Commission staff working document - Accompanying document to the communication from the commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions : a mid-term assessment of implementing the EC biodiversity action plan - Summary of community level action {COM(2008) 864 final} {SEC(2008)3043} {SEC(2008) 3044} {SEC(2008) 3045}
Date: 2008-12-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, biodiversity, environmental protection, management of resources, natural resources, project evaluation, sustainable development

EN 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 16.12.2008 
SEC(2008) 3042 

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 

Accompanying document to the 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

A MID-TERM ASSESSMENT OF IMPLEMENTING  
THE EC BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 

SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY LEVEL ACTION 

{COM(2008) 864 final} 
{SEC(2008) 3043} 
{SEC(2008) 3044} 
{SEC(2008) 3045} 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION 

In  its  2006  Communication  on  "Halting  the  loss  of  biodiversity  by  2010  and  beyond"  the  European 
the 
Commission  has  undertaken 
EC Biodiversity  Action  Plan  linked  to  the  Communication.  This  action  plan  sets  out  the  detailed 
framework  of  action  to  meet  the  2010  target.  It  identifies  what  has  to  be  undertaken  at  Community 
level and at Member State level to meet the 2010 target. 

to  provide  annual  reports  on  progress 

implementing 

in 

The  first  report,  covering  the  period  up  to  the  end  of  2007  was  made  publicly  available  in  January 
20071.  This  provided  a  summary  of  progress  for  each  of  the  Community  level  actions  set  out  in  the 
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). 

A  similar  approach  has  been  applied  to  the  present  2008  mid-term  report.  The  information  for  2007 
has  been  updated  and  added  to  by  each  of  the  relevant  Commission  Services  in  light  of  the  latest 
developments.  As  the  mid-term  report  is  intended  to  cover  the  situation  up  to  the  end  of  2008  this 
summary also indicates actions 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 details about specific 
measures. 

It  should  be  noted  that  some  actions,  including  those  relating  to  allocations  of  funds  to  nature  and 
biodiversity  under  different  Community  programmes  are  preliminary  and  will  require  further 
assessment. 

Discussions  on  preparation  of  the  2008  report  have  taken  place  within  the  framework  of  the 
'Biodiversity  Interdepartmental  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 updates within the framework of the new Co-ordination Group for Biodiversity and 
Nature, involving Member 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  Biodiversity  Action  Plan.  For  each  objective  and  supporting  measure  the 
original actions foreseen at Community level are given as well as the progress assessment. 

As  it  has  not  been  possible  to  assess  progress  by  Member  States  at  the  level  of  individual  BAP 
actions, a comparison between the Community level implementation and that at the level of Member 
States is best made at the level of targets under the plan. 

1 

See http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/knowledge/rep_biodiv_ap/index_en.htm. 

EN 

2 

   EN 

 
                                                 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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 substantial recovery by 2013. 

A1.1 

A1.1.1 

TARGET: Natura 2000 network established, safeguarded, designated and under effective conservation 
management by 2010, 2012 in marine. 

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 
Mediterranean 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 research 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 indicated 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 Biogeographical sea region 
scheduled in March 2009. Others to follow. 464 
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been 
designated 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 

EN 

3 

   EN 

 
 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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 twice yearly by ETC/BD; COM 
contract to overview process of SAC designation, 
establishment of conservation 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. 

Comprehensive opportunities to co-fund Natura 
2000 costs 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 
estimates 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. 

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-conformity cases. As 
regards the Birds Directive, infringement 
procedures related to non-conformity issues are 
ongoing against 15 Members States (AT, IE, ES, 
DK, UK, EL, IT, CZ, EE, HU, LT, LV, PL, SK, RO). 
As regards 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/environment/nature/natura200
0/management/guidance_en.htm. Update on 
COM guidance document on Article 6 is foreseen 
(start 2009). 

A1.1.2 

A1.1.3 

Establish Community 
priorities for co-financing 
under each instrument; 
provide guidance on co-
financing to MS and 
potential beneficiaries; 
evaluate MS co-financing 
programme proposals; 
disburse funds; monitor 
effectiveness (in terms of 
biodiversity outcomes); 
audit expenditure. 

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. 

ACTION: Ensure adequate 
financing provided to 
Natura 2000 
implementation from 
Community sources 
(notably Rural 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]. 

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].  

A1.1.4 

ACTION: Strengthen 
effectiveness of Strategic 
Environmental 
Assessment (SEA) and 
Environmental Impact 
Assessment (EIA) in 
informing decision-making 

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 launched 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 

EN 

4 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

(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. 

Develop guidance, 
including on compensation 
required under ELD in 
respect of damages to 
Natura 2000 sites. 

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]. 

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 programmes) 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 transposition 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, MT, CZ, 
UK). The assessment of the transposition 
measures 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). 

resulting 

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  Member  States  are 
before  the  ECJ  potentially  facing  judgements  in 
2009.  The  conformity  assessment  of  the 
transposing  legislation  is  being  launched.  A 
potential  horizontal  non-conformity  infringement 
procedure 
this  exercise  will 
from 
however  not  be  instigated  before  summer  2009. 
When  transposition  will  be  complete  there  will  be 
information  about  the  choices  of  the  MS  on 
Biodiversity  coverage  and  also  on  other  issues 
that will affect implementation, the COM may start 
work together with the MS for providing guidelines 
on compensation (for all environmental 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  Remediation 
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 
application and analyse the role of financial 
security for remediation of damage and for 
compensation of the loss of services and goods. 

A1.2 

A1.2.1 

TARGET: Sufficiency, coherence, connectivity 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). 

ACTION: Carry out [in 
2008, following next 
reports] scientific review of 
habitat types listed in 
annexes of nature 

Coordinate review, propose 
necessary amendments to 
annexes, assess 
sufficiency of MS proposals 
for any new sites in 

The first major 'health check' of the conservation 
status 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 

EN 

5 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

response to any 
amendments to annexes, 
adopt revised lists of SCIs 
where necessary. 

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 represented in 
the Natura 2000 network 
[by 2010]. 

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.eionet.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/Public/irc/env/monnat/librar
y). The next step is to carry out the EU-level 
(biogeographic level) assessment of conservation 
status: draft results in late 2008 following the input 
of the public consultation on the draft results. This 
exercise will help identify the extent to which 
additional measures for the management and 
restoration of species populations and habitats 
are needed and will be a key input to any review 
of habitat types 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 Commission 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 
purposes. 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. 

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. 

Coordinate assessment, 
develop guidelines to 
strengthen coherence. 

Draft guidelines on 'the maintenance of landscape 
features of major importance 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. 

A1.2.2 

A1.2.3 

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]. 

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 

EN 

6 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

support of biodiversity in the 
wider environment (see 
also actions under 
objectives 2, 3 and 9). 

 No priority species in worsening conservation status by 2010; the majority of priority species in or 
moving towards favourable conservation status by 2013 

A1.3 

A1.3.1 

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/environment/nature/conservati
on/species/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 Plans 
(Annex 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 criteria prepared for selecting non-bird 
species for action plans. 7 new management 
plans for huntable bird species finalised in 2007 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservat
ion/wildbirds/hunting/managt_plans_en.htm), as 
well as an international action plan for Saker 
Falcon 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservat
ion/wildbirds/action_plans/index_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. 

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/environment/nature/conservati
on/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. 

Coordinate preparation of 
EC-level action plans; 
coordinate implementation 
at Community level. 

ACTION: Implement [2006 
onwards], at EC or MS level 
as appropriate, existing 
species action or 
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. 

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. 

A1.3.2 

A1.3.3 

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]. 

ACTION: Identify and fill 
critical gaps in EU ex-situ 
(zoo, botanic gardens, 
etc.) conservation 
programmes for wild 
species, in line with best 
practice, with appropriate 
co-financing from EC and 

Coordinate assessment, 
provide co-financing for 
priority projects. 

New possibilities for EU financing of 'ex-situ' 
conservation actions under LIFE+ when justified 
for species conservation linked to delivery of BAP. 

EN 

7 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

MS [2006 onwards]. 

A1.4 

TARGET: All above targets applied for Acceding Countries from date of accession. 

A1.4.1 

A1.5 

A1.5.1 

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 mid-2007 its list of 
SPAs in December 2007. The level of designation 
of both SPAs evaluated in 2008. The 
biogeographic seminar to assess the pSCIs in the 
5 biogeographic regions of these 2 MS (BG-ALP, 
BLACK SEA, CONT; RO -+ PANN & STEPPIC) 
held in June 2008. 

TARGET: For those EU Outermost Regions not covered by the nature directives, valued biodiversity 
sites and species not in worsening conservation status by 2010; majority of valued sites and species 
moving towards favourable conservation status by 2013. 

None 

ACTION: Apply nature 
directives-type approach for 
valued sites and species in 
those EU Outermost 
Regions not covered by 
nature directives [2006 
onwards]. 

ERA-net NET-BIOME - Community-funded 
network on biodiversity 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 conference 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 the protection of 
species and habitats, inspired by the Natura 2000 
approach. This scheme should be flexible, 
adapted to the local situation, balance 
conservation and development needs and take 
into account existing mechanisms and tools. The 
implementation of the scheme should be based 
on local commitment and shared financing. The 
importance of conservation, 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 networking among existing 
national parks and other protected areas in order 
to harmonise monitoring, exchange best practices 
and share data is very valuable. 

