COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY LEVEL ACTION  Accompanying document to the  REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT  THE 2010 ASSESSMENT OF IMPLEMENTING THE EU BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
Date: 2010-10-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU environmental policy, biodiversity, climate change, deforestation, degradation of the environment, ecosystem, environmental impact, environmental protection, forest conservation, sustainable development

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EN 

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Brussels, 8.10.2010 
SEC(2010) 1164 final 

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 

SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY LEVEL ACTION 

Accompanying document to the 

REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT 

THE 2010 ASSESSMENT OF IMPLEMENTING THE EU BIODIVERSITY ACTION 
PLAN 

COM(2010) 548 
 SEC(2010) 1163 
 SEC(2010) 1165 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION 

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

The first reports, covering the period up to the end of 2007 and 2008 provided a summary of 
progress for each of the Community level actions in the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). 

A similar approach has been applied to the 2010 update assessment. The information for 2008 
has been updated and added to by each of the relevant Commission Services in light of the 
latest developments. As the 2010 update report is intended to cover the situation up to the end 
of  2010  this  summary  also  sometimes  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 2010 report have taken place within the framework of the 
'Biodiversity Interservice Coordination Group' a forum for the different Commission Services 
to  discuss  implementation  of  the  Biodiversity  Action  Plan.  Representatives  of  the  relevant 
Commission services have also provided updates within the framework of the 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. 

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OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A. THE TEN PRIORITY OBJECTIVES 

POLICY AREA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND THE EU 

OBJECTIVE 1: TO SAFEGUARD THE EU's MOST IMPORTANT HABITATS AND SPECIES. 

HEADLINE TARGET: Biodiversity loss of most important habitats and species halted by 2010, these habitats and species showing substantial recovery by 2013. 

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

A1.1 

A1.1.1 

have 

For  EU15  -  ensure  MS 
not 
which 
sufficient 
proposed 
sites 
their 
complete 
lists;  adopt  remaining 
lists of SCIs as soon as 
possible; 
provide 
necessary  guidance  on 
and 
designation 
establishment 
of 
management  priorities 
for 
and  measures; 
EU10  -  ensure  correct 
transposition  of  Birds 
and Habitats Directives, 
ensure  MS  which  have 
not  proposed  sufficient 
sites 
their 
complete 
lists; adopt lists of SCIs 
as  soon  as  possible; 
necessary 
provide 
on 
guidance 
and 
designation 
establishment 
of 
management  priorities 
and  measures;  publish 
of 
annual 
progress. 

review 

ACTION: 
Accelerate  efforts 
the 
finalise 
to 
Natura 
2000 
network including: 
complete 
terrestrial  network 
Special 
of 
Protection  Areas 
(SPA) 
[by  2006, 
2008  for  marine]; 
adopt lists of Sites 
Community 
of 
Importance 
(SCI) 
[by  2006,  2008  for 
marine];  designate 
Special  Areas  of 
Conservation 
(SAC) 
establish 
management 
priorities 
necessary 
conservation 
for 
measures 
SACs 
[by  2010, 
2012  for  marine]; 
establish 
similar 
management  and 
conservation 
measures 
SPAs 
2012 for marine]. 

for 
[by  2010, 

and 

and 

for 

Establish  Community 
priorities 
co-
financing  under  each 
provide 
instrument; 
co-
guidance 
financing 
to  MS  and 
potential  beneficiaries; 
co-
MS 
evaluate 
programme 
financing 

on 

A1.1.2 

ACTION:  Ensure 
adequate 
financing 
provided 
Natura 
implementation 
from  Community 
(notably 
sources 
Rural 

to 
2000 

EN 

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  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. 

Further progress on the establishment of NATURA 2000 with 59 areas covering a total surface 
area of approximately 20,000 km² added to the network protected under the Habitats Directive, 
mainly  in  the  marine.  Commission  Decisions  in  the  context  of  the  2009  updating  round 
extended  the  Community  lists  of  protected  sites  for  the  Alpine,  Atlantic,  Continental,  Boreal, 
Macaronesian and Mediterranean biogeographical regions. By the end of 2010 there will be a 
fourth updating round of the lists of sites of Community importance. The Natura 2000 network 
consists of about 26 000 sites and covers almost 18% of the EU terrestrial territory. 

In  2009  dedicated  marine  biogeographical  seminars  were  held  for  the  Atlantic  marine  region 
and the Baltic Sea. Further marine seminars were organised in 2010 for the Black Sea and the 
Mediterranean  and  the  Macaronesian  Atlantic  marine  regions.  All  coastal  MSs  working  to 
identify  further  suitable  marine  Natura  2000  sites,  including  related  research  and  studies 
(sometimes  with  support  from  LIFE  projects)  and  internal  consultations.  However  progress  is 
slow and only a few MS (e.g. NL, DK) proposed additional offshore sites in 2009. 

Between 12/2008 and 07/2009 36 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive 
were  added,  covering  29910  km².  Work  is  also  under  progress  for  the  designation  of  marine 
SPAs. 

Two  meetings  of  marine  expert  group  held,  to  assess  state  of  play  with  marine  Natura  2000 
designations  and  to  specify  the  assessment  process  and  the  implementation  of  fisheries 
measures.  A  further  meeting  is  scheduled  in  2nd  half  of  2010  to  focus  on  marine  sites 
management issues. 

Development of new guidance documents for Natura 2000 in estuaries and coastal zones, for 
non-energy  extractive  industries  and  for  wind  energy  and  nature  conservation  made  further 
progress.  These  guidelines  will  be  published  in  2010.  New  initiative  on  guidelines  for  Natura 
2000 and Agriculture planned for 2010. NATURA barometer updated twice yearly by ETC/BD. 

New  expert  group  on  Natura  2000  management  was  set  up  and  held  its  first  meeting  on  25 
November  2009.  This  group  will  inter  alia  work  on  the  process  of  SAC  designation,  the 
establishment of conservation objectives & management instruments. 

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. 

Specific  Natura  2000  priority  has  been  confirmed  for  relevant  Community  co-financing 
instruments  (EAFRD,  EFF,  Structural  and  Cohesion  Funds).  The  guidelines  for  Natura  2000 
financing  from  various  funds  were  prepared  and  published.  However,  it  is  in  many  cases 
difficult to effectively assess how much of the funds have been allocated and spent on actions 
directly connected to Natura 2000 (with the exception of the dedicated Life+ Nature Fund and 
EAFRD  Natura  2000  measures)  because  of  absence  of  relevant  programme  indicators. 
Therefore the exact uptake of the funds cannot be fully quantified. 

An Information Technology Toolkit on financing Natura 2000 was prepared and made available 

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OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

on the Internet. 

(http://www.financing-natura2000.moccu.com/pub/index.html) 

The estimation of the costs of the Natura 2000  network is being revised, delivering results in 
2010.  Preliminary  results  suggest  a  coherence  with  the  previous  figure  6,1  billion  €/year, 
published in 2004. However, assessment of the budget allocation of the main EU and national 
funding streams suggests that this amount is currently not being met. 

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/natura2000/management/guidance_en.htm.  Update  on  COM  guidance 
document on Article 6 is foreseen (start 2009). 

COM  continues  monitoring  progress  in  the  implementation  and  complaints  in  relation  to  bad 
implementation  have  been  addressed  and 
launched  where 
appropriate, both related to the Habitats and the Birds Directives. 

infringement  procedures 

Efforts on developing sectoral guidance documents have been actively continued. 

Proactive  seminars  in  selected  MSs  (e.g.  IE,  BG  and  CY)  have  been  held  to  promote  sound 
implementation of Art. 6 provisions. 

proposals; 
disburse 
monitor 
funds; 
effectiveness  (in  terms 
biodiversity 
of 
outcomes); 
audit 
expenditure. 

Check  and  ensure  full 
transposition;  address 
any  complaints  relating 
implementation; 
to 
external 
establish 
technical  capacity 
for 
evaluating  requests  for 
derogations 
under 
Article  6(4);  provide 
guidance 
on 
compensatory 
measures; 
adequacy 
compensatory 
measures. 

evaluate 
of 

Development 
funds,  Cohesion 
Structural 
and 
Funds, 
Pre-
Accession 
Instrument, Life-III, 
Life+)  and  MS 
sources, 
to 
accessible 
who 
those 
Natura 
manage 
2000  sites,  with 
on 
focus 
optimising 
long-
term  conservation 
benefits as well as 
priority  awareness 
raising 
and 
networking 
initiatives 
onwards]. 

[2006 

ACTION: 
Transpose fully [by 
2006] 
Articles 
6(2), 6(3) and 6(4) 
the  Habitats 
of 
Directive 
into 
national  legislation 
planning 
and 
and 
policies 
ensure 
subsequent  timely 
implementation; 
where  appropriate 
where 
(i.e. 
development 
proposals  cannot 
avoid  damage  to 
Natura  2000  sites, 
for 
but  proceed 
of 
reasons 
public 
overriding 
ensure 
interest) 
for 
special  effort 
adequate  design 
and 
implementation  of 
compensatory 
measures 
onwards].  

[2006 

ACTION: 
Strengthen 
effectiveness 
Strategic 
Environmental 
Assessment 
(SEA) 
Environmental 
Impact 
Assessment 

of 

and 

stock 

Take 
of 
effectiveness  of  EIA 
(2006-07)  and  of  SEA 
(2008-09)  with  respect 
preventing 
to 
biodiversity 
loss, 
produce  guidance  on 
in 
best 
treatment of biodiversity 
and  EIA 
in  SEA 

practice 

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  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, 

On the basis of two studies on the application of the EIA and SEA Directives (launched in 2008 
and finalized in 2009), the Commission has issued implementation reports for both Directives 
COM(2009)378 for the EIA Directive and COM(2009)469 for the SEA Directive. 

Experience with the application of SEA to Structural Funds for the 2007-2013 period suggests 
the  need  for  specific  guidance  explaining  'how  to  do  these'  needs  to  be  provided.  The 
preparation of guidance document will be submitted to the EIA – SEA Experts group for further 
consideration  and  follow-up  action.  According  to  the  initial  timetable,  a  guidance  document 
may be available in 2011. 

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A1.1.3 

A1.1.4 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
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OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A1.1.5 

A1.2 

A1.2.1 

to 

(specific 
the 
consider 
directives), 
options  to  tighten  legal 
requirements 
(e.g. 
require  biodiversity  to 
be 
at 
addressed 
of 
assessment 
alternatives,  screening, 
scoping  stages)  where 
necessary. 

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

take 
of 

(EIA)  in  informing 
decision-making 
(inter  alia: 
stock 
effectiveness, 
produce  guidance, 
legal 
tighten 
requirements 
as 
appropriate)  so  as 
prevent, 
to 
and 
minimise 
mitigate  damages 
to  Natura  2000 
[2006 
sites 
(cf. 
onwards]. 
A4.1.4, 
Actions 
A4.1.6  and  A4.6.1 
to A4.6.4) 

and 

ACTION:  Ensure 
timely 
full 
application  of  the 
Environmental 
Liability  Directive 
(ELD) as it applies 
protected 
to 
and 
species 
natural 
habitats 
(as  defined  under 
the 
directive), 
including 
preventive 
measures 
and 
remedial  actions, 
as 
appropriate 
[2006 onwards]. 

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). 

In  addition,  the  working  groups  set-up  under  the  ENEA  (European  network  of  environmental 
authorities  dealing  with  structural  funds  programmes)  such  as  the  one  on  "Biodiversity",  "SF 
and  SEA"  and  on  "climate  change"  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 still ongoing against 10 

Members States (BE, EE, EL, FI, FR, IT, LT, PT, SK, SE). 

•  EIA:  infringement  procedures  related  to  non-conformity  issues  are  ongoing  against  7 

Members States (BE, CZ, FR, NL, PL, HU, IT). 

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  resulting  from  this  exercise  will  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. 

COM is monitoring progress on ELD transposition. At present all Member States have notified 
complete transposition of the Directive with a small exception the Region of Salzburg in Austria 
The  conformity  assessment  of  the  transposing  legislation  has  started.  Information  about  the 
choices  of  the  MS  on  Biodiversity  coverage  and  also  on  other  issues  that  will  affect 
implementation is available. 

The COM works together with the MS through bilateral meetings as regards interpretation and 
application of the ELD, mainly  within government expert group meetings. EU  wide guidelines 
on  compensation  (for  all  environmental  legislation  covered  by  ELD)  is  however  unlikely  to 
emerge due to opposition by  several MSS. The results of the RTD funded 'REMEDE' project 
on  the  application  of  Resource  Equivalency  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 the COM has finalised a report  which will be adopted in the 3rd semester of 2010, the 
COM has asked for cases of ELD application after damage incidents and is currently analysing 
the role of financial security for the remediation of damage and for compensation of the loss of 
services and goods. 

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). 

listed 

Carry 
ACTION: 
2008, 
out 
[in 
following 
next 
reports]  scientific 
review  of  habitat 
in 
types 
annexes  of  nature 
directives, 
informed 
'shadow 
priority 
add 
any 
habitat 
Community 
interest, 
and 
ensure  all  habitat 
types 
of 
Community 
interest 
sufficiently 

by 
lists'  of 
habitats; 
to  annexes 
missing 
types  of 

are 

review, 
Coordinate 
necessary 
propose 
to 
amendments 
assess 
annexes, 
sufficiency 
of  MS 
proposals  for  any  new 
sites in response to any 
amendments 
to 
annexes,  adopt  revised 
lists  of  SCIs  where 
necessary. 

through 

the  national  assessments  can  be  already  viewed 

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  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 
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/library).  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. 

the 

The first major 'health check' of the conservation status of species and habitats of Community 
interest under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive was finalised in mid 2009. On 13 July 2009 
the  Commission  adopted  the  "Commission  Report  on  the  Conservation  Status  of  Habitat 
Types  and  Species  as  required  under  Article  17  of  the  Habitats  Directive".  The  report 
represents  the  first  ever  systematic  assessment  of  conservation  status  of  Europe's  most 
vulnerable habitat types and species. Enormous work is being done since then in the reporting 
working group to prepare the next reporting, streamline the various reporting processes, adopt 
new standard data form formats, etc. The intention is to have better data available in order to 
assess the effectiveness of the nature directives as well as for a multitude of other purposes. 
The working group has also elaborated and tested a draft format for improved reporting on bird 
populations status and trends. 

(The 'Article 17' Technical report, including the EU-level analysis and other material as well as 
links to national reports, etc. can be found under http://biodiversity.eionet.europa.eu/article17.) 

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5 

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OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Raise  awareness  of 
and 
importance 
relevance 
these 
areas 
in  context  of 
Action 1.2.3 below. 

of 

Work undertaken & to be carried out under A 1.2.3 also takes account of national protected areas. 

Work  undertaken  &  to  be  carried  out  under  A  1.2.3  also  takes  account  of  national  protected 
areas. 

Coordinate 
assessment, 
guidelines 
strengthen coherence. 

develop 
to 

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. 

Guidelines on 'the maintenance of landscape features of major importance for wild fauna and 
flora' have been published in 2008. A contract on Natura 2000 and its relationships with other 
initiatives  which  may  serve  to  protect  biodiversity  has  been  started  in  2009.  Another  COM 
contract was launched for the further assessment of coherence of Natura 2000 network. Within 
this  contract,  a  workshop  on  Green  Infrastructure  has  been  organised  to  identify  actions  that 
would be most effective at EU level, building  on the experiences of existing initiatives across 
Europe.  The  workshop 
information  on 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm.  A  conference  will  be  held 
on  Green  Infrastructure  in  November  2010  as  a  follow-up  event  to  the  2009  meeting  and  to 
further  discuss  the  development  of  the  Green  Infrastructure  concept,  leading  towards  a 
Strategy on Green Infrastructure at the end of 2011. 

took  place  25-26  March  2009.  More 

represented 
in 
the  Natura  2000 
network 
[by 
2010]. 

ACTION: 
Accelerate  efforts 
to  place  other 
designated 
protected  areas 
(non-Natura 
2000)  of  national, 
regional 
and 
local  biodiversity 
importance  under 
effective 
conservation 
management 
2010, 
2012 
marine]. 

[by 
in 

ACTION:  Assess 
and 
2008] 
[by 
substantially 
strengthen 
[by 
2010]  coherence, 
connectivity  and 
resilience  of  the 
protected  areas 
network 
(Natura 
2000  and  non-
Natura  protected 
by 
areas) 
as 
applying, 
appropriate, 
tools 
which  may  include 
buffer 
flyways, 
corridors 
zones, 
stepping 
and 
stones 
(including 
as  appropriate  to 
neighbouring  and 
other 
third 
countries),  as  well 
as 
in 
actions 
of 
support 
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 

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

species 
or 

EC-level 

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

guidance 

COM  has  prepared  EU  guidelines  for  management  plans  for  large  carnivores  promoting  best  practice  and 
providing 
planning 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/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 

management 

population 

level 

on 

COM has prepared EU guidelines for management plans for large carnivores promoting  best 
practice 
planning 
on 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/carnivores/index_en.htm 

level  management 

population 

guidance 

providing 

and 

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 

6 

EN 

A1.2.2 

A1.2.3 

A1.3 

A1.3.1 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

criteria  prepared  for  selecting  non-bird  species  for  action  plans.  7  new  management  plans  for  huntable  bird 
2007 
species 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/managt_plans_en.htm),  as  well  as  an 
international 
Falcon 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/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. 

finalised 

action 

Saker 

plan 

for 

in 

in 

for 

as 
funded 

habitat 
types 
EUR  mammal 

Same 
COM 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/ema/index.htm;  
EUR fresh-water fish RDL to be updated; 
COM  currently  funding  European  Red  Lists  (EU27)  for  other  taxa:  amphibians  and  reptiles  (ready  end  2008), 
dragonflies, butterflies & saproxylic beetles (ready end 2009), molluscs and vascular plants (selected families) – 
ready end 2010. 

(see 
(publish  May 

relation 
data 

1.2.1);
2007) 

assessment 

to  Article 

17  HD 

prepared 

(RDL) 

red 

list 

A1.3.2 

management 
plans  for  species 
under  threat  and 
review  and  update 
necessary; 
as 
[2006 
elaborate 
and 
onwards] 
implement 
[2007 
onwards] 
additional  species 
or 
action 
management 
plans  for  a  wider 
range  of  species 
- 
under 
birds, 
including 
mammals, reptiles, 
amphibians, 
freshwater 
fish, 
invertebrates  and 
ensure 
plants; 
monitoring 
of 
implementation 
and  effectiveness 
of plans. 

threat 

lists' 

Carry 
ACTION: 
2008, 
out 
[in 
following 
next 
reports]  scientific 
review  of  species 
listed  in  annexes 
of 
nature 
directives, 
informed  by  EU 
for 
'shadow 
taxa  and 
major 
relevant 
other 
of 
assessments 
species 
status; 
to  annexes 
add 
missing 
any 
species 
of 
Community 
and 
interest, 
where 
ensure 
appropriate 
that 
all  species  of 
Community 
interest 
sufficiently 
represented 
in 
the  Natura  2000 
network [by 2010]. 

are 

Coordinate 
review, 
coordinate  monitoring 
and  assessment  of 
conservation 
species 
support 
status, 
development  of  EU 
'shadow  lists'  (including 
Red 
lists), 
Data 
propose  amendments 
to  annexes,  assess 
sufficiency  of  Natura 
2000 
in 
respect  of  all  new 
species 
to 
annexes. 

network 

added 

paludicola,  Marmaronetta  anguistirostris,  Aquila  adalberti)  and  3  new  (Coracias  garullus, 
Chersophilus duponti, Neophron percnopterus) bird action plans. 7 new management plans for 
huntable 
2007 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/managt_plans_en.htm), 
as 
Falcon 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/action_plans/index_en.htm). 

international 

finalised 

species 

action 

Saker 

plan 

well 

bird 

for 

an 

as 

in 

Draft criteria prepared for selecting non-bird species for action plans. EC-level action plans for 
non-bird species are currently under preparation, a first set of action plans is envisaged to be 
prepared in 2009/2010. 

types 

in  relation 

for  habitat 

Same  as 
to  Article  17  HD  assessment  (see  1.2.1);
COM funded European mammal red list (published in May 2007) as well as further Red Lists 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/redlist/index_en.htm 
on 
amphibians  and  reptiles  (published  in  2009),  dragonflies,  butterflies,  freshwater  fish  & 
saproxylic beetles (ready end 2009), molluscs and vascular plants (selected families) – ready 
end 2010. 

A1.3.3 

Identify 
ACTION: 
and 
critical 
fill 
gaps in EU ex-situ 
botanic 
(zoo, 
etc.) 
gardens, 
conservation 
programmes 

for 

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. 

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

EN 

7 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A1.4 

A1.4.1 

in 
wild  species, 
best 
line  with 
with 
practice, 
appropriate 
co-
financing  from  EC 
and  MS 
[2006 
onwards]. 

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

As regards transposition, see Action A1.1.3. 

Community  lists  were  updated  in  2008  and  2009  to  include  SCI  proposed  by  new  Member 
States. 

