The European Commission’s conference “Biodiversity protection beyond 2010: priorities and options for future EU policy”, successfully took place in Athens on April 27-28, 2009. The conference was attended by leading scientists, politicians, economists and academics from all EU Member States, and by representatives from civil society and business. Environment Commissioner, Mr. Stavros Dimas, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Greece, Mr. Kostas Karamanlis and European Commission President, Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, were among the dignitaries present. Representing MedWet were Mr. Adnan Budieri, MedWet Coordinator and Mrs. Aspasia Dimizas, Programme Development Officer.
The conference focused on Europe’s commitment to halt biodiversity loss in the EU by 2010 and forming a strategy for biodiversity protection post-2010, especially since scientific indicators show that the EU’s 2010 target will not be met. Although some progress has been made over recent years at the EU level, the speed and scale of the loss of biodiversity means that urgent actions are needed. The Message from Athens aimed to identify the priorities and options for future EU policy. A wealth of new ideas was discussed at the conference, which can be summed up in the following main points that the EC will aim to focus on:
1. A vision of why biodiversity matters.
2. A better understanding of where we are and what we need to do.
3. A fully functioning network of protected areas.
4. Protecting “ordinary” biodiversity in Europe.
5. Protecting global biodiversity.
6. Integration of biodiversity into other policy areas.
7. Addressing current funding shortcomings.
8. Addressing Climate Change.
Source: European Commission, DG-Environment
Updated on 5/5/2009 1:40:14 PM.
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