POLICY

EU conservation policies take a holistic approach to tackling biodiversity loss, sustainable land use, and climate resilience. They stem from recognising the scale of environmental challenges, informed discussion among stakeholders, and creating robust, enforceable frameworks. Developed by the European Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the European Union, they are enforced by national authorities under EU oversight. Collaboration with NGOs like Eurosite ensures advocacy and effective dissemination. Integrating conservation into the European Green Deal and operationalising the Nature Restoration Law mark a critical step toward a greener, more sustainable future for all EU citizens.

Status Quo

Europe’s natural world faces unprecedented challenges. Habitat destruction, pollution, over-extraction, and climate change are driving biodiversity loss, threatening water resources, and impacting human health. One in eight species is at risk of extinction, while degraded ecosystems cost the EU economy over €450 billion annually in lost services like pollination, carbon storage, and water purification.

Dialogue

The European Union recognises these challenges as systemic and interconnected, requiring coordinated and ambitious responses. Open debate among policymakers, stakeholders, and organisations like Eurosite shapes the solutions, balancing environmental protection with economic and social priorities.

The European Green Deal, a transformative strategy that aims to make Europe climate-neutral and resilient by 2050, is at the centre of this dialogue. This overarching vision integrates conservation into broader EU goals, including biodiversity protection, sustainable water use, and climate adaptation.

Policies in place

Some EU policies are designed to address the root causes of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Key frameworks include:

• • • Nature Restoration Law: Sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, focusing on biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.
    • Water Framework Directive: Protects aquatic ecosystems and ensures sustainable water use to safeguard resources for future generations.
    • Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): Reforms such as “eco-schemes” incentivise biodiversity-friendly farming and sustainable land management.
    • Natura 2000: A vast network of protected areas safeguarding Europe’s most vulnerable species and habitats.

Policy enforcement

Policies are only as effective as their implementation. The EU oversees member states through mechanisms like:

• • • Infringement procedures: Holding nations accountable for non-compliance.
    • Monitoring frameworks: Tools like Natura 2000 assess progress and ensure conservation goals are met.
    • Funding mechanisms: Programmes such as LIFE and the European Green Deal Investment Plan mobilise financial resources to support implementation.