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 

A2.1.1 

EN 

TARGET: Member States have optimised use of opportunities under agricultural, rural development 
and forest policy to benefit biodiversity 2007-2013. 

ACTION: Allocate, at MS 
initiative, within each 
national/regional Rural 

Assess MS RD 
Programmes and seek 
amendments where 

Covered under rural development policy for 2007-
2013; All 94 national and regional programmes 
have been approved by management committee. 

8 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

A2.1.2 

A2.1.3 

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)  

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.  

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 
maintain and/or restore 
conservation status [2007 
onwards]. 

appropriate. 

At present the first analysis can be made: around 
44% (€39.6 billion) of the EU resources have 
been allocated to Axis 2 dealing 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 management, 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 
specifically to Natura 2000 agriculture and forest 
areas.  

See A 2.1.1  

Provide guidance on 
application of RD 
measures, including on 
identification of high-nature-
value farmland, forests and 
woodlands. 

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 element 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-environmental indicators 
(COM(2006(508)) based on IRENA work. 
Continuing work within the framework of a 
memorandum of understanding between 
Commission and EEA. In addition, the 
Commission has contracted a study on an HNV 
indicator for evaluation including a guidance 
document to the Member States on the 
application of the HNV impact indicator. This 
study has been completed in October 2007. A 
map of HNV farmland has been updated by the 
European Environment Agency and the Joint 
Research Centre 
(http://reports.eea.europa.eu/state_of_environmen
t_report_2007_1/en/chapter4.pdf). Following 
consultations with the Member States, the 
guidance document on the application 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. Algorithms and GIS methods were 
developed by the JRC to assess forest pattern 
and fragmentation between 1990 and 2000.  

A2.1.4 

ACTION: Ensure effective 
implementation of cross-
compliance (which 
provides a baseline for 

Evaluate extent to which 
CAP National Strategy 
Plans for RD and National 
or regional RD 

The EEA, under the steering of the Commission, 
has undertaken work on Cross-compliance 
Indicators in the context of the Farm Advisory 
System (CIFAS) 

EN 

9 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

most of the measures of 
Axis 2 of the Rural 
Development Regulation) in 
ways that benefit 
biodiversity [2007-2013]. 

Programmes reflect this 
need - encourage 
adjustments where 
necessary. 

A2.1.5 

A2.1.6 

A2.1.7 

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]. 

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. 

ACTION: Ensure future 
'less favoured area' (LFA) 
regime [from 2010] under 
Axis 2 enhances its 
contribution to biodiversity 
and to 'high nature value' 
farm and forest areas. 

Assess whether proposed 
National Strategy Plans for 
RD and RDPs may result in 
breach of environmental 
legislation, seek 
adjustments where 
necessary 

Evaluate extent to which 
CAP National Strategy 
Plans for RD and National 
or regional RD 
Programmes reflect this 
need - encourage 
adjustments where 
necessary. 

Assess contribution of 
LFAs to biodiversity, means 
to enhance this contribution 
- and reflect this in 2008 
report and proposals. 

http://www.ewindows.eu.org/cifas. 
The Institute for European Environmental Policy 
(IEEP) together 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/cross
_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" 
proposals. The Good Agricultural and 
Environmental Conditions (GAEC) of cross-
compliance 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 benefits 
of set-aside which the Commission proposes to 
abolish There is also a proposal for a new 
standard aiming at the establishment of buffer 
strips along water courses. 

See A 2.1.1 Member States were requested in 
their Rural 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 potential 
adverse impact on biodiversity and NATURA 
sites. 

See A 2.1.1 all RDPs include the provision that 
the farm advisory services and system will cover 
standards and requirements of cross-compliance. 
The latter contains also some of the provisions of 
the Birds and Habitats Directive. Moreover, 
promotion of sustainable farming respecting 
biodiversity needs and raising environmental 
awareness of farmers form part of most training to 
be provided under the RDPs. 

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 finalised 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 
measure 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 issue of continued 
grazing on farms where profitability tends to be 
low and this is a major contribution to meeting 
nature conservation and landscape goals over a 

EN 

10 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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 
payments 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 public 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. 

See A 2.1.1; Mandatory work on indicators 
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 will be undertaken 
within framework of memorandum of 
understanding between Commission and EEA. 3 
main objectives: 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 
developed under the work mentioned above have 
been integrated into the common monitoring and 
evaluation framework of the rural development 
policy. 

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 features 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. 

Evaluate the extent to 
which MS have used the 
mandatory indicators and 
the appropriateness and 
adequacy of their additional 
programme specific 
indicators. 

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 
first pillar of CAP for 
supporting biodiversity. 

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. 

A2.1.10  ACTION: Consider, if 

appropriate, a possible 
review of cross-
compliance requirements 
related to the 

Evaluate in 2007, in the 
context of the foreseen 
review of cross-compliance 

See A2.1.4 and 2.1.9. 

EN 

11 

   EN 

 
 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

preservation of 
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. 

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. 

FOREST POLICY 

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 promote agri-environmental measures which 
may support the rearing of "farm animals of local 
breeds indigenous to the area and in danger of 
being lost to farming", and the preservation of 
"plant genetic resources naturally adapted to the 
local and regional conditions and under threat of 
genetic erosion". Article 39(5) of Regulation 
1698/2005, and Article 28 of Regulation 
1974/2006 may also support the conservation of 
genetic resources in operations not covered by 
the above-mentioned measures supporting the 
preservation of endangered animal and plant 
genetic resources. 
2. Community programme  
The Community programme on the conservation, 
characterisation, 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, involving 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 concern 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/agriculture/envir/biodiv/genres/
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 propagating and 
planting material other than seeds and fodder 
plant seed mixtures. Adapting Community 
zootechnical legislation with view to protect animal 
genetic resources (zootechnical Decisions 
ensuring the protection of breeding programmes 
for domestic livestock, in particular cattle, sheep 
and goats). 

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. 

A2.1.13  ACTION: Ensure that the 

Propose Action Plan, 

The EU Forest Action Plan (2007-2011) was 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

implement Community-level 
components. 

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. 

Implement Resolution as it 
applies at Community level. 

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]. 

A2.1.15  ACTION: Assess potential 

None 

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]. 

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 and protecting the 
environment, 3) contribution 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 
Forest Action Plan has been developed between 
COM and MS through Standing Forestry 
Committee and the latter adopted it in 2008 (29 
February 2008). A Mid-term evaluation of the EU 
FAP to cover the implementation of actions and 
activities up to 2009 is now being developed.  
A European Forest Data Centre has been 
established at the JRC as part of the 
implementation of Key Action 8 of the FAP. and 
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).  

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-related 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 was presented in the CBD COP 9 in 2008. 

Objective 2 of the EU Forest Action Plan (2007-
2011) is on 'Improving and protecting 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 COM and MS through 
Standing Forestry Committee). The "Feasibility 
study on means of combating forest dieback in the 
EU" executed in 2007 was 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 
towards the Objective 2, co- financing forest fires 
prevention activities and studies. 

EN 

13 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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. 

A2.2.2 

ACTION: Minimise soil 
sealing, sustain soil 
organic matter and 
prevent soil erosion 
through timely 
implementation of key 
measures identified in the 
forthcoming Thematic 
Strategy for Soil Protection 
[2010 onwards]. 

Propose suitable 
measures, provide 
guidance on 
implementation, monitor 
implementation, enforce 
any measures required by 
Community law. 

Publication in 2006 of the report elaborated by the 
Joint Research Centre (IES-Ispra) on Common 
criteria for risk area identification according to soil 
threats (EUR 22185 EN). 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 Directive on soil protection 
when the latter will be adopted by the EU. 

Adoption of the Commission Proposal for a 
Thematic Strategy on soil protection (COM(2006) 
231 and COM(2006)232 of 22.9.2006). The 
European Parliament adopted its first reading 
decision on the Soil Framework Directive in 
November 2007. The Council failed to reach a 
political agreement on the proposal in its meeting 
of December 2007. However, discussions 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 soil biodiversity to gather the most recent 
information available on soil biodiversity 
taxonomy, the role of the different species in 
contributing to or performing soil functions, 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 

A2.3.1 

TARGET: Substantial progress made towards 'good ecological status' of freshwaters by 2010 and 
further substantial progress made by 2013. 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 
complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

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. 

New work programme for common 
implementation strategy for WFD agreed for 2007-
2009; Progress in monitoring - MS reporting due 
in March 2007; work on 'intercalibration' 
(harmonising biological methods to assess 
ecological status) advanced; guidance on 
intercalibration application being prepared; 
Eutrophication guidance review underway. The 
progress in implementation was presented in a 
Communication (COM(2007) 128 and SEC(2007) 
362). 26 Member States have reported the 
monitoring programmes in time under the newly 
established WISE. Assessment is underway and 
will be presented in the end of 2008. The 
intercalibration decision was adopted in October 
2008. River Basin Management Plans (incl. 
ecological reporting) are expected to be reported 
to WISE for 110 river basin districts in March 
2010. Commission will report on progress of this 
first planning cycle (incl. progress towards 
contributing to biodiversity goals) in the end of 

EN 

14 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

2012. 