Ensure  transposition  of 
nature  directives 
for 
application  from  day  of 
accession;  ensure  lists 
proposed  by  day  of 
accession;  adopt  lists 
within 
of 
1 
accession. 

year 

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 
and 
acquis, 
lists  of 
provide 
Natura  2000  sites 
[by 
of 
date 
accession]. 

A1.5 

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. 

A1.5.1 

None 

ACTION: 
Apply 
nature  directives-
type  approach  for 
valued  sites  and 
those 
species 
in 
Outermost 
EU 
not 
Regions 
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. 

There was a 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 EC is engaged with concerned Member States to develop a voluntary scheme to promote 
the  conservation  and  sustainable  use  of  biodiversity  and  ecosystem  services  in  European 
Overseas inspired by the experience of Natura 2000. 

HEADLINE TARGET: In wider countryside (terrestrial, freshwater, brackish water outside Natura 2000 network), biodiversity loss halted by 2010 and showing substantial recovery by 2013. 

AGRICULTURAL & RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 

A2.1 

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

A2.1.1 

ACTION:  Allocate, 
initiative, 
at  MS 

RD 
Assess 
Programmes  and  seek 

MS 

Covered  under  rural  development  policy  for  2007-2013;  All  94  national  and  regional  programmes  have  been 
approved by management committee. At present the first analysis can be made: around 44% (€39.6 billion) of 

Under  the  rural  development  policy  for  2007-2013  some  44.4%  (€42.75  billion)  of  the  EU 
contribution was earmarked to Axis 2 dealing with land management and improvement of the 

EN 

8 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A2.1.2 

A2.1.3 

amendments 
appropriate. 

where 

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.  

environment including support to biodiversity and NATURA 2000 areas. Agri-environment, an 
important measure supporting the management of NATURA 2000 sites was allocated around 
23%  of  the  Community  means  devoted  to  rural  development  (€22.2billion).  In  addition,  some 
EUR  590  million  of  EAFRD  resources  were  dedicated  specifically  to  the  Natura  2000 
agriculture and forest measures. 

Following the implementation of the Health Check the funds earmarked by Member States for 
the agri-environment measure went up by almost 2 billion totalling 22.2 billion €. 

See also examples under Green Infrastructure in A.1.2.3. 

See A 2.1.1  

of 

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

The  Council  adopted  in  2006  Community  strategic  guidelines  for  Rural  development  (period 
2007-2013), inter alia to help make the link with the main EU priorities (Lisbon, Göteborg) and 
translate them into rural development policy, and to ensure consistency with other EU policies, 
in  particular  in  the  fields  of  cohesion  and  environment.  DG  Agriculture  published  in  2006  a 
working  document  on  agri-environmental  measures  and  their  verifiability  to  help  Member 
States implement the agri-environmental measures. 

See also A 2.1.1  

For high nature value farming guidance, see A2.1.3. 

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 
indirectly 
or 
of 
supportive 
and 
nature 
biodiversity 
[2006/07  and  any 
subsequent 
revisions]. 
Action B.1.1.2)  

(cf. 

Apply 

ACTION: 
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.  

extent 

to 
Evaluate 
Common 
which 
Policy 
Agricultural 
(CAP) 
National 
Strategy  Plans  and 
National  RDPs  reflect 
this  need  -  encourage 
where 
adjustments 
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 
(http://reports.eea.europa.eu/state_of_environment_report_2007_1/en/chapter4.pdf). 
Research 
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.  

Centre 

and 
areas 
the 
2000 

ACTION:  Define 
criteria and identify 
high-
[2006-07] 
nature-value 
farmland 
forest 
(including 
Natura 
network) 
threatened 
with 
loss  of  biodiversity 
particular 
(with 
attention 
to 
extensive  farming 
and 
forest/woodland 
systems  at  risk  of 
intensification 
or 
abandonment,  or 
already 
abandoned),  and 
and 
design 
implement 
measures 

to 

The  Commission  contracted  a  study  on  HNV  indicators  for  evaluation  including  a  guidance 
document  to  the  Member  States  on  the  application  of  HNV  indicators  in  the  context  of 
evaluating  Rural  Development  Programmes.  The  aim  of  the  document  is  to  set  out  a  best 
practice approach to applying the indicator which allows a degree of flexibility in the data used. 
Following consultations with the Member States, the guidance document on the application of 
the  HNV  impact  indicator  was  finalised  in  December  2008  in  the  context  of  the  Evaluation 
Network 
the  Commission 
(http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/eval/hnv/guidance_en.pdf ). 

for  Rural  Development 

auspices 

under 

the 

of 

Follow-up  on  the  development  of  this  indicator  in  the  Member  States  is  ensured  by  the 
Evaluation Network. http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/eval/hnv/guidance_en.pdf 

The  JRC  and  the  EEA  have  published  the  EU-wide  HNV  farmland  indicator  in  2008 
(http://agrienv.jrc.ec.europa.eu/publications/pdfs/HNV_Final_Report.pdf).  

See also A 2.1.1 

EN 

9 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

maintain 
restore 
conservation 
status 
onwards]. 

and/or 

[2007 

extent 

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

- 

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

In  the  “Health  Check”  of  the  CAP,  adopted  in  2008,  the  compulsory  set  aside  was  abolished 
and  the  Good  Agricultural  and  Environmental  Conditions  (GAEC)  of  cross-compliance  were 
amended.  The  standard  on  the  retention  of  landscape  features  was  amended  to  give  more 
precise  examples  of  features  important  for  biodiversity.  A  new  optional  GAEC  standard  was 
introduced  to  favour  the  establishment  and/or  retention  of  habitats.  In  addition,  the  new 
compulsory  standard  on  the  establishment  of  buffer  strips  along  watercourses  could  also 
provide  benefits  for  biodiversity  depending  on  the  management  applied  on  these  areas.  The 
aim was to compensate in part for the loss of market set-aside, which had provided benefits to 
set-aside and water quality. 

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. 

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

seek 
where 

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. 

extent 

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

- 

Member States' draft Rural Development Programmes for 2007-13 were subject to an ex-ante 
evaluation as well as a strategic environmental assessment. Programmes had to be adjusted 
according to the conclusions of the assessments. 

In addition, Member States were requested in their Rural Development Programmes to commit 
themselves that all actions undertaken under these programmes will have to be carried out in 
accordance  with  the  environmental  legislation,  with  particular  emphasis  on  the  nature 
directives. Safeguard clauses had to be attached to those measures which can have potential 
adverse impact on biodiversity and NATURA sites. 

See also A 2.1.1 

All  Member  States  which  provide  support  through  their  RDPs  for  farm  advisory  services 
include  a  provision  that  they  will  cover  at  the  minimum  the  standards  and  requirements  of 
cross-compliance.  The  latter  contains  also  some  of  the  provisions  of  the  Birds  and  Habitats 
Directive. Member States plan to spend € 637  million from EAFRD on advisory services for the 
period 2007-2013. 

During  the  same  period,  MSs  planned  expenditures  for  training  amount  to  €  1232  million.  In 
2008  around  one  third  of  the  EAFRD  funding  for  training  was  devoted  to  the  r,  promotion  of 
sustainable  farming  respecting  biodiversity  needs  and  raising  environmental  awareness  of 
farmers.  

See also A 2.1.1 

A2.1.4 

A2.1.5 

A2.1.6 

ACTION:  Ensure 
effective 
implementation  of 
cross-
compliance 
(which  provides  a 
baseline  for  most 
of the measures of 
Axis 2 of the Rural 
Development 
Regulation) 
in 
ways  that  benefit 
biodiversity  [2007-
2013]. 

(RDPs) 
with 

ACTION:  Ensure 
that  MS  Rural 
Development 
Plans 
comply 
environmental 
legislation  and  in 
particular  with  the 
nature  directives 
so  as  to  prevent 
and minimise any 
potential 
damages 
biodiversity 
[2007-2013]. 

to 

ACTION:  Broaden 
extension 
services, 
farm 
advisory systems 
and 
training 
actions to farmers, 
and 
landowners 
farm  workers 
to 
strengthen 
biodiversity-related 
implementation  in 
the 
rural 
next 
development 
programming 
onwards], 
[2007 
including  support 
from  the  LEADER 
axis. 

A2.1.7 

ACTION:  Ensure 
'less 
future 
area' 
favoured 
(LFA) 
regime 
[from  2010]  under 
Axis  2  enhances 

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

Covered under rural development policy for 2007-2013; See A 2.1.1 the revision of the LFA scheme should be 
seen as a separate exercise which is supposed to be 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 

Covered under rural development policy for 2007-2013. 

The revision of the LFA scheme has been  postponed until the CAP reform for the post 2013 
period. 

See also A 2.1.1 

EN 

10 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

its  contribution  to 
biodiversity  and  to 
'high  nature  value' 
farm  and 
forest 
areas. 

tends  to  be  low  and  this  is  a  major  contribution  to  meeting  nature  conservation  and  landscape  goals  over  a 
significant  area.  Other  habitat  types  have  benefited  less  from  the  LFA  measure.  The  results  of  this  study  are 
used as an input in the discussions on the revision of the LFA scheme. Following the inclusion into axis 2 of the 
renewed rural development policy, natural handicap 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. 

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

to  2010 

target.  Communication  on  agri-env. 

See A 2.1.1; Mandatory work on indicators ongoing (farmland birds, Natura 2000, Tree species composition) & 
(COM(2006)508)); 
working 
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; 

indicators  adopted 

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. 

Work on improving the quality of indicators continues within the Evaluation Network on RD and 
in  the  context  of  a  memorandum  of  understanding  between  Commission  and  EEA.  Some  of 
the agri-environmental indicators developed have been integrated into the common monitoring 
and evaluation framework of the rural development policy. 

A few studies on forest biodiversity have already provided information and can serve as a first 
benchmark for assessing forest biodiversity trends. They have been co-funded under the frame 
of the Regulation 2152/2003 Forest Focus: the forest-biota study, the Biosoil study etc. 

All RDPs had to be accompanied by ex-ante evaluations and SEA whose evaluation was part 
of the assessment process. 

See also A 2.1.1 and A2.1.5 

A2.1.8 

the 

and 

ACTION: 
Implement 
common 
monitoring  and 
evaluation 
framework 
Strategic 
Environmental 
Assessment 
(SEA)  Directive 
requirements 
where  applicable 
for 
rural 
development 
programmes, 
the 
including 
definition 
of 
indicators in a way 
of 
that 
impact 
on 
measures 
is 
biodiversity 
assessed 
[2006 
onwards]. 

Evaluate  the  extent  to 
which  MS  have  used 
the first pillar of CAP for 
supporting biodiversity. 

See  A2.1.4;  The  proposed  "health  check"  of  the  CAP  includes  proposals  to  require  farmers  to  maintain  field 
margins  where  appropriate,  and  to  have  buffer  strips  along  water  courses.  The  Commission  has  proposed  to 
strengthen the standard on landscape 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. 

The "health check" of the CAP abolished the set aside but amended the Good Agricultural and 
Environmental  Condition  of  cross-compliance  i.a.  in  favour  of  biodiversity  (see  action  A2.1.4) 
and included the requirement for farmers to have buffer strips along water courses. In addition, 
the  CAP  "health  check"  provided  for  the  transfer  of  additional  resources  (stemming  from  an 
increased  rate  of  compulsory  and  the  introduction  of  progressive  modulation)  from  Pillar  1  of 
the CAP to Pillar 2, for strengthening the new challenges, which include biodiversity protection. 
The revisions of Rural Development Programmes to commit this additional money, as well as 
money from the Recovery Package, was completed by February 2010. For an assessment of 
how much additional funding was used for biodiversity related measures see Action A2.1.1. 

See also A2.1.4 

A.2.1.9 

ACTION: 
that 
Encourage 
implementation  of 
the 
Common 
Agricultural 
Policy  first  pillar 
benefits 
biodiversity, 
notably 
through 
mandatory  cross-
compliance, 
decoupling  (single 
payments) 
farm 
and 
by 
encouraging  take-
up  of  modulation 
by 
the  Member 
States. 

if 
a 
review 
cross-

ACTION: 
Consider, 
appropriate, 
possible 
of 
compliance 
requirements 
related 
the 
preservation  of 

to 

A2.1.10 

EN 

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

See A2.1.4 and 2.1.9. 

See A2.1.4 and 2.1.9. 

11 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
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OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A2.1.11 

biodiversity in the 
2007 review of the 
cross-compliance 
system. 

to 

ACTION: 
Strengthen 
measures 
ensure 
conservation,  and 
availability for use, 
genetic 
of 
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]. 

A2.1.12 

ACTION:  Exploit 
opportunities 
under 
[2007-2013] 
implement 
above  actions 
the 
Regions. 

the  CAP 
to 
all 
in 
Outermost 

FOREST POLICY 

A2.1.13 

ACTION:  Ensure 
the 
that 
EU 
forthcoming 
Action 
Forest 
[due  2006] 
Plan 
addresses 
forest 
biodiversity among 
the  priorities, 
in 
line  with  the  EU 
Strategy 
Forest 
and 
6th 
Environment 
Action 
Programme. 

the 

of 

and 

endangered 

animal 
Community 

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 
resources.
preservation 
2. 
programme 
The Community programme on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources 
in 
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 
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/genetic-
resources/index_en.htm 
Preparation  of  Commission  Directives  on  the  acceptance  and  marketing  of  landraces  and  varieties  which  are 
naturally  adapted  to  the  local  and  regional  conditions  and  threatened  by  genetic  erosion  covering  seed  of 
agricultural plant species, vegetables, vegetable 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). 

agriculture, 

co-funding 

countries, 

genetic 

plant 

total 

and 

EU 

EU 

of 

a 

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  (Directive  2008/62/EC),  vegetables  (Directive 
2009/145/EC) and fodder plant seed mixtures adopted. 

Adaptation of 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).  

In  2008,  €15.7  million  out  of  EAFRD  funding  spent  on  agri-environment  were  used  for  the 
preservation of local and endangered animal and plant genetic resources, and €10 million for 
the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture. 

In June 2010, the Member States endorsed a Commission proposal providing for the placing 
on the market of certain types of wild plant seeds from conserved habitats, which should boost 
the efforts to conserve genetic diversity in the EU. 

See  A  2.1.1  This  has  been  done  within  the  framework  of  the  RDPs  assessment  with  taking  account  of  the 
specific character of those areas and their problems and needs. 

This has been done within the framework of the RDPs assessment taking into account of the 
specific character of those areas and their problems and needs. See also A 2.1.1 

Facilitate 
(remove 
provide 
obstacles), 
guidance,  provide  co-
financing. 

extent 

Evaluate 
to 
which  CAP  National 
Strategy  Plans  for  RD 
or 
and 
National 
RD 
regional 
Programmes 
(for  MS 
with  outermost  regions) 
- 
reflect 
encourage  adjustments 
where necessary. 

this  need 

Propose  Action  Plan, 
implement  Community-
level components. 

The EU Forest Action Plan (2007-2011) was adopted as a Communication from Commission to Council and EP 
on  15  June  2006  (Council  conclusions  24-25  October  2006).  It  contains  4  main  objectives:  1)  Improving  long-
term  competitiveness,  2)  Improving  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 Green Paper On Forest Protection and Information in the EU: Preparing forests for climate 
change  was  adopted  by  the  Commission  in  March  2010  (COM(2010)66  final  to  trigger  a 
discussion  on  the  threats  to  EU  forest  and  the  role  of  forest  to  contribute  to  adaptation  and 
mitigation  of  climate  change  and  in  halting  biodiversity  loss.  [  I  WOULD  PUT  THIS  BULLET 
FIRST] 

The  work  on  the  EU  Forest  Action  Plan  (2007-2011)  continues.  A  Mid-term  evaluation  of  the 
EU FAP to cover the implementation of actions and activities in 2007-2008 was completed by 
the  Commission  and  discussed  by  the  SFC  in  December  2009.  Data  from  the  forest 
biodiversity monitoring project Biosoil are included in the EFDAC and ESDAC data-centres of 
JRC-IES. Although a preliminary report is already available, the final report has been published 
in 2010 http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ESDB_Archive/eusoils_docs/other/EUR24258.pdf. 

A  European  Forest  Data  Centre  (http://efdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu)  has  been  established  at  the  JRC  as  part  of  the 
implementation of Key Action 8 of the FAP. EFDAC provides access to forest datasets and models, which are 
relevant for European policy making  

Measures  to  enhance  the  protection  of  EU  Forests  (Key  Action  9)  have  been  implemented  through  the 
European Forest Fire Information System (http://effis.jrc.it).  

EN 

12 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A2.1.14 

A2.1.15 

Implement  Resolution 
at 
applies 
as 
Community level. 

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. 

The Commission actively takes part in the Forest Europe/MCPFE, including by contributing to 
the reporting on implementation of the Forest Europe/MCPFE declarations and resolutions and 
to the external review process performed in 2009 

on 

ACTION: 
Implement  Vienna 
Ministerial 
Conference 
resolution 
forest 
biodiversity 
(2003) 
through 
forest  policies  of 
MS and EU Forest 
Action  Plan  with 
particular 
the 
reference 
Expanded 
CBD 
Programme 
of 
Work  on  Forest 
Biological Diversity 
[2006 onwards]. 

to 

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. 

The  Forest  Focus  Regulation  has  also  contributed  towards  Objective  2,  co-financing  forest 
fires prevention activities and studies on forest biodiversity (e.g. forest biota, Biosoil, monitoring 
of biodiversity in boreal forests, forest soil biodiversity). 

None 

ACTION:  Assess 
impact 
potential 
on biodiversity of 
plans, 
programmes  and 
projects 
for 
afforestation  (or, 
should 
the  case 
arise, 
deforestation); 
adjust 
in 
accordingly 
order to ensure no 
overall 
long-term 
negative impact on 
biodiversity 
[2006 
onwards]. 

ENVIRONMENT POLICY 

A2.2 

A2.2.1 

A2.2.2 

EN 

TARGET: Risks to soil biodiversity in EU substantially reduced by 2013. 

Provide  guidance  on 
identification  of 
risk 
areas. 

Publication  in  2006  of  the  report  elaborated  by  the  Joint  Research  Centre  (Inst.  f.  Environment  and 
Sustainability, JRC-IES) on Common criteria for risk area identification according to soil threats (EUR 22185 EN 
see: http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/esdb_archive/eusoils_docs/esb_rr/n20_EUR22185.pdf). This report has been 
distributed  to  all  Member  States  in  March  2007.  This  work  will  be  continued  by  the  JRC  in  the  context  of  the 
Common Implementation Strategy for the Framework Directive on soil protection when the latter will be adopted 
by the EU. 

As a major contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity, the new European Atlas of Soil 
Biodiversity has been compiled by the JRC (Inst. f. Environment and Sustainability, JRC-IES) 
and  will  be  officially  presented  during  the  high-level  meeting  “Soils,  Climate  Change  and 
Biodiversity-Where  do  we  stand?”  in  Brussels,  the  24th  of  September  2010.  A  specific  side 
event  at  COP10  of  CBD  in  Nagoya,  Japan  has  been  scheduled  for  the  presentation  and 
distribution of this atlas to the global biodiversity stakeholder community. 

ACTION:  Identify 
geographical  risk 
areas  for  factors 
soil 
affecting 
(soil 
biodiversity 
loss  of 
sealing, 
matter, 
organic 
soil  erosion,  etc.) 
[by 2009]. 

ACTION: 
soil 
Minimise 
sealing,  sustain 
organic 
soil 
and 
matter 
soil 
prevent 
through 
erosion 
timely 
implementation  of 

suitable 
provide 
on 

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

Adoption  of  the  Commission  Proposal  for  a  Thematic  Strategy  on  soil  protection  (COM(2006)  231  and 
COM(2006)232  of  22.9.2006).  The  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 

The results of the 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  were  published  in  March  2010  and  are  available  at 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/soil/biodiversity.htm.  In  addition,  two  studies  were  co-funded 
under the Forest Focus Regulation on forest soil biodiversity (in France and Belgium). 

13 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A2.3 

A2.3.1 

A2.4 

A2.4.1 

in 

measures 
the 

key 
identified 
forthcoming 
Thematic  Strategy 
for  Soil  Protection 
[2010 onwards]. 

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. 

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

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

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 2012. 

The new work programme for common implementation strategy for WFD was agreed for 2010-
2012  and  the  results  of  the  'intercalibration'  exercise  were  adopted  (COM  Decision  of  30 
October 2008  (2008/915/EC)). The  results of intercalibration (harmonising biological methods 
to assess ecological status) phase 2 (2008-2011) are under way. 

Guidance on intercalibration process revised and updated. 

Eutrophication guidance and policy summary completed. 

Implementation report on Member States' monitoring programmes available (COM(2009) 156 
and SEC(2009) 415). 

