An integrated approach to reducing biodiversity loss in the EU'S ecosystems
9.6.2010
Question for written answer E-4508/2010
to the Commission
Rule 117
Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE)
According to a recent WWF estimate, the biodiversity index, as measured by populations of 1313 vertebrate species, has declined by 30 % over the past forty years. The study concerned, the ‘Living Planet Report 2008’, concludes that natural ecosystems are undergoing a process of degradation which is without precedent in human history.
In its communication ‘A mid‑term assessment of implementing the EC Biodiversity Action Plan’ (COM(2008)0864), the Commission recognises that its objective of putting an end to biodiversity loss in 2010 is not going to be fulfilled. In view of this failure:
- 1.Given that current economic circumstances in many of the Member States and also at Union level dictate spending cuts constraining opportunities to allocate additional funding to measures to fight biodiversity loss, will the Commission apply, as a minimum, the principle of prioritising investment, at the level of the Union budget, that takes account of the biodiversity dimension, thus encouraging investment with a beneficial impact on ecosystems while reducing that having a negative impact?
- 2.Can the Commission state what action it has taken to integrate the dimension of biodiversity conservation into the Union's other policies, especially the CAP, the CFP, forestry policy, research policy, regional cohesion policy and tourism policy? What steps will it take to integrate that dimension into the legislation concerning products and economic activities which have a direct impact on ecosystems?
- 3.What is the Commission's position on the proposed creation of an Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)? Will the Commission support the efforts to realise such a project?
OJ C 170 E, 10/06/2011