The loss of biological diversity is one of the main environmental challenges facing the planet. The WWF’s Living Planet Report 2018 shows a 60% decline in size for mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians’ populations in only 40 years.
In response to the issue, and in compliance with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets set by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the European Union developed a Biodiversity Strategy in 2011 to stop the loss. The strategy contains six targets and twenty actions focusing on halting the loss of biodiversity; protecting species and habitats; restoring ecosystems and ensuring that farming and fishing are more sustainable by 2020. Moreover, under the Birds and Habitats Directives, the Natura 2000 network is ensuring the survival of endangered species and their habitats by protecting land and marine areas. The network now covers 18% of the EU land. In 2016, the European Parliament reviewed the Biodiversity Strategy.
A review by the European Parliament in 2016 stated, that it is unlikely that the strategy targets will be fully reached by the deadline. Greater efforts and innovative solutions to limit human activity are necessary in order to tackle the loss of biodiversity.
As the 2020 deadline approaches, this symposium offers an opportunity to identify priorities for meeting the biodiversity targets and to discuss future steps. It also enables delegates to share best practices for protecting habitats and halting the ongoing loss of biodiversity both in cities and rural areas.
In four main sessions, the delegates will discuss how to prevent biological diversity loss by taking stock of EU initiatives and preparing for Post-2020, linking biodiversity to ecosystem function and services, integrate biodiversity into urban development, and take human activity into consideration.
Please visit the event website for the full agenda and a link to register your place.