Between  December  2009  and  March  2010,  adoption  and  submission  to  the  Commission  by 
Member  States  of  the  River  Basin  Management  plans  (110  river  basin  districts)  pursuant  to 
Article 13 of the Water Framework Directive. The Commission is in the process of carrying out 
the full assessment of the Plans. These should aim at complying with the obligation to achieve 
good ecological status of waters by 2015. 

and 
of 
Basin 

[by 
and 
of 
Basin 

ACTION:  Ensure 
implementation  of 
operational 
monitoring 
programmes 
2006] 
publication 
River 
Management 
Plans 
establishment 
River 
District 
Programmes  of 
[by 
Measures 
that 
2009]  and 
these  Plans  and 
Programmes 
of 
Measures  are  fully 
operational 
[by 
2012],  in  line  with 
provisions  of  the 
Water  Framework 
Directive. 

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

ACTION: 
Significantly 
point 
reduce 
source  pollutant 
on 
pressures 
terrestrial 
and 
freshwater 
ecosystems 
through 
strengthening 
implementation  of 
relevant 
Directives,  notably 
on 
Integrated 
Pollution 
Prevention 
Control, 
Combustion 
Plants, 
Incineration, 
Urban 
Waste 
Water  Treatment 
(cf.  action  3.2.1) 

and 
Large 

Waste 

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

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/stationary/ippc/proposal.htm).  The  IPPC  Directive  (2008/1/EC) 
requires installations falling under its scope to operate in accordance with permits including emission limit values 
based on the best available techniques (BAT), designed to prevent and, where that is not practicable, generally 
to reduce emissions and the impact to the environment as a whole. The prevention or reduction of emissions to 
air,  water  and  soil  should  therefore  be  dealt  with  in  the  environmental  permits  issued  in  accordance  with  the 
IPPC Directive. The key deadline for the full 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 
in  waste  management.  The  Commission's 
achieved 

techniques  and  experience 

in  emission  control 

Under the 'Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive' a new work 
programme  has  been  adopted  for  2010-2012  for  the  implementation  of  Water  Framework 
Directive (2000/60/EC), including Dangerous Substances Directive (2006/11/EC) 

Dangerous  Substances  Directive  (Directive  2006/11/EC)  –  codified  version  of  Directive 
76/464/EEC  complements  the  scope  of  the  WFD  (Directive  2000/60/EC).  It  lays  down  the 
strategy  against  pollution  caused  by  certain  dangerous  substances  into  aquatic  environment. 
According  to  this  directive,  Member  States  shall  take  appropriate  steps  to  eliminate/reduce 
pollution  of  waters  by  dangerous  substances  listed  in  Annex  I  to  the  directive.  Annex  I 
substances have to be seen in relation to Annex VIII of the WFD as well as to Annex I and II of 
the new Directive on Environmental Quality Standards (Directive 2008/105/EC).  

EN 

14 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

[2006 onwards]. 

A2.4.2 

A2.4.3 

of 
and 

ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce  airborne 
eutrophying  and 
acidifying 
pollution 
terrestrial 
freshwater 
ecosystems  in  line 
with 
Thematic 
Strategy  on  Air 
[2006 
Pollution 
onwards]; 
revise 
National  Emission 
Ceilings  Directive 
(cf. 
2007]. 
[by 
action 3.2.2) 

(notably 

ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce  pollution 
of  terrestrial  and 
freshwater 
ecosystems  from 
agricultural 
sources 
pesticides, 
nitrates) 
through 
measures  in  line 
with 
Thematic 
the 
Strategy  on 
Sustainable Use of 
Pesticides, 
pesticides 
biocides 
legislation, 
Nitrates  Directive 
[2006 
onwards]. 
(cf. action 3.2.3) 

and 

A2.4.4 

ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce 
exposure, 

current 
and 

EN 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

in 

each 

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 “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 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-
State. 
urbanwaste/implementation/implementationreports_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). 

Member 

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 

complaints, 

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 
NECD 
prepared 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/pollutants/iam_nec_dir.htm. 

documentation 

Background 

revision 

sites. 

the 

the 

for 

of 

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

A  report  on  implementation  of  Nitrates  Directive  based  on  the  information  transmitted  by  27 
Member  States  during  2008  (4th  reporting  period  2004-2007)  was  published  by  the 
Commission  in  2010.  Based  on  the  feedback  from  this  reporting  period  as  well  as  following 
developments in other directives and IT preliminary work for next reporting period has started.  
A  Framework  Directive  on  the  Sustainable  Use  of  Pesticides  entered  into  force  on  25th 
November  2009  to  reduce  the  risks  to  human  health  and  the  environment  from  the  use  of 
pesticides.  The  new  Directive  is  accompanied  by  a  Regulation  on  the  placing  of  plant 
protection products on the market, revising Directive 91/414/EEC and by two additional pieces 
of  legislation:  the  Regulation  concerning  the  statistics  on  pesticides  and  the  revision  of  the 
Machinery Directive. 

The  Nitrates  Directive  and  Directive  91/414  have  been  part  of  cross-compliance  under  the 
Common  Agricultural  Policy  since  2003.  This  has  contributed  to  a  better  application  of  these 
directives. In addition, agri-environmental measures aimed at i.a. input reduction have provided 
incentives to reduce pollution in the agricultural sector. 

The  Commission  is  currently  reflecting  on  the  need  to  have  specific  measures  addressing 
sustainable use of biocidal products. A study on the assessment of different options to address 
risks  from  the  use  phase  of  biocidal  products  was  carried  out  in  2009  and  another  study  on 
best practices in the area of sustainable use of biocides is being carried out at the moment. In 
June 2009, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation concerning the placing on the 
market  and  use  of  biocidal  products.  The  proposal,  which  is  currently  discussed  in  the  co-
decision, does not contain provisions on sustainable use. 

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. 

Environmental  Quality  Standards  Directive  (Directive  2008/105/EC)  has  been  adopted.  This 
directive  has  to  be  seen  in  the  context  of  the  Water  Framework  Directive  and  not  as  an 
independent  directive.  It  establishes  environmental  quality  standards  for  41  dangerous 
chemical  substances  (including  33  priority  substances  and  8  other  pollutants)  that  pose  a 

15 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A2.5 

A2.5.1 

A2.5.2 

enforce 
appropriate. 

where 

future 
of 
and 

limit 
exposure, 
terrestrial 
freshwater 
ecosystems 
to 
toxic  chemicals 
through  measures 
in 
line  with  EU 
chemicals 
legislation 
including  REACH 
onwards]. 
[2006 
(cf. action 3.2.4) 

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. 

particular risk (hazard and exposure) to animal and plant life in the aquatic environment and to 
human health.  

In addition, the Commission is  working on the preparation of a new proposal that need to be 
ready  by  January  2011  in  accordance  with  Article  8  of  the  Environmental  Quality  Standard 
Directive.  

Under the 'Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive' a new work 
programme  has  been  adopted  for  2010-2012  for  the  implementation  of  Water  Framework 
Directive  (2000/60/EC),  including  the  implementation  of  Environmental  Quality  Standards 
Directive (2008/105/EC). 

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 

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  environment  will  be 
considered.  

Provide guidance 

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. 

Expert group on rivers set up by DG ENV and DG TREN in 03/2009.  

ACTION:  As  part 
of  the  preliminary 
risk 
flood 
assessment 
for 
each  river  basin, 
assess  the  risks 
and  benefits  of 
for 
flooding 
biodiversity 
[within  3  years  of 
adoption 
of 
Directive]. 

ACTION:  Ensure 
Flood 
risk 
management 
for  each 
plans 
basin 
river 
optimise  benefits 
for  biodiversity 
through, 
in 
particular,  allowing 
necessary 
freshwater input to 
wetland 
and 
floodplain habitats, 
creating 
and 
possible 
where 
and 
appropriate 
additional  wetland 
floodplain 
and 
which 
habitats 
enhance  capacity 
flood  water 
for 
retention 
[by 
2015]. 

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. 

EN 

16 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A3.1 

A3.1.1 

A3.1.2 

A3.1.3 

A3.1.4 

A3.1.5 

EN 

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

and 

'good 

ACTION:  Make 
initial 
assessments, 
determine 
environmental 
status', 
establish 
environmental 
targets 
for  each 
Marine  Region  in 
line  within 
the 
timetable  specified 
the  proposed 
in 
Strategy 
Marine 
[2006 
Directive 
onwards]. 

to 
good 

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

ACTION:  Ensure 
biodiversity 
key 
and 
ecosystem 
provisions  of  the 
Thematic  Strategy 
the  Marine 
for 
Environment  are 
assured 
the 
Maritime  Policy 
for  the  Union  and 
consequent 
any 
policy. 

in 

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 

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

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive was adopted in June 2008 (OJ L 164 of 25.6.2008, p.19). It provides 
the  basis  for  achieving  good  environmental  status  in  the  marine  environment  and  includes  provision  for  the 
further development of marine 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 
http://emis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/4_1_gismap.php. 

high  Oxygen  Depletion  Risk 

Areas  mapped, 

Sensitive 

Areas 

see: 

and 

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive was adopted in June 2008 (OJ L 164 of 25.6.2008, 
p.19). A Common Implementation Strategy has been adopted, entailing the set in motion of a 
Strategy Coordination Working Group as  well as  working groups to further develop the 'good 
environmental status' concept and data handling and monitoring activities. 

The  Commission  is  expected  to  adopt  a  decision  specifying  parameters  and  criteria  to  make 
operational the descriptors listed in the Directive by July 2010. To this end, preparatory work is 
being  carried  out  by  the  International  Council  for  the  exploration  of  the  Seas  and  the  Joint 
Research Centre's Institute for Environment and Sustainability (JRC-IES). 

The  reports  prepared  from  different  working  groups  of  experts  include  one  on  biodiversity 
(available  at  http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/111111111/13642  scrolling 
down and using the View/Open option).). 

As above 

See A 3.1.1. 

See A 3.1.1. 

to 
Com 
Thematic 
action plan. 

implement 
Strategy 

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  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). 

The  recently  adopted  Commission  progress  report  on  the  Integrated  Maritime  Policy 
(COM/2009/0540  final)  consolidates  the  Marine  Strategy  Framework  Directive  as  the 
environmental  pillar.  Moreover,  the  definition  of  the  boundaries  of  sustainability  of  human 
activities  that  have  an  impact  on  the  marine  environment,  in  line  with  the  Directive  is 
considered one of the six strategic directions to deliver the IMP objectives. 

guidance, 

See A.2.3.1. 

See A.2.3.1. 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

Coordinate 
implementation, review. 

An  external  evaluation  of  the  implementation  of  the  ICZM  Recommendation  was  carried  out  in  2006.  It 
concluded that the Recommendation has had a positive effect in stimulating progress towards a more integrated 
planning and management of Europe's coastal zones. In its Communication (COM (2007) 308), COM presented 
broad policy directions for the further support of ICZM at EU level. These include the development of guidance 

Following  the  evaluation  of  the  ICZM  Recommendation  (COM  (2007)  308),  the  Commission 
launched the process towards a follow-up proposal to the Recommendation in 2011. A working 
group  report  on  strategic  directions  and  scoping  of  the  impact  assessment  was  produced  in 

17 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

Integrated 
Zone 

EU 
Coastal 
Management 
Recommendation 
[2006 onwards]. 

and  sharing  of  good-practices,  and  the  identification  of  2  priority  themes,  being  (1)  adaptation  to  coastal  risks 
and climate change impacts and (2) cooperation in regional sea context, including management of the land-sea 
interface and marine spatial planning. Specific actions to be designed in coherence with the Maritime Policy and 
the Marine Strategy 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 launc hed in 2008 to support the exchange of experience and 
comparative analysis of ICZM. The contract should start 1/2009 and run through to 2/2012.  
- In the framework of the Cohesion policy, the 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  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. 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

2009.  

The  ICZM  Protocol  to  the  Barcelona  Convention  was  signed  by  the  EU  in  2008  (Council 
Decision 2009/89/EC) with a ratification proposal to follow in 2010. 

To  support  implementation  of  ICZM  the  OURCOAST  initiative  was  launched  in  2009. 
OURCOAST focuses on exchange of experience and comparative analysis for ICZM. The first 
phase of the initiative runs from1/2009 through to 2/2012 (1M€).  

In the framework of the Cohesion Policy, the transnational operational programmes 2007-2013 
of  all  the  European  regional  seas  provide  funding  opportunities  for  ICZM.  Relevant  coastal 
projects have been selected in the first rounds and are being implemented (e.g. COASTANCE, 
IMCORE, 
ANCORIM,  SUSCOD,  CAMIS,  C-SCOPE,  TIDE?  BLAST,  COASTADAPT, 
BALTCICA, BALTSEAPLAN, LITOMAC), 
The  6th  RTD  Framework  programme  supported  a  number  of  key  projects  to  support  ICZM 
which are to deliver results in the course of 2009/2010 (e.g. CONSCIENCE, SPICOSA,). In the 
context  of  the  7th  Framework  programme,  a  research  project  to  support  ICZM  in  the 
Mediterranean and Black seas was selected in 2008 (PEGASO). 

A3.2 

A3.2.1 

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce 
point 
source  pollutant 
pressures 
on 
marine 
ecosystems 
through 
strengthening 
implementation  of 
relevant 
Directives,  notably 
on 
Integrated 
Pollution 
Prevention 
Control, 
Combustion 
Plants, 
Incineration, 
Urban 
Waste 
Water  Treatment 
[2006 
onwards] 
(cf. action 2.3.1) 

and 
Large 

Waste 

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

A3.2.2 

ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce  airborne 
eutrophicating 
and 
pollution 
marine 
ecosystems 
in 
line  with  Thematic 
Strategy  on  Air 

acidifying 
of 

EN 

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. 

Pollutants are already included within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). See 
A.3.1.1. 

See A.2.4.2. 

Eutrophication  and  acidifying  pollution  are  already  included  within  the  Marine  Strategy 
Framework Directive (MSFD). See A.3.1.1. 

18 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A3.2.3 

A3.2.4 

[2006 
revise 

Quality 
onwards]; 
National 
Emissions  Ceiling 
Directive 
[by 
2007].  (cf.  action 
2.3.2) 

ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce  pollution 
marine 
of 
ecosystems  from 
agricultural 
sources 
(pesticides, 
nitrates) 
through 
measures  in  line 
Thematic 
with 
Strategy  on 
the 
Sustainable Use of 
Pesticides, 
pesticides 
biocides 
legislation, 
Nitrates  Directive 
onwards]. 
[2006 
(cf. action 2.3.3) 

and 

ACTION: 
Significantly 
reduce 
current 
exposure, and limit 
future exposure, of 
marine 
to 
ecosystems 
toxic  chemicals 
through  measures 
in 
line  with  EU 
chemicals 
legislation 
onwards]. 
action 2.3.4) 

[2006 
(cf. 

FISHERIES POLICY 

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

guidance, 

Provide 
monitor 
implementation, 
address 
enforce 
appropriate. 

complaints, 
where 

See A.2.4.3. 

See A.2.4.3. 

See A.2.4.4. 

Toxic chemicals are already included within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). 
See A.3.1.1. 

A3.3 

A3.3.1 

EN 

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

the 

ACTION: 
Introduce 
fisheries 
management 
measures 
required 
the 
Regional  Marine 
Strategies 
adopted 
by 
Member  States  in 
the 
line 
with 
of 
requirements 

in 

respect 

of 
Ensure 
for 
deadlines 
of 
Programmes 
Measures 
be 
adopted  by  Member 
States  and  propose 
pertinent 
fishery 
measures. 

to 

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. 

Regional Marine Strategies will only be operational by 2016 

19 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A3.4 

A3.4.1 

A3.5 

A3.5.1 

A3.5.2 

A3.5.3 

A3.5.4 

the 
Marine 
Strategy  Directive 
[by 2017]. 

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 
for 
State 
actions  beneficial 
marine 
to 
[2007 
biodiversity 
(cf. 
onwards]. 
Action B1.1.3) 

funds 

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. 

TARGET: Stock levels maintained or restored to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield, where possible no later than 2015. 

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

Propose  plan  of  action 
to 
attain  maximum 
sustainable  yield.  Seek 
advice, 
scientific 
stakeholders 
consult 
and 
elaborate 
proposals  for  recovery 
management 
and 
plans. 

Communication  on  implementing  sustainability  in  EU  fisheries  through  Maximum  Sustainable  Yield  (MSY) 
COM(2006)360;  SEC(2006)868,  the  Council  received  the  Communication  and  issued  conclusions  on  the 
17/12/2007; ongoing measures to introduce this 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. 

The European Fisheries Fund Regulation offers the MS the possibility, to co-finance actions for 
biodiversity  conservation  and  sustainable  use  of  natural  resources.  However,  the  information 
provided  by  MS  in  their  Operational  Programmes  does  not  include  the  amount  allocated  to 
specific  actions.  At  present  it  is  not  possible  to  know  the  amounts  allocated  to  actions 
beneficial to marine biodiversity. However, the guidelines for the interim evaluation of the EFF 
should  include  questions  related  to  this  topic.  The  synthesis  of  these  evaluations  should  be 
available by the end of 2011. 

Propose programmes.  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.  The  19  concerned  MS  have  submitted  their 
Eel Management Plans to the COM,  which the COM is scientifically assessing before adoption (15 EMP have 
been adopted so far). 
Long-term management plan for the Baltic Salmon to be adopted in 2011. 

ACTION: Develop, 
adopt 
and 
implement 
restoration 
programmes 
diadromous 
species 
trout, 
sturgeon). 
onwards] 

(e.g. 
salmon, 
[2006 

for 

ACTION:  Adjust 
fishing  capacity 
to 
improve 
balance  between 
capacity 
fishing 
and  available  fish 
stocks. 
[2006 
onwards] 

Adopt 
ACTION: 
and 
implement 
provisions  under 
CFP  for  the  wider 
of 
establishment 
no-take zones. 

efficient 
Work 
out 
parameters 
the 
assessment  of  fishing 
capacity. 

for 

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. 

Improved  reporting  by  Member  States  and  the  Commission  in  the  Annual  Report  from  the 
Commission  to  the  Council  and  the  EP  on  MSs  efforts  to  achieve  a  sustainable  balance 
between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities during 2008. Commission continues to work 
with MSs and STECF to provide a better evaluation of the EU over-capacity, according to data 
on  fishing  possibilities  allocations,  status  of  exploited  fishing  stocks  and  economic  results  of 
the fleet segments. 

On-going external study in order to assess the extent of over-capacity. 

Seek  scientific  advice, 
stakeholders 
consult 
and 
elaborate 
proposals.  

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. 

EN 

20 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

A3.5.5 

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

[2006 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1262/2006  of  23  August  2006  has  amended  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 
51/2006 as regards the list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries in the north-east 
Atlantic. 

A Communication on "a new strategy for the Community to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and 
Unregulated  fishing,"  COM(2007)601,  as  well  as  a  proposal  for  Council  Regulation  Establishing  a  Community 
system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, 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).  

A3.6 

A3.6.1 

A3.6.2 

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

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] 

Adopt 
ACTION: 
Community  Plan 
of  Action  for  the 
conservation  of 
sharks 
and 
Community  Plan 
of  Action 
for 
reducing  seabird 
by-catch 
and 
implement 
progressively 
thereafter. 

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

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. 

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  October 
2009, the Council Regulation No 1288/2009 for transitional technical measures in the Atlantic 
was adopted. 

Legislation implementing fisheries restrictive areas to protect vulnerable deep-sea habitats he 
North East Atlantic is included in the NEAFC Regulation. Deep water coral reefs in the Atlantic 
are protected through several Council Regulations No 1568/2005, 602/2004 and 734/2008.  

Council  Regulation  1967/2006  of  21  December  2006  concerning  management  measures  for 
the sustainable exploitation of fisheries in the Mediterranean includes prohibition of fishing with 
devices impacting sensitive habitats (e.g. sea grasses) in areas known to host such habitats. 

plans 

for 
Propose 
Seabird by-catch action 
plan. 
Shark action plan to  be 
adopted. 

Community Action Plan for Sharks; Shark Action Plan was opened for consultation until 15 February 2008, an 
impact assessment of the Shark Action Plan has been 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 by end 2009. 
See also comments under A.1.1.1 in relation to the marine Natura 2000 and fisheries management 

COM  adopted  the  Community  Action  Plan  for  Sharks  in  February  2009,  COM(2009)40  final. 
The Council welcomed the Action Plan and supported an approach to implement elements of 
the  Plan.  COM  is  working  on  the  amendment  of  the  finning  Regulation  and  proposed  to  the 
Council the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quotas Regulation for 2010, which was adopted 
with a zero TAC for porbeagle and limited by-catch for spurdog. Measures have been taken on 
the  improvement  of  data  collection.  Progress  has  been  made  in  several  Regional  Fisheries 
Management Organisations (RFMOs), although in this particular aspect it should be noted that 
results of EU action are dependent also on other non-EU parties. COM supported the listing of 
several  shark  species  in  the  annexes  of  the  Convention  on  the  Conservation  of  Migratory 
Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the 
Mediterranean (SPA/BD) Protocol of the Barcelona Convention. COM is preparing proposals to 
list  two  shark  species  in  Appendix  II  of  CITES  (Convention  on  International  Trade  in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). 

