EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
BCE welcomes the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030 published today
New EU Biodiversity Strategy commits to saving Europe’s wild pollinators
BCE welcomes the commitments in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 published today. Implementation by EU Member States could drive a recovery of Europe’s insect pollinators, including our butterflies and moths.
Our butterflies, bees, hoverflies and moths are declining across Europe. Their semi-natural grassland and other flower-rich habitats are being destroyed. This Strategy commits support to help land managers sustain and restore pollinator habitats. Transformative action is urgently needed.
Sue Collins, European Environmental Policy Advisor for BCE said “This Strategy and the EU Farm to Fork Strategy are game changers. Investment in protection of biodiversity and funding of nature restoration programmes will help the recovery of butterflies, moths and bees and sustain the vital pollination services they provide.”
"Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of nature to our mental and physical well-being. Restoring our ecosystems to health is vital to help prevent future pandemics. It is imperative we implement these Strategies and secure a green recovery. Reversing climate change and restoring ecosystem resilience is a vital insurance policy for humanity."
With the EU funded ABLE (Assessing Butterflies in Europe) project, BCE and partners are extending citizen science butterfly monitoring schemes across the EU. Dr Chris van Swaay, researcher with BCE said “The EU Grassland Butterfly Indicator shows declines of 39% since 1990. Inclusion of a pollinator monitoring indicator in evaluation of the CAP post-2020 will be a significant step forward”.
Dr Sam Ellis, Chair of BCE, said “The Strategy will hopefully represent a turning point in the fortunes of insect pollinators and Butterfly Conservation Europe pledges to work closely with all stakeholders to help implement the actions.”
Press Release EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_884
You can read the reply letter from Commissioner Sinkevičius to our letter to Mr. Timmemans a calling for full implementation of the EU Pollinators Initiative:
CONTACT
Sue Collins, European Environmental Policy Adviser, Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mobile 07809 439372
Email sue.collins@bc-europe.eu
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Butterfly Conservation Europe is a partnership organisation with a mission to halt and reverse the decline of butterflies, moths and their habitats across Europe and prevent further species extinction. Further information: www.bc-europe.eu
Download the Press Release: