Global Biodiversity Outlook 5. High time to turn the tide!

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EUROPARC’s President Ignace Schops responds to the publication of the Global Biodiversity Outlook 5, published yesterday by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity published yesterday the Global Biodiversity Outlook 5. The report offers an overview of the state of nature, gives an update on the Aichi targets, agreed in 2010 in Nagoya (COP 10) and provides best practices for getting on track.

None of the biodiversity targets agreed by the United Nations ten years ago have been met. The silent collapse of our natural ecosytems is ongoing! 

In general, the causes of ecosystem degradation and massive species extinction are the large-scale destruction of habitats, especially for agricultural purposes  – such as tropical deforestation to produce palm oil, soya and beef – overexploitation – such as overfishing, poaching and the illegal trade in animal species – pollution and climate change.

To turn the tide, the report calls for a shift away from “business as usual” across a range of human activities. The report outlines eight transitions that recognize the value of biodiversity, the need to restore the ecosystems on which all human activity depends, and the urgency of reducing the negative impacts of such activity. The report shows that governments will need to scale up national ambitions and ensure that all necessary resources are mobilized and the enabling environment strengthened.

According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres,

the corona crisis demonstrates the need to rethink the relationship between man and nature and work towards sustainable recovery.

And a lot of money is already available, according to the report: USD 78 to 91 billion a year (EUR 65 to 76 billion). But this is by far not enough. To get the picture: 500 billion is spent annually on fossil and agricultural subsidies.

I was present in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. At that moment I was really excited and truly believed the Aichi targets could be met in the next decade. Unfortunately, I was wrong. What I already knew at that time was that we all can make a difference. So I promised myself to widen my wings.

EUROPARC Federation takes a leading role in Europe when it comes to the management and -restoration of protected areas. We can prove to the world – evidence-based – that nature conservation works! And that’s good news! Species react positively on conservation and restoration and our protected areas are the safe havens for and the cradles of wildlife from which the dispersal of species to the wider world can start again.

We need to bring nature into the hearts of people.

Show nature’s importance for our human survival as well! We need to emphasize that countries need to bring biodiversity into the mainstream of decision-making and factored into policies across all economic sectors.

Let’s not destroy what keeps us alive! Let’s jointly show a transformative change is possible and that following nature’s design – is the best guidance we can use!

Ignace Schops
President

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The LIFE e-Natura 2000 app is now available!

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During the Opening Session of our Online Conference, EUROPARC was proud to announce the launch of the LIFE e-Natura 2000 app. This smartphone app is one of the many outcomes of the LIFE Preparatory project, LIFE e-Natura 2000 Natura2000.edu.

Download the eNatura2000 app!

The eNatura2000 App has been designed to enable Natura 2000 site managers and private landowners to connect, discuss and learn in an innovative way. The management of Natura 2000 lands requires specific, constantly evolving capacities, and presents unique challenges that professionals need to address on a daily basis.

The app is available on Google Play and App Store! DOWNLOAD IT NOW!

With eNatura2000, users will be able to discuss issues and difficulties that arise in the management of Natura 2000 lands, and get inspired by existing best practices and solutions. Developed by EUROPARC with 5 partner organisations from around Europe, this practical tool will make networking across regions, countries, and land types for Natura2000 managers easy and enjoyable.

What does the App do?

The LIFE e-Natura 2000 app will provide you with a continuous inflow of relevant news, features and videos. In the section of thematic quizzes you will have a chance to learn new things in a fun and innovative way, while interactive surveys will offer you the possibility to raise your concerns or compliments.

Watch the demo video to get an idea about all the features the app has to offer!

The digital tool will help Natura 2000 managers identify issues, solve common problems that they face, communicate with each other directly, as well as learn about their professional development needs: for example, the App will act as a portal to a new online Natura 2000 Training Need Assessment (TNA) tool, and provide a variety of other useful resources on the projects webpages.

App users will be able to create ‘self-profiles’ with their background, experience, areas of expertise and interests.

The users can connect with individual Natura 2000 site managers and interact with other users based on the individual profiles and matching circles of interests, as well as by biogeographical zones, countries, and languages.

The App is representative of the LIFE programme’s goals and initiatives, putting emphasis on capacity building and development of EU environmental and climate policy. Meeting all GDPR requirements is a commonplace.

If you have any questions about the App or suggestions on features that interest you, please let us know, we will appreciate your feedback!

Partners:

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