Andrew Kelly In 2010 the EU and the world will have to adopt strong new biodiversity targets and strategies for the next decade. Zoom In

Message from Athens: hope for the planet, homework for politicians

28-04-2009

High-level meeting sends strong backing for EU nature legislation, but disappoints on sectoral policy reform

European NGOs outline key asks for future policy framework and ask Barroso to turn words into action

In reaction to the ‘Message from Athens’ adopted on 28 April at a high-level biodiversity conference organised by the European Commission in Athens, BirdLife International welcomed the strong calls made by key decision makers to stop the loss of animal and plant species, and the sense of urgency reflected in the discussions. BirdLife is pleased that the fundamental role, and the successes, of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and of the Natura 2000 network are emphasised in the conference conclusions.

However, BirdLife still sees a huge gap between aspirations and real action, and criticises that the “Message from Athens” remains vague and not ambitious enough regarding needed policy reform (e.g. it only talks of “reviewing” impacts of EU policies instead of changing these policies, and it asks to “reform” harmful subsidies, instead of ending them).

The real success of the Athens conference has to be measured against decisive follow-up. In 2010 EU and global leaders will have to adopt strong new biodiversity targets and strategies for the next decade.

At the conference the Commission confirmed that the EU is likely to fail its target set by governments back in 2001 to halt the decline of biodiversity by 2010.

BirdLife praised Commissioner Dimas for his commitment for biodiversity during his term and progress made on nature conservation.

BirdLife’s message to the Commission President was mixed: “We welcome President Barroso’s strong opening speech in Athens. But if he gets re-appointed, we expect him to significantly improve the Commission’s environmental performance especially in sectoral policy reform – otherwise we will never be able to stabilise our ecosystems.” said Clairie Papazoglou, BirdLife’s Regional Director for Europe, who also spoke at the conference.

"Decision makers have to wake up. In the 21st century short-term economic advantages and vested interests cannot rule policy" —Clairie Papazoglou, BirdLife’s Regional Director for Europe

BirdLife stated a number of great environmental disappointments under Barroso’s term, like the failed agriculture “health-check” and the dangerous biofuels target.

The Athens conference also set the alarm for the soon to be elected next European Parliament  that will play a key role in decisions for, or against, the health of the planet.

“Decision makers have to wake up. In the 21st century short-term economic advantages and vested interests cannot rule policy. Otherwise we won’t cope neither with the economic, nor the environmental crisis.” said Dr. Papazoglou.

In Athens, BirdLife International and 16 other conservation NGOs united in the European Habitats Forum, have presented a package of nine necessary steps the EU must take from 2010 onwards to safeguard the ”web of life” all humans depend upon. These steps include:

• continue the success story of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, and the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, but improve implementation, enforcement, financing and communication;

• adopt additional legislation on Invasive Alien Species and for the protection of soils and start an initiative towards coherent and sustainable land-use planning across the EU;

• reform the EU agriculture and fisheries policies to make them deliver for a healthy environment, and limit the consumption of resources and land;

• reduce the negative impact of the EU on nature around the globe – make all products traded on the EU market sustainable and support poor countries in strengthening their ecosystems so they can better adapt to climate change.

On the same occasion BirdLife and FACE (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU) have issued a common statement for strong EU action for biodiversity beyond 2010.

The position of the European Habitats Forum can be downloaded here.
The common statement of BirdLife and FACE can be downloaded here.

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