EU legislation

Protection of nature and biodiversity

Protection of nature and biodiversity Increased urbanisation and the spread of human infrastructures, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution are the main factors, which highly damage biodiversity. Introduction of exotic species into the native ecosystems pose also a hazard.

As a result, 42% of mammals, 15% of birds and 52% of freshwater fish across Europe are under threat. In addition, nearly 1000 plant species are at serious risk or on the verge of disappearing completely.

In order to safeguard biodiversity and combat the extinction of animal and plant species, the European Union has set up a vast network of protected sites (the Natura 2000 network) and made the protection of biodiversity one of the key objectives of the Sixth Environment Action Programme. Please find hereinafter the web links to the EU legislation and actions on the protection of nature and biodiversity

Source: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/environment/nature_and_biodiversity/index_en.htm

BIODIVERSITY

• Action Plan for biodiversity • Biodiversity strategy • Biodiversity Action Plan for the Conservation of

Natural Resources • Biodiversity Action Plan for Agriculture • Biodiversity Action Plan for FisheriesArchives • Biodiversity Action Plan for Economic and

Development Co-operation • Bern Convention • The Rio de Janeiro Convention on biological

diversity

MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL

RESOURCES • Strategy on the sustainable use of natural resources • Environment and sustainable management of natural

resources, including energy • Action plan for an integrated maritime policy • Biofuels

– EU strategy for biofuels – Motor vehicles: use of biofuels

• Management of marine resources – Conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries

resources – Conservation of highly migratory fish: safeguards – Conservation and management of sharks

FAUNA AND FLORA • Natural habitats (Natura 2000) • Conservation of wild birds • Conservation of wild birdsArchives • Endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) • Conservation of Antarctic marine living resources • Conservation of migratory species - Bonn Convention • The keeping of wild animals in zoos • Protection of animals used for experimental purposes • Accidental catches of cetaceans • Protection of certain seal species • International Dolphin Conservation Programme • Whaling • Protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the high seas from bottom fishing • Destructive fishing practices in the high seas and the protection of ecosystems • Aquaculture: use of alien and locally absent species • Humane trapping standards • Convention on the Protection of the Alps • Ban on trade in cat and dog fur • Trade in seal products

FORESTS

• European Union forest action plan

• Combating deforestation

• The EU forestry strategy

• Forest Focus (2003−2006)

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

• Contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs)

• Directive on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

• Transboundary movement of genetically modified organisms

• Novel foods and novel food ingredients • Traceability and labelling of genetically modified

organisms (GMOs) • GM Food and Feed