COM did not develop a Community plan of action for reducing incidental catches of seabird in 
the  context  of  FAO  by  end  2009.  The  COM  services  have  already  initiated  the  impact 
assessment  procedure.  Such  a  process  foresees,  among  other  actions,  a  consultation  with 
experts/stakeholders  and  an  impact  assessment  study  aimed  to  deliver  recommendations  on 
best  practices  to  reduce  incidental  catches  and,  in  parallel,  the  economic/social  and 
environmental  impacts  associated  to  the  use  of  mitigation  measures.  The  study  will  focus  in 
the  pelagic  and  demersal  longline  fisheries  at  Gran  Sol  area  (southwest  of  Ireland)  and 
Mediterranean  Sea,  and  in  gillnet  fisheries  taking  place  in  the  Baltic  and  North  Sea.  COM  is 
also planning to promote communication on easy-to-implement measures at RAC level and to 

EN 

21 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

promote  management  measures  within  RFMOs  (such  as  General  Fisheries  Commission  for 
the  Mediterranean  and  International  Commission  for  the  Conservation  of  Atlantic  Tunas)  to 
alleviate the problem.  

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

The  Voordelta:  Commission  Decision  of  11  June  2008  on  the  confirmation  of  measures 
proposed by the Netherlands for the conservation of marine ecosystems in the Voordelta area 
2008/915/EC.  Fisheries  restrictions  for  certain  areas  within  the  12  nm  of  Dutch  waters 
(Compensation for Natura 2000 areas following the extension of Rotterdam harbour). 

El  Cachucho  (offshore  area  25km  from  the  Spanish  coast  in  the  Cantabrian  Sea:  Protection 
measures adopted in December 2008 by amendment of the TAC and Quota Regulation (EC) 
No 43/2009). 

Expert group on rivers set up by DG ENV and DG TREN in 03/2009.  

Studies  to  provide  tools  for  better  integration  of  biodiversity  issues  in  EIAs  (local  level)  and 
SEAs (strategic level) launched under Preparatory Actions 2008. 

A3.6.3 

Define  and  propose 
as 
measures, 
at 
appropriate, 
Community 
level; 
supervise,  guide  and 
enforce  implementation 
at Member State level. 

ACTION:  Identify, 
define,  adopt  and 
enforce  fisheries 
measures 
for 
required 
Natura 2000 sites 
the  marine 
in 
[by 
environment. 
of 
date 
designation] 

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 
CFP 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/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. [ 
The  Darwin  Mounds:  in  2003  and  2004  the  Commission  adopted,  under  the  emergency  procedure,  two 
Commission Regulations (EC) 1475/2003 and (EC) 263/2004 for the protection of deep-water coral reefs from 
the effects of trawling. In 2004 these measures were made permanent by Council Regulation (EC) 602/2004. 

measures 

marine 

N2000 

under 

sites 

the 

for 

In  December  2007  temporary  protection  measures  were  adopted  for  four  candidate  Natura  2000  sites  in  Irish 
waters (amendments to the 2008 and 2009 TAC and Quota Regulations (40/2008 and 43/2009 respectively). 

Ongoing  

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

of 

or 

in  all 
where 

ACTION:  Ensure 
adequate 
treatment 
biodiversity 
concerns 
cases 
environmental 
impact 
assessment 
strategic 
environmental 
assessment 
is 
required in relation 
to 
or 
fisheries 
aquaculture,  and 
ensure 
authorisation 
process 
subsequent 
implementation 
take  due  account 
of  EIA  and  SEA 
findings in order to 
prevent  negative 
on 
impacts 
biodiversity 
or, 
where  prevention 
is  not  possible, 
minimise,  mitigate 
and/or 
compensate 
these 
impacts 
onwards]. 

for 
negative 
[2006 

and 

A3.6.4 

A3.7 

EN 

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

22 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Seek  basic  scientific 
information  and  report 
to 
and 
Council 
Parliament. 

A3.7.1 

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

to 

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. 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. 

The basic data and information that could be used to assess progress on the actions foreseen 
for environmental integration (see COM(2002)186) is to a large extent routinely collected in the 
framework  of  the  Data  Collection  Regulation  (Regulation  (EC)  No  199/2008,  formerly 
Regulation (EC) No 1543/2000).  

As far as reporting is concerned, the services of the Commission had also developed a system 
of indicators of environmental integration for the CFP (SEC(2004)892). However, in absence of 
a  legal  reporting  obligation,  no  comprehensive  report  to  the  Council  and  the  Parliament  has 
been done on progress towards environmental integration. 

Conversely,  regular  reports  are  done  on  the  reduction  of  fishing  pressure  in  the  context  of 
multi-annual  management  plans,  which  was  the  most  important  action  foreseen  in  the  2002 
communication  on  integration.  These  reports,  which  range  from  scientific  assessments  to 
political guidelines to establish annually the fishing opportunities for Member States' fleets, are 
regularly made available to the Council, the Parliament and all stakeholders. 

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 

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. 

A4.1.1 

ACTION:  Allocate, 
initiative, 
at  MS 
and 
cohesion 
funds 
structural 
projects 
for 
directly 
or 
indirectly 
benefiting 
biodiversity 
appropriate 
operational 
programmes [2006 
onwards]. 
(cf. 
Action B1.1.4) 

in 

A4.1.2 

ACTION: 
contributing 
biodiversity 

ESF 
to 

for 

to 
such 
provide 
for 

Encourage  MS 
provide 
projects, 
technical  support 
programming 
(consistent 
with 
Financing  Natura  2000 
evaluate 
proposal); 
national 
programmes 
submitted. 

Encourage  MS 
provide 
projects, 

to 
such 
provide 

for 

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 re levant is the "protection of natural assets" (code 55) for 
which €1146 million is allocated. A total of €1376 million, 
foreseen for the protection and development of natural 
heritage"  (Code  56)  in  the  framework  of  tourism,  will  also  include  some  spending  for  nature  and  biodiversity. 
With exception of Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg all MS have allocated some funds for nature and biodiversity 
protection although this varies considerable between 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 

EN 

23 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

technical  support 
for 
programming;  evaluate 
national 
programmes 
submitted. 

objectives 
through 
awareness-raising, 
capacity  building, 
employment of the 
young, 
long-term 
and 
jobless 
elderly,  etc.  [2007 
onwards] 
(cf. 
Action B1.1.5) 

Check  conformity  of 
NSRFs and Operational 
Programmes 
with 
environmental acquis. 

Check  SEA  Directive  is 
applied. 

A4.1.3 

A4.1.4 

and 

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

[2006 

fully 

of 

onwards] 
adequate 
to 

ACTION:  Ensure 
strategic 
environmental 
assessment 
(SEA) 
Operational 
Programmes 
[2006 
gives 
treatment 
biodiversity 
concerns  and  that 
final 
the 
programmes 
take 
full  account  of  the 
in 
SEA 
order  to  prevent, 
and 
minimise 
mitigate 
impacts 
on biodiversity and 
where 
provide 
possible  benefits 
to  biodiversity.  (cf. 
Action A1.1.4) 

findings 

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 development1, supporting schemes like 
the  German  ecological  year  for  young  people,  training  of  park  rangers).  The  ESF  programmes  offer  a  wide 
range  of  other  funding  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. 

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. 

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). 

Modification  of  Operational  Programmes  might  be  undertaken  by  the  relevant  Managing 
Authorities in agreement with the European Commission. 

Further  reflexion  is  needed  on  how  to  deal  with  the  biodiversity  dimension  in  a  SEA  context, 
especially at the intermediate geographical level of the regions where the OP intervenes. 

A4.1.5 

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

Assess  all  proposals 
over Euro 50m (25m for 
environmental  projects) 
for potential biodiversity 
impacts.  Address  any 
to 
complaints  relating 

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. 

1 

EN 

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 

24 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

projects.  Check  EIA 
is  correctly 
Directive 
applied. 

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

Address 
complaints 
relating  to  inadequate 
participation. 

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. 

Ongoing action for the modification of Operational Programmes 

to 

Cohesion  Fund 
European 
and 
Regional 
Development 
Fund 
(ERDF), 
where  such  EIA  is 
gives 
required, 
adequate 
treatment 
biodiversity 
concerns  and  that 
final  projects  take 
full  account  of  EIA 
findings in order to 
prevent,  minimise 
mitigate 
and 
on 
impacts 
and 
biodiversity 
provide 
where 
possible  benefits 
biodiversity 
to 
onwards]. 
[2006 
(cf. Action A1.1.4)  

ACTION:  Ensure 
full  participation 
of  civil  society  in 
of 
development 
NSRF 
and 
national 
Operational 
Programmes  and 
in  SEA/EIA  and 
ensure biodiversity 
interests 
fully 
represented  [2006 
onwards]. 

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. 

See A.1.1.4 and the Commission report (COM(2009)469) regarding the SEA study. 

in 

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

all 

(where 

ACTION:  Ensure 
that 
those 
territorial  plans 
subject 
to 
strategic 
environmental 
assessment 
(SEA) 
deemed 
by 
applicable 
States 
Member 
under 
the  SEA 
Directive)  do  not 
significant 
cause 
impacts 
negative 
biodiversity 
on 
(direct, 
indirect, 
cumulative)  [2006 
onwards]. 

A4.1.6 

A4.2 

A4.2.1 

EN 

25 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A4.2.2 

A4.3 

A4.3.1 

A4.4 

A4.4.1 

A4.5 

A4.5.1 

n/a 

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

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

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. 

The  concept  of  territorial  cohesion,  which  is  part  of  the  Lisbon  Treaty,  will  also  look  at  its 
environmental  dimension,  within  the  context  of  Cohesion  Policy.  Exchange  of  best-practice 
examples on integrated spatial planning at workshop on Green Infrastructure held in 03/2009. 
More information on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm 

(in 

ACTION:  Develop 
implement 
and 
and 
spatial 
programmatic 
plans  that  support 
the  coherence  of 
the  Natura  2000 
line 
network 
the 
with 
of 
requirements 
nature 
the 
to 
directives 
such 
ensure 
and 
coherence) 
and/or 
maintain 
restore 
the 
ecological  quality 
of wider landscape 
onwards] 
[2006 
(cf. Action B2.5.1) 

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

CBD  Guidelines 
on  Sustainable 
Tourism 
promoted, 
and 
adopted 
implemented 
as 
appropriate by key 
stakeholders 
[2006 onwards]. 

Promote best practice. 

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

On the broader 'Business and Biodiversity' initiative for business engagement see B 3.1.6 

Guidance 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/info/pubs/docs/nat2000/sust_tourism.pdf) 

sustainable 

tourism 

Natura 

2000 

and 

on 

published 

The 'European Destination of Excellence' award initiative of the COM includes nature related 
criteria.  The  theme  of  2009  was  dedicated  especially  to  'Tourism  and  Protected  areas' 
(http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/eden/themes-destinations/index_en.htm) 

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. 

The  concept  of  territorial  cohesion,  which  is  part  of  the  Lisbon  Treaty,  will  also  look  at  its 
environmental dimension, within the context of Cohesion Policy. 

All 
actions 
as 
in 

ACTION: 
above 
applied, 
appropriate, 
Outermost 
Regions 
Guyana, 
Guadeloupe, 
Reunion, 
Martinique, 
Canaries,  Azores, 
[2006 
Madeira) 

(French 

EN 

26 

EN 

 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

onwards]. 

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 

A4.6 

A4.6.1 

A4.6.2 

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 A.1.1.4.  

See action 1.1.3 above.  See A.1.1.4. 

See A.1.1.4. 

ACTION:  Ensure 
effective  treatment 
in 
of  biodiversity 
Strategic 
all 
Environmental 
Assessment 
(SEA) 
of 
programmes  and 
where 
plans, 
such  SEA 
is 
required, 
including 
by 
promotion  of  best 
practice 
through 
the  development 
guidelines, 
of 
recognition 
of 
good 
- 
performance) 
that 
and  ensure 
is 
account 
full 
the 
taken 
of 
the 
findings  of 
assessment 
(in 
terms  of  impacts 
on  biodiversity)  in 
final 
the 
or 
programmes 
[2006 
plans 
onwards]. 
(cf. 
Action A1.1.4) 

ACTION:  Ensure 
effective  treatment 
of  biodiversity 
in 
all  Environmental 
Impact 
Assessment 
(EIA)  of  projects, 
where  such  EIA 
required, 
is 
by 
including 
promotion  of  best 
practice 
through 
the  development 
guidelines, 
of 
of 
recognition 
good 
performance) 
and  ensure 
account 
full 
of 
taken 
findings  of 

- 
that 
is 
the 
the 

EN 

27 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

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

Check projects (existing 
modus 
operandi 
ENV/TREN). 

Ongoing 

Ongoing 

See 1.1.3 above. 

See A.1.1.4. 

See A.1.1.4. 

A4.6.3 

A4.6.4 

ACTION:  Ensure 
all  new  Trans-
European 
Networks  provide 
for  environmental 
assessment 
and 
take full account of 
biodiversity 
impacts 
design 
authorisation 
process 
the 
in 
framework  of  the 
EU 
existing 
[2006 
legislation 
onwards]. 
(cf. 
Action A1.1.4) 

the 
and 

in 

Take 
ACTION: 
stock 
of 
effectiveness  of 
EIA  and  SEA  in 
and 
preventing 
minimising 
impacts 
negative 
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 

A5.1.1 

EN 

TARGET: Impact of IAS on biodiversity in the EU substantially reduced by 2010 and again by 2013. 

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

to 

Make 
assessment, 
propose measures to fill 
gaps. 

A gap assessment of the current legal and policy framework applying to invasive species (IS) was completed in 
July  2006.  A  Council  Regulation  dealing  specifically  with  alien  species  in  aquaculture  was  agreed  on  11  June 
2007 (Council Regulation 708/2007) and a new permit system will enter into force for this sector no later than 1 
January  2009.In  June  2008  the  Commission  adopted  two  Regulations:  Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No 
535/2008 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 concerning 
use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture; and Commission Regulation (EC) No 506/2008 amending 

Following  the  Commission's  Communication  adopted  in  2008  "towards  an  EU  Strategy  on 
Invasive  Species",  there  have  been  Council  conclusions  from  June  2009,  giving  the 
Commission  a  mandate  to  present  a  comprehensive  EU  strategy  against  IAS  by  2010.  The 
EESC  and  Committee  of  the  Regions  stated  that  legislation  will  be  needed.  The  strategy  is 
currently being prepared. 

28 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

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.  

Information on the latest scientific findings on invasive alien species is provided in the "Science 
for Environment Policy" thematic issue on Invasive Alien Species. 

In  the  frame  of  the  Water  Framework  Directive  Common  Implementation  Strategy,  the  JRC's 
Inst.  f.  Environment  and  Sustainability  (JRC-IES)  has  published  a  report  addressing  how 
Member States apply  data on alien species for  water  body classification of ecological  status. 
at: 
This 
http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/111111111/13564  scrolling  down  and 
using  the  View/Open  option).  A  stakeholder  consultation  to  develop  the  EU  Strategy  on 
Invasive Species will be held in September 2010. 

available 

24257 

report 

EUR 

EN 

is 

Encourage MS 

No specific measures yet taken. 

No specific measures taken on COM level. 

COM  is  reviewing  the  current  Plant  Health  regime  which  could  also  have  a  bearing  on  the 
Strategy to combat invasive species.  

Encourage ratification  

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

Limited  action  on  Community  level.  The  Commission  has  strongly  recommended  the 
ratification  of  the  convention.  The  European  Maritime  Safety  Agency  EMSA  has  presented  a 
Ballast Water Action Plan. 

Propose  early  warning 
coordinate 
system, 
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. 

The  JRC  is  analysing  databases  for  aquatic  alien  species  (including  DAISIE,  NOBANIS)  for 
identifying  gaps  and  complementarities  in  existing  data.  The  report,  expected  to  be  ready  by 
the end of 2010, intends to evaluate the potential use of existing data in the Water Framework 
Directive. 

prevent, 
control 
and  eradicate  IAS 
and  mitigate  their 
on 
impacts 
and 
biodiversity 
develop 
a 
community 
to 
strategy 
address 
IAS 
including,  where 
and 
necessary 
appropriate, 
measures  to  fill 
gaps [by 2007]. 

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

ACTION: 
Encourage 
ratification  of  the 
International 
Convention  for  the 
Control 
and 
Management  of 
Ballast 
Ship's 
Water 
and 
Sediments  under 
the 
International 
Maritime 
Organisation 
[2006 onwards].  

ACTION: 
Establish 
early 
warning  system 
the  prompt 
for 
of 
exchange 
information 
between 
neighbouring 
countries  on 
the 
emergence  of  IAS 
cooperation 
and 
on 
control 
measures  across 
national 
boundaries 
2008]. 

[by 

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

29 

EN 

A5.1.2 

A5.1.3 

A5.1.4 

A5.2 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A5.2.1 

A5.2.2 

Apply  as  appropriate  at 
Community level. 

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

Regulatory framework in place. 

Fully 
the 

ACTION: 
apply 
Cartagena 
on 
Protocol 
to 
Biosafety 
ensure 
an 
adequate  level  of 
of 
protection 
biodiversity 
(and 
human  health)  in 
the 
field  of 
the 
safe  handling,  use 
and 
transfer  of 
genetically 
modified 
organisms 
onwards]. 

[2006 

Ensure 
in 
authorisation 
procedure. 

GMO 

A study on long-term effects of GM crops on health, biodiversity and the environment was launched in 2007 to 
be reported on end 2008/start 2009. 

The  European  Food  Safety  Authority  is  working  on  a  revision  of  the 
guidelines  on  environmental  risk  assessment,  which  is  designed  to  prevent 
risk  to  biodiversity  from  GMOs.  The  revised  guidelines  are  expected  to  be 
available by November 2010 and be followed by discussions with MS. 

ACTION:  Ensure 
protection 
of 
biodiversity as part 
to 
of  measures 
human 
protect 
and 
health 
in 
environment 
the 
to 
relation 
deliberate 
release  into  the 
environment  of 
Genetically 
Modified 
Organisms 
(GMOs) 
onwards]. 

[2006 

POLICY AREA 2: THE EU AND GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY 

OBJECTIVE 6: TO SUBSTANTIALLY STRENGTHEN EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. 

A6.1 

A6.1.1 

EN 

TARGET: International governance for biodiversity substantially more effective in delivering positive biodiversity outcomes by 2010. 

the 
on 

Press 
effective 

ACTION: 
for 
worldwide 
implementation 
of 
Convention 
Biological 
Diversity, 
the 
decisions  of 
Conference  of  the 
including 
Parties 
thematic 
and 
cross-cutting 
of 
programmes 
work,  and  other 

The EU is strongly promoting these objectives in international meetings. The 9th Conference of the Parties to the 
CBD  (CBD  COP9)  in  Bonn  in  May  2008  adopted  decisions  that  significantly  advance  international  efforts  to 
reach the global 2010 target. Biodiversity has also been taken up by the G8, both in 2007 under German and in 
2008  under  Japanese  G8  Presidencies.  Both  times  it  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.  

levels 

Work at EU, global and 
regional 
for 
enhanced  effectiveness 
in  CBD  implementation 
by 
streamlining 
operations  of  CBD, 
action 
coordinating 
between 
related 
multilateral 
environmental 
agreements,  working 
towards 
integrated 
outcome-based 
reporting,  establishing 
global  partnership  with 

Funding was also provided to CAB International for the establishment of the Global Taxonomy 
Partnership  and  Fund.  The  European  Commission  submitted  the  4th  National  Report  of  the 
European Community to the Convention on Biological Diversity on 15 May 2009. 

In  June  2010  a  decision  on  the  2010  Annual  Action  Programme  for  Environment  and 
Sustainable  Management  of  Natural  Resources  including  Energy  has  been  taken  which 
foresees 1 million € for the support of the Secret ariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity 
(CBD)  in  implementing  CBD  COP  10  decisions  and  a  further  1  million  €  for  support  for  the 
implementation  of  the  CBD  Work  Programme  on  Protected  Areas  with  a  focus  on  marine 
protected areas in developing countries, least developed countries and small island developing 
states through targeted capacity development. 

In 2009 the European Commission has started to make preparations for CBD negotiations in 
2010. Council Conclusions on international biodiversity beyond 2010 were adopted December 
2009. The new EU 2020 biodiversity target that was adopted in March 2010 foresees to step 
up the EU's efforts to avert global biodiversity loss.  

30 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

The  European  Commission  and  Member  States  participated  in  the  fourteenth  meeting  of  the 
Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice and the third Meeting of the 
Ad  Hoc  Open-ended  Working  Group  on  Review  of  Implementation  of  the  Convention  on 
Biological Diversity in Nairobi in May 2010. 

The global Biodiversity Indicators Partnership (BIP) supported by the EC has contributed to the 
2010 Millennium Development Goals Report and the Global Biodiversity Outlook 3. 

Following the successful if slow steps achieved on synergies for chemicals and waste cluster, 
UNEP’s work to promote synergies between biodiversity-related conventions is starting. 

