these purposes, 
including 
integrating 
implementation of 
the CBD into 
national 
development 
strategies 
including Poverty Reduction 
Strategies [2006 
onwards ]. 
  Capacities within the EC and partner countries have been strengthened as a result of an ambitious seminar 
programme on environmental integration in development co operation put in place since 2005 including seminars 
in EC Delegations overseas and at EC Headquarters. Semi nars have been open to participation from staff of MS 
agencies. Methodological support has  been made on request to operationa l staff. Environmental Integration 
Handbook is increasingly used by desk officers. 
Under the ENV/TROP FOR budget line, a number of projects have been carri ed out to support capacity building 
in the area of biodiversity, including projects for: 
- Conservation and sustainable development in the Chocó Biogeographic Region: Building Capacities for 
livelihood improvement and environmental - Capacity Building of Developing Country NGOs to Achieve 
Sustainable Development through Implementation of Principle 10 
- Strengthening the African Biodiversity Network (ABN) 
- Capacity building within formal and non-formal educat ion systems to support the implementation of national 
biodiversity strategic action plans in the South Pacific 
- 'Renforcement des capacités nationales en matière d’éd ucation et de sensibilisation à l’environnement dans 
les domaines de la biodiversité, des changements climatiques et de la désertification' (Morocco) 
- Strengthening and Capacity Development for the Long-term Management and Conservation of MCPAs 
encompassing coral reef resources in South Asia 
- Capacity building in the Congo Basin and implem entation of Independent Monitoring of Forest Law 
Enforcement and Governance (IM-FLEG) in the Republic of Congo 
- Strengthening civil society networks to address dryland degradation and poverty i ssues in the context of 
strategic development frameworks and the UNCCD 
- Conference on Integrating Biodiversity into Development Co-operation – “Support the Sustainable 
Management and Preservation of Natural Resources” 
- Ensuring international trade in CITES-listed timber s pecies is consistent with their sustainable management 
and conservation 
- Consumer Organisations and the Ca rtagena Protocol on Biosafety – pr otecting the consumer's right to a 
healthy environment in the developing world 
In addition, € 19 million environmental capacity buildi ng programme is under preparation under the intra-ACP 
envelope. 
Finally, a contract for the EC environment helpdesk has been concluded for an additional period up to the end of 
2008, and this will be extended. In support to Target A7.1. of this document, the MONDE action (Monitoring of Natural 
Resources for Development) of the JRC has devel oped an experimental tool for assessing the 
state of more than 700 Af rican Protected Areas ( http://bioval.jrc.ec.europa.eu/PA/ ). The 
purpose of the work is to provide to decision makers a tool for prioritizing Protected Areas 
(PAs) according to biodiversity values and th reats so as to support decision making and fund 
allocation processes. 
In the frame of competitive ac tivities (2009-2012), and in part nership with Birdlife Int., UNEP-
WCMC, GBIF and RSPB, current efforts in MONDE  focus on setting up  the DOPA, a Digital 
Observatory for Protected Areas, which will allo w end-users to assess, monitor and forecast 
biodiversity in Protected Areas at the global sca le, although with a priority for ACP countries. 
 
Biodiversity training of EU st aff. Training for EU staff in EU  delegations and  headquarters 
geographical desks has been  initiated to contribut e to outreach activities on biodiversity with 
third countries network.  
A7.2.4 ACTION: Ensure 
that projects 
financed by EU 
under the 
Development 
Cooperation and 
Economic 
Cooperation 
Instrument 
(DCECI), 
European 
Development 
Fund (EDF), pre-
accession, 
neighbourhood 
and partnership 
instruments 
delivering 
enhanced 
biodiversity 
benefits, and 
negative impacts 
on biodiversity 
prevented or 
minimised [2006 
onwards ]. Commission to ensure 
that safeguards are 
included in procedures 
to ensure that these 
considerations are 
taken into account 
before funding can be 
released. A screening questionnaire has been established applicable to all EC programmes/projects during identification 
and formulation stages of the operations cycle to help iden tify the most appropriate measures to take in relation 
to environmental aspects - includi ng the possible need for an SEA/EIA. 
JRC develops systems for monitoring the trends in biod iversity in EU-funded Afri can protected areas.106 
‘critical’ protected areas in AC P countries have been identified.   
 
EN 37   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
A7.2.5 ACTION:  Ensure 
that projects financed by EU 
economic and 
development 
assistance do not 
cause significant 
negative impacts on biodiversity in 
the MS Overseas 
Countries and 
Territories  [2006 
onwards ]. Check and ensure that 
SEAs and/or EIAs are 
systematically carried 
out on development 
strategies, programmes 
and projects. Programming is still under way; OCTs have launched a study includi ng the organisation of SEA workshop.  OCTs have organised an SEA workshop in Brussels, which led to very interesting discussions 
and exchanges of good practices. The complexity and high cost of SEAs is however clearly a 
challenge for the limited resources and capacities of most of the OCTs.  
OBJECTIVE 8: TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE IMPACT OF INTERNAT IONAL TRADE ON GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. 
8.1 TARGET 8.1: Impact on biodiversity of EU trad e significantly reduced by 2010 and again by 2013. 
A8.1.1 ACTION:  Identify 
major impacts of trade on third 
countries’ and EU biodiversity 
and adopt 
measures to 
significantly 
reduce (in case 
of negative 
impacts) and/or 
enhance (in case 
of positive 
impacts) these 
impacts  [by 
2010 ]. This will in 
particular be done 
in the context of 
the Commission's 
trade-related 
Sustainability 
Impact 
Assessment (SIA) 
Programme, that 
covers a number 
of sectoral studies 
(e.g. agriculture, 
forests and forest 
products as well 
as fisheries), in the 
context of 
multilateral (WTO, 
ongoing 
negotiations on 
the Doha 
Development 
Agenda) and/or 
regional/bilateral 
free trade agreements (e.g. Identify impacts and 
follow-up measures - in 
particular in the context 
of the Commission's trade-related 
Sustainability Impact 
Assessment (SIA) 
Programme, covering a 
number of sectoral 
studies (e.g., 
agriculture, forests and 
forest products, 
fisheries, tourism), in 
connection to 
multilateral (WTO, 
ongoing negotiations 
on the Doha 
Development Agenda) 
and/or regional/bilateral 
free trade agreements 
(e.g. the planned 
Economic Partnership 
Agreements between 
the EU and ACP 
countries and the EU-
Mediterranean Free 
Trade Area).  Work on FLEGT is described below in 8.1.6. 
As part of its trade-related Sustainability Impact A ssessment (SIA) Programme, the Commission is in the 
process of conducting SIAs for all it s planned regional and bilateral free trade and partnership agreements, be 
they in Asia, Africa or Latin-America. These studies in clude an assessment of potential impacts on biodiversity 
(e.g. as a result of trade liberalisation in biofuels) an d identify possible preventive or mitigation measures. The 
challenge facing trade negotiators on both sides is to translate the results and reco mmendation of sustainability 
impacts assessments into negotiations.  
Regardless of SIA results, sustainability and environment i ssues are important aspects of  most if not all regional 
and bilateral free trade, association and par tnership agreements under negotiation. The EU plays a leading role within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species (CITES), notably the Conf erence of Parties held in March 2010, where it was not very 
successful in particular in relation to the conservation of marine species.  
Two projects under ENRTP have been launched:  one aiming at " Strengthening the CITES 
implementation capacity of developing countrie s to ensure sustainable wildlife management 
and non-detrimental trade" and the other is a Country focused project (2nd phase) to 
strengthen the CITES implementat ion capacity of developing countries to ensure sustainable 
wildlife management and non-detrimental trade 
 
For work on FLEGT please see 8.1.6.  
 
EN 38   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
EPAs with ACP 
countries).  
A8.1.2 ACTION:  Foster 
links between the 
WTO agreements 
and biodiversity-
related 
international 
agreements, and 
ensure biodiversity 
taken into account 
as a Non-Trade 
Concern, in order 
to identify and put 
in place key 
measures to 
reduce the 
ecological impact 
of globalisation  
in line with the 
precautionary 
principle and with 
the commitment 
made in the 
context of the 
WTO's Doha 
Development 
Agenda to 
promote the 
objective of 
sustainable 
development 
(paragraph 6 of 
the Doha 
Declaration) and 
to enhance the 
mutual 
supportiveness of 
trade and 
environment 
(paragraph 31) 
[2006 onwards ]. This will be done in line 
with the commitment 
made in the context of 
the WTO's Doha 
Development Agenda 
to promote the 
objective of sustainable 
development 
(paragraphs 6 and 51 
of the Doha 
Declaration) and to 
enhance the mutual 
supportiveness of trade 
and environment 
(notably paragraphs 28 
and 31). Ongoing discussions in the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, but little progress to date.   
A8.1.3 ACTION:  Promote 
full 
implementation 
of the CBD Bonn 
Guidelines on 
Access to Genetic 
Resources and 
Fair and Equitable 
Sharing of 
Benefits (ABS) 
arising out of their 
Utilisation, and 
other agreements 
relating to ABS 
such as the FAO 
International 
Treaty on Plant 
Genetic Further implement 
actions set out in the 
Commission 
Communication on 
implementation of the 
Bonn Guidelines in the 
EC. Support effective 
EU coordination and 
defending of EU 
positions in ongoing 
negotiations on an 
international ABS 
regime. Further efforts at EC level to raise awareness of the Bonn Guidelines throughout the Commission and by 
stakeholders. Commission contributed to successful adopt ion of the standard MTA under  the FAO International 
Treaty in June 2006. Furthermore, the Commission has held a series of expert meetings on technical aspects of 
the international ABS negotiations in th e CBD framework and contin ues to play a leading ro le in EU efforts to 
conclude these negotiations by 2010 in line with th e respective decision adopted by the Eighth and Ninth 
Conferences of the Parties to the CBD in March 2006 and May 2008 respectively. 
 
