European Biodiversity Clearing House Mechanism Integrated within BISE - Biodiversity stories

Bonn meeting of National CHMs 2001

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Steering Committee meeting December 2001

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The Steering Committee of the EC CHM Project met in Copenhagen 12-13 December. Meeting documents are available in CIRCA

First meeting of the European Community Biodiversity Expert Group

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The European Commission is establishing a Biodiversity Expert Group(BEG)with a mandate to share information and promote the complementarity of actions taken at Community and Member State levels in the context of the implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy (COM (1998) 42) and its Action Plans (COM (2001) 162). The BEG shall also promote the implementation of the Action Plans and monitor progress. The first meeting takes place in Brussels 5 February 2002. The responsibility for the BEG rests with the Commission, DG Environment.

European preparation for COP6 in April in the Netherlands

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European preparation for COP6 in April in the Netherlands. Key players in Biodiversity meet in Hungary to discuss the conservation of Europe's biodiversity

Pan-European Intergovernmental conference highlights biodiversity as the foundation for sustainable development

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"The conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is a corner stone for sustainable development and should be integrated in all relevant economic, financial and land-use policies and sectors in Europe and worldwide". This was one of main messages at the closing session of the Second Intergovernmental Conference 'Biodiversity in Europe', which was held in Budapest 24-28 February 2002. It brought together governments and delegations of over 45 European governments, and many international organisations and NGO's. The conference agreed to communicate the message to the 6th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to be held in April 2002 in The Hague, the Netherlands and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in August this year.The conference was hosted by the Hungarian Ministry of Environment and organised by the United Nations Environmental Programme and the Council of Europe.

EU Biodiversity Action Plans adopted by the European Parliament

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European Parliament calls for more action on biodiversity On 14 March 2002, the European Parliament adopted a report on biodiversity. The Parliament welcomed the Biodiversity Action Plans which were developed by the European Commission in 2001 on Conservation of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Fisheries and on Economic Development co-operation. In the very exhaustive comments the Parliament pointed to many points that should be intensified, developed and ensured adequate funding. Some of these points are: · EU instruments and legislations should not have a negative impact on biodiversity; · more focus on sustainable development in fisheries, agriculture (CAP reform) and forestry and in assistance to developing countries. · sufficient funding for Natura 2000 (protection of plants and animals of Community importance and of their living habitats) · importance of development of biodiversity indicators; The official documents and URLs can be found in the abstract.

COP6 - Daily reports with information on Biodiversity

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COP6, the 6th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity is progressing in the Hague. Daily reports with information on discussions, progress and decisions can be found with relevant links on http://www.iisd.ca/biodiv/cop6. There are many important side events taking place alongside the Conference. They can be found at http://www.biodiv.org/meetings/cop-06.asp.

CHM Portal Tool Kit is available

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The EC CHM Portal has been built using a reusable package for portal web sites. This package, called CHM Portal Tool Kit (PTK) is now available for also other CHM nodes to use.

The Convention on Biological Diversity.

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The decisions from the 6th Conference of the Parties can all be found at the homepage of the Convention http://www.biodiv.org.

The World Summit on Sustainable Development WSSD in Johannesburg 26 August - 4 September

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The World Summit on Sustainable Development is getting closer and the number of web links to information is constantly increasing. The official United States Johannesburg web site is http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/

The World Summit on Sustainable Development WSSD in Johannesburg 26 August - 4 September

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The World Summit on Sustainable Development is getting closer and the number of web links to information is constantly increasing. The official United Nations Johannesburg web site is http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/

The World Summit on sustainable Development - WSSD

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The World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg resulted in adoption of a Political Declaration and a Plan of Implementation to realise the political aims. The texts and the reactions can be found on the http://www.johannesburgsummit.org

New report: "Biodiversity indicators and monitoring - Moving towards implementation".