The  second  Ad  Hoc  Technical  Expert  Group  on  Biodiversity  and  Climate  Change  (AHTEG) 
under  the  CBD  convened  two  meetings  in  2008  and  2009  one  of  which  was  attended  by  an 
expert  from  the  European  Commission.  The  findings  of  the  group  have  been  presented  at 
UNFCCC COP 15. 

The  Commission  Staff  Working  Document  "Policy  Coherence  for  Development  Work 
Programme  2010-  2013"  accompanies  the  Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the 
European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the 
Committee  of  the  Regions  on  "A  twelve-point  EU  action  plan  in  support  of  the  Millennium 
Development Goals identifies biodiversity related targets and indicators to address the global 
challenges of food security and climate change". 

In 2009 under the Italian G8 Presidency, Environment Ministers adopted the “Siracusa Carta” 
on Biodiversity, which list priority actions to be taken on biodiversity.  
In  September  2010,  there  will  be  for  the  first  time  a  High-Level  meeting  of  UN  General 
Assembly (UNGA) as a contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity. 

COM and MSs actively participated in the review of the measures of UNGA Resolution 61/105 
on the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the context of the annual negotiations on 
the 2009 UN Sustainable Fisheries Resolution. The new measures included in the Resolution 
aim to improve the protection of these ecosystems. 

Several actions were approved under the ENRTP that are relevant to this priority: 

The integration of the biodiversity 2010 target into the Millennium 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 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. 

key stakeholders. 

for 

effective 
Work 
of 
integration 
biodiversity 
concerns 
within  Commission  for 
Sustainable 
Development,  in  Doha 
trade 
of 
Round 
negotiations, and under 
the 
UNFCCC/Kyoto 
Protocol regime. 

Coordinate EU action 

A6.1.2 

A6.1.3 

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

ACTION: Enhance 
of 
integration 
biodiversity 
into 
global  processes 
important 
with 
on 
impacts 
such 
biodiversity 
as 
sustainable 
development  and 
the 
Millennium 
Development 
Goals,  trade  and 
climate 
change 
[2006 onwards]. 

ACTION:  Promote 
improved  oceans 
governance 
for 
conservation  and 
recovery of marine 
biodiversity, 
ecosystem 
services 
and 
integration  of  key 
sectors, 
including 
in relation to areas 
national 
beyond 
jurisdiction;  make 
towards 
progress 
for 
mechanisms 
of 
establishment 
Marine  Protected 
Areas  in  the  high 
seas,  including  by 
supporting 
the 
adoption  of  an 
Implementing 
Agreement  to  the 
UN  Convention  of 
the 
the  Law  of 
the 
Sea,  with 
scientific  support 
the  CBD, 
from 

EN 

31 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

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

to 

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).  

in 

should 

Include  an  adequate 
indicative 
multiannual 
framework 
resource 
and 
robust 
programming  priorities 
for  biodiversity  in  the 
ENRTP  Article  of  both 
the  DCECI  and  ENPI 
which 
be 
adopted  as  early  as 
2006. 
possible 
the 
Further  elaborate 
biodiversity  priorities  in 
the  Thematic  Strategy 
Paper  for  the  ENRTP 
and ensure its adoption 
well  before  the  end  of 
2006.  Seek  coverage 
for  biodiversity  actions 
financing  strategy 
in 
indicative 
papers  and 
under 
programmes 
ENPI instrument. 

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 
within the energy and climate change sectors have been included.  

A total of €30.6 million has been allocated to biodiversi
ty for the four year period from 2007-2010 under the EC 
Thematic Programme for Environment and Natural Resources (ENRTP). Furthermore, some other headings of 
ENRTP are strongly linked to biodiversity. A total of €72 million is earmarked for the promotion of Sustainable 
Forest  Management.  €34  million  is  available  for  implemen tation  of  the  initiative  on  Forest  Law  Enforcement, 
Governance  and  Trade  (FLEGT).  €6.4  million  is  earmark ed  for  fisheries  &  marine/coastal  resources.  €12,3 
million  is  earmarked  for  climate  change  and  biodiversity  projects  for  countries  covered  by  the  European 
Neighbourhood  and  Partnership  Instrument  (ENPI).  In  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 biodiversi
million and about € 8 has been reserved for targeted proposal for biodiversity and forests respectively for 2007 - 
2008. 

ty and about € 20 million for forests. In addition € 4.2 

The ENRTP Call for Proposals for 2009 includes several specific envelopes closely related to 
biodiversity: 14 Mill EUR for forests, 10 Mill EUR for FLEGT, 5 Mill EUR for land biodiversity, 3 
Mill EUR for fisheries and 4 Mill EUR for biodiversity and climate change in ENPI countries. In 
addition to the Call for Proposals, two direct agreements on biodiversity projects (1 South ENP, 
1 East ENP) have been financed from the 2009 ENRTP Annual Action Programme with a total 
value of EUR 3.48 million. 

The 2009 call for proposals was topped up in 2010 with equivalent amounts for each priority. 

The  Environment  and  Natural  Resources  Thematic  Programme  (ENRTP)  mid-term 
review  said  that  the  programme  was  highly  relevant  to  its  objectives,  which  include 
the  protection  of  biodiversity,  however  the  external  evaluatos  called  for  better 
integration  of  the  work  achieved  under  the  ENRTP  in  the  main  geographic 
programmes. Its second phase will be from 2011 to 2013. 

UNEP: Strengthening the regional environmental governance capacity of the Caspian states 

2010  Annual  Action  Programme  (Part  I)  for  Environment  and  Sustainable  Management  of 
Natural 
see 
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/documents/aap/2010/aap_2010_dci-env_en.pdf  

Resources 

including 

adopted 

Energy 

2010 

June 

in 

on 

funds 
for 
in 

ACTION:  Ensure 
adequate 
community 
earmarked 
biodiversity 
development 
(in 
cooperation 
line with European 
Consensus 
on 
Development 
in 
Cooperation) 
Thematic 
EC 
Programme 
for 
Environment  and 
Natural  Resources 
and  ensure 
the 
use of these funds 
is 
at 
targeted 
biodiversity 
priorities 
[2007-
2013];  decide  [in 
an 
2006] 
adequately  funded 
Thematic 
EC 
Programme 
for 
Environment  and 
Natural  Resources 
(ENRTP) 
the 
European 
Neighbourhood 
Partnership 
and 
Instrument  (ENPI) 
and 
the 
Development 
Cooperation  and 
Economic 
Cooperation 
Instrument 
(DCECI) 
ensure 
biodiversity 
receive 
priorities 
an 
appropriate 
share  of  the  total 
ENRTP 
and 
DCECI  resources 
[2007-2013]. 

and 
that 

in 

EN 

32 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

in 
and 

ACTION:  Allocate 
adequate 
resources 
Country 
Regional 
Strategy 
Programmes 
wherever 
biodiversity 
identified  as  a  key 
in 
issue 
country/regional 
environmental 
profiles 
onwards]. 

[2006 

on 

ACTION: 
Enhance 
MS 
funds  earmarked 
for  biodiversity 
with 
line 
(in 
European 
Consensus 
Development 
Cooperation) 
MS 
development 
cooperation 
in 
programmes 
support 
of 
implementation  of 
CBD, 
the 

in 
bilateral 

A7.1.2 

A7.1.3 

EN 

In  the  context  of  the  midterm  review  of  external  cooperation,  a  new  focal  sector  on  Climate 
Change  has  been  introduced  for  2011-13  for  the  Andean  Community,  with  an  indicative 
amount of € 7 million. It foresees activities for 
institutional reinforcement, legal development at 
regional  level  and  cross-border  cooperation,  and  as  such,  would  indirectly  contribute  also  to 
fostering biodiversity objectives. 

A 20 million € Financing Agreement for Biodivers ity and Protected Areas Management in ACP 
countries (BIOPAMA) that is expected to be approved in 2010, addressing capacity building for 
protected  areas  management  as  well  as  for  Access  and  Benefit  Sharing  in  the  African, 
Caribbean and Pacific Countries. 

Other  envelopes  in  the  Intra-ACP  program  are  closely  related  to  biodiversity:  20  million  for 
desertification  in  which  the  focus  is  put  on  sustainable  land  management  (which  benefits  to 
biodiversity) and the funds for agriculture and food security in which proposals for sustainable 
agriculture are currently assessed and, if approved, will greatly benefit to agro-biodiversity. 

For information on ENPI, see A7.1.5. 

Check  and  ensure  that 
resources  are  available 
the 
to 
implement 
in 
recommendations 
the  R/CEP 
through 
biodiversity  projects  or 
mainstreaming 
biodiversity  concerns  in 
to 
relevant 
projects. 

other 

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

For ACP countries, programming is in its final phases and all CSPs still need final official adoption. However, 
general  trends  can  be  drawn  from  the  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  du ring  the  2002-2006  period  (However,  the  annual  EDF 
allocation has been approximately doubled between the two periods). 

The African CSP is the one for which biodiversity appears in 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. In the Caribbean and Pacific, biodiversity has not been included as a 
focal sector, even if some sectors such as waste or water management are expected to have a positive impact 
on ecosystems (including marine ecosystems). Two Intra-ACP programmes have also been included in the 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. 

n/a 

33 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Millennium 
Development 
Goals  and  other 
programmes 
relevant 
biodiversity 
developing 
countries 
onwards]. 

for 
in 

[2006 

MS 

the 

of 
for 

ACTION: 
Enhance 
overall 
contribution 
EU 
biodiversity 
a 
through 
substantial 
4th 
replenishment  of 
the GEF based on 
the  agreed  policy 
priorities 
[2006/07]. 

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

based 

Globally, there is a 34% increase on the overall envelope for the 4th replenishment of the 
Global Environment Facility. 
The  replenishment  of  the  5th  Global  Environment  Facility  has  been  concluded  (see 
http://www.thegef.org/gef/node/3010).  If  all  allocations  had  received  the  same  priority  as  in 
GEF 4 they would all have increased by 34%. 

Biodiversity  $1.2  billion  (28%  increase)  including  $130  million  for  sustainable  forest 
management REDD+ $700 million for protected areas $250 million for sustainable land use of 
productive land and seascapes 

•  $40 million for biosafety capacity building 

•  $40 million for ABS capacity building  

•  $25 million for marine protected areas in areas beyond national jurisdiction( to be used in a 

joint programme with international waters money) 

A7.1.4 

A7.1.5 

As  regards  the  ENPI,  environment is  included  as  a  focal  sector  in  several  ENPI  CSPs  and  NIPs  (National 
Indicative Programmes) for 2007-2010, and both the RIP (Regional Indicative Programme) ENPI South and the 
RIP ENPI East contain 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. 

coverage 

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

ACTION: Enhance 
funds 
for 
biodiversity related 
actions  under  the 
national 
and 
regional 
components 
the 
for 
Accession 
and 
European 
Neighbourhood 
and  Partnership 
Instrument 
(ENPI) 

of 
Instrument 
Pre-
(IPA) 
the 

•  $15  million 

for enabling  activities  and regional  actions 

to  supplement  national 

allocations. IPBES is mentioned as a candidate for support. 

Under  the  ENRTP,  two  biodiversity  projects  (I  South,  I  East)  have  been  financed  with  a  total 
value of €3.48 million and an additio nal €3.6 million is allocated for the region for the topics of 
biodiversity  and  climate  change  within  the  2009  ENRTP  call  for  proposals.  Following  a  mid-
term review of CSPs, the vast majority of new IPs for 2011 to 2013 have been adopted. They 
include  opportunities  to  address  biodiversity  related  actions  in  several  national  programmes. 
The new RIP for ENPI East also contains opportunities to address environment protection and 
natural resources, including biodiversity protection. Some of the ENP partners have also used 
the TAIEX instrument with a view to enhancing capacity to address biodiversity related issues, 
through expert missions, workshops or seminars and study visits. 

The IPs for 2011 to 2013 are still under preparation. 

Under  IPA  component  I  (national  and  multibeneficiary)  it  is  possible  that  the  beneficiary 
countries  receive  assistance  related  to  biodiversity  nature  protection.  Under  assistance 
programmes  2007  –  2009  there  are  three  projects  related  to  these  topics:  Serbia  2007  – 
strengthening  administrative  capacities 
resources;  FYROM  2009; 
Strengthening  of  administrative  capacity  in  the  area  of  water  management  and  nature 
protection  and  Croatia  2009  Capacity  building  for  preparation  of  management  plans  and 
strengthening  of  nature  protection  inspection  for  proposed  Natura  2000  sites.  The  Regional 
Environmental Network for Accession (IPA multi-beneficiary project 2009) will have a working 
group  on  cross  border  cooperation  which  will  be  focusing  on  nature  protection  issues  in  the 
transboundary context.  

to  protect  natural 

The Commission is engaged with concerned MS (UK, FR, DK and NL) to develop a voluntary 
scheme  to  promote  the  conservation  and  sustainable  use  of  biodiversity  and  ecosystem 
services in European Overseas inspired by the experience of Natura 2000. 

A7.1.6 

ACTION: Enhance 
economic 
and 
development 
funds 
assistance 
available 
for 
biodiversity-related 
actions  in  the  MS' 

Check  and  ensure  that 
is 
biodiversity 
through 
addressed 
specific 
programmes 
and  projects  or  through 
other 
integration 
by 
sectors 

in 
covered 

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.  

EN 

34 

EN 

 
  
 
  
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

Overseas 
Countries 
Territories 
onwards]. 

and 
[2006 

economic  development 
assistance. 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A7.2 

A7.2.1 

A7.2.2 

TARGET: EU 'mainstream' external development assistance delivering enhanced biodiversity and related livelihoods benefits, and negative impacts on biodiversity prevented or minimised, from 2006 onwards. 

to 

Check  and  ensure  that 
in 
appropriate  action 
the 
response 
in 
recommendations 
the 
and 
Regional 
Country  Environmental 
Profiles  is  undertaken 
as  specific  biodiversity 
or 
projects 
mainstreamed 
to 
other relevant projects. 

in 

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 development agencies to promote greater harmonisation of analytical work 
and joint 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. 

Within  the  EC  work  with  other  EU  donors  and  development  agencies  to  promote  greater 
harmonisation of analytical work and joint analytical work, a specific initiative is under way with 
UNEP to draft joint environmental profiles. 

Consistent  biodiversity  indicators  are  now  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. 

Check  and  ensure  that 
SEAs  and  EIAs  are 
carried 
systematically 
relevant 
out 
development 
strategies,  programmes 
and projects. 

on 

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. 
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 

Although  many  National  Indicative  Programs  (NIPs)  referred  to  SEAs  and  committed  to 
undertake  them  if  deemed  necessary,  the  current  state  shows  that  it  has  not  systematically 
been the case. 
Only  9  SEAs  have  been  carried  out  so  far.  These  SEAs  have  mainly  been  carried  out  in 
countries receiving funds under the Sugar protocol to ensure that the restructuring of the sugar 
sector is consistent with the environmental criteria. 

(in 
in 
to 

ACTION:  Prepare 
country 
and 
regional 
environmental 
profiles 
with 
specific  attention 
the 
to 
of 
maintenance 
biodiversity 
and 
ecosystem 
services 
particular 
relation 
livelihood 
concerns), 
and 
take  these  needs 
fully  into  account 
in  preparation  of 
Country  Strategy 
(CSPs) 
Papers 
and 
Regional 
Strategy  Papers 
in 
(RSPs)  and 
MS 
equivalent 
and 
country 
regional 
aid 
programming 
[2006 onwards]. 

ACTION: 
Systematically 
carry  out  ex-ante 
strategic 
environmental 
assessment 
(SEA)  of  relevant 
strategies 
and 
programmes  and 
environmental 
impact 
assessment (EIA) 
relevant 
of 
projects 
funded 
by  EU  in  partner 
countries 
and 
ensure actions are 
and 
identified 
to 
implemented 
prevent 
and 
mitigate  negative 
on 
impacts 
in  a 
biodiversity 
manner 
timely 

EN 

35 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

[2006 onwards]. 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

In  support  to  Target  A7.1.  of  this  document,  the  MONDE  action  (Monitoring  of  Natural 
Resources for Development) of the JRC has developed an experimental tool for assessing the 
state  of  more  than  700  African  Protected  Areas  (http://bioval.jrc.ec.europa.eu/PA/).  The 
purpose  of  the  work  is  to  provide  to  decision  makers  a  tool  for  prioritizing  Protected  Areas 
(PAs) according to biodiversity values and threats so as to support decision making and fund 
allocation processes. 
In the frame of competitive activities (2009-2012), and in partnership  with Birdlife Int., UNEP-
WCMC,  GBIF  and  RSPB,  current  efforts  in  MONDE  focus  on  setting  up  the  DOPA,  a  Digital 
Observatory  for  Protected  Areas,  which  will  allow  end-users  to  assess,  monitor  and  forecast 
biodiversity in Protected Areas at the global scale, although with a priority for ACP countries. 

Biodiversity  training  of  EU  staff.  Training  for  EU  staff  in  EU  delegations  and  headquarters 
geographical  desks  has  been  initiated  to  contribute  to  outreach  activities  on  biodiversity  with 
third countries network. 

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 including seminars 
in EC Delegations overseas and at EC Headquarters. Seminars have been open to participation from staff of MS 
agencies.  Methodological  support  has  been  made  on  request  to  operational  staff.  Environmental  Integration 
Handbook is 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 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 buildi ng programme is under preparation under the intra-ACP 
envelope. 
Finally, a contract for the EC environment helpdesk has been concluded for an additional period up to the end of 
2008, and this will be extended. 

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. 

A7.2.3 

A7.2.4 

in 

ACTION: 
Substantially 
strengthen 
capacities 
recipient 
countries  and  in 
Commission  and 
MS  cooperation 
programming  for 
purposes, 
these 
including 
integrating 
implementation  of 
into 
the  CBD 
national 
development 
strategies 
including  Poverty 
Reduction 
Strategies 
onwards]. 

[2006 

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, 
negative 
on 
prevented 
minimised 
onwards]. 

and 
impacts 
biodiversity 
or 
[2006 

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

that 

into 

EN 

36 

EN 

 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Programming is still under way; OCTs have launched a study including the organisation of SEA workshop.  

OCTs have organised an SEA workshop in Brussels, which led to very interesting discussions 
and exchanges of good practices. The complexity and high cost of SEAs is however clearly a 
challenge for the limited resources and capacities of most of the OCTs. 

Check  and  ensure  that 
SEAs  and/or  EIAs  are 
systematically 
carried 
out  on  development 
strategies,  programmes 
and projects. 

A7.2.5 

ACTION:  Ensure 
projects 
that 
financed  by  EU 
economic 
and 
development 
assistance  do  not 
significant 
cause 
negative 
impacts 
on  biodiversity  in 
the  MS  Overseas 
and 
Countries 
Territories 
[2006 
onwards]. 

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

8.1 

A8.1.1 

TARGET 8.1: Impact on biodiversity of EU trade significantly reduced by 2010 and again by 2013. 

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 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. 

The  EU  plays  a  leading  role  within  the  Convention  on  International  Trade  in  Endangered 
Species (CITES), notably the Conference of Parties held in March 2010, where it was not very 
successful in particular in relation to the conservation of marine species.  
Two  projects  under  ENRTP  have  been  launched:  one  aiming  at  "  Strengthening  the  CITES 
implementation  capacity  of  developing  countries  to  ensure  sustainable  wildlife  management 
and  non-detrimental  trade"  and  the  other  is  a  Country  focused  project  (2nd  phase)  to 
strengthen  the  CITES  implementation  capacity  of  developing  countries  to  ensure  sustainable 
wildlife management and non-detrimental trade 

For work on FLEGT please see 8.1.6. 

tourism), 

Identify 
impacts  and 
follow-up measures - in 
particular in the context 
of 
the  Commission's 
trade-related 
Impact 
Sustainability 
Assessment 
(SIA) 
Programme,  covering  a 
sectoral 
number 
of 
(e.g., 
studies 
agriculture,  forests  and 
products, 
forest 
in 
fisheries, 
to 
connection 
(WTO, 
multilateral 
negotiations 
ongoing 
on 
Doha 
Development  Agenda) 
and/or  regional/bilateral 
free  trade  agreements 
(e.g. 
planned 
Economic  Partnership 
Agreements 
between 
the  EU  and  ACP 
countries  and  the  EU-
Mediterranean 
Free 
Trade Area).  

the 

the 

ACTION:  Identify 
major  impacts  of 
third 
trade  on 
countries’ 
and 
EU  biodiversity 
adopt 
and 
measures 
to 
significantly 
reduce  (in  case 
negative 
of 
impacts)  and/or 
enhance  (in  case 
positive 
of 
impacts) 
these 
[by 
impacts 
2010].  This  will  in 
particular  be  done 
in  the  context  of 
the  Commission's 
trade-related 
Sustainability 
Impact 
Assessment  (SIA) 
that 
Programme, 
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 
the 
Development 
Agenda) 
regional/bilateral 
free 
agreements 

on 
Doha 

trade 
(e.g. 

and/or 

EN 

37 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

EPAs  with  ACP 
countries).  