A2.4 

A2.4.1 

TARGET: Principal pollutant pressures on terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity substantially reduced 
by 2010, and again by 2013. 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 
complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

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) [2006 
onwards]. 

Implementation report for urban wastewater 
treatment directive (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 industrial 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 recast 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/pollutants/stati
onary/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 
implementation of the Directive was 30/10/2007. 
EPER is the European Pollutant Emission 
Register, the first 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 report, 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 Directive 
(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 Directive, in 
particular for new plants and on the progress 
achieved in emission control techniques and 
experience in waste management. The 
Commission's Communication 'Towards on 
improved policy on industrial emissions' 
summarises this report. 
The 4th Implementation Report on Urban Waste 
Water Directive (91/271/EEC) was published on 
22 March 2007 linked to the Communication 

EN 

15 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

“Towards Sustainable Water Management in the 
European Union”. The Executive Summary 
presents the overall picture in the EU, whilst a 
more detailed report presents the status of 
implementation in each Member State. 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-
urbanwaste/implementation/implementationreport
s_en.htm)  
In order to streamline and facilitate the reporting 
and sharing of information on the water 
environment between the Member States, the 
European Commission, the European 
Environment Agency (EEA), EUROSTAT and the 
Joint Research Centre (JRC) the Water 
Information System 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 Strategy 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). 

COM preparing legislative proposal for a revision 
of the NEC Directive in order to lay down national 
emission ceilings for 2020 achievable with cost-
effective measures at national level on top of 
recent Commission policy proposals for industrial 
installations, new emission standards for heavy 
duty vehicles, the Climate action and renewable 
energy package and the recent IMO agreement, 
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 aquatic and 
terrestrial ecosystems within all types of Natura 
2000 sites. Background documentation prepared 
for the revision of the NECD 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/pollutants/iam
_nec_dir.htm. 

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 2000-2003) produced 
(COM(2007) 120 final); preparations now 
underway for the implementation report for the 
period 2004-2007, with Commission report in 
2010.  
A Framework Directive on the Sustainable Use of 
Pesticides 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 protection products. 
The legislative adoption procedure of the 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 
complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

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. 

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) 

EN 

16 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 
complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

A2.4.4 

ACTION: Significantly 
reduce current exposure, 
and 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) 

Framework Directive has started in 2006 and 
should be terminated in 2009. 

Agreement in 2nd reading was achieved in June 
2008 for the Daughter Directive under the Water 
Framework Directive setting environmental quality 
standards for 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 new Directive is 
foreseen in early 2009. 
A review of the Paints Directive (2004/42/EC) in 
line with the provisions of Article 9 of the Directive 
is under completion and is likely to come into 
force in 2010. The directive obliges Member 
States 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 list of endocrine 
disruptors with a focus on Low Production Volume 
Chemicals (LPVC) was completed end of 
December 2006; The third implementation report 
of the Community Strategy for Endocrine 
Disrupters was published in November 2007 (SEC 
(2007) 1635). 
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation 
and Restriction of Chemical substances) (EC 
1907/2006) entered into force on 1 June 2007. 
The Regulation will result in assessing risks to 
human health and the environment of ca. 30 000 
chemical substances being currently 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-economic 
benefits of a use outweigh risks and there are no 
suitable alternatives. 
The 2nd triennial report (2003-2006) in line with the 
Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC) is under 
finalisation. 

A2.5 

A2.5.1 

TARGET: Flood risk management plans in place and designed in such a way as to prevent and 
minimise biodiversity loss and optimise biodiversity gains, by 2015. 

Provide guidance 

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]. 

Adoption of Directive 2007/60/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 implementation 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 

EN 

17 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

Provide guidance 

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]. 

environment will be considered.  

See 2.5.1.; 1st management plans set for 2015; 
To be co-ordinated with implementation 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 
established by 22.12.2009, in particular as far as 
prevention of pollution as a result of floods, as 
well as hydromorphology and the need 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. 

OBJECTIVE 3: TO CONSERVE AND RESTORE BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE WIDER EU 
MARINE ENVIRONMENT. 

HEADLINE TARGET: In wider marine environment (outside Natura 2000 network), biodiversity loss halted by 2010 
and showing substantial recovery by 2013. 

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 

A3.1 

A3.1.1 

A3.1.2 

A3.1.3 

TARGET 3.1: Substantial progress achieved by 2010 and again by 2013 towards 'good environmental 
status' of the marine environment. 

Council to adopt Marine 
Framework Directive by 
2007. Commission to 
provide guidance, facilitate 
and where necessary 
enforce implementation. 

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]. 

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 protected areas. Adaptive management, 
on the basis of the ecosystem approach, will be 
applied to attain good environmental status. 
European Marine Monitoring & Assessment 
(EMMA) led by COM & EEA, helping prepare 
ground for future implementation - will include 
initial assessment of state of marine. Physically 
Sensitive Areas and high Oxygen Depletion Risk 
Areas mapped (http://emis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/). 

ACTION: Develop 
programmes of measures 
designed to achieve good 
environmental status in 
each Marine Region [by 
2016 at latest, earlier where 
possible]. 

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. 

As above 

See A 3.1.1. 

Com to implement 
Thematic Strategy action 
plan. 

Green paper adopted (June 2006). Stakeholder 
consultation concluded with over 490 
contributions received. Impact assessment also 
concluded end 2007. In October 2007 the 
Commission adopted a Communication 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 Thematic 
Strategy while the Action Plan lists further actions 

EN 

18 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

A3.1.4 

A3.1.5 

ACTION: Ensure timely 
implementation of the 
Water Framework 
Directive as it applies to 
coastal areas [2006 
onwards]. 

ACTION: Ensure timely 
implementation and review 
of the EU Integrated 
Coastal Zone 
Management 
Recommendation [2006 
onwards]. 

towards the protection of marine. The Com is now 
working on the implementation of the action plan. 
A European Monitoring and Data Network for the 
Seas (EMODNET), to be established (see 
A3.7.1). 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 
complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

See A.2.3.1. 

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 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 Directive in particular. - The 
evaluation of the EU ICZM Recommendation 
concluded that more support to the 
implementation of ICZM needed to be given. A 
call for tender (1M€) was launched 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 
transnational 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 for projects 
by the decentralised managing authorities. 
- The negotiations on the Protocol on ICZM in the 
framework of the Barcelona Convention were 
successfully concluded. By June 2008 all EU 
Member States (except 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 Protocol (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 
(ENCORA, strategic coordination action to 
overcome the fragmentation of the coastal 
research and to facilitate research-education-user 
links; CONSCIENCE policy support project to 
make operational the concepts of sound coastal 

EN 

19 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

A3.2 

A3.2.1 

A3.2.2 

A3.2.3 

erosion management developed by the EUrosion 
project in 2004; SPICOSA, integrated project to 
support decision making and 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. 

TARGET: Principal pollutant pressures on marine biodiversity substantially reduced by 2010, and 
again by 2013. 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 
complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

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) 

See A.2.4.1; 
COM communication (2006/0863) presenting the 
current state of Community 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 maritime 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 
subregions, across administrative and political 
boundaries. 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 
complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

See A.2.4.2. 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 
complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

See A.2.4.3. 

ACTION: Significantly 
reduce airborne 
eutrophicating and 
acidifying pollution of 
marine ecosystems in line 
with Thematic Strategy on 
Air Quality [2006 onwards]; 
revise National Emissions 
Ceiling Directive [by 2007]. 
(cf. action 2.3.2) 

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) 

A3.2.4 

ACTION: Significantly 
reduce current exposure, 

Provide guidance, monitor 
implementation, address 

See A.2.4.4. 

EN 

20 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

complaints, enforce where 
appropriate. 

and limit future exposure, of 
marine ecosystems to toxic 
chemicals through 
measures in line with EU 
chemicals legislation [2006 
onwards]. (cf. action 2.3.4) 

FISHERIES POLICY 

A3.3 

A3.3.1 

A3.4 

A3.4.1 

TARGET: Ecosystem approach to the protection of the seas in place and implying fisheries 
management measures no later than 2016. 

ACTION: Introduce the 
fisheries management 
measures required in the 
Regional Marine Strategies 
adopted by Member States 
in line with the requirements 
of the Marine Strategy 
Directive [by 2017]. 

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. 
legislation implementing fisheries restrictive areas 
to protect vulnerable deep sea habitats in the 
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 implementing 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. 

TARGET: Substantially enhanced funding provided to environmentally-friendly fisheries management 
from 2007 onwards. 

Negotiate Operational 
Plans with Member States. 

ACTION: Apply new 
European Fisheries Fund 
and Member State funds 
for actions beneficial to 
marine biodiversity [2007 
onwards]. (cf. Action 
B1.1.3) 

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 have adopted National Strategic Plans for 
fisheries and aquaculture and proposed for 
approval by the Commission the Operational 
Plans. The Commission is checking their 
compliance with EU environmental acquis and 
their contribution to the sustainable exploitation of 
fisheries and aquaculture. The EFF may provide, 
opportunities to support biodiversity conservation 
and sustainable use of natural resources. This 
can be done by the implementation of many 
different types 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 linked to 
biodiversity and NATURA 2000. The financial 
information provided by the EFF OPs does not 
include the amount allocated to measures 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. 