Note: the mandate adopted at the 7th Conference of the Parties of the CBD has been amended by the Eighth 
and Ninth Conferences of the Parties in March 2006 and May 2008 respectively. Final text-based negotiations on the internationa l ABS regime started in April 2009. The EU is 
fully engaged in this process and committed to fina lise the international regime in time for its 
consideration and adoption by CBD COP10 in October 2010. The Council in October 2009 
conferred a negotiating mandate upon the Commi ssion to formally represent the EU in the 
eighth and ninth meeting of the ABS Work ing Group (11/2009; 03/2010). The EU has 
submitted proposals for ABS compliance measures of legally binding nature. It also continues 
to argue that the international regime  must build on the Bonn Guidelines. 
The Commission seeks to ensure consistency in EU positions in negotiations on ABS matters 
across international fora (CBD, WHO, FA O, UNGA/ UNCLOS, WIPO IGC, WTO/ TRIPS)  
The Commission contributed to successful adoption of the standar d MTA under the FAO 
International Treaty in June 2006.  
The Commission and MS hold regular meetings with indigenous repres entatives and other 
stakeholders from research and industry. 
See also A7.1.2: a 20 Mln € Financing Agreement for Biodiversity and Protected Areas  
 
EN 39   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
Resources for 
Food and 
Agriculture – and 
continue to 
contribute to 
negotiation of an 
international 
regime on ABS according to the 
mandate adopted 
at the 7
th 
Conference of the 
Parties of the CBD 
[2006 onwards ]. Management in ACP countries (BIOPAMA) is ex pected to be approved in 2010 which includes 
a 5 Mln € component for Access and Benefit Shar ing in the African, Caribbean and Pacific 
Countries 
A8.1.4 ACTION:  
Maximise the 
proportion of EU  
consumption of 
wood products deriving from  
sustainable 
sources [by 2010
]. Ensure implementation 
of CITES provisions for 
listed timber species 
and support capacity 
building in range states. Review of other timber 
species with criteria for 
listing. Analyse options 
for further legislation to 
control imports of 
illegally harvested 
timber into the EU (as 
foreseen in FLEGT 
action plan). Facilitate 
exchange of best 
practice in private and 
public sector 
procurement policies 
favouring wood 
products from 
sustainable sources. The 14th Conference of Parties added Br azilwood to CITES control, but did not adopt EU proposals for listing 
additional tree species under CITES Appendices. Co P agreed however on further development of these and 
new proposals for CoP15 (2010). Import restrictions in EU in place for mahogany and ramin of non-sustainable 
source. Commission supports ITTO-CITES project on c apacity building on the implementation of CITES listed 
timber species.  In February 2008, the Commission adopted an Action Plan on "Innovative and Sustainable Forest-based 
Industries in the EU" that, among other things, encourages  private initiatives and engagements to help prevent 
illegal logging and promote sustainable forest management. The EU monitors closely the implementation by  range States of the listing under CITES of 
timber and tree species. This includes regula r exchange of information with those States and 
can lead to temporary suspension of trade, lik e was the case for Afromosia from Democratic 
Republic of Congo until December 2009.  
At EU level, each Member State is encour aged by the European Commission (COM (2008) 
400) to reach the target of 50% green public  procurement by 2010, where "green" means 
tendering procedures compliant with endorsed 10 common "core" GPP product criteria. Many 
of the identified priority GPP pr oduct groups are referring to the "sustainable and legal" timber / 
wood. Exchanges of best practice on procurement policies for wood have taken place in the 
Standing Forest Committee and in the Advisory Committee on Community Policy regarding 
Forestry and Forest-based Industries.   
A8.1.5 ACTION:  In the 
context of action 8.1.1, identify EU 
non-wood 
imports driving 
deforestation  in 
third countries 
(particularly in the 
context of trade-
related SIAs, 
notably on 
agricultural 
products) and 
adopt and 
implement 
measures to 
prevent, minimise 
and/or mitigate 
this deforestation 
[by 2010
]. Identify impacts and 
follow-up measures, in 
particular in the context 
of the Commission's 
trade-related 
Sustainability Impact 
Assessment (SIA) 
Programme, that 
covers a number of 
relevant sectoral 
studies (e.g., 
agriculture, forests and 
forest products, 
fisheries, tourism), both 
in connection to 
multilateral (WTO, 
ongoing negotiations 
on the Doha 
Development Agenda) 
and to regional/bilateral 
free trade agreements 
(e.g. the planned 
Economic Partnership 
Agreements between 
the EU and ACP Ongoing, including in EU-Mercosur SIA. The challenge faci ng trade negotiators on both sides is to translate the 
results and recommendation of these SI A studies into concrete provisions. In its 2008 Communication on "Addressing the challenges of deforestation and forest 
degradation to tackle climate change and biodi versity loss" (COM(2008)645) the Commission 
identified profitable alternative uses of land wi th a high market value, such as obtaining 
commodities  as a potential driver of deforestation, an d undertook to conduct a study on this 
issue.  
  
 
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countries and the EU-
Mediterranean Free 
Trade Area). 
A8.1.6 ACTION:  Put in 
place bilateral agreements 
between EU and 
major timber 
exporting 
countries with aim 
to support forest 
law enforcement, 
governance and 
trade (FLEGT)  
[2006 onwards
]. Identify and secure key 
bilateral agreements. Negotiations successfully finished and the first FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement was initialled with 
Ghana in September 2008. Other negotiations of FLEG T VPA are underway were officially launched with 
Malaysia, Indonesia, Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville. The Commission works to start negotiations with 
several other countries. To complement FLEGT VPAs, the Commission has also proposed a Regulation laying 
down the obligations of operators who place timber an d timber products on the Market (COM(2008) 644/3).   
 
 Progress has been made in implementing the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and 
Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan. The first Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) was ratified with 
Ghana in November 2009. Negotiations on FLEGT VPA are ongoing with (Malaysia, 
Indonesia, Liberia and Central African Republic. Agreements are being finalised with 
Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville. A new regula tion on Due Diligence aiming at eliminating 
illegal timber in EU market is expected to be adopted by the end of the year.  
A8.1.7 ACTION:  Ensure 
Fisheries 
Partnership 
Agreements 
compatible with 
maintenance and 
recovery of stocks 
at levels that can 
produce maximum 
sustainable yield, 
and with 
minimising impact 
on non-target 
species and 
habitats  [2006 
onwards ]. Negotiate agreements; 
support assessments 
and recommendations 
for sustainable fisheries 
through Joint Scientific 
Committees, 
implementation by 
Parties through Joint 
Committees. The Commission is at the final stage of  renegotiation of the new Fisherie s Partnership Agreements which will 
allow to support the sectoral fisheries policy of the thir d countries with a view of establishing a sustainable and 
responsible fisheries policy in their waters. Therefore,  the biodiversity (and impact on non target species or 
habitats) which are elements of a sust ainable and responsible fisheries policy could be covered by the actions 
undertaken in the framework of the FPAs. 
In 2007, the fisheries partnership agreements with  Ivory Coast, Madagascar and Guinea Bissau were 
successfully renegotiated. In March 2007 the mid-term modi fication of the FPA with Se ychelles was finalised.  
In March 2008, the Commission negotiated a new fisheries protocol (1st August 2008 to 31 July 2012) with 
Mauritania.  
The current Fisheries Partnership Agreements in force (as from 1.03.2008) are: Cap Verde, Comoros, Ivory 
Coast, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Greenland,  Kiribati, Madagascar, Mozambique,  Morocco, Mauritania, Micronesia, 
Solomon, Sao Tomé, Seychelles. 
The Commission is in the process of negotiating agreemen ts with Guinea Conakry and Mauritius as these are 
the only two remaining countries that  do not yet benefit from a FPA.   
A8.1.8 ACTION:  Support 
capacity-building and 
implementation of 
CITES provisions 
to ensure that 
trade in CITES 
species is 
effectively 
regulated and 
controlled  and 
not detrimental to the conservation 
of the species in 
range states [2006 
onwards ]. Support CITES 
programmes to 
implement CoP 
decisions on capacity 
building, national 
legislation, enforcement 
and species specific 
measures in range 
states. Continue to 
ensure coordinated 
response to 
unsustainable trade in CITES species through 
the EU Scientific 
Review Group, 
including consultation 
with range states and 
ensure constructive 
follow-up to possible 
import suspensions 
with range states. 
Review MS 
enforcement of EC 
CITES Regulations, 
including gaps and best 
practice in addressing 
illegal trade, following 
completion of on-going Regular meetings by the EU Scientific Review Gro up meeting were held and several positive and negative 
opinions were established for imports into the EU of sp ecific CITES species of certain countries. They were 
followed up with consultation by the Commission with Range States, where necessary. SRG negative opinions 
were published in Commission Suspension Regulations. Reviews and studies were undertaken to assist SRG.  
A Commission study of the enforcement  of the EC CITES Regulations in EU-25 was finalised in December 
2006. As a result of the study t he Commission adopted on 13th June 2007 a Recommendation to the Member 
States identifying a set of actions for the effect ive enforcement of the EC  CITES Regulations. The 
recommendations were formally sent to Member States (Autumn 2007). Several MS replied formally and further 
replies are awaited for follow up action. In its Dece mber 2006 conclusions, the Council also underlined the 
importance of effective implementatio n of the CITES Convention and EC CITES Regulations, it stressed the 
need for capacity-building on CITES in developing countri es and called upon Member States to reinforce efforts 
to combat illegal trade. The Commission concluded in  2008 under its ENRTP programme 2 grant agreements 
with the CITES Secretariat to impl ement CITES CoP14 decisions on natio nal legislation, enforcement and 
species programmes (0,5 mln euro) as well as the first phase of a CITES capacity building programme in 
developing countries (1 mln euro).  A Study on Effectiveness of EU regulations has been finalised and a 
stakeholder meeting has been organised  as well as Member States experts to discuss the findings. The 
Commission is currently considering its follow-up. The Commission is the main donor for the implem entation of CITES, through funds granted to 
implement decisions adopted by the CITES CoP (0.5 Mln €), to improve capacity building in 
developing countries (1 mln €), for the monitori ng of illegal killing of elephants and for the 
partnership between CITES and the Internatio nal Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO). A 
Study on Effectiveness of EU regulations has been finalised and a stakeholder meeting has 
been organised as well as Member States experts to discuss the findings. 
The EU plays a leading role within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species (CITES), notably the Conf erence of Parties held in Marc h 2010. However, the meeting 
failed in relation to the conservation of marine species.  
  
 
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study in this field. 
Assess the 
effectiveness of EC 
CITES Regulation in 
ensuring that trade in 
endangered species is 
sustainable. 
A8.1.9 
 ACTION:  Apply 
principle of prior 
informed consent  
when 
commercially 
using traditional 
knowledge relating 
to biodiversity and 
encourage the 
equitable sharing 
of benefits  arising 
from the use of such knowledge 
[2006 onwards
]. n/a COM is raising awareness of Article 8j CBD and relevant  parts of the Bonn Guidelines throughout its services 
and in EC delegations in third countries. 
A special Interservice Group on Indigenous Issues regula rly reflects on indigenous issues in the Commission's 
work. 
Since 2005, the Commission external relations directorat e general has convened regular trainings for staff of 
Commission delegations in third countries, including a module on the CBD and Article 8j. 
Traditional knowledge is recognised as part of biodiversity related research. 
The EC provides financial support to enable representatives  of indigenous groups to participate as observers in 
the meetings of the Convention on Biological Div ersity including the intern ational ABS negotiations. 
The EC and MS also follow closely the work on the protec tion of traditional knowledge in the World Intellectual 
Property Organization and push for recognition of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People 
adopted on 13 September 2007 in relevant CBD negotiating fora. In the ongoing negotiations of the internationa l ABS regime (see 8.1.3 above), the EU defends 
the view that the prior informed consent of indigenous and local communities must be obtained 
whenever traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is accessed.  
The EC and MS in September 2009 supported the adoption by the WIPO General Assembly of 
a mandate to undertake text-based negotiations in  WIPO on a legal instrument (or instruments) 
to effectively protect genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural 
expresses.  
The EU seeks to strengthen international recogn ition of the UN Declaration on the Rights of 
Indigenous People adopted on 13 September 2007 in relevant international fora.  
POLICY AREA 3: BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 
OBJECTIVE 9: TO SUPPORT BIODIVERSITY ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE. 
HEADLINE TARGET: Potential for damaging impacts, related to climate change, on EU biodiversity substantially reduced by 2013. 
A9.1 TARGET: 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved by 2010. 
A9.1.1 ACTION:  
Commitments 
made under the 
Kyoto Protocol 
respected  [2006 
onwards ]. Implement measures 
identified in European 
Climate Change 
Programme (ICCP) 
including European Emission Trading 
Scheme (ETS); review 
ECCP and ETS. Under the Kyoto Protocol, the European Community (EC) has agreed to reduc e its greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions by 8% by 2008–12 compared to base year le vels. Based on the latest available inventory data of 
2006, total GHG emissions in the EU-15 were 2.7% be low base year levels when excluding Land Use, Land Use 
Change and Forestry (LULUCF). In 2006, EU-15 GHG emissions decreased by 0.8% compared to 2005 while 
the EU-15 economy grew by 2.8%. Total EU-27 GHG emissions were, in 2006, 10.8% below base year level without emissions and removals by LULUCF and 0.3% lower compared to 2004. 2007 projections have 
indicated that the Community will reach its Kyoto target on the condition that  MS put in place and implement as 
soon as possible their additional policies and measures. As for future action, in spring 2007, the European 
Council endorsed the EU's independent commitment to reduce GHG emissions by at least 20% by 2020 
compared to 1990 levels even if no international agreem ent is reached. The EU would be prepared to increase 
this reduction to 30%, provided t hat such an agreement would indeed mate rialize. This underlines the need for 
the EU and its MS to put as soon as possible the necessary legislation in place to implement all the new policies 
and measures identified in the climate change and energy package. Copenhagen Accord. Further to the Copenhagen Accord under the UN Framework Convention 
on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2009, a nd in particular provisions on financial 
assistance from industrialised countries, the Commission is exploring options to enhance 
biodiversity co-benefits.  
   