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

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

This will be done in line 
with 
the  commitment 
made  in  the  context  of 
Doha 
the  WTO's 
Development  Agenda 
to 
the 
promote 
objective  of  sustainable 
development 
(paragraphs  6  and  51 
Doha 
of 
the 
to 
Declaration)  and 
enhance 
the  mutual 
supportiveness  of  trade 
and 
environment 
(notably  paragraphs  28 
and 31). 

A8.1.2 

ACTION:  Foster 
links  between  the 
WTO  agreements 
biodiversity-
and 
related 
international 
agreements,  and 
ensure biodiversity 
taken  into  account 
as  a  Non-Trade 
Concern,  in  order 
to  identify  and  put 
key 
place 
in 
to 
measures 
reduce 
the 
ecological impact 
of  globalisation 
the 
line  with 
in 
precautionary 
principle  and  with 
commitment 
the 
the 
made 
the 
context 
WTO's 
Doha 
Development 
Agenda 
promote 
objective 
sustainable 
development 
(paragraph  6  of 
the 
Doha 
Declaration)  and 
to  enhance 
the 
mutual 
supportiveness  of 
trade 
and 
environment 
(paragraph 
[2006 onwards]. 

to 
the 
of 

in 
of 

31) 

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. 

A8.1.3 

Further 
implement 
actions  set  out  in  the 
Commission 
Communication 
on 
implementation  of  the 
Bonn  Guidelines  in  the 
EC.  Support  effective 
EU  coordination  and 
EU 
defending 
in  ongoing 
positions 
an 
on 
negotiations 
international 
ABS 
regime. 

of 

ACTION:  Promote 
full 
implementation 
of  the  CBD  Bonn 
Guidelines 
on 
Access  to  Genetic 
Resources 
and 
Fair  and  Equitable 
of 
Sharing 
Benefits 
(ABS) 
arising  out  of  their 
Utilisation, 
and 
other  agreements 
relating 
to  ABS 
such  as  the  FAO 
International 
Treaty  on  Plant 
Genetic 

Final text-based negotiations on the international ABS regime started in April 2009. The EU is 
fully  engaged in this process  and committed to finalise the  international regime in time for its 
consideration  and  adoption  by  CBD  COP10  in  October  2010.  The  Council  in  October  2009 
conferred  a  negotiating  mandate  upon  the  Commission  to  formally  represent  the  EU  in  the 
eighth  and  ninth  meeting  of  the  ABS  Working  Group  (11/2009;  03/2010).  The  EU  has 
submitted proposals for ABS compliance measures of legally binding nature. It also continues 
to argue that the international regime must build on the Bonn Guidelines. 

The Commission seeks to ensure consistency in EU positions in negotiations on ABS matters 
across international fora (CBD, WHO, FAO, UNGA/ UNCLOS, WIPO IGC, WTO/ TRIPS)  

The  Commission  contributed  to  successful  adoption  of  the  standard  MTA  under  the  FAO 
International Treaty in June 2006.  

The  Commission  and  MS  hold  regular  meetings  with  indigenous  representatives  and  other 
stakeholders from research and industry. 
See  also  A7.1.2:  a  20  Mln  €  Financing  Agreement  for  Biodiversity  and  Protected  Areas 

EN 

38 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Management in ACP countries (BIOPAMA) is expected to be approved in 2010 which includes 
a  5  Mln  €  component  for  Access  and  Benefit  Shar ing  in  the  African,  Caribbean  and  Pacific 
Countries 

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. 

The  EU  monitors  closely  the  implementation  by  range  States  of  the  listing  under  CITES  of 
timber and tree species. This includes regular exchange of information with those States and 
can lead to temporary suspension of trade, like  was the case for Afromosia from Democratic 
Republic of Congo until December 2009.  

At  EU  level,  each  Member  State  is  encouraged  by  the  European  Commission  (COM  (2008) 
400)  to  reach  the  target  of  50%  green  public  procurement  by  2010,  where  "green"  means 
tendering procedures compliant with endorsed 10 common "core" GPP product criteria. Many 
of the identified priority GPP product groups are referring to the "sustainable and legal" timber / 
wood.  Exchanges  of  best  practice  on  procurement  policies  for  wood  have  taken  place  in  the 
Standing  Forest  Committee  and  in  the  Advisory  Committee  on  Community  Policy  regarding 
Forestry and Forest-based Industries.  

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. 

In  its  2008  Communication  on  "Addressing  the  challenges  of  deforestation  and  forest 
degradation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss" (COM(2008)645) the Commission 
identified  profitable  alternative  uses  of  land  with  a  high  market  value,  such  as  obtaining 
commodities  as  a  potential  driver  of  deforestation,  and  undertook  to  conduct  a  study  on  this 
issue.  

A8.1.4 

A8.1.5 

Resources 
for 
and 
Food 
Agriculture  –  and 
to 
continue 
contribute 
to 
negotiation  of  an 
international 
regime  on  ABS 
according 
the 
mandate  adopted 
7th 
the 
at 
Conference  of  the 
Parties of the CBD 
[2006 onwards]. 

to 

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

In 

ACTION: 
the 
context  of  action 
8.1.1,  identify  EU 
non-wood 
imports  driving 
in 
deforestation 
third 
countries 
(particularly  in  the 
trade-
context  of 
SIAs, 
related 
notably 
on 
agricultural 
products) 
adopt 
implement 
measures 
to 
prevent,  minimise 
mitigate 
and/or 
this  deforestation 
[by 2010]. 

and 
and 

imports 

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 
of 
control 
harvested 
illegally 
timber  into  the  EU  (as 
foreseen 
in  FLEGT 
action  plan).  Facilitate 
exchange 
best 
practice  in  private  and 
sector 
public 
policies 
procurement 
wood 
favouring 
products 
from 
sustainable sources. 

of 

Identify 
impacts  and 
follow-up  measures,  in 
particular in the context 
the  Commission's 
of 
trade-related 
Impact 
Sustainability 
(SIA) 
Assessment 
Programme, 
that 
covers  a  number  of 
sectoral 
relevant 
studies 
(e.g., 
agriculture,  forests  and 
products, 
forest 
fisheries,  tourism),  both 
to 
in 
connection 
(WTO, 
multilateral 
negotiations 
ongoing 
Doha 
on 
Development  Agenda) 
and  to  regional/bilateral 
free  trade  agreements 
(e.g. 
planned 
Economic  Partnership 
Agreements 
between 
the  EU  and  ACP 

the 

the 

EN 

39 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A8.1.6 

A8.1.7 

A8.1.8 

in 
bilateral 

ACTION:  Put 
place 
agreements 
between  EU  and 
major 
timber 
exporting 
countries  with  aim 
to  support  forest 
law  enforcement, 
governance  and 
trade 
(FLEGT) 
[2006 onwards]. 

ACTION:  Ensure 
Fisheries 
Partnership 
Agreements 
with 
compatible 
maintenance  and 
recovery  of  stocks 
at  levels  that  can 
produce  maximum 
sustainable  yield, 
and 
with 
minimising  impact 
non-target 
on 
and 
species 
habitats 
[2006 
onwards]. 

ACTION:  Support 
capacity-building 
and 
implementation  of 
CITES  provisions 
that 
to 
ensure 
in  CITES 
trade 
species 
is 
effectively 
and 
regulated 
controlled 
and 
not  detrimental  to 
the 
conservation 
of  the  species  in 
range states [2006 
onwards]. 

countries  and  the  EU-
Free 
Mediterranean 
Trade Area). 

Identify  and  secure  key 
bilateral agreements. 

Negotiations  successfully  finished  and  the  first  FLEGT  Voluntary  Partnership  Agreement  was  initialled  with 
Ghana  in  September  2008.  Other  negotiations  of  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).  

Progress has been made in  implementing the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and 
Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan. The first Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) was ratified with 
Ghana  in  November  2009.  Negotiations  on  FLEGT  VPA  are  ongoing  with  (Malaysia, 
Indonesia,  Liberia  and  Central  African  Republic.  Agreements  are  being  finalised  with 
Cameroon  and  Congo  Brazzaville.  A  new  regulation  on  Due  Diligence  aiming  at  eliminating 
illegal timber in EU market is expected to be adopted by the end of the year. 

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

by 
through  Joint 

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  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. 

The Commission is the main donor for the implementation of CITES, through funds granted to 
implement  decisions  adopted  by  the  CITES  CoP  (0.5  Mln  €),  to  improve  capacity  building  in 
developing  countries  (1  mln  €),  for  the  monitori ng  of  illegal  killing  of  elephants  and  for  the 
partnership  between  CITES  and  the  International  Tropical  Timber  Organisation  (ITTO).  A 
Study  on  Effectiveness  of  EU  regulations  has  been  finalised  and  a  stakeholder  meeting  has 
been organised as well as Member States experts to discuss the findings. 

The  EU  plays  a  leading  role  within  the  Convention  on  International  Trade  in  Endangered 
Species (CITES), notably the Conference of Parties held in March 2010. However, the meeting 
failed in relation to the conservation of marine species.  

in 

EU 

CITES 
Support 
to 
programmes 
implement 
CoP 
decisions  on  capacity 
building, 
national 
legislation, enforcement 
and  species  specific 
range 
measures 
to 
states.  Continue 
coordinated 
ensure 
response 
to 
unsustainable  trade  in 
CITES  species  through 
Scientific 
the 
Group, 
Review 
including 
consultation 
with  range  states  and 
constructive 
ensure 
to  possible 
follow-up 
suspensions 
import 
states. 
with 
MS 
Review 
of  EC 
enforcement 
CITES 
Regulations, 
including gaps and best 
practice  in  addressing 
illegal  trade,  following 
completion  of  on-going 

range 

EN 

40 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

in 

this 

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

A8.1.9 

n/a 

ACTION: 
Apply 
principle  of  prior 
informed consent 
when 
commercially 
using 
traditional 
knowledge relating 
to  biodiversity  and 
encourage 
the 
equitable  sharing 
of benefits arising 
the  use  of 
from 
knowledge 
such 
[2006 onwards]. 

COM is raising awareness of Article 8j CBD and relevant parts of the Bonn Guidelines throughout its services 
and in EC delegations in third countries. 
A special Interservice Group on Indigenous Issues 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. 

In the ongoing negotiations of the international ABS regime (see 8.1.3 above), the EU defends 
the view that the prior informed consent of indigenous and local communities must be obtained 
whenever traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is accessed.  

The EC and MS in September 2009 supported the adoption by the WIPO General Assembly of 
a mandate to undertake text-based negotiations in WIPO on a legal instrument (or instruments) 
to  effectively  protect  genetic  resources,  traditional  knowledge  and  traditional  cultural 
expresses.  

The  EU  seeks  to  strengthen  international  recognition  of  the  UN  Declaration  on  the  Rights  of 
Indigenous People adopted on 13 September 2007 in relevant international fora. 

POLICY AREA 3: BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 

OBJECTIVE 9: TO SUPPORT BIODIVERSITY ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE. 

HEADLINE TARGET: Potential for damaging impacts, related to climate change, on EU biodiversity substantially reduced by 2013. 

A9.1 

A9.1.1 

A9.2 

A9.2.1 

EN 

TARGET: 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved by 2010. 

ACTION: 
Commitments 
made  under  the 
Kyoto  Protocol 
respected 
[2006 
onwards]. 

Implement  measures 
identified  in  European 
Change 
Climate 
(ICCP) 
Programme 
European 
including 
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. 

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

Copenhagen Accord. Further to the Copenhagen Accord under the UN Framework Convention 
on  Climate  Change  (UNFCCC)  in  December  2009,  and  in  particular  provisions  on  financial 
assistance  from  industrialised  countries,  the  Commission  is  exploring  options  to  enhance 
biodiversity co-benefits.  

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

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

group 

the 

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 

Reducing  Emissions  from  Deforestation  and  Forest  Degradation  (REDD).  Based  on  the 
Communication on deforestation from 2008, the EU calls for halting global forest cover loss by 
2030  at  the  latest  and  reducing  gross  tropical  deforestation  by  at  least  50%  by  2020  from 
current  levels.  The  key  tool  to  deliver  on  this  objective,  which  would  entail  major 
climate/biodiversity co-benefits, is REDD. Achieving an agreement on REDD by the UNFCCC 
COP in December 2010 in Cancún is a core EU objective. 

41 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Intergovernmental 
Panel  on  Climate 
Change 
(IPCC) 
assessments,  and 
against 
action 
climate 
change 
post-2012 
extended 
the 
countries 
common 
differentiated 
responsibilities) 
and 
involved. 

to  all 
polluting 
(with 
but 

sectors 

package of measures to establish new climate and energy policy for EU. 

2020,  compared  to  the 
baseline  envisaged  in 
the Kyoto Protocol, and 
without 
beyond, 
new 
prejudging 
approaches 
for 
differentiation  between 
follow-up  on 
Parties; 
Montreal 
UNFCCC 
COP  11  and  negotiate 
response 
international 
climate 
addressing 
at 
change.  Actions 
Community 
and 
Member  State  level  to 
be  differentiated  in  due 
course. 

A9.3 

A9.3.1 

A9.3.2 

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. 

Impact  assessment  of 
new 
at 
policies 
Community  level  where 
appropriate. 

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.  

White  paper  on  adaptation  to  climate  change  (COM  (2009)  0147)  was  adopted  by  the 
Commission  on  1  April  2009.  It  emphasises  the  importance  of  maintaining  and  restoring 
ecosystem  integrity  and  the  development  of  a  "green  infrastructure",  an  interconnected 
network  of  natural  areas,  including  some  human  made,  agricultural  land,  wetlands,  forests, 
marine areas. The White Paper recognises the important role played by ecosystems and notes 
that "a comprehensive and integrated approach towards the maintenance and enhancement of 
ecosystems and the goods and services they provide is needed". This should 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)  delivered  a  detailed  report  on  adaptation  and  mitigation  measures  in 
different sectors and their impact on biodiversity. 

Green  Infrastructure  promoted  as  tool  for  adaptation  and  mitigation  measures.  More 
information on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm.  

Provide  guidance  on 
sustainability 
impact 
assessments. 

EEA  report  ‘How  much  bioenergy  can  Europe  produce  without  harming  the  environment?’  launched  (June 
2006);  Ongoing  debate  (including  in  Council  WPIEI  and  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  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..  

Directive 2009/28//EC including environmental sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids 
entered into force in 2009 and requires the Commission to provide guidance to MS regarding 
the  implementation  of  these  criteria.  In  addition,  it  requires  the  Commission  to  report  by  the 
end of 2009 on sustainability criteria for biomass energy use other than biofuels and bioliquids. 
This report was adopted in December 2009 with relevant follow-up processes. 

The Report on sustainability requirements for the use of solid and gaseous biomass sources in 
electricity, heating and cooling (COM (2010)11) was adopted by the Commission on February 
25th  2010.  The  report  makes  recommendations  on  sustainability  criteria  to  be  used  by  those 
Member States that wish to introduce a scheme at national level. 

All 
change 
and 

ACTION: 
climate 
adaptation 
mitigation 
measures 
assessed 
to 
prevent  negative 
impacts  or,  where 
not 
prevention 
to 
possible, 
minimise,  mitigate 
and/or 
compensate 
for 
negative 
impacts 
wherever 
and, 
possible,  provide 
positive benefits to 
biodiversity 
[2006 
onwards]. 

ACTION:  Ensure 
that 
implementation  of 
EU 
Biomass 
Action  Plan  takes 
due  account 
in 
assessments, 
where  relevant,  of 
on 
impacts 
in 
biodiversity, 
particularly 
on 
high-nature-value 
farmland 
and 
forests,  in  order  to 
achieve  ecological 
sustainability 
of 
biomass 
production 
onwards]. 

[2006 

EN 

42 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

A9.4 

A9.4.1 

A9.4.2 

A9.4.3 

EN 

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

ACTION:  Develop 
a  comprehensive 
of 
programme 
actions 
priority 
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 
in 
and  habitats 
of 
the 
climate 
change 
by  applying,  as 
tools 
appropriate, 
which  may  include 
buffer 
flyways, 
corridors 
zones, 
and 
stepping 
(including 
stones 
as  appropriate  to 
neighbouring  and 
third countries), as 
well  as  actions  in 
support 
of 
biodiversity  in  the 
wider  environment 
(cf. action 1.2.3). 

face 

ACTION:  Make  a 
preliminary 
of 
assessment 
habitats 
and 
species in the EU 
most  at  risk  from 
climate change [by 
detailed 
2007], 
assessment 
and 
appropriate 
adaptation 

Coordinate 
development 
programme. 

of 

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, 
guidelines 
strengthen coherence. 

develop 
to 

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

The  White  Paper  on  climate  change  adaptation  (see  A9.3.1)  provides  impetus  for  follow  up 
debate on policy responses. An EU Ad hoc Expert Working Group on biodiversity and climate 
change with Member State representatives, scientists and other stakeholders was set up. The 
group  delivered  a  discussion  paper  –  "Towards  a  Strategy  on  Climate  Change,  Ecosystem 
Services 
See 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/pdf/discussion_paper_climate_change.pdf.  

Biodiversity". 

and 

Assessments and guidance are taking into account the potential significance of climate change 
impacts  as  appropriate.  Green  Infrastructure  promoted  as  tool  for  adaptation  and  mitigation 
on 
measures. 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm  

information 

More 

See also A 1.2.3 

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. 

COM  has  also  launched  in  2007  a  review  of  current  information,  especially  in  the  context  of 
NATURA 2000. The final task reports are available. The reports include: 

• 

Impacts of climate change on EU biodiversity: evidence and modelling results; 

•  An assessment framework for climate change vulnerability: methodology and results; 

• 

Impacts of climate change on EU biodiversity policy and recommendations for policies and 
measures to maintain and restore biodiversity in the EU in the face of climate change; 

•  Applying the vulnerability assessment framework: impacts of climate change on the Natura 

43 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

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

POLICY AREA 4: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

2000 network; 

•  Wind, hydro and marine renewable  energy infrastructures in the EU: biodiversity impacts, 

mitigation and policy recommendation. 

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

A10.1 

A10.1.1 

A10.1.2 

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. 

concept 

Develop 
in 
consultation  with  key 
stakeholders, 
confirm 
funding  availability,  put 
mechanism in place.  

See B 2.1.2 
The European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy (EPBRS), an informal science-policy interface whose 
main aim is to identify the knowledge gaps that hinder the 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. 

A third consultation meeting on an Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem 
Services IPBES was organised by UNEP in June 2010, which led to an agreement to establish 
IPBES. The regional contribution to such a mechanism is being discussed at EU level. 

See also B 2.1.2 

ACTION:  Subject 
funding  being 
to 
from 
found 
financial 
existing 
resources, 
establish  an  EU 
mechanism 
for 
independent, 
authoritative 
research-based 
advice  to 
implementation 
and  further  policy 
development. 

inform 

in 

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

The  European  Community  is  engaged  in  the  global  strategy  for  follow-up  to  the  UN  Millennium  Ecosystem 
Assessment and is committed to develop a sub-global assessment for the European region, using the EURECA 
project  launched  by  the  European  Environment  Agency,  and  the  outcomes  of  the  study  on  The  Economics  of 
Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). At CBD COP9 in May 2008 the EC and its Member States have supported 
UNEP's  proposal  for  establishing  an  Intergovernmental  Platform  on  Biodiversity  and  Ecosystems  Services 
(IPBES), to strengthen independent scientific advice to global policy making.  

The  European  Commission  participated  in  the  three  Ad-hoc  Intergovernmental  and  Multi-
stakeholder  Meeting  on  an  Intergovernmental  Science-Policy  Interface  on  Biodiversity  and 
Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and has provided a grant of 1 million € to UNEP to support the 
strengthening  of  the  Science-Policy  Interface  on  Biodiversity  and  Ecosystem  Services,  in 
particular through organisation of regional consultations. 

Under  the  2010  Annual  Environment  and  Natural  Resources  Thematic  Programme  (ENRTP) 
the EC is providing 1.5 million € to develop c apacity for effective use of ecosystem assessment 
in developing countries. 

the 

ACTION: 
Identify 
ways  and  means 
to 
strengthen 
independent 
scientific  advice 
to  global  policy 
making,  inter  alia 
by 
actively 
to 
contributing 
CBD consideration 
of 
2007 
evaluation  of  the 
Millennium 
Ecosystem 
Assessment,  and 
ongoing 
the 
on 
consultations 
for 
need 
the 
improved 
International 
Mechanisms 
Scientific 
Expertise 
Biodiversity. 

on 

on 

A10.1.3 

ACTION: Enhance 
on 
research 
trends 
status, 
and  distribution 
of  all  habitats  and 

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

under 

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. 

There  have  been  4  calls  for  proposals  of  FP7  resulting  in  the  following  successful  projects: 
HUNT,  SOILSERVICE,  HighARCS,  LiveDiverse,  PALMS,  SCALES,  EBONE,  STEP, 
CONGRESS,  TESS,  BioFresh  and  the  projects  SPIRAL,  FunDivEUROPE,  (ECOFINDERS?) 
and KNEU are under negotiation.  