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 

Propose plan of action to 

Communication on implementing sustainability in 

EN 

21 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

action to attain maximum 
sustainable yield, prepare 
and implement multiannual 
plans for stocks outside 
safe biological limits [2006 
onwards] 

attain maximum 
sustainable yield. Seek 
scientific advice, consult 
stakeholders and elaborate 
proposals for recovery and 
management plans. 

A3.5.2 

ACTION: Develop, adopt 
and implement restoration 
programmes for 
diadromous species (e.g. 
trout, salmon, sturgeon). 
[2006 onwards] 

Propose programmes. 

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. 

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.  

A3.5.5 

ACTION: Take concerted 
EU action to combat 
illegal, unreported and 
unregulated fishing. [2006 
onwards]  

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 objective into 
management of different stocks.The following 
relevant Council Regulations have been adopted 
in 2007: multiannual plan for fisheries exploiting 
stocks of plaice and sole in the North Sea, 
recovery plan for blue fin tuna, 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 multi-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. 

On 18 September 2007 Council adopted 
Regulation 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. MS have to submit their Eel 
Management Plans to the COM by 31 December 
2008, which the COM has to scientifically assess 
and approve by July 2009. Long-term 
management plan for the Baltic Salmon to be 
adopted in 2009. 

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. Ongoing discussions with 
MSs to improve the framework of the annual 
report by ensuring a better evaluation of the over-
capacity concept, according to data on fishing 
possibilities allocations, status of exploited fishing 
stocks and economic results of the fleet 
segments. 

Technical workshops on Marine protected areas 
appropriateness 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 reefs) may 
result in no-take areas; Council Regulation 
concerning management measures for the 
sustainable exploitation of fisheries in the 
Mediterranean. Chapter III includes fishing 
protected areas. 

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 

EN 

22 

   EN 

 
 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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, unreported 
and unregulated fishing, COM(2007) 602, have 
been adopted by the Commission in October 
2007. On 29 September 2008, the Council 
adopted the Regulation establishing a Community 
system to prevent, 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 
current control system, which dates back to 2003, 
will significantly help to ensure effective 
application of fisheries measures and deter illegal 
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 the 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 European Union 
(COM(2008) 721 final). 

TARGET: Impact of fisheries on non-target species and habitats progressively and substantially 
reduced from 2006 onwards. 

A3.6 

A3.6.1 

Propose new technical 
measures as provided for 
under the CFP; supervise 
implementation at 
Community level. 

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] 

Simplified technical measures through the New 
Technical Measures Regulation proposed in 2008 
will improve selectivity of fishing gear. 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 Mediterranean. 
In March 2007 the Commission adopted a 
Communication (COM 2007 (136)) on reducing 
unwanted catches and eliminating discards in 
European fisheries, for which the EP expressed 
broad support in its plenary session of the 31 
January 2008. Legislation implementing fisheries 
restrictive areas 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 concerning 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. 

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 undertaken 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 

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. 

EN 

23 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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. 

by end 2009. 
See also comments under A.1.1.1 in relation to 
the marine Natura 2000 and fisheries 
management 

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 document for Member States on how to 
request for fisheries management measures for 
marine N2000 sites under the CFP 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura20
00/marine/docs/fish_measures.pdf)  
COM is responding to MS requests regarding 
fisheries management measures for Natura 2000 
sites. New request from Spain for El Cachucho 
area is submitted. 
Measures included in the Mediterranean 
Regulation. 

A3.6.4 

A3.7 

A3.7.1 

Ongoing  

Address any complaints 
relating to incorrect 
application of EIA; enforce 
correct application where 
necessary. 

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]. 

TARGET: Substantially improved information and reporting on environmental integration of the 
Common Fisheries Policy from 2008 onwards. 

Seek basic scientific 
information and report to 
Council and Parliament. 

ACTION: Make periodic 
assessments [2006 
onwards] of the progress of 
the Common Fisheries 
Policy in incorporating 
environmental protection 
requirements (with 
particular reference to 
biodiversity). 

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 
establishment 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 towards fisheries- 
or fleet-based management as opposed to 
managing individual stocks, the integration of 
environmental data, and the shift towards an 
ecosystem-based approach. The new (Data 
Collection Regulation (DCR) includes the 
obligation for MSs to collect environmental data. 

EN 

24 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

The collection of basic scientific information will 
support periodic assessments of the progress of 
the CFP in integrating biodiversity protection 
requirements. 
The new DCR also includes access to and use of 
detailed data, in particular, access to satellite 
monitoring (VMS) data will provide detailed 
information at the high level of resolution required 
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 
international 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 financial 
contribution to the Data Collection National 
programmes. 
A European Monitoring and Data Network for the 
Seas (EMODNET), to be established in the 
context of the new Integrated Maritime Policy, will 
monitor indicators on the natural state of the seas, 
including biodiversity. 

OBJECTIVE 4: TO REINFORCE COMPATABILITY OF REGIONAL AND TERRITORAL DEVELOPMENT WITH 
BIODIVERSITY IN THE EU. 

HEADLINE TARGET: Regional and territorial development benefiting biodiversity and negative impacts on 
biodiversity prevented and minimised or, where unavoidable, adequately compensated for, from 2006 onwards. 

REGIONAL POLICY, SPATIAL PLANNING 

A4.1 

A4.1.1 

TARGET: Cohesion and structural funds contributing to sustainable development and making (directly 
or indirectly) a positive contribution to biodiversity, and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or 
minimised or, where unavoidable, adequately compensated for, from 2006 onwards. 

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 ERDF 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 covers 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 convergence 
regions and in the new MS. Member states have 
made allocations to several categories of 
spending related to the protection of biodiversity 
and management of natural resources. The most 
relevant category is the “Promotion of biodiversity 
and nature protection” (code 51) for which 
€2719 million has been allocated. Also highly 
relevant 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 

EN 

25 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

A4.1.2 

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 B1.1.5) 

Encourage MS to provide 
for such projects, provide 
technical support for 
programming; evaluate 
national programmes 
submitted. 

exception of Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg all 
MS have allocated some funds for nature and 
biodiversity protection although this varies 
considerable between countries. Lithuania and 
Malta have used more than 3% of their allocated 
funds for biodiversity. Biodiversity benefits can 
also be expected from measures in the urban 
context (quarters/brownfield rehabilitation, re-
establishment of green areas/open space etc.) 
and, more directly, from landscape conservation 
measures where they accompany 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. 

No explicit mention to biodiversity funding but 
relevant opportunities (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 initiative of 
some MS regions, the ESF will support 
training/education measures for specific projects 
at regional and local levels (examples: co-funding 
of regional programmes under the UNESCO 
Decade for Education for sustainable 
development2, supporting schemes like the 
German ecological year for young people, training 
of park rangers). The ESF programmes offer a 
wide range of other funding opportunities 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/ biodiversity 
activities. This is for instance 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 implementation 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. 

2 

UNESCO  was  designated  by  UN  General  Assembly  Resolution  57/254  to  lead  the  Decade  of 
Education  for  Sustainable  Development  (2005-2014).  In  addressing  biodiversity,  the  focus  is  on  the 
interlinking  issues  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 people to their role and responsibility 
in this process and to accelerate human resource development, education and training to prevent habitat 
loss and degradation, species loss, and pollution. 
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001388/138846e.pdf 

EN 

26 

   EN 

 
                                                 
OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

Check conformity of NSRFs 
and Operational 
Programmes with 
environmental acquis. 

All the NSRFs and most of the OP are now 
adopted (June 2008). The conformity of NSRFs 
and Operational Programmes with environmental 
acquis has been checked during the negotiations 
which are now completed. 

Check SEA Directive is 
applied. 

No. 

A4.1.3 

A4.1.4 

ACTION: Ensure National 
Strategic Reference 
Frameworks (NRSFs) and 
Operational Programmes 
2007-2013 fully respect 
environmental acquis 
[2006 onwards] 

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) 

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 their obligations regarding SEA 
directive.  
In the process of adoption, all relevant DGs have 
been consulted on the OPs and their 
accompanying documents, among them, the 
justification on how SEA finding have been taken 
into account in the OPs. The biodiversity 
dimension has been assessed, although in 
general 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 
projects 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 available at the level of the 
programme. It seems, that the experience of 
common practice on how to deal with the 
biodiversity dimension in a SEA context is limited, 
especially at the intermediate geographical level 
of the 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 evaluation 
criteria to be incorporated in the programmes. In a 
few OPs clauses conditioning the funding to the 
respect of nature protection legislation with the 
focus on Natura 2000 sites, 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). 

The major projects form includes an explicit 
reference to the EIA and Natura 2000 sites  
Evaluations of Major Projects for the period 2007-
2013 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, and landscape. The EIA provides 
also for the assessment of alternatives to take into 
account environmental effects. DG ENV will verify 
that the EIA takes duly into account impact on 
nature and biodiversity (including ecosystems) 
and the measures foreseen to avoid, minimise 
and compensate. Additional efforts to address 

A4.1.5 

ACTION: Ensure 
environmental impact 
assessment (EIA) of 
projects co-financed by 
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 

Assess all proposals over 
Euro 50m (25m for 
environmental projects) for 
potential biodiversity 
impacts. Address any 
complaints relating to 
projects. Check EIA 
Directive is correctly 
applied. 