A9.2 TARGET: Global annual mean surface temper ature increase limited to not more th an 2ºC above pre-industrial levels. 
A9.2.1 ACTION : Further 
ambitious 
measures to limit 
temperature 
increase agreed  
in line with the 
long-term Explore strategies for 
achieving necessary emission reductions 
and reduction pathways 
for the group of 
developed countries in 
the order of 15-30% by Major EU priority activity; Target to limit global climate change to 2° Celsius reconfirmed by Council. In order to 
achieve this target a global deal on climate ch ange will be needed; European Council (March 2007) 
endorsement of EU objective of 30% reduction in gr eenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2020 compared to 1990 
(provided similar commitments of developed countries & economically more advanced developing countries are 
contributing adequately) - notwithstanding EU makes a fi rm independent commitment to achieve at least a 20% 
reduction; Commission (Dec. 2007 and Jan 2008) put forward legislative proposals for achieving at least 20% 
emission reduction in the EU and 30% in the context of  an international agreement as part of comprehensive Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD). Based on the 
Communication on deforestation from 2008, the EU calls for halting global forest cover loss by 2030 at the latest and reducing gross tropical  deforestation by at least 50% by 2020 from 
current levels. The key tool to deliver on this objective, which would entail major 
climate/biodiversity co-benef its, is REDD. Achieving an ag reement on REDD by the UNFCCC 
COP in December 2010 in Cancún is a core EU objective.  
 
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Intergovernmental 
Panel on Climate 
Change (IPCC) 
assessments, and 
action against 
climate change 
post-2012 
extended to all the polluting 
countries (with 
common but 
differentiated 
responsibilities) 
and sectors 
involved.  2020, compared to the 
baseline envisaged in 
the Kyoto Protocol, and 
beyond, without 
prejudging new 
approaches for 
differentiation between 
Parties; follow-up on Montreal UNFCCC 
COP 11 and negotiate 
international response 
addressing climate 
change. Actions at 
Community and 
Member State level to 
be differentiated in due 
course. package of measures to establish new climate and energy policy for EU. 
A9.3 TARGET: Climate change adaptation or mitigation measure from 2006 onwards delivering biodiversity benefits, and any negative im pacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards. 
A9.3.1 ACTION:  All 
climate change adaptation and 
mitigation 
measures 
assessed  to 
prevent negative 
impacts or, where 
prevention not 
possible, to 
minimise, mitigate 
and/or 
compensate for 
negative impacts 
and, wherever 
possible, provide 
positive benefits to 
biodiversity [2006 
onwards ]. Impact assessment of 
new policies at 
Community level where 
appropriate. COM Green Paper on climate change adaptation (COM(200 7) 354 final) recognises the central importance of 
maintaining healthy functioning ecosystems and emphasis es the need for practical and early implementation of 
the EU Biodiversity Action Plan; ongoing work to mi nimise negative effects of CC mitigation measures, New 
COM contract launched in 2007 will help prepare guidelines on wind, hydro & tidal barrages. Policy option of 
including Avoided Deforestation into  the post 2012 climate regime expl ored, methodology discussed at SBSTA 
under the UNFCCC. White paper on adapta tion to climate change to be adopted in  the Spring of 2009. This will 
emphasise the importance of maintaining and restoring ecosystem integrity and the development of a "green 
infrastructure", an interconnected network of natural areas , including some agricultura l land, wetlands, forests, 
marine areas. This would help ensure vital ecosystem se rvices such as the regulation of storm water, 
temperatures, flooding risk, water, air and ecosystem quality. The MACIS project supported by RTD FP6 (see 
http://www.macis-project.net/links.html ) will deliver a detailed report on a daptation and mitigation measures in 
different sectors and their impact on biodiversity.  White paper on adaptation to climate chan ge (COM (2009) 0147) was adopted by the 
Commission on 1 April 2009. It emphasises the importance of maintaining and restoring 
ecosystem integrity and the development of a "green infrastructure", an interconnected 
network of natural areas, including some human made, agricultural land, wetlands, forests, 
marine areas. The White Paper recognises the im portant role played by ecosystems and notes 
that "a comprehensive and integrated approach  towards the maintenance and enhancement of 
ecosystems and the goods and services they prov ide is needed". This should help ensure vital 
ecosystem services such as the regulation of st orm water, temperatures, flooding risk, water, 
air and ecosystem quality. The MACI S project supported by RTD FP6 (see http://www.macis-
project.net/links.html ) delivered a detailed report on adaptation and mitigation measures in 
different sectors and their impact on biodiversity. 
Green Infrastructure promoted as tool fo r adaptation and mitigation measures. More 
information on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm .  
  
A9.3.2 ACTION:  Ensure 
that implementation of 
EU Biomass 
Action Plan  takes 
due account in 
assessments, 
where relevant, of 
impacts on 
biodiversity, in 
particularly on 
high-nature-value 
farmland and 
forests, in order to 
achieve ecological 
sustainability of 
biomass 
production [2006 
onwards ]. Provide guidance on 
sustainability impact 
assessments. EEA report ‘How much bioenergy can Europe produce without harming the environment?’ launched (June 
2006); Ongoing debate (including in Council WPIEI and CO P9 CBD) on bio-energy. As a follow-up to the 
Biomass Action Plan, the Commission published a Communication on an EU strategy for biofuels 
(COM(2006)34) which looks at the issue of the sustainability of biofuel feedsto ck cultivation. In addition, in its 
proposal for a directive on the promot ion of the use of energy from rene wable sources, tabled on 23 January 
2008 (COM(2008) 19), the Commission included a set of envir onmental sustainability criteria for biomass for fuel 
use which aim inter alia  at protecting biodiversity both inside and outside the EU..  Directive 2009/28//EC including environmental sustai nability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids 
entered into force in 2009 and requires the Commission to provide guidance to MS regarding 
the implementation of these criteria. In additi on, it requires the Commission to report by the 
end of 2009 on sustainability criteria for bioma ss energy use other than biofuels and bioliquids. 
This report was adopted in December 2009 with relevant follow-up processes. 
The Report on sustainability requirements for t he use of solid and gaseous biomass sources in 
electricity, heating and cooling (COM (2010)11) was adopted by the Commission on February 
25th 2010. The report makes recommendations on sust ainability criteria to be used by those 
Member States that wish to in troduce a scheme at national level.  
 
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A9.4 TARGET: Resilience of EU biodiversity to clim ate change substantially  strengthened by 2010. 
A9.4.1 ACTION:  Develop 
a comprehensive 
programme of 
priority actions 
to support 
biodiversity 
adaptation to climate change in 
the EU [by 2008
]. Coordinate 
development of 
programme. Forthcoming White Paper on climate change adaptation (see A9.3.1) provides impetus for follow up debate on 
policy responses. An ad hoc consultation group on biod iversity and climate change with Member State 
representatives and stake holders will be set up. The White Paper on climate change adaptation (s ee A9.3.1) provides impetus for follow up 
debate on policy responses. An EU Ad hoc Ex pert Working Group on biodiversity and climate 
change with Member State representatives, sci entists and other stakeholders was set up. The 
group delivered a discussion paper – "Towards  a Strategy on Climate Change, Ecosystem 
Services and Biodiversity". See 
http://ec.europa.eu/environm ent/nature/pdf/discussion _paper_climat e_change.pdf .   
A9.4.2 ACTION:  Assess 
[by 2008 ], on the 
basis of available 
scientific evidence, 
and substantially 
strengthen [by 
2010 ] coherence, 
connectivity and 
resilience of the protected areas 
network (Natura 
2000 and non-
Natura protected 
areas) in order to 
maintain 
favourable 
conservation 
status of species 
and habitats in 
the face of 
climate change  
by applying, as 
appropriate, tools 
which may include 
flyways, buffer 
zones, corridors 
and stepping 
stones (including 
as appropriate to 
neighbouring and 
third countries), as 
well as actions in 
support of 
biodiversity in the 
wider environment 
(cf. action 1.2.3 ). Coordinate 
assessment, develop 
guidelines to 
strengthen coherence. See A 1.2.3 - assessments and guidance are taking into account the potential signific ance of climate change 
impacts as appropriate. Assessments and guidance are taking into account the potential significance of climate change 
impacts as appropriate. Green Infrastructure promoted as tool for adaptation and mitigation 
measures. More information on 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm
  
See also A 1.2.3  
A9.4.3 ACTION:  Make a 
preliminary 
assessment of 
habitats and 
species in the EU 
most at risk  from 
climate change [by 
2007 ], detailed 
assessment and 
appropriate 
adaptation Launch debate, raise 
awareness of need for 
Community level 
approach to adaptation. An INTERREG IIIB funded project (BRANCH) examining spat ial planning issues in re lation to biodiversity 
adaptation to climate change has been completed in 2007 . Several EU funded studies including RTD projects 
(e.g. ALARM, COCONUT, MACIS) in their final phase; COM has also launched in 2007 a review of current 
information, especially in the context of NATURA 2000. COM has also launched in 2007 a review of current  information, especially in the context of 
NATURA 2000. The final task reports are available. The reports include: 
• Impacts of climate change on EU biod iversity: evidence and modelling results; 
• An assessment framework for climate change  vulnerability: methodology and results; 
• Impacts of climate change on EU biodiversi ty policy and recommendations for policies and 
measures to maintain and restore biodiversity  in the EU in the face of climate change; 
• Applying the vulnerability assessment framework:  impacts of climate change on the Natura  
 
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measures  
prepared [by 
2009 ], commence 
implementation [by 
2010 ]. 2000 network; 
• Wind, hydro and marine renewable energy infrastructures in the EU: biodiversity impacts, 
mitigation and policy recommendation. 
POLICY AREA 4: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE 
OBJECTIVE 10: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN THE KNOWLEDGE BASE FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY, IN THE EU AN D GLOBALLY. 
A10.1 TARGET: Research findings on biodiversity and ecosystem services has substantially advanced our ability to ensure conservation and sustainable use by 2010 and again by 2013. 
A10.1.1 ACTION : Subject 
to funding being found from 
existing financial 
resources, 
establish an EU 
mechanism for 
independent, 
authoritative 
research-based 
advice  to inform 
implementation 
and further policy 
development.  Develop concept in 
consultation with key 
stakeholders, confirm 
funding availability, put 
mechanism in place.  See B 2.1.2 
The European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy  (EPBRS), an informal science-policy interface whose 
main aim is to identify the knowledge gaps that hinder the cr eation or application of policy,  or that make it difficult 
to manage ecosystems effectively, has been very active. The EPBRS has contributed to the European 
consultation on an International Me chanism of Scientific Expertise on Bi odiversity (IMoSEB) and will also 
contribute to other science-policy interfaces, including the recent proposal for an Intergovernmental Platform on 
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES),  when called upon to do so in the future. A third consultation meeting on an Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem 
Services IPBES was organised by UNEP in June 2010, which led to an agreement to establish 
IPBES. The regional contribution to such a mechanism is being discussed at EU level. 
 