EN 

44 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

(including 

Capacities 
research 
infrastructures). 

species 
of 
community interest 
and  of  additional 
habitats 
and 
species  of  policy 
relevance 
[2006 
onwards]. 

An “Atlas of Biodiversity Risk” has been launched during Green Week 2010. The Atlas brings 
together the results of a number of European Research Projects in a comprehensive manner 
thus  contributing  significantly  to  the  biodiversity  knowledge  base  for  informed  policy  making. 
The  RUBICODE  project  on  Conservation  of  Biodiversity  and  Ecosystem  Services  in  Europe: 
From Threat to Action provided knowledge support to EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline. 

A10.1.4 

A10.1.5 

A10.1.6 

on 

ACTION: Enhance 
research  on  most 
significant 
pressures 
biodiversity, 
develop  and  test 
and 
prevention 
mitigation 
options 
onwards]. 

[2006 

under 

Accommodate  in  FP7 
- 
work  programmes 
notably 
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 
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 
Natura  2000  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. 

(pressure  on  biodiversity)  at 

the  European 

connectivity 

lack  of 

See A 10.1.3. 

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

under 

and 

ACTION:  Develop 
and  apply  tools  to 
measure, 
anticipate 
improve 
effectiveness  of 
most 
important 
policy 
instruments 
for 
conservation  and 
sustainable  use  of 
biodiversity 
[2006 
onwards]. 

under 

Accommodate  in  FP7 
- 
work  programmes 
notably 
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 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. 

to 
and 

ACTION:  Allocate 
adequate 
financial 
resources 
European 
national 
biodiversity 
research  and 
dissemination 
its 
including 
the 
Framework 
Programme  [2006 
onwards]. 

to 
of 
results, 
under 
Seventh 

A10.1.7 

ACTION: 
Establish  effective 
and 
inclusive 
European 
Research  Area 
for biodiversity and 

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

under 

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. 

pressure 

As  indicated  in  A  7.2.4,  the  MONDE  action  of  the  JRC  has  developed  methodologies  for 
Areas 
than 
assessing 
(http://bioval.jrc.ec.europa.eu/PA/).  Current  work  is  addressing  new  visualisation  means  for 
describing  these  pressures  as  well  as,  in  collaboration  with  the  FOREST  action,  to  assess 
fragmentation and connectivity of natural habitats in Africa. 

Protected 

African 

more 

700 

on 

Additionally, the JRC developed high-spatial resolution forest maps of Europe to assess forest 
change  over  time.  This  is  the  basis  of  the  development  of  European  wide  datasets  of  forest 
spatial pattern and forest fragmentation, which have already been used e.g. in the EEA State 
of Forest Report, and the MCPFE 2007 European Forest report. 

In  the  context  of  the  Action  BIOMES,  the  JRC  is  developing  a  methodology  to  map  the 
capacity  of  ecosystems  to  provide  a  sustainable  flow  of  ecosystem  services.  A  first  set  of 
biophysical maps of ecosystem services at EU scale is foreseen by the end of 2010.  

See A 10.1.3. 

As part of the Environment Theme (FP7 SP Cooperation) Biodiversity is treated as topic under 
the Activity 6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources. The following financial resources have 
been  allocated  so  far  within,  to  Environment  theme  Sub-Activity  6.2.1  Conservation  and 
sustainable  management  of  natural  and  man-made  resources  and  biodiversity  under  Activity 
6.2 Sustainable Management of Resources:  

•  First call 2007: EUR 24 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 200 Million. 

•  Second call 2008: EUR 30 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 212 Million. 

•  Third call 2009: EUR 27 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 193,5 Million 

•  Forth call 2010: EUR 28,5 Million out of an overall budget of EUR 175 Million (FP7-ENV-

2010) 

A follow-up ERA-Net project BiodivERsA2 will be funded with € 1 Million by the EU for further 4 
years. 

EN 

45 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

research 
infrastructures). 

strengthen 
capacities 
(including 
infrastructures) 
key 
interdisciplinary 
and  participatory 
science 
[2006 
onwards]. 

in 
disciplines, 

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. 

In the forth call (FP7-ENV-2010) one topic is dedicated to create a prototype of an EU network 
of knowledge (KNEU).  

In May 2009 a workshop in Brussels was dedicated to elaborate on a concept of a network of 
knowledge as science side of a science-policy-interface.  

Information  on  the  latest  scientific  findings  for  biodiversity  is  provided  by  the  "Science  for 
Environment  Policy"  news  alert  service  under  its  Biodiversity  topic  and  in  the  Biodiversity 
Thematic Issue. 

Strengthen Community-
level 
institutions/mechanisms 
the  science-policy 
at 
interface 
(see  Action 
A10.1.1); 
in  FP7 
accommodate 
- 
work  programmes 
notably 
the 
Specific  Programmes 
for  Cooperation  and  for 
Capacities;  strengthen 
assimilate 
ability 
research 
at 
policy level. 

results 

under 

to 

under 

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

See A10.1.7 the LIFEWATCH project. 

See A10.1.3. the project EBONE contributing to GEO/GEOSS.  

The  EuroGEOSS  project,  a  European  approach  to  the  Global  Earth  Observation  System  of 
Systems,  has  been  funded  by  DG  RTD.  The  MONDE  action  of  the  JRC  is  coordinating  the 
development of a biodiversity operating capacity (http://www.eurogeoss.eu/) 

JRC is working to ensure the extension of the INSPIRE guidelines to Natura2000 that, among 
others, should take into consideration the outcome of the Expert Group on Reporting under the 
Nature Directive. In addition, JRC has recently started to work on following Annex II and Annex 
III data themes particularly relevant for the Action Plan in collaboration with DG ENV Thematic 
Units:  17.  Bio-geographical  regions,  18.  Habitats  and  biotopes,  19.  Species  distribution,  2. 
Land cover, 3. Soil, 12. Natural risk zones. 

A10.1.8  

A10.1.9 

Put 

in 
to  ensure 

ACTION: 
institutional 
arrangements 
place 
policy-relevant 
done 
research 
(e.g.  in  support  of 
implementation  of 
the 
nature 
directives, 
of 
integration 
biodiversity 
into 
sectoral  policies) 
research 
and 
outcomes 
are 
reflected  where 
appropriate 
in 
policy 
development 
[2006 onwards]. 

data 
and 

and 
[2006 

ACTION: 
Establish 
promote 
onwards] 
common 
standards 
quality 
assurance 
procedures 
enable 
interoperability of 
key  European  and 
national 
biodiversity 
databases 
inventories 
2008]. 

and 
[by 

to 

B. THE FOUR SUPPORTING MEASURES 

SUPPORTING MEASURE 1: ENSURING ADEQUATE FINANCING FOR BIODIVERSITY. 

B1.1 

EN 

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. 

46 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

B1.1.1 

B1.1.2 

B1.1.3 

EN 

See Action A1.1.2 

See Action A1.1.2 

See Action A1.1.2 

(CAP 

ACTION:  Ensure 
adequate 
financing 
provided 
[2007-
2013]  to  Natura 
2000 
implementation 
through 
community 
Rural 
Development, 
Structural  Funds, 
Life+)  and  MS  co-
financing, 
to 
accessible 
who 
those 
manage 
Natura 
2000  sites,  with 
on 
focus 
optimising 
long-
term  conservation 
status 
and 
benefits as well as 
priority  awareness 
raising 
and 
networking 
initiatives. 
Action A1.1.2) 

(cf. 

ACTION:  Allocate, 
initiative, 
at  MS 
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 
indirectly 
or 
of 
supportive 
nature 
and 
biodiversity 
[2006/07  and  any 
subsequent 
revisions]. 

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

funds 

See Action A2.1.1 

See Action A2.1.1 

See Action A2.1.1 

See Action A3.4.1 

See Action A3.4.1 

See Action A3.4.1 

47 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

See Action A4.1.1 

See Action A4.1.1 

See Action A4.1.1 

See Action A4.1.2 

See Action A4.1.2 

See Action A4.1.2 

Ensure  adequate  co-
financing within limits of 
funds available. 

New  LIFE+  programme  (2007-2013)  is  providing  additional  possibilities  to  finance  specific  innovative  or 
demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the EU biodiversity action plan. 

4 of the LIFE+ projects co-financed in 2007, 8 of the 2008 and 12 of the 2009 ones are aimed 
at  supporting  wider  biodiversity  policy  (i.e.  other  than  those  related  to  the  Birds  and  Habitats 
Directive), which gives a total budget of 48.5 Mill EUR. 

See  Actions  A7.1.1  to 
A7.1.6 

See Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6 

See Actions A7.1.1 to A7.1.6 

B1.1.4 

B1.1.5 

B1.1.6 

B1.1.7 

ACTION:  Allocate, 
initiative, 
at  MS 
and 
cohesion 
structural 
funds 
for projects directly 
or 
indirectly 
providing 
biodiversity 
benefits  in  all  MS 
operational 
programmes [2006 
onwards]. 
(cf. 
Action A4.1.1) 

ESF 
to 

ACTION: 
contributing 
biodiversity 
objectives 
through 
awareness-raising, 
capacity  building, 
employment of the 
long-term 
young, 
jobless 
and 
elderly,  etc.  [2007 
(cf. 
onwards]. 
Action A4.1.2)  

ACTION:  Ensure 
adequate 
of 
financing 
other biodiversity 
measures 
outside  Natura 
2000  in  the  EU 
other 
through 
co-
Community 
(e.g. 
financing 
and 
Life+) 
States’ 
Member 
[2007-
financing 
2013].  

real 

ACTION:  Increase 
in 
terms 
international 
development 
assistance 
funds 
flowing  annually 
to 
projects 
directly 
benefiting 
biodiversity 
[for 
period  2006-2010 
compared 
with 
period  2000-2005; 
for 
and 
again 
period 
2011-
2013].  (cf.  Actions 
A7.1.1 to A7.1.6) 

EN 

48 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

See Action A10.1.6 

Further  financial  resources  have  been  allocated  to  biodiversity  topics  within  the  Environment 
theme  to  the  Sub-Activities  6.2.2  Management  of  marine  environments  under  Activity  6.2 
Sustainable  Management  of  Resources  as  well  as  under  Sub-activity  6.4.2  Forecasting 
methods  and  assessment  tools  for  sustainable  development  taking  into  account  different 
scales of observation (e.g. TESS). 

No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

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. 

ACTION:  Allocate 
adequate  financial 
to 
resources 
European 
and 
national 
biodiversity 
research  and 
dissemination 
its 
including 
the 
Framework 
Programme  [2006 
onwards]. 
(cf. 
Action A10.1.5) 

to 
of 
results, 
under 
Seventh 

B1.1.8 

B1.1.9 

Allocate  funds  through 
available 
instruments 
including Life+ 

See B 1.1.6 

See Action B 1.1.6 

joined-
planning, 
of 

ACTION:  Allocate 
adequate funds for 
supporting 
measures 
including 
promoting 
up 
development 
partnerships, 
monitoring, 
awareness  raising 
and 
institutional 
capacity-building 
for 
[2007-2013]. 

biodiversity 

SUPPORTING MEASURE 2: STRENGTHENING EU DECISION-MAKING FOR BIODIVERSITY.  

B2.1 

B2.1.1 

TARGET: EU vision on biodiversity and ecosystem services agreed and providing policy framework by 2010. 

Establish 
coordinate 
agree vision. 

process, 
debate, 

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

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). 

The  Commission  organised  a  conference  on  'Biodiversity  Protection  –  Beyond  2010',  27-28 
Athens, Greece, which was the first major stakeholder event. Dedicated working groups were 
held on all major issues of the biodiversity policy (The EU Biodiversity Action Plan, Biodiversity 
and  Climate  Change,  Integration  of  Biodiversity  Issues  into  Policies  and  Business,  Natura 
2000, Economics and Finance, Objectives for Biodiversity Protection beyond 2010). 

The European Council at its March meeting agreed on a 2050 vision and a 2020 target on EU 
biodiversity. 

The Green Week, the major environment policy event with a broad outreach, was dedicated to 
biodiversity in 2010. Sessions discussed, among others, the lessons learned from the current 
policy and certain aspects and elements of the future biodiversity policy. 

The  Commission  is  working  on  the  development  of  a  post-2010  EU  biodiversity  policy 
framework  (strategy)  aimed  at  delivering  on  the  post-2010  EU  biodiversity  vision  and  target. 
Inter alia this work, the current policy framework is being assessed and discussed.  

For 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/policy/index_en.htm  

biodiversity 

details 

further 

policy 

EU 

on 

development 

see 

B2.1.2 

ACTION: 
Strengthen 
understanding  and 
communication  of 

Studies, 
meetings, 
research  to  feed  into 
EU 
(Action 
2.1.1)  -  development  of 

debate 

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 

The  full  package  of  the  TEEB  study  will  be  published  at  CBD  CO10  in  October  2010.  For 
further details on TEEB see www.teebweb.org 

Further studies have  been carried out on the economic  aspects of environment, including  on 

EN 

49 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

proposals 
appropriate. 

as 

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. 

values  of 
capital 
of 

the 
natural 
and 
ecosystem 
services,  and  the 
taking into account 
of  these  values  in 
the 
policy 
framework, 
expand  incentives 
to 
people 
for 
safeguard 
biodiversity 
onwards]. 

[2006 

the  use  of  market  based  instruments  (2010),  environmentally  harmful  subsidies  (2010), 
understanding the causes of biodiversity loss and the policy assessment framework (2009), the 
monetary  valuation  of  biodiversity  costs  of  policy  inaction  (2009).  For  further  details  and  the 
reports 
see 
studies 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/enveco/studies.htm#7  

conducted 

ENV 

DG 

by 

of 

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. 

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.'  

Impact assessment guidelines used by the COM include biodiversity concerns. 

The European Council (2008) encourages Member States and the Commission to strengthen 
efforts aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond. 

In the annex to the Strategic Report (January 2009), it has been indicated that progress in the 
implementation  of  policy  measures  to  halt  the  loss  of  biodiversity  is  mixed  –  some  Member 
States such as Poland still had very low sufficiency levels in establishing Natura 2000 network 
as of June 2008. 

The  preliminary  results  of  the  report  "Economics  of  Ecosystems  and  Biodiversity"  (TEEB) 
demonstrate the high dependency of human society upon ecosystem services, and suggested 
that a "business-as-usual" scenario could lead to substantial economic losses. For the period 
2000-2050, the annual loss of world-wide terrestrial ecosystem services is estimated at around 
€50 billion. By 2050, the cumulated welfare losses  were estimated equivalent to 7% of GDP. It 
emphasizes  the  urgency  with  which  Member  States  need  to  incorporate  the  value  of 
ecosystem services into policy measures.  

The recently adopted Europe 2020 Strategy identified the new paradigm towards sustainable 
growth by promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy. Within 
the  Europe  2020  the  flagship  "Resource  Efficient  Europe"  introduces  the  need  to  establish  a 
vision  on  the  structural  and  technological  changes  required,  so  that  Europe  moves  to  a  low 
carbon,  resource  efficient  and  climate  resilient  economy  by  2050  allowing  EU  to  achieve  its 
emissions reduction and biodiversity targets. 

As a result, around 100 Impact Assessments are undertaken each year and published (though 
most  do  not  have  biodiversity  impacts).  An  Impact  Assessment  Board  provides  quality 
checking. 

biodiversity 
Address 
ecosystem 
and 
future 
in 
services 
guidelines, 
evaluate 
adequacy  of  integration 
and 
of 
biodiversity 
services 
ecosystem 
in  NRPs, 
concerns 
address these issues in 
annual  reports  and  any 
future 
recommendations 
MS. 

to 

policy 
Implement 
impact 
assessment 
effectively  as  part  of 
Regulation, 
Better 
taking 
including 
biodiversity 
impacts 
better into account. 

ACTION: Integrate 
for 
concerns 
and 
biodiversity 
ecosystem 
given 
services, 
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 
new 
all 
legislative 
and 
policy  proposals 
at  EU  and  MS 
levels 
for 
potential 
significant 
on 
impacts 
in 
biodiversity 
general  and  on 
ecosystem  goods 
in 
and  services 
and 
particular, 
effective 
ensure 
treatment 
of 
biodiversity 
concerns  in  policy 
impact 
assessments, 
particular 

in 
to 

EN 

50 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

ensure 
the 
of 
maintenance 
ecosystem  goods 
and services [2006 
onwards]. 

B2.3 

B2.3.1 

B2.4 

B2.4.1 

B2.4.2 

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 
and 
policy 
budgeting  cycle 
to  enable  more 
effective 
integration 
onwards]. 

[2006 

Carry  out  mid-term  and 
final  reviews  in  timely 
manner in order to feed 
in 
to  broader  policy 
reviews  (e.g.  CAP)  and 
Financial 
into 
post 
Perspectives 
2013. 

next 

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. 

The 2009 Environment Policy Review (to be published in July 2010-ISC is ongoing) presents 
the main developments in EU environment policy during 2009 for the 4 priority areas of the 6th 
Environment  Action  Programme  (part  1).  Part  2  draws  on  statistical  data  and  environmental 
trends  and  part  3  contains  the  Commission’s  summary  of  the  major  environment  policy 
developments in the Member States. Concerning nature and biodiversity, the EPR 2009 shows 
that the EU biodiversity  pictures remains mixed  with positive developments for some species 
and habitats overshadowed by worrying trends among others. To reverse the alarming trends 
of  loss,  the  EU  needs  to  fully  implement  relevant  legislation  –  from  the  Habitats  and  Birds 
Directives  to  the  Water  Framework  and  Marine  Directives.  The  2009  EPR  is  available  at: 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/policyreview.htm. 

A  mid-term  evaluation  of  rural  development  programmes  and  national  rural  development 
strategies will be carried out in 2010. Results will feed into the debate on the CAP post-2013. 

The time for mid-term and final review is fixed by the EFF Regulation. 2011 mid term review of 
the EFF Regulation could feed into the last phase of the CFP reform process 

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

Encourage  MS  to  re-
and 
propose 
align; 
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. 

ACTION: Re-align 
MS  biodiversity 
strategies 
and 
action  plans  with 
this  EU  Action 
[by  2007] 
Plan 
strengthen 
and 
mechanisms 
for 
ongoing  alignment 
of  EC  and  MS 
biodiversity 
and 
strategies 
action  plans  [2007 
onwards]. 

the 

ACTION: 
Strengthen 
institutional 
in 
arrangements 
of 
support 
coherence 
and 
complementarity 
in 
the 
implementation  of 
EC 
and  MS 
biodiversity 
and 
strategies 
action plans and in 
particular  of 
this 
Action  Plan  [2006 
onwards]. 

EN 

51 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

B2.4.3 

B2.5 

B2.5.1 

None 

See B2.4.1 

See B2.4.1 

ACTION: 
Strengthen 
mechanisms 
for 
delivery  from  MS 
local 
level 
to 
level 
[2006 
onwards]. 

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 

Ongoing 

of 

ACTION: 
Strengthen 
proactive 
integration 
available 
planning 
instruments 
including  Natura 
2000,  river  basin 
management 
planning, 
programmes 
of 
measures for soils, 
rural  development 
towards 
plans 
application  of  an 
ecosystems 
approach 
terrestrial 
freshwater 
environment  [2006 
onwards]. 
(cf. 
Action A4.3.1) 

the 
and 

in 

- 

Provide 
integrate 
community 
evaluation 
reporting. 

guidance, 
into 
level 
and 

B2.5.2 

ACTION: Integrate 
biodiversity 
concerns  into  the 
evaluation, 
monitoring  and 
reporting 
mechanisms  of 
Community-
funded 
programmes 
which  have  an 
impact 
the 
conservation  and 
of 
recovery 
[2006 
biodiversity 
onwards]. 

on 

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. 

On  regional  development  policy:  COM  has  included  biodiversity  concerns  and  targets  in  the 
assessment  of  the  National  Strategies  (NSRFs)  submitted  by  MS  in  the  context  of  the  EC 
Cohesion Policy (Structural, Cohesion Funds) for the financing period 2007-2013.  

On  rural  development  policy:  all  rural  development  interventions  for  the  programming  period 
2007-2013  are  subject  to  monitoring  and  evaluation  under  the  Common  Monitoring  and 
Evaluation  Framework  (CMEF).  The  CMEF  establishes  means  for  improving  programme 
performance,  ensuring  the  accountability  of  programmes  and  allowing  an  assessment  on  the 
achievement of established objectives, including environmental objectives. A number of CMEF 
indicators directly concern biodiversity. See also actions A2.1.3 and A2.1.8. 

On  fisheries  policy:  ongoing  work  to  develop  guidelines  to  help  MS  with  the  2011  interim 
evaluation of the EFF (2007-2013). Final guidelines should include questions on integration of 
environmental protection in EFF assistance. 