EN 

27 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

mitigate impacts on 
biodiversity and provide 
where possible benefits to 
biodiversity [2006 onwards]. 
(cf. Action A1.1.4)  

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. 

also climate change effects in combination with 
the OP investments and the interrelations 
between them and biodiversity and the possible 
needs for adaptation.  

The SEA process has allowed the participation of 
civil society (in conformity with the provisions of 
the SEA Directive). When the public (including 
NGOs) had expressed comments on the 
programmes or the SEA, the Authority responsible 
for the programmes had the obligation to explain 
how the opinions expressed during the 
consultation had been taken in consideration. In 
practice, 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. 

TARGET: Negative impacts of territorial plans (within each MS) on biodiversity prevented or 
minimised, and positive benefits optimised, from 2006 onwards. 

See A.1.1.4 re SEA study. 

Assess effectiveness of 
SEA in addressing 
biodiversity impacts (2006 
SEA reports, commission 
special study to take stock). 

n/a 

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]. 

ACTION: Implement 
policies and measures in 
line with Thematic Strategy 
for Urban Environment to 
prevent urban sprawl 
[2006 onwards]. 

TARGET: Ecological coherence and functioning strengthened through spatial planning from 2006 
onwards. 

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, which 
covers land use plans. New initiative - "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 opportunities for 
sustainable development in marginal areas and 
preservation of traditional cultural landscapes of 
Europe. 

TARGET: Significant increase in proportion of tourism which is ecologically sustainable by 2010 and 
again by 2013. 

CBD Guidelines on 
Sustainable Tourism 
promoted, adopted and 

Promote best practice. 

To be considered under new EU Business and 
Biodiversity Initiative (See B 3.1.6). 

A4.1.6 

A4.2 

A4.2.1 

A4.2.2 

A4.3 

A4.3.1 

A4.4 

A4.4.1 

EN 

28 

   EN 

 
  
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

implemented as appropriate 
by key stakeholders [2006 
onwards]. 

A4.5 

TARGET: All above outcomes achieved also in Outermost Regions. 

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. 

A4.5.1 

ACTION: All above actions 
applied, as appropriate, in 
Outermost Regions (French 
Guyana, Guadeloupe, 
Reunion, Martinique, 
Canaries, Azores, Madeira) 
[2006 onwards]. 

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 

A4.6 

A4.6.1 

A4.6.2 

A4.6.3 

TARGET: All Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments have 
taken full account of biodiversity concerns (2006 onwards). 

See action 1.1.3 above. 

See A.1.1.4. 

See action 1.1.3 above. 

See A.1.1.4. 

Check projects (existing 
modus operandi 
ENV/TREN). 

Ongoing 

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) 

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 
assessment (in terms of 
impacts on biodiversity) in 
the authorisation procedure 
[2006 onwards]. (cf. Action 
A1.1.4) 

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 

EN 

29 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

See 1.1.3 above. 

See A.1.1.4. 

A4.6.4 

framework of the existing 
EU legislation [2006 
onwards]. (cf. Action 
A1.1.4) 

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) 

OBJECTIVE 5: TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE IMPACT ON EU BIODIVERSITY OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES 
(IAS) & ALIEN GENOTYPES. 

HEADLINE TARGET: Negative impacts on EU biodiversity of IAS 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. 

Make assessment, propose 
measures to fill gaps. 

A5.1.1 

ACTION: Assess, at EU 
level, gaps in the current 
legal, policy and 
economic framework to 
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]. 

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 Annex IV to Council 
Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 concerning 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 inform 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.  

A5.1.2 

ACTION: Encourage 

Encourage MS 

No specific measures yet taken. 

EN 

30 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

A5.1.3 

A5.1.4 

A5.2 

A5.2.1 

A5.2.2 

Member States to develop 
national strategies on 
invasive alien species [by 
2007] and to implement 
them fully [by 2010].  

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].  

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]. 

Encourage ratification  

Yet to be decided if Community action in 
environment or transport policy will be followed. 

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 use of scientific online journals is explored. 
The European Environment Agency has launched 
a feasibility study of developing an EU Early 
warning system for IAS. 

TARGET: Impact of alien genotypes on biodiversity in the EU significantly reduced by 2010 and again 
by 2013. 

Apply as appropriate at 
Community level. 

Regulatory framework in place. First regular 
implementation report of the European 
Community submitted in autumn 2007. 

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. 

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]. 

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]. 

POLICY AREA 2: THE EU AND GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY 

OBJECTIVE 6: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNATIONAL 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 

Work at EU, global and 

The EU is strongly promoting these objectives in 

EN 

31 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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 related 
international and regional 
biodiversity agreements 
(e.g. Bonn, Berne, AEWA, 
Ramsar, UN Fish Stocks 
Agreement) and promote 
greater synergies between 
these [2006 onwards].  

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 key 
stakeholders. 

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. 

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 
was discussed by the G8 environment ministers 
(which adopted the 'Potsdam Initiative' and the 
'Kobe call of action' 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 Secretariat 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.  

The integration of the biodiversity 2010 target into 
the Millenium Development Goals targets was 
announced by the UN Secretary General. 
Progress was made in integrating further 
biodiversity indicators into the EU SDS indicators. 
The G8+5 Potsdam initiative has been welcomed 
by the G8 Summits in 2007 and 2008. Several 
activities are ongoing to integrate biodiversity into 
Climate Change with the aim to maximise co-
benefits between Biodiversity and Climate change 
adaptation and mitigation measures (e.g. joint 
meeting of SBSTTA/SBSTA chairs, work on 
biofuels standards, work on reduced emissions 
from deforestation and forest degradation, IPCC 
WG2 report results on biodiversity). The EU has 
been instrumental in achieving at COP9 global 
recognition for the principle that the production 
and use 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 use. The legal basis for the 
accession of the Community is Council Decision 
2004/869/EC of 24 February 2004 concerning the 
conclusion, on behalf of the European 
Community, of the 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 
Resources was adopted at the 1st International 
Technical Conference on Animal Genetic 

EN 

32 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

Coordinate EU action 

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, 
notably in developing 
criteria for identifying the 
areas to be protected. 
[2006 onwards] 

Resources for Food and Agriculture in Interlaken 
in June 2007. 

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 Sustainable Fisheries, 
where a commitment was made by the UN 
members to ensure the protection of vulnerable 
deep-sea ecosystems in the high seas. The 
Resolution calls on States and RFMOs to take 
measures to protect 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 
the protection of vulnerable deep sea 
ecosystems" and a proposal for a Council 
Regulation aiming at implementing 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, taking 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 fisheries in the framework of the code of 
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The 
guidelines were adopted in August 2008. 
CBD COP9 adopted criteria for the identification 
of marine protected areas 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. 

OBJECTIVE 7: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN SUPPORT FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES 
IN EU EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE. 

A7.1 

A7.1.1 

TARGET: Financial resources flowing annually to projects directly benefiting biodiversity has 
substantially increased in real terms (for period 2006-2010 compared with period 2000-2005; and again 
for period 2011-2013).  

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 

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 

The  global  amount  allocated  for  biodiversity  and 
related  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 environment (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  and  sectors  have  been 
included  at 
time  (energy,  climate 
change adaptation). 
A  total  of  €30.6  million  has  been  allocated  to 
biodiversity  for  the  four  year  period  from  2007-

the  same 

EN 

33 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

coverage for biodiversity 
actions in financing strategy 
papers and indicative 
programmes under ENPI 
instrument. 

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]. 

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 

resources. 

€12,3  million 

is  earmarked 

the  promotion  of 

2010  under  the  EC  Thematic  Programme  for 
Environment  and  Natural  Resources  (ENRTP). 
Furthermore, some other headings of ENRTP are 
strongly  linked  to  biodiversity.  A  total  of  €72 
million 
Sustainable  Forest  Management.  €34  million  is 
available  for  implementation  of  the  initiative  on 
Forest  Law  Enforcement,  Governance  and  Trade 
(FLEGT). €6.4 million is earmarked for fisheries & 
marine/coastal 
is 
earmarked  for  climate  change  and  biodiversity 
projects  for  countries  covered  by  the  European 
Neighbourhood  and  Partnership 
Instrument 
(ENPI).  In  total,  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 biodiversity and about € 20 million for 
forests. In addition € 4.2 million and about € 8 has 
been 
for 
biodiversity  and  forests  respectively  for  2007  - 
2008. 

targeted  proposal 

reserved 

for 

the  RSP 

for  Malaysia  promoting 

For  the  2007-2010  period,  the  actual  previsions 
show  that  more  than  EUR  220  millions  would  be 
focus  on 
to  programmes  with  a 
allocated 
biodiversity  (EUR  55  millions  yearly).  The  global 
amount is comparable to the former period 2002-
2006.  A  slight  increase  in  foreseen  for  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: 
(Regional 
Strategy  Paper)  for  Asia  and  the  CSP  (Country 
Strategy  Paper) 
the 
FLEGT  process  (approx.  amount  respectively  €6 
&  €4  millions).  The  CSP  for  Pakistan  mentions 
water  and  forest  management  activities  within  its 
‘Rural  development  and  natural 
focal  area 
resource  management’  that  receives  54%  of  the 
total  country  allocation.  Additionally,  the  CSPs  of 
Bangladesh, 
India,  China  and  Bhutan  have 
environment as a focal sector, thus biodiversity is 
not  specifically  targeted.  The  RSP  for  Central 
Asia  and 
focal  sector  on 
environment  promotes 
the  management  and 
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 focal area. For Brazil, the focal 
sector  in  question  targets  the  promotion  of  the 
sustainable 
environmental 
development,  and  foresees  among  its  priority 
the 
objectives 
prevention 
the 
biodiversity 
improvement  of  governance  in  natural  resource 
in  Latin 
utilization.  The 
America  would  be  around  €  115  millions  within 

the  curbing  of  deforestation, 
and 

foreseen  allocation 

in  particular 

dimension 

loss 

its 

of 

of 

EN 

34 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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  process  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  during 
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  most  cases 
in  non-focal  sectors.  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,  Malawi  and  Ethiopia  are  the  countries 
where  CSPs/RSPs  present  the  highest  focus  on 
biodiversity. 
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  10th  intra-ACP  EDF 
Strategy  Paper:  Support  to  FLEGT  (€  10  M)  and 
to protected area network (€20 M). 
CSPs  are  drafted  jointly  with  the  partner  country 
and  follow  the  ownership  principle.  In  partner 
countries,  environment  ministers  are  often  weak 
meaning  that  environment  rarely  appears  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 

A7.1.3 

A7.1.4 

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, Millennium 
Development Goals and 
other programmes relevant 
for biodiversity in 
developing countries [2006 
onwards]. 