See also B 2.1.2  
A10.1.2 ACTION: Identify 
ways and means 
to strengthen 
independent 
scientific advice 
to global policy 
making , inter alia  
by actively 
contributing to 
CBD consideration 
of the 2007 
evaluation of the 
Millennium 
Ecosystem 
Assessment, and 
the ongoing 
consultations on 
the need for 
improved International 
Mechanisms on 
Scientific 
Expertise on 
Biodiversity.  Engage in CBD 
consideration of 2007 
MA evaluation, and 
ongoing IMoSEB 
consultations. The European Community is engaged in the global strategy for follow-up to the UN Millennium Ecosystem 
Assessment and is committed to develop a sub-global assessment for the European region, using the EURECA 
project launched by the European Environment Agency, and  the outcomes of the study on The Economics of 
Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). At CBD COP9 in May 2008 the EC and its Member  States have supported 
UNEP's proposal for establishing an Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services 
(IPBES), to strengthen independent scientific advice to global policy making.  The European Commission participated in the three Ad-hoc Intergovernmental and Multi-
stakeholder Meeting on an Intergovernmental Science-Policy Interface on Biodiversity and 
Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and has provided a gr ant of 1 million € to UNEP to support the 
strengthening of the Science-Po licy Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, in 
particular through organisation of regional consultations. 
Under the 2010 Annual Environment and Natural Resources Thematic Programme (ENRTP) 
the EC is providing 1.5 million € to develop c apacity for effective use of ecosystem assessment 
in developing countries. 
  
A10.1.3 ACTION:  Enhance 
research on status, trends 
and distribution  
of all habitats and Accommodate in FP7 
work programmes - 
notably under the 
Specific Programmes 
for Cooperation and for There have been 2 calls for proposals in the first 2 year s of FP7, 8 successful proposals (HUNT, SOILSERVICE, 
HighARCS, LiveDiverse, PALMS, SCALES and EBONE)  as well as the LIFEWATCH support are expected to be 
funded with a Community contribution of EUR 23 122 421. 
 There have been 4 calls for proposals of FP7 re sulting in the following successful projects: 
HUNT, SOILSERVICE, HighARCS, LiveDiv erse, PALMS, SCALES, EBONE, STEP, 
CONGRESS, TESS, BioFresh and the projects  SPIRAL, FunDivEUROPE, (ECOFINDERS?) 
and KNEU are under negotiation.    
 
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species of 
community interest 
and of additional 
habitats and 
species of policy 
relevance [2006 
onwards ]. Capacities (including 
research 
infrastructures). An “Atlas of Biodiversity Risk” has been laun ched during Green Week 2010. The Atlas brings 
together the results of a number of European Research Projects in a comprehensive manner 
thus contributing significantly to the biodiversity knowledge base for informed policy making . 
The RUBICODE project on Conservation of Biodiv ersity and Ecosystem Services in Europe: 
From Threat to Action provided knowledge support to EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline . 
 
 
A10.1.4 ACTION:  Enhance 
research on most significant 
pressures  on 
biodiversity, 
develop and test 
prevention and 
mitigation 
options  [2006 
onwards ]. Accommodate in FP7 
work programmes - 
notably under the 
Specific Programmes 
for Cooperation and for 
Capacities (including 
research 
infrastructures) plus 
Direct Cost Action 
Research within the 
JRC. See A 10.1.3 JRC has developed tools for assessing in a c onsistent way pressures on biodiversity in 741 major 
African protected areas and m ade this available via the WWW http://www-tem.jrc.it//PA/index.html . 
JRC has developed a methodology and a software tool  that has been used for the assessment of forest 
fragmentation and lack of connectivity (pressur e on biodiversity) at the European level 
(http://forest.jrc.i t/biodiversity ). 
JRC, in the context of the European Forest Fire Informa tion System, has assessed the impact of forest fires in 
Natura 2000 sites; reports on the impact of fires in Gree ce (2007) on forest fragmentation and connectivity in 
Natura2000 sites has recently been produced. 
The FP6 projects ALARM, MACIS and COCONUT have achieved first results regarding prevention and 
mitigation options as well as assessment tools. As indicated in A 7.2.4, t he MONDE action of the JRC has developed methodologies for 
assessing pressure on more than 700 African Protected Areas 
(http://bioval.jrc.ec.europa.eu/PA/ ). Current work is addressing new visualisation means for 
describing these pressures as well as, in collaboration with the FOREST action, to assess 
fragmentation and connectivity of natural habitats in Africa. 
Additionally, the JRC developed high-spatial resolution forest maps of Europe to assess forest 
change over time. This is the basis of the dev elopment of European wide datasets of forest 
spatial pattern and forest fragm entation, which have already be en used e.g. in the EEA State 
of Forest Report, and the MCPFE 2007 European Forest report. 
In the context of the Action BIOMES, the JRC is developing a methodology to map the 
capacity of ecosystems to provide a sustainabl e flow of ecosystem services. A first set of 
biophysical maps of ecosystem services at EU scale is foreseen by the end of 2010.   
A10.1.5 ACTION:  Develop 
and apply tools to 
measure, 
anticipate and 
improve 
effectiveness of 
most important 
policy 
instruments  for 
conservation and 
sustainable use of 
biodiversity [2006 
onwards ]. Accommodate in FP7 
work programmes - 
notably under the 
Specific Programmes 
for Cooperation and for 
Capacities. See A 10.1.3. See A 10.1.3.  
A10.1.6 ACTION:  Allocate 
adequate 
financial 
resources to 
European and 
national 
biodiversity 
research and to 
dissemination of 
its results, 
including under 
the Seventh 
Framework 
Programme [2006 
onwards ]. Accommodate in FP7 
work programmes - 
notably under the 
Specific Programmes 
for Cooperation and for 
Capacities (including 
research 
infrastructures). The first call for the Environment Theme (FP7 SP Cooperat ion) has a budget of EUR 200 Million of which only 
EUR 24 Million for the Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources under which the topic of biodiversity is 
treated. 
The indicative budget for the second call for the Envi ronment Theme is of EUR 212 Million. The Activity 6.2 
Sustainable Management of Resources under which the topi c of biodiversity is treated has an indicative budget 
of EUR 30 Million. 
The funding profile over the duration of FP7 is expected to rise qui te steeply towards the end but cannot be 
extrapolated from the first 2 years of t he remaining 5 of this 7-year programme. As part of the Environment Theme (FP7 SP Cooper ation) Biodiversity is treated as topic under 
the Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of Reso urces. The following financial resources have 
been allocated so far within, to Environment theme Sub-Activity 6.2.1 Conservation and 
sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and biodiversity under Activity 
6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources:  
• First call 2007: EUR 24 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 200 Million. 
• Second call 2008: EUR 30 Million out of  an overall budget of EUR 212 Million. 
• Third call 2009: EUR 27 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 193,5 Million 
• Forth call 2010: EUR 28,5 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 175 Million (FP7-ENV-
2010)   
A10.1.7 ACTION:  
Establish effective and inclusive 
European 
Research Area  
for biodiversity and Accommodate in FP7 
work programmes - 
notably under the 
Specific Programmes 
for Cooperation and for 
Capacities (including BiodivERsA is an ERA-NET in biodiversity research with a Community contribution of EUR 2.8 Million. 
LIFEWATCH, an e-science and technology infrastructure for biodiversity data and observatories is supported 
through the "infrastructure" budget. 
LIFEWATCH has been launched on 12 March 2008 in  Amsterdam. In the 3 years preparatory phase (2008-
2010) the Community allocates EUR 5 Million to the pr oject, Member States add furt her EUR 4.6 Million. The 
construction phase is planned from 2011-2018  with an overall budget of EUR 368 Million. A follow-up ERA-Net project BiodivERsA2 will be funded with € 1 Million by the EU for further 4 
years.  
 
EN 46   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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ACTION PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 PROGRESS TO JULY 2010  
strengthen 
capacities 
(including 
infrastructures) in 
key disciplines, 
interdisciplinary 
and participatory 
science [2006 
onwards ]. research 
infrastructures). 
A10.1.8  ACTION:  Put 
institutional arrangements in 
place to ensure 
policy-relevant 
research  done 
(e.g. in support of 
implementation of 
the nature 
directives, integration of 
biodiversity into 
sectoral policies) 
and research 
outcomes are 
reflected where 
appropriate in 
policy 
development  
[2006 onwards
]. Strengthen Community-
level 
institutions/mechanisms 
at the science-policy 
interface ( see Action 
A10.1.1 ); 
accommodate in FP7 
work programmes - 
notably under the 
Specific Programmes for Cooperation and for 
Capacities; strengthen 
ability to assimilate 
research results at 
policy level. For progress with the EU Mechanism and international me chanisms for scientific advice on biodiversity, sees 
Actions B 2.1.2 and A10.1.2. The FP7 1st call included 3 biodiversity topics of considerable policy relevance 
(related to the development of the ecosystem servic es concept). The European Platform for Biodiversity 
Research Strategy (EPBRS) has develope d a set of priorities for biodiversi ty research in response to the EU 
Action Plan to 2010 and Beyond and continues to help orient biodiversity research strategy towards policy 
needs. 
In the second call (FP7-ENV-2008-1) one topic was particu larly dedicated to the science-policy interface, a co-
ordination and support actions with a ma x. of EUR 1 Million EC contribution. 
EPBRS continues work towards an EU biodiversity research strategy. In the forth call (FP7-ENV-2010) one topic is de dicated to create a prototype of an EU network 
of knowledge (KNEU).  
In May 2009 a workshop in Brussels was dedicate d to elaborate on a concept of a network of 
knowledge as science side of a science-policy-interface.  
Information on the latest scientific findings for biodiversity is provided by the "Science for 
Environment Policy" news alert service under its Biodiversity topic
 and in the Biodiversity 
Thematic Issue.   
A10.1.9 ACTION:  
Establish and promote  [2006 
onwards ] 
common data 
standards and 
quality 
assurance 
procedures to 
enable 
interoperability of 
key European and 
national 
biodiversity 
databases and 
inventories [by 
2008 ]. Accommodate in FP7 
work programmes - 
notably under the 
Specific Programmes 
for Cooperation and for 
Capacities (including 
research 
infrastructures). See A10.1.7 the LIFEWATCH project. See A10.1.3. the project EBONE contributing to GEO/GEOSS.  
The EuroGEOSS project, a European approach to the Global Earth Observation System of 
Systems, has been funded by DG  RTD. The MONDE action of the JRC is coordinating the 
development of a biodiversity operating capacity ( http://www.eurogeoss.eu/ ) 
JRC is working to ensure the extension of th e INSPIRE guidelines to Natura2000 that, among 
others, should take into consideration the outc ome of the Expert Group on Reporting under the 
Nature Directive.  In addition, JRC has recently started to work on following Annex II and Annex 
III data themes particularly relevant for the Acti on Plan in colla boration with DG  ENV Thematic 
Units: 17. Bio-geographical regions, 18. Habita ts and biotopes, 19. Species distribution, 2. 
Land cover, 3. Soil, 12. Natural risk zones.  
B. THE FOUR SUPPORTING MEASURES 
SUPPORTING MEASURE 1: ENSURING ADEQ UATE FINANCING FOR BIODIVERSITY. 
B1.1 TARGET: Adequate funding provided for Natura 2000, biodiversity  outside Natura 2000 in EU, biodiversity in external assistance and biodiversity research, inventory and monitoring 2007-2013. 
 
