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Environment

Nature and biodiversity

The EU protects nature though the biodiversity strategy for 2030 and rules such as the Birds and Habitats Directives. The EU has also built Natura 2000, which is the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world.

Overview

green frog in water
Photo by Frank Vassen, Lifeis30

We all depend on nature for our food, air, water, energy and raw materials. Nature and biodiversity make life possible, provide health and social benefits and drive our economy. Nature is also our best ally in tackling the climate crisis.

In the EU and worldwide, we’re currently destroying nature faster than ever. Ecosystems and services they provide are under pressure from urban sprawl, intensive agriculture, pollution, invasive species and climate change.

As part of the European Green Deal, the biodiversity strategy for 2030 is the EU’s plan to put biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030. It contains specific commitments and actions to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems, building on existing nature laws.

The Birds and Habitats Directive (“Nature Directives”) are the EU’s oldest environmental laws. They form the backbone of EU biodiversity policy and are the legal basis for Natura 2000 – the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world.

In the EU

81%
of habitats are in poor status
18% of land
is part of a Natura 2000 protected area
30 % of land and sea
to be protected by 2030 (EU target)

Objectives

The EU's biodiversity strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive, ambitious and long-term plan to put nature on a path to recovery by 2030, by protecting nature and reversing the degradation of ecosystems.

Specific policies

Biodiversity in the EU

Nature restoration

The Commission's proposal for a new law to restore ecosystems, habitats and species.

Invasive alien species

Preventing and minimising the effects on invasive alien species on Europe’s biodiversity.

Pollinators

Contributing to global conservation efforts and addressing the decline of wild pollinators.

Urban greening

Supporting towns and cities in restoring nature and biodiversity.

Animals in zoos

Promoting the protection and conservation of wild animals outside their natural habitat.

Global biodiversity

International agreement

Protecting and restoring biodiversity worldwide through the Kunming-Montreal Agreement agreed at COP15.

Natural capital accounting

A tool to measure the changes in the stock and condition of natural capital (i.e. ecosystems) into accounting and reporting systems.

Tools

Pollinator Park

Discover what our world would look like without pollinating insects with this virtual-reality experience.

Business@Biodiversity

A unique forum for dialogue and policy interface to discuss the links between business and biodiversity at EU level.