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]. 

n/a 

Use EU high level meetings 
to press for a substantial 
replenishment based on fair 
burden-sharing. 

A7.1.5 

ACTION: Enhance funds 

Seek coverage for 

As regards the ENPI, environment is included as 

EN 

35 

   EN 

 
  
  
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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) 

biodiversity actions in 
financing strategy papers 
and indicative programmes 
under the European 
Neighbourhood and 
Partnership Instrument 
(ENPI) and Instrument for 
Pre-Accession (IPA).  

A7.1.6 

ACTION: Enhance 
economic and development 
assistance funds available 
for biodiversity-related 
actions in the MS' 
Overseas Countries and 
Territories [2006 onwards]. 

Check and ensure that 
biodiversity is addressed 
through specific 
programmes and projects 
or through integration in 
other sectors covered by 
economic development 
assistance. 

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 environment protection as one of their 
priorities. But 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. 

The programming for OCTs is under way. A 
Country Environmental Profile has been prepared 
which identified the importance of biodiversity in 
these countries and territories.  
The Commission participated in and actively 
contributed 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.  

A7.2 

A7.2.1 

TARGET: EU 'mainstream' external development assistance delivering enhanced biodiversity and 
related livelihoods benefits, and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised, from 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. 

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]. 

From 2007, CEPs and REPs have been 
established systematically as part of preparation 
of cooperation strategies for individual 
development partner countries/regions. 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 improve the 
quality and comprehensiveness of these CEPs, 
and the level of uptake of findings and 
recommendations in country analyses, response 
strategies and indicative programming. Standard 
terms of reference for CEPs and REPs include 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 programming, the EC is 
committed to work with other EU donors and other 
to  promote  greater 
development  agencies 
joint 
harmonisation  of  analytical  work  and 
analytical work when possible. 

Consistent biodiversity indicators are now 
developed by the JRC. CSPs/RSPs show variable 
level of environment integration. Very few 
countries 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 account in sector programs. 

A7.2.2 

ACTION: Systematically 

Check and ensure that 

A screening questionnaire has been established 

EN 

36 

   EN 

 
 
 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

SEAs and EIAs are 
systematically carried out 
on relevant development 
strategies, programmes 
and projects. 

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 [2006 onwards]. 

applicable to all EC programmes/projects during 
identification and formulation stages of the 
operations cycle to help identify the most 
appropriate measures to take in relation to 
environmental aspects - including 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-supported 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. 

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]. 

Integration 

including  seminars 

Capacities  within  the  EC  and  partner  countries 
have  been  strengthened  as  a  result  of  an 
ambitious  seminar  programme  on  environmental 
integration  in  development  cooperation  put  in 
place  since  2005 
in  EC 
Delegations  overseas  and  at  EC  Headquarters. 
Seminars  have  been  open  to  participation  from 
staff of MS agencies. Methodological support has 
to  operational  staff. 
been  made  on  request 
Environmental 
is 
Handbook 
increasingly used by desk officers. 
Under the ENV/TROP FOR budget line, a number 
of projects have been carried 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 
education systems to support the implementation 
of national biodiversity strategic action plans in the 
South Pacific 
- 'Renforcement des capacités nationales en 
matière d’éducation 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 
implementation of Independent Monitoring of 

EN 

37 

   EN 

 
 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (IM-
FLEG) in the Republic of Congo 
- Strengthening civil society networks to address 
dryland degradation and poverty issues 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 species is consistent with their sustainable 
management and conservation 
- Consumer Organisations and the Cartagena 
Protocol on Biosafety – protecting the consumer's 
right to a healthy environment in the developing 
world 
In addition, € 19 million environmental capacity 
building 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. 

A screening questionnaire has been established 
applicable to all EC programmes/projects during 
identification and formulation stages of the 
operations cycle to help identify the most 
appropriate measures to take in relation to 
environmental aspects - including the possible 
need for an SEA/EIA. 
JRC develops systems for monitoring the trends 
in biodiversity in EU-funded African protected 
areas.106 ‘critical’ protected areas in ACP 
countries have been identified. 

Commission to ensure that 
safeguards are included in 
procedures to ensure that 
these considerations are 
taken into account before 
funding can be released. 

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 including the organisation of 
SEA workshop.  

A7.2.4 

A7.2.5 

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]. 

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]. 

OBJECTIVE 8: TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE ON GLOBAL 
BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. 

8.1 

TARGET 8.1: Impact on biodiversity of EU trade 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 

Identify impacts and follow-
up measures - in particular 
in the context of the 
Commission's trade-related 
Sustainability Impact 
Assessment (SIA) 
Programme, covering a 

Work on FLEGT is described below in 8.1.6. As 
part of its trade-related Sustainability Impact 
Assessment (SIA) Programme, the Commission is 
in the process of conducting SIAs for all its 
planned regional and bilateral free trade and 
partnership agreements, be they in Asia, Africa or 
Latin-America. These studies include an 

EN 

38 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

A8.1.2 

A8.1.3 

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. 
EPAs with ACP countries).  

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]. 

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 Resources 
for Food and Agriculture – 
and continue to contribute 
to negotiation of an 
international regime on ABS 
according to the mandate 
adopted at the 7th 
Conference of the Parties of 

assessment of potential impacts on biodiversity 
(e.g. as a result of trade liberalisation in biofuels) 
and identify possible preventive or mitigation 
measures. The challenge facing trade negotiators 
on both sides is to translate the results and 
recommendation of sustainability impacts 
assessments into negotiations.  
Regardless of SIA results, sustainability and 
environment issues are important aspects of most 
if not all regional and bilateral free trade, 
association and partnership agreements under 
negotiation. 

Ongoing discussions in the WTO Committee on 
Trade and Environment, but little progress to date.

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).  

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). 

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 adoption 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 the CBD 
framework and continues to play a leading role in 
EU efforts to conclude these negotiations by 2010 
in line with the 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. 

EN 

39 

   EN 

 
 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

A8.1.4 

the CBD [2006 onwards]. 

ACTION: Maximise the 
proportion of EU 
consumption of wood 
products deriving from 
sustainable sources [by 
2010]. 

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]. 

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]. 

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. 

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 
countries and the EU-
Mediterranean Free Trade 
Area). 

Identify and secure key 
bilateral agreements. 

The 14th Conference of Parties added Brazilwood 
to CITES control, but did not adopt EU proposals 
for listing additional tree species under CITES 
Appendices. CoP 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 capacity 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. 

Ongoing, including in EU-Mercosur SIA. The 
challenge facing trade negotiators on both sides is 
to translate the results and recommendation of 
these SIA studies into concrete provisions. 

Negotiations successfully finished and the first 
FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement was 
initialled with Ghana in September 2008. Other 
negotiations of FLEGT 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 and timber products 
on the Market (COM(2008) 644/3).  

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 

Negotiate agreements; 
support assessments and 
recommendations for 
sustainable fisheries 
through Joint Scientific 
Committees, 
implementation by Parties 

The Commission is at the final stage of 
renegotiation of the new Fisheries Partnership 
Agreements which will allow to support the 
sectoral fisheries policy of the third countries with 
a view of establishing a sustainable and 
responsible fisheries policy in their waters. 
Therefore, the biodiversity (and impact on non 

EN 

40 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

minimising impact on non-
target species and habitats 
[2006 onwards]. 

through Joint Committees. 

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 study in this field. 
Assess the effectiveness of 
EC CITES Regulation in 
ensuring that trade in 
endangered species is 
sustainable. 

target species or habitats) which are elements of 
a sustainable 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 modification of the FPA with Seychelles 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 
agreements with Guinea Conakry and Mauritius 
as these are the only two remaining countries that 
do not yet benefit from a FPA. 

Regular meetings by the EU Scientific Review 
Group meeting were held and several positive and 
negative opinions were established for imports 
into the EU of specific 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 the 
Commission adopted on 13th June 2007 a 
Recommendation to the Member States 
identifying a set of actions for the effective 
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 December 2006 conclusions, the 
Council also underlined the importance of 
effective implementation of the CITES Convention 
and EC CITES Regulations, it stressed the need 
for capacity-building on CITES in developing 
countries 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 implement CITES CoP14 decisions 
on national 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. 