EN 47   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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B1.1.1 
 ACTION:  Ensure 
adequate financing 
provided [2007-
2013 ] to Natura 
2000 
implementation 
through community (CAP 
Rural 
Development, 
Structural Funds, 
Life+) and MS co-
financing, 
accessible to 
those who 
manage Natura 
2000 sites, with 
focus on 
optimising long-
term conservation 
status and 
benefits as well as 
priority awareness 
raising and 
networking 
initiatives. ( cf. 
Action A1.1.2 ) See Action A1.1.2 See Action A1.1.2 See Action A1.1.2  
B1.1.2 ACTION: Allocate, 
at MS initiative, 
within each 
national/regional 
Rural 
Development 
(RD) Programme , 
adequate 
Community and 
MS co-financing  
to measures 
available under all 
three axes of the 
RD Regulation 
which are directly 
or indirectly 
supportive of 
nature and 
biodiversity 
[2006/07 and any 
subsequent 
revisions]. See Action A2.1.1 See Action A2.1.1 See Action A2.1.1  
B1.1.3 ACTION : Apply 
new European 
Fisheries Fund 
and Member 
State funds  for 
actions beneficial 
to marine 
biodiversity [2007-
2013 ]. (cf. Action 
A3.4.1 ) See Action A3.4.1 See Action A3.4.1 See Action A3.4.1  
 
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B1.1.4 ACTION : Allocate, 
at MS initiative, cohesion and 
structural funds  
for projects directly 
or indirectly 
providing 
biodiversity benefits in all MS 
operational 
programmes [2006 
onwards ]. ( cf. 
Action A4.1.1 ) See Action A4.1.1 See Action A4.1.1 See Action A4.1.1  
B1.1.5 ACTION : ESF 
contributing to biodiversity 
objectives  
through 
awareness-raising, capacity building, 
employment of the 
young, long-term 
jobless and 
elderly, etc. [2007 
onwards ]. (cf. 
Action A4.1.2 )  See Action A4.1.2 See Action A4.1.2 See Action A4.1.2  
B1.1.6 ACTION: Ensure 
adequate financing of 
other biodiversity measures 
outside Natura 
2000 in the EU 
through other 
Community co-
financing  (e.g. 
Life+) and 
Member States’ 
financing [2007-
2013 ].  Ensure adequate co-
financing within limits of 
funds available. New LIFE+ programme (2007-2013) is providing additional possibilities to finance specific innovative or 
demonstration projects that contribute to  the implementation of the objectives of the EU biodiversity action plan. 4 of the LIFE+ projects co-financ ed in 2007, 8 of the 2008 and 12 of the 2009 ones are aimed 
at supporting wider biodiversity policy (i.e. ot her than those related to the Birds and Habitats 
Directive), which gives a to tal budget of 48.5 Mill EUR.  
B1.1.7 ACTION:  Increase 
in real terms 
international development 
assistance funds 
flowing annually 
to projects 
directly 
benefiting 
biodiversity  [for 
period 2006-2010 
compared with 
period 2000-2005; 
and again for 
period 2011-
2013 ]. (cf. Actions 
A7.1.1 to A7.1.6 ) See Actions A7.1.1 to 
A7.1.6 See Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6 See Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6  
 
EN 49   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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B1.1.8 ACTION:  Allocate 
adequate financial resources to 
European and 
national 
biodiversity 
research  and to 
dissemination of its results, 
including under 
the Seventh 
Framework 
Programme [2006 
onwards ]. ( cf. 
Action A10.1.5 ) See Action A10.1.5 Under FP5 a total of 39 projects hav e been funded with an overall budget of EUR 58.597.463. 
Under FP6 the number of projects has been reduced to 20,  but the overall budget allocated increased to EUR 
77.480.422. Further 13 projec ts funded under FP6, focus on ecosystems, but also address biodiversity – with an 
overall allocated budget  of EUR 78.608.847. 
For FP7, there have been 2 calls for proposals in the firs t 2 years and 7 projects are expected to be funded with 
a Community contribution of EUR 23.122. 421. The funding profile under FP7 is expected to rise quite steeply 
but it is not possible to extrapolate from the first 2 years for the remaining 5 of this 7-year programme. See Action A10.1.6 
Further financial resources have been allocated to biodiversity topics within the Environment 
theme to the Sub-Activities 6.2.2 Management of marine environments under Activity 6.2 
Sustainable Management of Resources as well  as under Sub-activity 6.4.2 Forecasting 
methods and assessment tools for sustainable dev elopment taking into account different 
scales of observation (e.g. TESS).  
B1.1.9 ACTION:  Allocate 
adequate funds for  
supporting 
measures  
including 
promoting joined-
up planning, 
development of 
partnerships, 
monitoring, 
awareness raising 
and institutional 
capacity-building 
for biodiversity 
[2007-2013 ]. Allocate funds through 
available instruments 
including Life+ See B 1.1.6 See Action B 1.1.6  
SUPPORTING MEASURE 2: STRENGTHENING EU  DECISION-MAKING FOR BIODIVERSITY.  
B2.1 TARGET: EU vision on biodiversity and ecosystem services agreed and providing policy framework by 2010. 
B2.1.1 
 ACTION : Launch, 
hold and conclude EU debate on this 
vision and policy 
framework 
[2007/08
]. Establish process, 
coordinate debate, 
agree vision. There is an ongoing discussion on the establishment of a process to support the EU vision on biodiversity and 
ecosystem services, which would incorporate the valuabl e contribution from "The Economics of Ecosystems and 
Biodiversity (TEEB)", the work and results of  the EEA's EURECA project, the development of  sub-global 
assessments (SGA) for Europe and research effort focusing over the course of FP7 on making human use of 
biodiversity sustainable. This process should be supp orted by an efficient science-policy interface, notably 
through promoting the establishment of an Intergov ernmental science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and 
Ecosystem Services (IPBES) (see A.10.1.1). The Commission organised a conference on 'Biodiversity Protection – Beyond 2010', 27-28 
Athens, Greece, which was the first major stakeholder event. Dedicated working groups were 
held on all major issues of the biodiversity policy (The EU Biodiversity Action Plan, Biodiversity 
and Climate Change, Integration of Biodiversity  Issues into Policies and Business, Natura 
2000, Economics and Finance, Objectives for Biodiversity Protection beyond 2010). 
The European Council at its March meeting agreed on a 2050 vision and a 2020 target on EU 
biodiversity. 
The Green Week, the major environment policy ev ent with a broad outreach, was dedicated to 
biodiversity in 2010. Sessions discussed, among others, the lessons learned from the current 
policy and certain aspects and elements of the future biodiversity policy. 
The Commission is working on the development of a post-2010 EU biodiversity policy 
framework (strategy) aimed at delivering on the post-2010 EU biodiversity vision and target. 
Inter alia this work, the current policy framework is being assessed and discussed.  
For further details on EU biodiversity policy development see 
http://ec.europa.eu/environ ment/nature/biodiversi ty/policy/index_en.htm    
B2.1.2 ACTION:  
Strengthen understanding and 
communication of Studies, meetings, 
research to feed into 
EU debate (Action 
2.1.1) - development of As part of the Potsdam initiative agreed by G8 in  2007, a study on The Economics of Ecosystems and 
Biodiversity (TEEB) has been jointly initiated by the European Commission and Germany in collaboration with 
the European Environment Agency. Under the lead of Indi an economist Pavan Sukhdev, the first results of this 
assessment of the global economic benefit of biological di versity, the costs of the loss of biodiversity and the The full package of the TEEB study will be pu blished at CBD CO10 in October 2010. For 
further details on TEEB see www.teebweb.org
 
Further studies have been carried out on the ec onomic aspects of environment, including on  
 
EN 50   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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 the values of 
natural capital 
and of 
ecosystem 
services , and the 
taking into account 
of these values in 
the policy framework, 
expand incentives 
for people to 
safeguard 
biodiversity [2006 
onwards ]. proposals as 
appropriate. failure to take protective measures versus the costs of effective conservation have been presented at CBD 
COP9 in May 2008.  
A second phase of this study will further develop a me thodological framework for valuation of the services 
provided by ecosystems, as a contributi on to the Millennium Development Goals. 
A COM study on Habitat banking will start in 2008 and run in 2009, as this instrument  has been identified as one 
of Market Based Instruments (MBI) with po tential for addressing Biodiversity off-sets. the use of market based inst ruments (2010), environmentally harmful subsidies (2010), 
understanding the causes of biodiversity lo ss and the policy assessment framework (2009), the 
monetary valuation of biodiversi ty costs of policy inaction ( 2009). For further details and the 
reports of studies conducted by DG ENV see 
http://ec.europa.eu/environm ent/enveco/st udies.htm#7   
B2.2 TARGET: New policies benefit biodiversity and ecosystem services,  and their negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystem servi ces prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards. 
B2.2.1 ACTION: Integrate 
concerns for biodiversity and 
ecosystem 
services, given 
their economic 
important in terms 
of jobs and growth 
for some sectors 
such as tourism, 
into Lisbon 
National Reform 
Programmes  and 
the development 
of policies and 
budgets under 
these NRPs [2006 
onwards ]. Address biodiversity 
and ecosystem 
services in future 
guidelines, evaluate 
adequacy of integration 
of biodiversity and 
ecosystem services 
concerns in NRPs, 
address these issues in 
annual reports and any 
future 
recommendations to 
MS. COM assessment in January 2006 showed that: Two thirds of  the Member States refer to biodiversity or nature 
protection in their National Reform Programmes. Some of them consider biodiversity a particularly crucial 
resource due to the important economic  contribution from natur e tourism. However, later in the year COM 
assessment in December 2006 showed that: 'While on biodiversity important progress is reported by many 
countries, additional integrated  policy efforts are needed.'  The European Council (2008) encourages Member  States and the Commission to strengthen 
efforts aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond. 
In the annex to the Strategic Re port (January 2009), it has been indicated that progress in the 
implementation of policy measures  to halt the loss of biodiversity is mixed – some Member 
States such as Poland still had very low suffici ency levels in establishing Natura 2000 network 
as of June 2008. 
The preliminary results of th e report "Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity" (TEEB) 
demonstrate the high dependency of human society upon ecosystem services, and suggested 
that a "business-as-usual" scenario could lead to  substantial economic losses. For the period 
2000-2050, the annual loss of world-wide terrestri al ecosystem services is estimated at around 
€50 billion. By 2050, the cumulated welfare losses were estimated equivalent to 7% of GDP. It 
emphasizes the urgency with which Member St ates need to incorporate the value of 
ecosystem services into policy measures.  
The recently adopted Europe 2020 Strategy identified the new paradigm towards sustainable 
growth by promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy. Within 
the Europe 2020 the flagship "Resource Efficient  Europe" introduces the need to establish a 
vision on the structural and technological chan ges required, so that Europe moves to a low 
carbon, resource efficient and climate resilient economy by 2050 allowing EU to achieve its 
emissions reduction and biodiversity targets.  
B2.2.2 ACTION:  Screen 
all new legislative and 
policy proposals 
at EU and MS 
levels for 
potential 
significant 
impacts on 
biodiversity  in 
general and on 
ecosystem goods 
and services in 
particular, and 
ensure effective 
treatment of 
biodiversity 
concerns in policy 
impact 
assessments, in particular to Implement policy 
impact assessment 
effectively as part of 
Better Regulation, 
including taking 
biodiversity impacts 
better into account. Impact assessment guidelines used by the COM include biodivers ity concerns. As a result, around 100 Impact Assessments are unde rtaken each year and published (though 
most do not have biodiversity impacts). An Impact Assessment Board provides quality 
checking.  
 
