Brussels, Belgium (May 20, 2020) – Conservation International’s Vice President and Managing Director for Europe Herbert Lust today issued the following statement on the release of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

“The 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy announced today will help guide global conservation efforts for the next decade – a time in which we must prevent global warming, slow species decline and preserve Earth’s balanced ecosystems.

“Additionally, in light of the current COVID-19 crisis we have seen and experienced firsthand the fragile link between nature, our health and the global economy. There is no better time to focus on building back strong with integrated, nature-based solutions at the forefront of long-term recovery plans.

“We commend the EU Biodiversity Strategy for its commitment to Natural Climate Solutions – the prevention of deforestation, protection of forests and improved management of land. Backed by science, Natural Climate Solutions can get the global community one-third of the way toward meeting Paris Agreement goals, creating jobs and preserving the habitats that many species call home.

“We are on the verge of a sixth mass extinction and the commitment to protect 30% of European land area and 30% of European ocean area will help biodiversity flourish while at the same time protecting carbon-rich forests.

“As the world’s biggest development donor and major global player, the EU’s commitment to increase support to developing countries to foster nature-based solutions and to set up a ‘Green Deal diplomacy’ can be a game changer.

“We encourage the EU to effectively address the impacts of its consumption on biodiversity, in particular forests. Planting at least 3 billion additional trees in the EU by 2030 is a good step, but a dedicated effort to protect and restore the world’s forests using natural climate solutions will take this effort further.

“Conservation International will continue supporting the European Commission to deliver on a legislative proposal by 2021 to minimize the placing of products associated with deforestation or forest degradation on the EU market, and to increase the support to developing countries to halt global deforestation.

“2020 was recognized as the ‘Super Year for Nature’ and as in-person events, meetings and negotiations have been postponed it is encouraging to see the leadership of the European community as it doubles down on its commitment to nature and a healthy planet.

“We look forward to working alongside governments, policymakers and businesses to help move these goals from theory to action over the next decade.”

About Conservation International

Conservation International works to protect the critical benefits that nature provides to people. Through science, partnerships and fieldwork, Conservation International is driving innovation and investments in nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, supporting protections for critical habitats, and fostering economic development that is grounded in the conservation of nature.  We work in 30 countries around the world, empowering societies at all levels to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet. Follow Conservation International’s work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.