A8.1.9 

ACTION: Apply principle of 

n/a 

COM is raising awareness of Article 8j CBD and 

EN 

41 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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]. 

relevant parts of the Bonn Guidelines throughout 
its services and in EC delegations in third 
countries. A special Interservice Group on 
Indigenous Issues regularly reflects on indigenous 
issues in the Commission's work. Since 2005, the 
Commission external relations directorate 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 
Diversity including the international ABS 
negotiations. The EC and MS also follow closely 
the work on the protection 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. 

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 reduce its 
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 8% by 
2008–12 compared to base year levels. Based on 
the latest available inventory data of 2006, total 
GHG emissions in the EU-15 were 2.7% below 
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 agreement is 
reached. The EU would be prepared to increase 
this reduction to 30%, provided that such an 
agreement would indeed materialize. 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. 

EN 

42 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

TARGET: Global annual mean surface temperature increase limited to not more than 2ºC above pre-
industrial levels. 

ACTION: Further 
ambitious measures to 
limit temperature increase 
agreed in line with the long-
term 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. 

Explore strategies for 
achieving necessary 
emission reductions and 
reduction pathways for the 
group of developed 
countries in the order of 15-
30% by 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.

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 change will be needed; European 
Council (March 2007) endorsement of EU 
objective of 30% reduction in greenhouse 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 firm 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 package of measures to establish 
new climate and energy policy for EU. 

TARGET: Climate change adaptation or mitigation measure from 2006 onwards delivering biodiversity 
benefits, and any negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards. 

A9.2 

A9.2.1 

A9.3 

A9.3.1 

Impact assessment of new 
policies at Community level 
where appropriate. 

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]. 

COM Green Paper on climate change adaptation 
(COM(2007) 354 final) recognises the central 
importance of maintaining healthy functioning 
ecosystems and emphasises the need for 
practical and early implementation of the EU 
Biodiversity Action Plan; ongoing work to minimise 
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 explored, methodology 
discussed at SBSTA under the UNFCCC. White 
paper on adaptation 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 agricultural land, wetlands, forests, marine 
areas. This would help ensure vital ecosystem 
services 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 adaptation and mitigation measures in different 
sectors and their impact on biodiversity.  

EEA report ‘How much bioenergy can Europe 
produce without harming the environment?’ 
launched (June 2006); Ongoing debate (including 
in Council WPIEI and COP9 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 
feedstock cultivation. In addition, in its proposal 

Provide guidance on 
sustainability impact 
assessments. 

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 

EN 

43 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

order to achieve ecological 
sustainability of biomass 
production [2006 onwards]. 

for a directive on the promotion of the use of 
energy from renewable sources, tabled on 23 
January 2008 (COM(2008) 19), the Commission 
included a set of environmental sustainability 
criteria for biomass for fuel use which aim inter 
alia at protecting biodiversity both inside and 
outside the EU.  

A9.4 

TARGET: Resilience of EU biodiversity to climate change substantially strengthened by 2010. 

A9.4.1 

A9.4.2 

A9.4.3 

ACTION: Develop a 
comprehensive 
programme of priority 
actions to support 
biodiversity adaptation to 
climate change in the EU 
[by 2008]. 

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). 

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 
measures prepared [by 
2009], commence 
implementation [by 2010]. 

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 biodiversity and climate 
change with Member State representatives and 
stakeholders will be set up. 

Coordinate assessment, 
develop guidelines to 
strengthen coherence. 

See A 1.2.3 - assessments and guidance are 
taking into account the potential significance of 
climate change impacts as appropriate. 

Launch debate, raise 
awareness of need for 
Community level approach 
to adaptation. 

An INTERREG IIIB funded project (BRANCH) 
examining spatial planning issues in relation 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. 

POLICY AREA 4: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE 

OBJECTIVE 10: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN THE KNOWLEDGE BASE FOR CONSERVATION AND 
SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY, IN THE EU AND GLOBALLY. 

EN 

44 

   EN 

 
No. 

A10.1 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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.  

Engage in CBD 
consideration of 2007 MA 
evaluation, and ongoing 
IMoSEB consultations. 

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. 

A10.1.3  ACTION: Enhance 

research on status, trends 
and distribution of all 
habitats and species of 
community interest and of 
additional habitats and 
species of policy relevance 
[2006 onwards]. 

A10.1.4  ACTION: Enhance 

research on most 
significant pressures on 
biodiversity, develop and 
test prevention and 
mitigation options [2006 
onwards]. 

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 creation 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 
Mechanism of Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity 
(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. 

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.  

Accommodate in FP7 work 
programmes - notably 
under the Specific 
Programmes for 
Cooperation and for 
Capacities (including 
research infrastructures). 

There have been 2 calls for proposals in the first 2 
years 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. 

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 consistent way pressures on 
biodiversity in 741 major African protected areas 
and made 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 (pressure on biodiversity) 
at the European level 
(http://forest.jrc.it/biodiversity); JRC, in the context 
of the European Forest Fire Information System, 
has assessed the impact of forest fires in 
Natura2000 sites; reports on the impact of fires in 
Greece (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. 

EN 

45 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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]. 

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]. 

See A 10.1.3. 

Accommodate in FP7 work 
programmes - notably 
under the Specific 
Programmes for 
Cooperation and for 
Capacities. 

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 
Cooperation) has a budget of c.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 
Environment Theme is of EUR 212 Million. The 
Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of 
Resources under which the topic of biodiversity is 
treated has an indicative budget of EUR 30 
Million. 
The funding profile over the duration of FP7 is 
expected to rise quite steeply towards the end but 
cannot be extrapolated from the first 2 years of 
the remaining 5 of this 7-year programme. 

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 project, Member States add further 
EUR 4.6 Million. The construction phase is 
planned from 2011-2018 with an overall budget of 
EUR 368 Million. 

For progress with the EU Mechanism and 
international mechanisms 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 services concept). 
The European Platform for Biodiversity Research 
Strategy (EPBRS) has developed a set of 
priorities for biodiversity 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 particularly dedicated to the science-policy 
interface, a co-ordination and support actions with 
a max. of EUR 1 Million EC contribution. 
EPBRS continues work towards an EU 
biodiversity research strategy. 

See A10.1.7 the LIFEWATCH project. 

A10.1.7  ACTION: Establish 

effective and inclusive 
European Research Area 
for biodiversity and 
strengthen capacities 
(including infrastructures) in 
key disciplines, 
interdisciplinary and 
participatory science [2006 
onwards]. 

Accommodate in FP7 work 
programmes - notably 
under the Specific 
Programmes for 
Cooperation and for 
Capacities (including 
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. 

A10.1.9  ACTION: Establish and 
promote [2006 onwards] 
common data standards 
and quality assurance 
procedures to enable 

Accommodate in FP7 work 
programmes - notably 
under the Specific 
Programmes for 
Cooperation and for 

EN 

46 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

interoperability of key 
European and national 
biodiversity databases and 
inventories [by 2008]. 

Capacities (including 
research infrastructures). 

B. THE FOUR SUPPORTING MEASURES 

SUPPORTING MEASURE 1: ENSURING ADEQUATE FINANCING FOR BIODIVERSITY. 

B1.1 

B1.1.1 

B1.1.2 

B1.1.3 

B1.1.4 

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. 

See Action A1.1.2 

See Action A1.1.2 

See Action A2.1.1 

See Action A2.1.1 

See Action A3.4.1 

See Action A3.4.1 

See Action A4.1.1 

See Action A4.1.1 

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) 

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]. 

ACTION: Apply new 
European Fisheries Fund 
and Member State funds 
for actions beneficial to 
marine biodiversity [2007-
2013]. (cf. Action A3.4.1) 

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) 

B1.1.5 

ACTION: ESF contributing  See Action A4.1.2 

See Action A4.1.2 

EN 

47 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

B1.1.6 

B1.1.7 

B1.1.8 

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)  

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].  

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) 

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) 

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]. 

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. 

See Actions A7.1.1 to 
A7.1.6 

See Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6 

See Action A10.1.5 

Under FP5 a total of 39 projects have 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 projects 
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 first 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. 

Allocate funds through 
available instruments 
including Life+ 

See 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. 

EN 

48 

   EN 

 
No. 

B2.1.1 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

ACTION: Launch, hold and 
conclude EU debate on this 
vision and policy framework 
[2007/08]. 

Establish process, 
coordinate debate, agree 
vision. 

Studies, meetings, 
research to feed into EU 
debate (Action 2.1.1) - 
development of proposals 
as appropriate. 

B2.1.2 

ACTION: Strengthen 
understanding and 
communication of 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]. 

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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 valuable 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 supported by an efficient 
science-policy interface, notably through 
promoting the establishment of an 
Intergovernmental science-policy Platform on 
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) 
(see A.10.1.1). 

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 Indian economist 
Pavan Sukhdev, the first results of this 
assessment of the global economic benefit of 
biological diversity, the costs of the loss of 
biodiversity and the 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 
methodological framework for valuation of the 
services provided by ecosystems, as a 
contribution 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 potential for addressing 
Biodiversity off-sets. 