EN 51   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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ensure the 
maintenance of 
ecosystem goods 
and services [2006 
onwards ]. 
B2.3 TARGET: Biodiversity needs have been better integrated, as necessary, into post-2013 Financial Perspectives and any mid-term re view of FP 2007-2013. 
B2.3.1 ACTION:  
Strengthen 
alignment of the 
biodiversity 
policy cycle with 
the broader EU 
policy and 
budgeting cycle  
to enable more 
effective 
integration [2006 
onwards ]. Carry out mid-term and 
final reviews in timely 
manner in order to feed 
in to broader policy 
reviews (e.g. CAP) and 
into next Financial 
Perspectives post 
2013. 6EAP mid term review carried out (03-05-2007), four prio rity areas confirmed. The 2007 Environment Policy 
Review carried out (02-07-2008), shows that the year 2007 was a turning point in EU environment policy. The 
main commitments under the 6th Environment Action Programme have been delivered and environment issues 
were firmly at the top of t he political agenda. But there are also reas ons for concern: while the policy framework 
is in place, implementation of EU environment legislatio n by Member States is often slow or incomplete. Further, 
the EU needs to prepare for the major environmental cha llenges ahead: defining a long-term strategic vision for 
sustainable consumption and producti on, adaptation to the inevitable c limatic changes, and the protection of 
biodiversity. The accompanying Commission Staff Working Paper  provides more factual details, including some 
key indicators of trends in the different priority areas  of the 6th Environment Action Programme, as well as an 
overview of 2007 environment policy in itiatives in all 27 Member States. The 2009 Environment Policy Review (to be published in July 2010-ISC is ongoing) presents 
the main developments in EU environment policy du ring 2009 for the 4 priority areas of the 6th 
Environment Action Programme (part 1). Part 2 draws on statistical data and environmental 
trends and part 3 contains the Commission’ s summary of the major environment policy 
developments in the Member States. Concerning nature and biodiversity, the EPR 2009 shows 
that the EU biodiversity pictures remains mixe d with positive developments for some species 
and habitats overshadowed by worrying trends among others. To reverse the alarming trends 
of loss, the EU needs to fully implement relevant legislation – from the Habitats and Birds 
Directives to the Water Framework and Marine Directives. The 2009 EPR is available at: 
http://ec.europa.eu/environ ment/policyreview.htm . 
A mid-term evaluation of rural development programmes and national rural development 
strategies will be carried out in 2010. Results will feed into the debate on the CAP post-2013. 
The time for mid-term and final re view is fixed by the EFF Regulation. 2011 mid term review of 
the EFF Regulation could feed into t he last phase of the CFP reform process  
B2.4 TARGET: Complementarity of EC and MS biodiversity strategies and action plans substantially enhanced by 2010. 
B2.4.1 
 ACTION:  Re-align 
MS biodiversity 
strategies and 
action plans with 
this EU Action 
Plan  [by 2007 ] 
and strengthen 
mechanisms for 
ongoing alignment of EC and MS 
biodiversity 
strategies and 
action plans [2007 
onwards ]. Encourage MS to re-
align; propose and 
establish new 
mechanisms. Ongoing discussions with Member States, including promot ing co-operation on BAP delivery in Nature Directors 
meetings under each Presidency of  the Council of Ministers.  
   
B2.4.2 
 ACTION:  
Strengthen the institutional 
arrangements in 
support of 
coherence and 
complementarity  
in the implementation of 
EC and MS 
biodiversity 
strategies and 
action plans and in 
particular of this 
Action Plan [2006 
onwards ]. Propose and establish 
effective mechanism. See B2.4.1 
There have been discussions on improving the governance structure for implementation of EU nature and 
biodiversity policy, with particular regard to delivery of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan. This has led to the 
creation of a new Co-ordination Group on Biodiversity and Nature, involving the competent authorities of the 
Member States, different Commission services and representatives of key stakeholder groups.   
 
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B2.4.3 ACTION:  
Strengthen mechanisms for 
delivery from MS 
level to local 
level [2006 
onwards ]. None See B2.4.1 See B2.4.1  
B2.5 TARGET: Effective integration of Natura 2000, rural development, river basin management and other territorial plans and program mes in support of biodiversity achieved by 2010. 
B2.5.1 ACTION:  
Strengthen 
proactive 
integration of 
available 
planning 
instruments  
including Natura 
2000, river basin 
management 
planning, programmes of 
measures for soils, 
rural development 
plans - towards 
application of an 
ecosystems 
approach in the 
terrestrial and 
freshwater 
environment [2006 
onwards ]. ( cf. 
Action A4.3.1 ) Provide guidance Ongoing Ongoing  
B2.5.2 ACTION: Integrate 
biodiversity concerns into the 
evaluation, 
monitoring and 
reporting 
mechanisms of 
Community-
funded 
programmes  
which have an 
impact on the 
conservation and 
recovery of 
biodiversity [2006 
onwards ]. Provide guidance, 
integrate into 
community level 
evaluation and 
reporting. COM has included biodiversity concerns and targets in th e assessment of the National Strategies submitted by 
MS in the context of the EC Cohesion Policy (Structu ral, Cohesion Funds) for the financing period 2007-2013. 
Rural Development programs are also being monitored and assessed. On regional development policy: COM has includ ed biodiversity concerns and targets in the 
assessment of the National Strategies (NSRFs) submitted by MS in the context of the EC 
Cohesion Policy (Structural, Cohesion Funds) for the financing period 2007-2013.  
On rural development policy: all rural development interventions for the programming period 
2007-2013 are subject to monitoring and evaluation under the Common Monitoring and 
Evaluation Framework (CMEF). The CMEF establishes means for improving programme 
performance, ensuring the accountability of programmes and allowing an assessment on the 
achievement of established objectives, includi ng environmental objectives. A number of CMEF 
indicators directly concern biodiversi ty. See also actions A2.1.3 and A2.1.8. 
On fisheries policy: ongoing work to develop guidelines to help MS with the 2011 interim 
evaluation of the EFF (2007-2013). Final guidelines  should include questions on integration of 
environmental protection in EFF assistance.  
B 2.6 TARGET: Substantial improvement in compliance with environmental regulations by 2010 and again by 2013.  
B2.6.1 ACTION: 
Reinforce efforts  
to ensure 
compliance, 
control and 
enforcement  at 
national, regional Monitor compliance at 
Community level, 
enforce where 
necessary. The European Commission has started a consultation  exercise on its initiative to reform the control system of 
the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Continued failure of the control policy would have serious consequences 
for the future of fisheries resources and on conserva tion efforts. In February 2008, the Commission has 
therefore launched a public consultation on how CFP contro l should be improved and strengthened to make it fit 
to deliver the core goals of the Common Fisheries Po licy, namely, a genuinely sustainable European fishing 
industry. The Commission has adopted on 14 November 2008 a proposal for a Council Regulation on the reform Regarding fisheries policy: The Commission has adopted on 20 November 2009 Council 
Regulation (EC) N° 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring 
compliance with the rules of the Common Fisherie s Policy (CFP). (see al so section A3.5.5). 
With this text, control and inspection are focu sed where they are most effective, through an 
approach based on systematic risk analysis. In spection procedures are standardised and 
harmonised for all stages along the chain, in cluding transport and marketing. Use of modern 
data-processing and communications technolo gies is extended. Where possible, data  
 
EN 53   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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and local levels 
[2006 onwards ]. of the control system of t he Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). (see also section A3.5.5) 
The Joint Deployment Plan (JDP) was launched in Ma rch 2008 by the Commission. This major EU control 
campaign will be coordinated by the Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA)  and marks the EU's 
determination to ensure that t he fifteen-year recovery plan for the blue fin tuna, agreed within the International 
Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna ( ICCAT ) in November 2006, is fully respected. The JDP 
brings together the resources of the se ven main Member States involved in the fishery and will cover all stages 
in the market chain, including controls  at sea, onshore and at fattening farms. processing is automated, and subject to syst ematic and comprehensive cross-checking. The 
result is a system which is more effectively ta rgeted, more effective, and also less costly and 
burdensome to operate. 
Regarding Bluefin tuna, a new Joint Deployment Plan (JDP) was launched in March 2010 by 
the Commission. The fifteen-year recovery plan for the blue fin tuna, agreed within the 
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna ( ICCAT ) was revised.  
Regarding rural development policy: Member Stat es are required, within the framework of the 
common agricultural policy, to adopt all legislat ive, regulatory and administrative provisions 
and to take any other measures necessary to  ensure effective protection of the financial 
interests of the Community, and particularly in order to check the genuineness and compliance 
of operations financed by the EAGF and t he EAFRD. The Commission services carry out 
audits in the Member States a)  to provide the Commission with reasonable assurance that 
expenditure financed by the Community in the area of agriculture and rural development has 
been effected in conformity with Community rules and, where this is not the case, to exclude 
the expenditure concerned from Community fi nancing so as to protect the Community's 
financial interests; b) to contribute to improv ing the management and control systems in the 
area of agriculture and rural development. 
SUPPORTING MEASURE 3: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR BIODIVERSITY. 
B3.1 TARGET: Key stakeholder groups actively engaged in c onservation of biodiversity from 2006 in each MS. 
B3.1.1 ACTION:  Enhance  
communication, 
cooperation and 
concerted action 
between 
Commission, 
Member States, 
landowners, 
scientific and 
conservation 
communities in 
support of Natura 
2000 (including 
implementation of 
'El Teide' 
Declaration) [2006 
onwards ]. Provide guidance, 
facilitate, co-finance. Initiatives launched in 2008 by the Commission, aiming at the development and rewarding of Partnerships in the 
context of the management of the Natura 2000 network. The first initiative includes the establishment of a web-
based 'Natura 2000 communication platform'. This will allo w different socio-economic sectors to become actively 
involved on their own initiative in the exchange of good practice and the preparation of sector-specific guidance 
and recommendations for good conduct. The second initiative is the development of a 'Natura 2000 Partner 
Reward Scheme'. This will reward individuals, organizations and public institutions that show particular merit in 
promoting the management of and the communication on Natu ra 2000. Both initiatives are well under way, and 
the launch of the instrum ents is expected in 2009. LIFE and LIFE+ projects have been promoting partnerships for nature since 1992 and it 
continues to promote in the future too.  
B3.1.2 ACTION:  Develop 
farming and 
biodiversity , 
forestry and 
biodiversity  
partnerships, 
building on 
existing 
consultative 
processes under 
the Common 
Agricultural Policy 
and forest policy 
[2006 onwards ]. Facilitate such 
partnerships at 
Community level. Input to consultation on RD strategies and some RD Plans.   
B3.1.3  ACTION:  
Establish and Support RACs at 
Community level as Since 2004, 6 Regional Advisory Councils have been established and are now operational:  
South-western waters RAC;    
 