B 2.6 

B2.6.1 

EN 

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

ACTION: 
Reinforce  efforts 
to 
ensure 
compliance, 
control 
enforcement 
national, 

and 
at 
regional 

Monitor  compliance  at 
level, 
Community 
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 

Regarding  fisheries  policy:  The  Commission  has  adopted  on  20  November  2009  Council 
Regulation  (EC)  N°  1224/2009  establishing  a  Community  control  system  for  ensuring 
compliance  with  the  rules  of  the  Common  Fisheries  Policy  (CFP).  (see  also  section  A3.5.5). 
With  this  text,  control  and  inspection  are  focused  where  they  are  most  effective,  through  an 
approach  based  on  systematic  risk  analysis.  Inspection  procedures  are  standardised  and 
harmonised  for  all  stages  along  the  chain,  including  transport  and  marketing.  Use  of  modern 
data-processing  and  communications  technologies  is  extended.  Where  possible,  data 

52 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

and 
local 
[2006 onwards]. 

levels 

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. 

processing  is  automated,  and  subject  to  systematic  and  comprehensive  cross-checking.  The 
result is a system which is more effectively targeted, more effective, and also less costly and 
burdensome to operate. 

Regarding Bluefin tuna, a new Joint Deployment Plan (JDP) was launched in March 2010 by 
the  Commission.  The  fifteen-year  recovery  plan  for  the  blue  fin  tuna,  agreed  within  the 
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) was revised.  

Regarding rural development policy: Member States are required, within the framework of the 
common  agricultural  policy,  to  adopt  all  legislative,  regulatory  and  administrative  provisions 
and  to  take  any  other  measures  necessary  to  ensure  effective  protection  of  the  financial 
interests of the Community, and particularly in order to check the genuineness and compliance 
of  operations  financed  by  the  EAGF  and  the  EAFRD.  The  Commission  services  carry  out 
audits  in  the  Member  States  a)  to  provide  the  Commission  with  reasonable  assurance  that 
expenditure financed by the  Community  in  the  area of agriculture and rural development has 
been effected in conformity  with Community rules and,  where this is not the case, to exclude 
the  expenditure  concerned  from  Community  financing  so  as  to  protect  the  Community's 
financial  interests;  b)  to  contribute  to  improving  the  management  and  control  systems  in  the 
area of agriculture and rural development. 

SUPPORTING MEASURE 3: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR BIODIVERSITY. 

B3.1 

B3.1.1 

B3.1.2 

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

Provide 
facilitate, co-finance. 

guidance, 

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. 

LIFE  and  LIFE+  projects  have  been  promoting  partnerships  for  nature  since  1992  and  it 
continues to promote in the future too. 

Facilitate 
partnerships 
Community level. 

such 
at 

Input to consultation on RD strategies and some RD Plans. 

States, 

ACTION: Enhance 
communication, 
cooperation  and 
concerted  action 
between 
Commission, 
Member 
landowners, 
scientific 
conservation 
communities 
in 
support  of  Natura 
2000 
(including 
implementation  of 
'El 
Teide' 
Declaration)  [2006 
onwards]. 

and 

and 

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

on 

B3.1.3  

ACTION: 
Establish 

Support 
Community 

RACs 

at 
level  as 

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

and 

EN 

53 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

B3.1.4 

fund 

adequately 
Regional 
Advisory 
for 
Councils 
fisheries, 
as 
provided  for  under 
Common 
the 
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 
to 
adaptation 
climate 
change 
and the prevention 
damaging 
of 
impacts  of  climate 
change  adaptation 
mitigation 
and 
on 
measures 
[2007 
biodiversity 
onwards].  

provided 
Common 
Policy. 

for 
in 
Fisheries 

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. 

Establish task force 

A new ad hoc working group on Biodiversity and Climate change has been established by DG ENV of COM to 
help frame biodiversity and climate change policy for post 2010, including issues of Natura 2000 and ecological 
connectivity and the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services with regards to combating climate change. First 
meeting of group was in November 2008. 

The  Ad  hoc  working  group  on  Biodiversity  and  Climate  change  has  been  established  by  DG 
ENV  to  help  frame  biodiversity  and  climate  change  policy  for  post  2010,  including  issues  of 
Natura  2000  and  ecological  connectivity  and  the  role  of  biodiversity  and  ecosystem  services 
with regards to combating climate change. 

In collaboration of the Hadley Centre of the UK Met Office, the MONDE action (Monitoring of 
Natural  Resources  for  Development)  of  the  JRC  is  setting  up  e-Habitat,  a  habitat  modelling 
service for assessing vulnerability of habitats in protected areas to climate change. 

The  importance  of  the  climate  change-biodiversity  link  and  the  benefits  of  tackling  climate 
change and biodiversity loss in an integrated, mutually supportive manner have been stated in 
numerous  policy  documents2.However,  collaboration  between  the  biodiversity  and  climate 
change communities needs to be a lot more interactive. An EU Ad Hoc Expert Working Group 
has  been  initiated  by  the  Commission  in  20083.The  Group  deliver  a  Discussion  Paper  – 
Towards  a  Strategy  on  Climate  Change,  Ecosystem  Services  and  Biodiversity.4Another 
promising initiative is the “Rio Conventions’ Ecosystems and Climate Change Pavilion, which 
will be hosted for the first time at CBD COP 10 in Nagoya, then at UNFCCC COPs, UNCCD 
COP  and  at  RIO  +  20.  The  Pavilion  will  be  hosted  by  the  secretariats  of  the  three  Rio 
Conventions. The Commission is one of the core partners. 

B3.1.5 

B3.1.6 

ACTION:  Develop 
biodiversity  and 
planning 
partnership 
onwards]. 

[2007 

Encourage 
such 
partnerships  at  MS 
facilitate 
levels, 
exchange 
best 
practice. 

of 

ACTION:  Develop 
a  business  and 
biodiversity 
partnership 
onwards]. 

[2006 

Facilitate 
partnerships 
Community level 

such 
at 

See B 3.1.6 

The Commission plans to launch a call for tender 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. 

Exchange  of  best-practice  examples  on  integrated  spatial  planning  at  workshop  on  Green 
Infrastructure 
on 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm 

information 

03/2009. 

More 

in 

See also B 3.1.6 

The Commission launched the web-based Platform Business and Biodiversity in June 2010 to 
help  businesses  to  identify  business  risks  and  opportunities  linked  to  biodiversity.  Synergies 
will  be  built  with  similar  initiative  at  national  level.  The  project  focuses  on  6  priority  sectors 
(agriculture, 
tourism). 
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/business/index_en.html)  

forestry,  extractive, 

financial  and 

industry, 

supply 

food 

A COM funded project set up biodiversity technical assistance units in three selected Member 
States (BU, HU & PL) aiming to facilitate the creation of a pro-biodiversity investment market 
for  businesses,  especially  SMEs  and  the  banking  sector,  and  to  help  prepare  bankable 
projects  and  business  plans 
(see 
www.smeforbiodiversity.eu)  

for  entrepreneurs 

investment 

loans. 

future 

for 

A  study  on  businesses'  risk  on  biodiversity  was  prepared  to  provide  decision-makers  with 
recommendations  on  incentives  to  business  to  minimise  their  risk  related  to  ecosystem 
services. 

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity works towards preparing the TEEB specialised 
report  on  Biodiversity  and  Business  (D3  report),  which  has  just  been  published  and  will  be 

2 
3 
4 

Council Conclusions in 2008, 2009 and 2010 
http://circa.europa.eu/Public/irc/env/biodiversity_climate/home 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/pdf/discussion_paper_climate_change.pdf 

EN 

54 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

B3.1.7 

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

Facilitate 
partnerships 
Community 
including 
EBRD and EIB. 

such 
at 
level, 
involving 

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

presented in CBD COP-10 in Nagoya alongside with the other TEEB reports. 

The  Commission  is  also  working  together  with  the  insurance  industry  to  develop  instruments 
and financial security solutions under the requirements of the Environmental Liability Directive 
(ELD).  This  may  lead  to  the  production  of  guidelines  for  compensating  for  damages  in 
biodiversity  under  the  ELD.  Furthermore  the  Commission  has  addressed  the  issue  of 
remediation of environmental damage covered under the ELD with major industrial sectors. 

The Commission is also exploring possibilities together with the EIB and EBRD for enhancing 
the financial opportunities for biodiversity and engaging more the private sector.  

Provision of training to staff of EC delegations ongoing. 

Provision of training to staff of EC delegations ongoing. 

in 

Apply 
projects 
Community public aid. 

respect  of 
financed  by 

B3.1.8 

ACTION: 
Apply 
the  CBD  Akwe-
Kwon  Guidelines 
for 
projects 
affecting 
lands 
terrestrial 
indigenous 
of 
local 
and 
communities both 
within  the  EU  MS 
Third 
and 
in 
countries 
[2006 
onwards]. 

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 
and 
[2006/07] 
[2007 
implement 
onwards] 
a 
communications 
campaign 
in 
full 
support 
implementation  of 
this Action Plan. 

of 

Coordinate 
development 
implementation 
campaign 
partnership with MS. 

and 
of 
in 

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  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.  

The Commission carried out a Eurobarometer opinion poll on biodiversity in 2010. Two thirds 
of EU citizens  were familiar  with the term  biodiversity but 8 out of 10 respondents had never 
heard about Natura 2000. 

The  'European  communications  and  outreach  campaign  on  Biodiversity'  was  launched  mid 
February 2010 and it consits of: 

• 

- Multilingual website http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/campaign/index.htm  

• 

- Facebook application 

• 

- Video clip for on-line use 

• 

-  PR  events  and  events  for  general  public  at  the  occasion  of  22nd  of  May  (in  6  target 
countries)  and  a  street  art  happening  at  Green  Week  2010  with  participation  of 
Commissioner Potocnik. 

•  - Paid advertising (outdoor, press, on-line). 

Campaign's  strategy:  show  the  relevance  of  biodiversity  and  the  implications  its  loss  has  for 
our daily lives (e.g. provision of goods and services such as clean air, food, water, medicines, 
etc.). This strategy is executed through visual identity / slogan that show how human society is 
interconnected with a larger life's system, and thus, depend on it. 

Available indicators suggest that the implementation so far is very successful (2.2mln of visits 
to the website, more than 1mln views of the viral clip, above average click-through rate for the 
on-line advertisement, high press coverage of PR events). 

EN 

55 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Continuation  of  activities  in  the  second  half  of  2010  is  foreseen,  with  further  focus  on  social 
media  and  approaching  people  with  messages  in  innovative  and  original  ways.  The 
Commission  has  launched  (1/6/2010)  a  call  for  tender  to  develop  a  complementary 
communications  strategy,  focusing  on  the  promotion  of  Natura  2000  –  to  consolidate  the 
awareness and positive image of this network of conservation areas.  

Several communication materials have been produced, including leaflets, factsheets and Video 
News  Releases  on  the  Biodiversity  Action  Plan  Mid  term  Report,  the  Message  from  Athens, 
Health  check  for  Habitats  and  Species,  Invasive  Alien  Species,  Nature's  role  in  climate 
change, Ecosystem Goods and Services, TEEB and Wild Europe. 

Key  information  material  on  Natura  2000  was  updated  and  translated  into  more  languages, 
and the Natura 2000 Newsletter is published twice a year. 

The TEEB Report for Policy Makers was also finalized and it was released to the international 
media at the press conference in Brussels on Nov 13th 2009.  

Support 
initiative, 
the 
implement  joint  actions 
under the initiative. 

Financial support has been granted to the Countdown 2010 initiative. COM participation in "European regions as 
champions for  biodiversity 2010" in Noord-Brabant, NL, 15-16.02.2007 A  new grant for 2008/2009  will support 
activities to extend the Countdown 2010 network to missing Member States, work with the European Parliament 
and preparation of the post 2010 biodiversity target. 

A grant for 2008/2009 supported activities to extend the Countdown 2010 network to missing 
Member  States,  work  with  the  European  Parliament  and  preparation  of  the  post  2010 
biodiversity target. The activities continue one more year, while considering a re-launch of the 
initiative after 2010 in relation to a post-2010 target. 

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

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. 

B4.1.2 

B4.1.3 

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

ACTION:  Ensure 
public 
participation, 
related  access  to 
justice 
requirements  of 
Aarhus 
the 
Convention 
applied to projects, 
plans 
and 
programmes 
or 
to 
relating 
having  an  impact 
on 
biodiversity 
conservation 
[2006 onwards]. 

C. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW 

ANNUAL REPORTING  

C1.1 

C1.1.1 

EN 

TARGET: Annual, Mid-term and Final Reports submitted in timely fashion to Council and Parliament 

Prepare  and  submit 
reports 

ACTION:  Submit 
annual  report  on 
in 
progress 
implementation  to 
Council 
and 
Parliament 
[starting 
2007]. 

end 

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

Community 

focusing 

annual 

report 

level 

on 

action 

available 

at 

Mid-term  assessment  (2008)  evaluating  progress  made  both  on  Community  and  MSs  level 
available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/comm2006/bap_2008.htm 

2010 BAP assessment highlights the development done at both on Community and MSs level 
since 2008. 

56 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

INDICATORS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

C1.2 

C1.2.1 

TARGET: Indicators in place and informing policy decisions by 2010 

Development, 
assessment, 
proposal, 
indicators. 

quality 
make 
implement 

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 
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.  

In 2009, EEA published a report on 'Progress towards the European 2010 biodiversity target' 
based  on  SEBI  2010  indicators  (EEA  report  4/2009))  The  SEBI  2010  indicator  set  will  be 
updated in 2010 for the EU. 

EEA  published  in  2010  the  EU  2010  Biodiversity  Baseline,  which  provides  the  best  available 
facts  and  figures  on  the  state  and  trends  of  the  different  biodiversity  and  ecosystem 
components.  It  hereby  support  the  EU  in  developing  the  post-2010  sub-targets  and  provides 
factual  data  for  measuring  and  monitoring  progress  in  the  EU  from  2011  to  2020.  The 
Biodiversity  Information  System  for  Europe  (BISE)  and  the  EU  biodiversity  data  centre  have 
been launched in 2010 and provide a single entry point for data and information on biodiversity 
in the EU http://www.biodiversity.europa.eu/ 

Adopt 
ACTION: 
and 
[by 
apply 
2007],  at  EC  and 
MS  levels,  a  small 
set of biodiversity 
headline 
indicators 
(see 
Annex  2)  which 
inform  the  public 
decision-
and 
makers  on 
the 
state and trends of 
biodiversity, 
on 
pressures 
and 
biodiversity 
the  effectiveness 
of 
policy 
measures;  adopt 
and  apply  at  EC 
level  a  biodiversity 
index 
a 
as 
Sustainable 
Development 
Indicator and as a 
Structural 
Indicator 
2007] 

key 

[by 

MONITORING 

C1.3 

C1.3.1 

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. 

Coordinate 
development 
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). 

of 

See A 1.2.1. 

ACTION: 
Establish 
reference  values 
favourable 
for 
conservation 
status for Habitats 
and Birds Directive 
habitats 
and 
species to achieve 
a  consensus  of 
definitions  across 
Member 
States 
[2006/07];  monitor 
and 
habitats 
species  status  in 
these 
relation 
to 
values 
[2007 
onwards]. 

EN 

57 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

Coordinate 
implementation  of  the 
action with EEA. 

Building on SEBI 2010 outcomes, COM is working  with EEA, ESTAT, JRC and DG RTD on strengthening the 
knowledge  base  for  biodiversity  within  the  framework  of  the  Shared  Environmental  Information  System  (SEIS) 
on  developing  a  common  approach  for  the  establishment  of  a  Europe  wide  biodiversity  data  centre  and 
assessment facility to inform biodiversity policy. This will be undertaken jointly with Member States and NGOs. 

The  first  health  check  for  habitats  and  species  in  the  EU  has  been  published  in  July  2009 
based on monitoring data from MS on conservation status of the most vulnerable habitats and 
species in EU (see A 1.2.1.).  

Substantial  work  on  streamlining  of  nature  reporting  is  currently  being  undertaken  with  MS 
including improvement and harmonisation of data flows.  

EEA  published  in  2010  the  EU  2010  Biodiversity  Baseline,  which  provides  the  best  available 
facts  and  figures  on  the  state  and  trends  of  the  different  biodiversity  and  ecosystem 
components.  It  hereby  support  the  EU  in  developing  the  post-2010  sub-targets  and  provides 
factual data for measuring and monitoring progress in the EU from 2011 to 2020.  

Natura  2000  viewer.  In  2010,  COM  launched  an  interactive  tool  enabling  people  to  locate 
Natura 2000 sites and access related information: the Natura 2000 viewer. 

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 Biodiversity Data 
Centre within the Group of 4. 
In  January  2008,  the  European  Commission  has  adopted  a  Communication  towards  a  Shared  Environmental 
Information System (SEIS)5, based on technologies such as the internet and satellite systems. It is closely linked 
to  INSPIRE,  the  environmental  geographic  data  and  services  portal  (see  http://www.inspire-geoportal.eu/)  and 
the ‘Global Monitoring for Environment and Security’ (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.

See C 1.2.3 on BISE 

The  Biodiversity  Information  System  for  Europe  (BISE)  and  the  EU  biodiversity  data  centre 
have  been  launched  in  2010  and  provide  a  single  entry  point  for  data  and  information  on 
biodiversity in the EU http://www.biodiversity.europa.eu/ 

For  what  concerns  non  EU  region,  the  MONDE  action  of  the  Global  Environment  Monitoring 
Unit of the JRC is, in partnership with Birdlife Int., UNEP-WCMC, GBIF, RSPB and, possibly, 
IUCN,  setting  up  the  DOPA,  a  Digital  Observatory  for  Protected  Areas,  which  will  allow  end-
users  to  assess,  monitor  and  forecast  biodiversity  in  Protected  Areas  at  the  global  scale. 
DOPA is designed to be a reference network of information systems in the field of biodiversity. 

C1.3.2 

C1.3.3 

ACTION: 
Use, 
and  as  necessary 
develop, 
monitoring  tools, 
approaches  and 
frameworks 
(building  on  those 
existing,  including 
those 
civil 
of 
society) in order to 
and 
establish 
coordinate 
adequate 
harmonised  data 
flows 
the 
for 
biodiversity 
indicators to reveal 
key  trends  [2007 
onwards]. 

for 

ACTION:  Develop 
shared 
information 
system 
biodiversity 
and 
monitoring 
the 
in 
reporting 
EU, 
on 
based 
agreed biodiversity 
indicators,  which 
data 
makes 
available 
to  all 
interested  users, 
streamlines 
and 
reporting 
policy 
supports 
and 
evaluation 
at 
development 
national, 
regional 
and  global  levels 
[2006 onwards]. 

EVALUATION AND REVIEW 

C1.4 

C1.4.1 

TARGET: Action Plan adjusted as necessary in 2010, new plan adopted in 2013 

ACTION:  Submit 
to  Council  and 
Parliament in 2009 
a  concise  mid-
term  evaluation 
progress 
of 
towards  the  2010 
targets 
(to  end 
2008)  and  make 

to 
Commission 
coordinate  evaluation, 
submit 
prepare  and 
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. 

The mid-term report of implementing the EU Biodiversity Action Plan has been adopted by EC 
on 16/12/08 (see C 1.1.1). It provides the first comprehensive assessment of progress at both 
European Community and Member State levels The report studies the four main policy areas: 
biodiversity in the EU, the EU and global biodiversity, biodiversity and climate change, and the 
knowledge base. A summary of progress in each Member State is included for the first time. It 
also includes for the first time a set of indicators (SEBI 2010) to monitor progress towards the 
EU 2010 biodiversity target. 

COMPLETE 

5 

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

EN 

58 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
                                                 
No 

OBJECTIVES, 
TARGETS, 
ACTIONS 

COMMUNITY LEVEL 
ACTION 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2008 

PROGRESS TO JULY 2010 

C1.4.2 

C1.4.3 

any 
adjustments 
actions 
targets. 

essential 
in 
to  meet 

ACTION:  Submit 
to  Council  and 
in 
Parliament, 
full 
2011, 
a 
evaluation 
of 
extent  to  which 
EU  has  met  its 
2010 targets. 

ACTION:  Submit 
to  Council  and 
in 
Parliament, 
full 
2014, 
a 
evaluation 
of 
extent  to  which 
EU  has  met  all 
post-2010  targets 
of this Action Plan, 
and  proposing  a 
new  Action  Plan 
for  the  period  of 
the new Financial 
Perspectives 
post-2013. 

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

See C 1.4.1 - The fourth annual report (to end 2010) will evaluate the extent to which the EU has met its 2010 
commitments.  This  will  involve  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 and biodiversity (TEEB). 

The 2010 update of the assessment of the current policy, similarly to the 2008 mid-term report, 
evaluates progress made both on Community and MSs level. 

COMPLETE 

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. 

The  post-2010  EU  biodiversity  vision  and  target  was  adopted  by  the  European  Council  in 
March 2010. The Commission is in the process to develop a detailed policy frame having the 
potential to most effectively and efficiently deliver to the 2020 target. 

ONGOING 

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. 

EN 

59 

EN