B2.2 

B2.2.1 

B2.2.2 

TARGET: New policies benefit biodiversity and ecosystem services, and their negative impact on 
biodiversity and ecosystem services prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards. 

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]. 

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 

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 nature 
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.'  

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 biodiversity concerns. 

EN 

49 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

B2.3 

B2.3.1 

B2.4 

B2.4.1 

B2.4.2 

ensure effective treatment 
of biodiversity concerns in 
policy impact assessments, 
in particular to ensure the 
maintenance of ecosystem 
goods and services [2006 
onwards]. 

TARGET: Biodiversity needs have been better integrated, as necessary, into post-2013 Financial 
Perspectives and any mid-term review of FP 2007-2013. 

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 priority 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 the political 
agenda. But there are also reasons for concern: 
while the policy framework is in place, 
implementation of EU environment legislation by 
Member States is often slow or incomplete. 
Further, the EU needs to prepare for the major 
environmental challenges ahead: defining a long-
term strategic vision for sustainable consumption 
and production, adaptation to the inevitable 
climatic 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 initiatives in all 27 
Member States.  

TARGET: Complementarity of EC and MS biodiversity strategies and action plans substantially 
enhanced by 2010. 

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]. 

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]. 

Encourage MS to re-align; 
propose and establish new 
mechanisms. 

ongoing discussions with Member States, 
including promoting co-operation on BAP delivery 
in Nature Directors meetings under each 
Presidency of the Council of Ministers. 

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. 

B2.4.3 

ACTION: Strengthen 
mechanisms for delivery 
from MS level to local 

None 

See B2.4.1 

EN 

50 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

level [2006 onwards]. 

B2.5 

B2.5.1 

B2.5.2 

B 2.6 

B2.6.1 

TARGET: Effective integration of Natura 2000, rural development, river basin management and other 
territorial plans and programmes in support of biodiversity achieved by 2010. 

Provide guidance 

Ongoing 

Provide guidance, integrate 
into community level 
evaluation and reporting. 

COM has included biodiversity concerns and 
targets in the assessment of the National 
Strategies submitted by MS in the context of the 
EC Cohesion policy (Structural, Cohesion funds) 
for the financing period 2007-2013. Rural 
Development programs are also being monitored 
and assessed. 

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 a ecosystems approach 
in the terrestrial and 
freshwater environment 
[2006 onwards]. (cf. Action 
A4.3.1) 

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]. 

TARGET: Substantial improvement in compliance with environmental regulations by 2010 and again by 
2013.  

ACTION: Reinforce efforts 
to ensure compliance, 
control and enforcement 
at national, regional and 
local levels [2006 onwards]. 

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 conservation efforts. 
In February 2008, the Commission has therefore 
launched a public consultation on how CFP 
control should be improved and strengthened to 
make it fit to deliver the core goals of the Common 
Fisheries Policy, namely, a genuinely sustainable 
European fishing industry. The Commission has 
adopted on 14 November 2008 a proposal for a 
Council Regulation on the reform of the control 
system of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). 
(see also section A3.5.5) 
The Joint Deployment Plan (JDP) was launched in 
March 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 the 
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 seven 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. 

EN 

51 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

SUPPORTING MEASURE 3: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR BIODIVERSITY. 

B3.1 

B3.1.1 

B3.1.2 

B3.1.3 

B3.1.4 

TARGET: Key stakeholder groups actively engaged in conservation of biodiversity from 2006 in each 
MS. 

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 
allow 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 Natura 2000. Both 
initiatives are well under way, and the launch of 
the instruments is expected in 2009. 

Facilitate such partnerships 
at Community level. 

Input to consultation on RD strategies and some 
RD Plans. 

Support RACs at 
Community level as 
provided for in Common 
Fisheries Policy. 

Establish task force 

Since 2004, 6 Regional Advisory Councils have 
been established and are now operational:  
South-western waters RAC;  
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. 

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 services with 
regards to combating climate change. First 
meeting of group was in November 2008. 

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]. 

ACTION: Develop farming 
and biodiversity, forestry 
and biodiversity 
partnerships, building on 
existing consultative 
processes under the 
Common Agricultural Policy 
and forest policy [2006 
onwards]. 

ACTION: Establish and 
adequately fund Regional 
Advisory Councils for 
fisheries, as provided for 
under the Common 
Fisheries Policy, and 
support their operations 
[2006 onwards]. 

ACTION: Establish a 
Biodiversity and Climate 
Change Adaptation Task 
Force at EU level [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].  

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 

B3.1.6 

ACTION: Develop 

Facilitate such partnerships  The Commission plans to launch a call for tender 

EN 

52 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

business and biodiversity 
partnership [2006 onwards]. 

at Community level 

for a contract 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 
participants, half of them representing businesses, 
stressed the 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 industries, and for port 
operators in estuaries and coastal zones. A COM 
funded pilot study creating biodiversity technical 
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 prepare bankable 
projects for future investment loans. Launching of 
the web-based 'Natura 2000 Communication 
Platform' and the 'Natura 2000 Partner' Reward 
scheme prepared for 2008. 

See B 3.1.6 - Finance sector involved in the 
business & biodiversity partnership. 

Facilitate such partnerships 
at Community level, 
including involving EBRD 
and EIB. 

B3.1.7 

B3.1.8 

ACTION: Develop 
partnership between 
financing sector and 
biodiversity [2006 
onwards]. 

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. 

SUPPORTING MEASURE 4: BUILDING PUBLIC EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION FOR 
BIODIVERSITY. 

B4.1 

B4.1.1 

TARGET: 10 million Europeans actively engaged in biodiversity conservation by 2010, 15 million by 
2013. 

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 campaign objectives, key 
messages, target audience, framework and 
components of a communications campaign) feed 
into the call for proposals of the third component 
of LIFE +, which focuses Information and 
Communication. Under this heading priority will be 
given to proposals focusing on nature protection 
and biodiversity. 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 

EN 

53 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

B4.1.2 

ACTION: Strengthen and 
implement IUCN 
Countdown 2010 initiative 
[2006 onwards]. 

Support the initiative, 
implement joint actions 
under the initiative. 

Ensure provisions of 
community law transposed 
and applied, address 
complaints. 

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]. 

important role in awareness raising and 
communication efforts. The Interim Report on the 
Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity was 
also finalized in May 2008 and was the subject of 
a series of presentations in a number of key 
Member States during 2008.  

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. 

Commission monitoring proper implementation of 
Directive 2003/35 on 'Public Participation when 
drawing up certain plans and programmes relating 
to the environment' (to be implemented as from 
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 
implementation of Article 9(3) of the Aarhus 
Convention in September 2007. The study shows 
that there is still work to be done as there are still 
barriers to ensuring wide access to justice. A 
conference on access 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: Submit 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/environment/nature/knowledge
/rep_biodiv_ap/index_en.htm  

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 

Development, quality 
assessment, make 
proposal, implement 
indicators. 

A set of 26 pan-European biodiversity indicators 
(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 

EN 

54 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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] 

MONITORING 

mid-term BAP assessment. The development of 
national indicators aligned to the SEBI 2010 
indicator framework is underway in the Member 
States. Further refinement and improvement of 
the SEBI 2010 indicators is ongoing, including 
with regard to the impact of climate 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 Potential 
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.  

C1.3 

C1.3.1 

C1.3.2 

C1.3.3 

TARGET: Monitoring providing adequate data flow for implementation of indicator set, for reporting on 
favourable conservation status, and for broader assessment of effectiveness of this Action Plan by 
2010. 

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]. 

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]. 

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 

Coordinate development of 
reference values. 

MS have provided Article 17 HD reports including 
1st conservation status assessment and 
favourable reference values for species and 
habitats under the Habitats Directive- to be 
evaluated at Community level (mid 2009). 

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. 

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 concept will be developed 
progressively- within the COM, the EEA, with the 
Group of 4 (COM, EEA, Eurostat, JRC), with the 
Member States and with other stakeholders. A 
concept paper and a roadmap is being developed 
with EEA, which is responsible for the EU 

EN 

55 

   EN 

 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

supports policy evaluation 
and development at 
national, regional and 
global levels [2006 
onwards]. 

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)3, 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’ (GMES), 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 data 
currently reported under Community 
environmental law. 

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 
any essential adjustments 
in actions to meet targets. 

Commission to coordinate 
evaluation, prepare and 
submit evaluation report; 
Council to respond to 
evaluation report. 

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. 

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 
Community level for each action of the BAP; a 
summary Country Profiles for each Member State; 
an indicator fact sheets from the European 
Environment Agency led project on Streamlining 
of European Biodiversity Indicators (SEBI 2010); a 
synthesis consolidated report, combining for 
different objectives and targets the summaries for 
Community and Member State level assessments, 
the relevant indicators and any key messages in 
support of the Communication. 

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 
qualitative assessment of the extent to which 
Action Plan actions have been implemented and 
targets achieved, and 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 

3 

See http://ec.europa.eu/environment/seis/index.htm. 

EN 

56 

   EN 

 
                                                 
No. 

OBJECTIVES, TARGETS, 
ACTIONS

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION

MID TERM PROGRESS 

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. 

and biodiversity (TEEB). 

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 6th EAP, review of sectoral policies and 
budgets during the 2007–2013 period, and 
policies and budgets for the post–2013 period. 

EN 

57 

   EN