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adequately fund 
Regional 
Advisory 
Councils  for 
fisheries, as 
provided for under 
the Common 
Fisheries Policy, and support their 
operations [2006 
onwards ]. provided for in 
Common Fisheries 
Policy. High Seas/Long Distance Fleet RAC; 
Baltic Sea RAC 
North-Western Waters RAC 
Pelagic stocks RAC 
North Sea RAC 
The Mediterranean RAC was established in 2008. 
B3.1.4 
 ACTION : 
Establish a Biodiversity and 
Climate Change 
Adaptation Task 
Force  a t  E U  l e v e l  
[2007
] to advise 
on measures to support 
biodiversity 
adaptation to 
climate change 
and the prevention 
of damaging 
impacts of climate 
change adaptation 
and mitigation 
measures on 
biodiversity  [2007 
onwards ].  Establish task force A new ad hoc working group on Biodiversity and Climate change has been established by DG ENV of COM to 
help frame biodiversity and climate change policy for post 2010, including issues of Natura 2000 and ecological 
connectivity and the role of biodiversity and ecosystem se rvices with regards to combating climate change. First 
meeting of group was in November 2008. The Ad hoc working group on Biodiversity and Climate change has been established by DG 
ENV to help frame biodiversity and climate change policy for post 2010, including issues of 
Natura 2000 and ecological connectivity and t he role of biodiversity and ecosystem services 
with regards to combating climate change. 
In collaboration of the Hadley Centre of the UK Met Office, the MONDE action (Monitoring of 
Natural Resources for Development) of the JRC is setting up e-Habitat, a habitat modelling 
service for assessing vulnerability of habita ts in protected areas  to climate change. 
The importance of the climate c hange-biodiversity link and t he benefits of tackling climate 
change and biodiversity loss in an integrated, mut ually supportive manner have been stated in 
numerous policy documents2.However, collaboration between the biodiversity and climate 
change communities needs to be a lot more intera ctive. An EU Ad Hoc Expert Working Group 
has been initiated by the Commission in 20083.The Group deliver a Discussion Paper – 
Towards a Strategy on Climate Change, Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity.4Another 
promising initiative is the “Rio Conventions ’ Ecosystems and Climate Change Pavilion, which 
will be hosted for the first time at CBD COP 10 in Nagoya, then at UNFCCC COPs, UNCCD 
COP and at RIO + 20. The Pavilion will be hoste d by the secretariats of the three Rio 
Conventions. The Commission is one of the core partners.  
B3.1.5 ACTION:  Develop 
biodiversity and planning  
partnership [2007 
onwards ]. Encourage such 
partnerships at MS 
levels, facilitate 
exchange of best 
practice. See B 3.1.6 Exchange of best-practice examples on integr ated spatial planning at workshop on Green 
Infrastructure in 03/2009. More information on 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm  
See also B 3.1.6  
B3.1.6 ACTION:  Develop 
a business and 
biodiversity  
partnership [2006 
onwards ]. Facilitate such 
partnerships at 
Community level The Commission plans to launch a call for tender for a cont ract to help the Commission to set up and to put into 
operation an EU Business and Biodiversity Technical Facility / Platform. This work is a follow up to the outcome 
of the major conference on this subject, organised by Portuguese Presidency, in Lisbon on 12-13 November 
2007. The Message from Lisbon, a consensus document from  over 400 conference par ticipants, half of them 
representing businesses, stressed t he importance of engaging business in  meeting the 2010 target, underlined 
the need for concerted action at the EU level Sectoral discussions aim at guidance documents for Natura 2000 
are being prepared for the non-energy extractive indus tries, and for port operators in estuaries and coastal 
zones. A COM funded pilot study creating biodiversity tech nical assistance units in three selected new Member 
States (BU, HU & PL) aims to facilitate the creation of a new pro-biodiversity investment market for businesses, 
especially SMEs and the banking sector, and to help pr epare bankable projects for future investment loans. 
Launching of the web-based 'Natur a 2000 Communication Platform' and the 'Natura 2000 Partner' Reward 
scheme prepared for 2008. The Commission launched the web-based Platform Business and Biodiversity in June 2010 to 
help businesses to identify business risks and opportunities linked to biodiversity. Synergies 
will be built with similar initiative at national level. The project focuses on 6 priority sectors 
(agriculture, food supply industry, forestry, extractive, financial and tourism). 
(http://ec.europa.eu/envir onment/biodiversity/ business/in dex_en.html )  
A COM funded project set up biodiversity technical assistance units in three selected Member 
States (BU, HU & PL) aiming to facilitate the cr eation of a pro-biodiversity investment market 
for businesses, especially SMEs and the banking sector, and to help prepare bankable projects and business plans for entrepre neurs for future investment loans. (see 
www.smeforbiodiversity.eu
)  
A study on businesses' risk on biodiversity was prepared to provide decision-makers with 
recommendations on incentives to business to minimise their risk related to ecosystem 
services. 
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity works towards preparing the TEEB specialised 
report on Biodiversity and Business (D3 report), which has just been published and will be  
                                                 
2 Council Conclusions in 2008, 2009 and 2010 
3 http://circa.europa.eu/Public/irc/env/biodiversity_climate/home 
4 http://ec.europa.eu/enviro nment/nature/pdf/discussion _paper_climate_change.pdf 
 
EN 55   EN No OBJECTIVES, 
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presented in CBD COP-10 in Nagoya al ongside with the other TEEB reports. 
B3.1.7 ACTION:  Develop 
partnership between 
financing sector 
and biodiversity 
[2006 onwards
]. Facilitate such 
partnerships at 
Community level, 
including involving 
EBRD and EIB. See B 3.1.6 - Finance sector involved in the business & biodiversi ty partnership. The Commission is also working together with the insurance industry to develop instruments 
and financial security solutions under the require ments of the Environmental Liability Directive 
(ELD). This may lead to the production of guidelines for compensating for damages in 
biodiversity under the ELD. Furthermore the Commission has addressed the issue of 
remediation of environmental damage covered un der the ELD with major industrial sectors. 
The Commission is also exploring possibilities  together with the EIB and EBRD for enhancing 
the financial opportunities for biodiversity  and engaging more the private sector.  
  
B3.1.8 ACTION:  Apply 
the CBD Akwe-
Kwon Guidelines 
for projects 
affecting 
terrestrial lands 
of indigenous 
and local 
communities  both 
within the EU MS 
and in Third 
countries [2006 
onwards ]. Apply in respect of 
projects financed by 
Community public aid. Provision of training to staff of EC delegations ongoing. Provision of training  to staff of EC delegations ongoing.  
SUPPORTING MEASURE 4: BUILDING PUBLIC EDUCATION , AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION FOR BIODIVERSITY. 
B4.1 TARGET: 10 million Europeans actively engaged in bi odiversity conservation by 2010, 15 million by 2013. 
B4.1.1 ACTION : Develop 
[2006 /07] and 
implement [2007 
onwards ] a 
communications 
campaign  in 
support of full 
implementation of 
this Action Plan.  Coordinate 
development and 
implementation of 
campaign in 
partnership with MS. In March 2008 a scoping study for an EU wide communications campaign on biodiversity and nature was 
published. Recommendations from this study (on camp aign objectives, key messages, target audience, 
framework and components of a communications campai gn) feed into the call for proposals of the third 
component of LIFE +, which focuses Information and Comm unication. Under this heading priority will be given to 
proposals focusing on nature protection and biodiver sity. A common visual identity for communications 
campaigns on biodiversity and nature will be developed at EU level and subject to a call for tender in 2008. A 
Natura 2000 Book was launched in May 2008 and will play an important role in awareness raising and 
communication efforts. The Interim Report on the Economi cs of Ecosystems and Biodiversity was also finalized 
in May 2008 and was the subject of a series of presentat ions in a number of key Member States during 2008.  The Commission carried out a Eurobarometer opinion poll on biodiversity in 2010. Two thirds 
of EU citizens were familiar with the term biod iversity but 8 out of 10 respondents had never 
heard about Natura 2000. 
The 'European communications and outreach campaign on Biodiversity' was launched mid 
February 2010 and it consits of: 
• - Multilingual website http://e c.europa.eu/environment/biodive rsity/campaign/index.htm  
• - Facebook application 
• - Video clip for on-line use 
• - PR events and events for gener al public at the occasion of 22nd of May (in 6 target 
countries) and a street art happening at  Green Week 2010 with participation of 
Commissioner Potocnik. 
• - Paid advertising (outdoor, press, on-line).  
Campaign's strategy: show the relevance of biodiversity and the implications its loss has for 
our daily lives (e.g. provision of goods and servic es such as clean air, food, water, medicines, 
etc.). This strategy is executed through visual  identity / slogan that show how human society is 
interconnected with a larger life's system, and thus, depend on it. 
Available indicators suggest that the implementatio n so far is very successful (2.2mln of visits 
to the website, more than 1mln views of the vi ral clip, above average click-through rate for the 
on-line advertisement, high press coverage of PR events).  
 
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Continuation of activities in the second half of  2010 is foreseen, with further focus on social 
media and approaching people with messages in innovative and original ways. The 
Commission has launched (1/6/2010) a call for tender to develop a complementary 
communications strategy, focusing on the prom otion of Natura 2000 – to consolidate the 
awareness and positive image of this network of conservation areas.  
Several communication materials have been produc ed, including leaflets, factsheets and Video 
News Releases on the Biodiversity Action Plan Mid term Report, the Message from Athens, 
Health check for Habitats and Species, Invasive Alien Species, Nature's role in climate change, Ecosystem Goods and Services, TEEB and Wild Europe. 
Key information material on Natura 2000 was updated and translated into more languages, 
and the Natura 2000 Newsletter is published twice a year. 
The TEEB Report for Policy Makers was also finalized and it was released to the international 
media at the press conference in Brussels on Nov 13th 2009.  
B4.1.2 ACTION:  
Strengthen and implement IUCN 
Countdown 2010  
initiative [2006 
onwards ]. Support the initiative, 
implement joint actions 
under the initiative. Financial support has been granted to the Countdown 2010 initiative. COM participation in "European regions as 
champions for biodiversity 2010" in Noord-Brabant, NL, 15-16.02.2007  A new grant for 2008/2009 will support 
activities to extend the Countdown 2010 network to missing Member States, work with the European Parliament 
and preparation of the post 2010 biodiversity target. A grant for 2008/2009 supported activities to extend the Countdown 2010 network to missing 
Member States, work with the European Pa rliament and preparation of the post 2010 
biodiversity target. The activities continue one more year, while considering a re-launch of the 
initiative after 2010 in relation to a post-2010 target.  
B4.1.3 ACTION:  Ensure  
public 
participation, 
related access to 
justice 
requirements of 
the Aarhus 
Convention 
applied to projects, 
plans and 
programmes relating to or 
having an impact 
on biodiversity 
conservation 
[2006 onwards
]. Ensure provisions of 
community law 
transposed and 
applied, address 
complaints. Commission monitoring proper implementation of Directive  2003/35 on 'Public Participation when drawing up 
certain plans and programmes relating to the environm ent' (to be implemented as fr om June 2005), where it 
amends the EIA and IPPC Directives in relation to public  participation in the permitting of projects that might 
affect biodiversity, and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive / SEA Directive  (2001/42). In relation to access to 
justice, the Commission completed a study on the implement ation of Article 9(3) of the Aarhus Convention in 
September 2007. The study shows that th ere is still work to be done as there are still barriers to ensuring wide 
access to justice. A conference on a ccess to justice took place on 2 June  2008 to discuss the issue further. The 
Commission is now considering the next steps to take on this subject.   
C. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW 
ANNUAL REPORTING  
C1.1 TARGET: Annual, Mid-term and Final Reports submitted in timely fashion to Council and Parliament 
C1.1.1 ACTION: S ubmit 
annual report  on 
progress in implementation to 
Council and 
Parliament 
[starting end 
2007
]. Prepare and submit 
reports First annual report focusing on Community level action available at 
http://ec.europa.eu/environm ent/nature/knowledge/rep_ biodiv_ap/index_en.htm   Mid-term assessment (2008) evaluating progre ss made both on Community and MSs level 
available at http://ec.europa.eu/envir onment/nature/biodiversi ty/comm2006/bap_2008.htm  
2010 BAP assessment high lights the development done at both on Community and MSs level 
since 2008.  
 
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INDICATORS 
C1.2 TARGET: Indicators in place and informing policy decisions by 2010 
C1.2.1 ACTION:  Adopt 
and apply [by 
2007 ], at EC and 
MS levels, a small 
set of biodiversity 
headline indicators  (see 
Annex 2 ) which 
inform the public 
and decision-
makers on the 
state and trends of 
biodiversity, 
pressures on 
biodiversity and 
the effectiveness 
of key policy 
measures; adopt 
and apply at EC 
level a biodiversity 
index as a 
Sustainable 
Development 
Indicator  and as a 
Structural 
Indicator  [by 
2007 ] Development, quality 
assessment, make 
proposal, implement 
indicators. A set of 26 pan-European biodiversity in dicators (SEBI 2010) provides the basis for a first European indicator 
based assessment of progress towards the 2010 biodiversity target  to be published by the EEA in the first half of 
2009 . A set of indicator fact sheets has been produced by the European Environment Agency, related for the 
mid-term BAP assessment. The developm ent of national indicators ali gned to the SEBI 2010 indicator 
framework is underway in the Member States. Further re finement and improvement of the SEBI 2010 indicators 
is ongoing, including with regard to the impact of c limate change on biodiversity and communication. Response 
indicators have been collected by the European Commission in 2008. Indicators used in the context of The 
Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), such as the Mean Species abundance and other indicators 
being developed, such as the Net Landscape Ecological Po tential may be evaluated for their inclusion in other 
assessment reports or the SEBI 2010 set. SEBI 2010 is also  contributing to the update, improvement and review 
of the section on natural resources of  the next Sustainable Development Monitoring Report to be published by 
Eurostat in 2009.  In 2009, EEA published a report on 'Progress towards the European 2010 biodiversity target' 
based on SEBI 2010 indicators (EEA report 4/2009)) The SEBI 2010 indicator set will be 
updated in 2010 for the EU. 
EEA published in 2010 the EU 20 10 Biodiversity Baseline, whic h provides the best available 
facts and figures on the state and trends of  the different biodiversity and ecosystem 
components. It hereby support the EU in devel oping the post-2010 sub-targets and provides 
factual data for measuring and monitoring progress in the EU from 2011 to 2020. The 
Biodiversity Information System for Europe (B ISE) and the EU biodiversity data centre have 
been launched in 2010 and provide a single entry point for data and information on biodiversity 
in the EU http://www.biodiversity.europa.eu/   
MONITORING 
C1.3 TARGET: Monitoring providing adequate data  flow for implementation of indicator set, for reporting on favourable conservation s tatus, and for broader assessment of effectiveness of this Action Plan by 2010. 
C1.3.1 ACTION:  
Establish 
reference values 
for favourable 
conservation 
status for Habitats 
and Birds Directive 
habitats and 
species to achieve 
a consensus of 
definitions across 
Member States 
[2006/07 ]; monitor 
habitats and 
species status in 
relation to these 
values [2007 
onwards ]. Coordinate 
development of 
reference values. MS have provided Article 17 HD reports including 1st conser vation status assessment and favourable reference 
values for species and habitats under the Habitats Directive- to be evaluated at Community level (mid 2009). See A 1.2.1.  
 
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C1.3.2 ACTION:  Use, 
and as necessary develop, 
monitoring tools, 
approaches and 
frameworks 
(building on those 
existing, including those of civil 
society) in order to 
establish and 
coordinate 
adequate 
harmonised data 
flows for the 
biodiversity 
indicators to reveal 
key trends [2007 
onwards ]. Coordinate 
implementation of the 
action with EEA. Building on SEBI 2010 outcomes, COM is working with  EEA, ESTAT, JRC and DG RTD on strengthening the 
knowledge base for biodiversity within the framework of  the Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS) 
on developing a common approach for the establishment of a Europe wide biodiversity data centre and 
assessment facility to inform biodiversity policy. This will be undertaken jointly with Member States and NGOs. The first health check for habitats and species in the EU has been published in July 2009 
based on monitoring data from MS on conservation  status of the most vulnerable habitats and 
species in EU (see A 1.2.1.).  
Substantial work on streamlining  of nature reporting is currently being undertaken with MS 
including improvement and harmonisation of data flows.  
EEA published in 2010 the EU 20 10 Biodiversity Baseline, whic h provides the best available 
facts and figures on the state and trends of  the different biodiversity and ecosystem 
components. It hereby support the EU in devel oping the post-2010 sub-targets and provides 
factual data for measuring and monitoring progress in the EU from 2011 to 2020.  
Natura 2000 viewer. In 2010, COM launched an interactive tool enabling people to locate 
Natura 2000 sites and access related information: the Natura 2000 viewer.  
C1.3.3 ACTION:  Develop 
shared 
information 
system  for 
biodiversity 
monitoring and 
reporting in the 
EU, based on 
agreed biodiversity 
indicators, which 
makes data 
available to all 
interested users, 
streamlines 
reporting and 
supports policy 
evaluation and 
development at 
national, regional 
and global levels 
[2006 onwards ]. Coordinate 
development of shared 
information system, 
including exploitation of 
generic information and 
communication 
technologies. COM is developing a clear concept regarding the information needs for supporting the biodiversity policy cycle 
within the framework of the SEIS initiative. This c oncept will be developed progressi vely- within the COM, the 
EEA, with the Group of 4 (COM, EEA, Eurostat, JRC), with  the Member States and wi th other stakeholders. A 
concept paper and a roadmap is being developed with EEA, which is responsible for the EU Biodiversity Data 
Centre within the Group of 4. 
In January 2008, the European Commission has adopted  a Communication towards a Shared Environmental 
Information System (SEIS)5, based on technologies such as the internet and satellite systems. It is closely linked 
to INSPIRE, the environmental geographic data and services portal (see http://www.inspire-geoportal.eu/ ) and 
the ‘Global Monitoring for Environment and Security’ (GME S), which represents a concerted effort to bring data 
and information providers together with users, so  they can better understand each other and make 
environmental and security-related information available to the people who need it through enhanced or new 
services  (http://www.gmes.info/ ). 
In the framework of SEIS, the European Commission is currently working on a legal proposal, The SEIS 
legislative proposal is envisaged to provide a legal basis for the new DG ENV wide electronic reporting 
mechanism, focusing especially on information and dat a currently reported under Community environmental law.See C 1.2.3 on BISE 
The Biodiversity Information System for Europe (B ISE) and the EU biodiversity data centre 
have been launched in 2010 and provide a single entry point for data and information on 
biodiversity in the EU http://www.biodiversity.europa.eu/  
For what concerns non EU region, the MONDE action of the Global Environment Monitoring 
Unit of the JRC is, in partn ership with Birdlife Int., UNEP- WCMC, GBIF, RSPB and, possibly, 
IUCN, setting up the DOPA, a Digit al Observatory for Protected Areas, which will allow end-
users to assess, monitor and forecast biodiver sity in Protected Areas at the global scale. 
DOPA is designed to be a reference network of info rmation systems in the field of biodiversity.  
EVALUATION AND REVIEW 
C1.4 TARGET: Action Plan adjusted as necessary in 2010, new plan adopted in 2013 
C1.4.1 ACTION:  Submit 
to Council and 
Parliament in 2009  
a concise mid-
term evaluation 
of progress 
towards the 2010 
targets  (to end 
2008) and make Commission to 
coordinate evaluation, 
prepare and submit 
evaluation report; 
Council to respond to 
evaluation report. The mid-term Report from the Commission to the Council and European Parliament, comprises the 
Communication, which is summary text of progress at EC and  MS levels in relation to objectives and targets; an 
updated assessment at Comm unity level for each action of the BAP;  a summary Country Profiles for each 
Member State; an indicator fact sheets from the Europe an Environment Agency led project on Streamlining of 
European Biodiversity In dicators (SEBI 2010); a synthesis consolidat ed report, combining for different objectives 
and targets the summaries for Community and Member Stat e level assessments, the relevant indicators and any 
key messages in support of the Communication. 
 The mid-term report of implementing the EU Biod iversity Action Plan has been adopted by EC 
on 16/12/08 (see C 1.1.1). It provides the firs t comprehensive assessment of progress at both 
European Community and Member State levels The report studies the four main policy areas: 
biodiversity in the EU, the EU and global biodiversity, biodiversity and climate change, and the 
knowledge base. A summary of progress in each Me mber State is included for the first time. It 
also includes for the first time  a set of indicators (SEBI 2010)  to monitor progress towards the 
EU 2010 biodiversity target. COMPLETE 
                                                 
5 See http://ec.europa.eu/environment/seis/index.htm . 
 
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any essential 
adjustments in 
actions to meet 
targets.  
C1.4.2 ACTION:  Submit 
to Council and 
Parliament, in 
2011, a full 
evaluation of 
extent to which 
EU has met its 
2010 targets.  Commission to 
coordinate evaluation, 
prepare and submit 
evaluation report; 
Council to respond to 
evaluation report. See C 1.4.1 - The fourth annual report (to end 2010) will evaluate the extent to which the EU has met its 2010 
commitments. This will involve qualitat ive assessment of the extent to wh ich Action Plan actions have been 
implemented and targets achieved, a nd an overall assessment of whether implementation of the BAP has had 
an impact on improving conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. These evaluations will also be 
informed by the Community Article 17 report, the indicator- based assessment of the extent to which Europe has 
met the 2010 biodiversity target to be published in 2009 by EEA and drawn on the ongoing study on the 
economics of ecosystems and biodiversity (TEEB). The 2010 update of the assessment of the current policy, similarly to the 2008 mid-term report, 
evaluates progress made both on Community and MSs level. COMPLETE 
C1.4.3 ACTION : Submit 
to Council and Parliament, in 
2014, a full 
evaluation of 
extent to which 
EU has met all 
post-2010 targets  
of this Action Plan, 
and proposing a 
new Action Plan 
for the period of 
the new Financial 
Perspectives 
post-2013 . Commission to 
coordinate evaluation 
and preparation of new 
action plan, prepare 
and submit evaluation 
report and action plan; 
Council to respond to 
evaluation report and 
new action plan. See C 1.4.1 - The seventh annual report (to end 2013) will provide a similar evaluation, addressing also all post–
2010 targets in the Action Plan. The development of o sub-global ecosystem assessment for Europe will inform 
final evaluation of the 6
th EAP, review of sectoral policies and bu dgets during the 2007–2013 period, and policies 
and budgets for the post–2013 period. The post-2010 EU biodiversity vision and tar get was adopted by the European Council in 
March 2010. The Commission is in the process to develop a detailed policy frame having the 
potential to most effectively and efficiently deliver to the 2020 target. ONGOING