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The Second Report on Biological Diversity from the European Community

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The Second Report of the European Community to the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity is now ready. It contains a general overview and 3 thematic reports: Access and Benefit-Sharing, Forest Biodiversity, Alien Invasive Species and also Mountain Ecosystems. The texts will be available at the CBD web site, but are also available at this web site http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/convention/cbd_ec

SBSTTA meeting 8 to be held in Montreal in March 2003

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The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA)holds it 8th meeting 10 - 14 March in Montreal, where the secretatriat of the Convention on Biologcial Diversity (CBD) is located. The main discussions concerns mountain biological diversity. The main them concerns mountain biological diversity, but there will also be reports on inland waters, coastal and marine ecosystems. All documents can be found at: hhttp://www.cbd.int/sbstta/ .

. All national reports, including the EU reports, can be found at: http://www.cbd.int/reports/. The next SBSTTA meeting will be held 10 - 14 November 2003. Indicators are foreseen to be one of the main themes.

SBSTTA meeting 8 in Montreal

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The 8th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) was held in Montreal from 10-14 March, 2003. About 460 participants attended representing 121 governments, as well as UN agencies, IGOs, NGOs and other organisations. The meeting discussed and adopted recommendations on mountain biodiversity; inland water ecosystems; marine and coastal protected areas; dry and sub-humid land; biodiversity and tourism. The recommendations will be considered at the 7th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Main outcomes of the meeting include: - Proposal to establish an ad hoc technical expert group (AHTEG) on mountain biodiversity to assist SBSTTA on the review of the proposed work programme for mountain biodiversity. - A revised and further developed programme of work on inland water ecosystems. - To develop with the Ramsar Bureau a proposal on streamlining and improving the effectiveness of national reporting on inland water ecosystems. - To develop a monitoring and reporting system to assess the experiences gathered with respect to the usefulness and applicability of the guidelines on rapid assessment of biological diversity of inland water ecosystems. - A revised and further developed programme of work on marine and coastal biodiversity. - To establish a network of marine and coastal protected areas (MCPAs), in areas both within and beyond national jurisdiction, by 2012. - To establish an AHTEG on Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management. - Recommendation to adopt best management practices for sustainable mariculture and to incorporate them into the national strategies and action plans. - To further compile information on the status and trends of deep seabed genetic resources. - Adoption of periodic assessment of status and trends of biodiversity in dry and sub-humid lands. - Recommendation to harmonize NBSAP under the CBD with the national action plans under the UNCCD. - Approval of the draft guidelines on biodiversity and sustainable tourism development. - Request for development of a users manual and checklist for biodiversity and sustainable tourism. http://www.iisd.ca/biodiv/sbstta8/

Now available: Final report from SBSSTA meeting 8 in Montreal

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The 8th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) was held in Montreal from 10-14 March, 2003. The meeting discussed and adopted 7 recommendations on mountain biodiversity; inland water ecosystems; marine and coastal biodiversity; dry and sub-humid lands biodiversity; biodiversity and tourism; operational plan of the SBSTTA and multi-year programme of work of the conference of the Parties up to 2010. The full text of the recommendations can be found at http://www.biodiv.org/recommendations/ The final report of the SBSTTA8 is available on the CBD webpage http://www.cbd.int/doc/meetings/cop/cop-07/official/cop-07-03-en.pdf

SERIS

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EEA presents SERIS - State of the Environment Reporting Information System. SERIS is an inventory of national state of the environment reports. The database contains brief publications details for recent (1997 onwards) reports for countries included in the EEA's third assessment report. SERIS contains links to the reports and to the main organisation involved in the report. Reports can be identified by their geographic coverage or the year of publication. National and multi-national reports are included in the database. http://countries.eea.eu.int/SERIS

Living Forest Summit, April 2003

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FOURTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON THE PROTECTION OF FORESTS IN EUROPE 28-30 April 2003, Vienna, Austria. - Under the slogan "Living Forest Summit", ministers responsible for forests from 41 European countries and a representative of the European Community as well as representatives of 4 non-European countries and 24 international organisations gathered to discuss the future of the protection and sustainable management of forests in Europe. As a successful outcome of the Conference, 40 European countries and the European Community signed the Vienna Declaration "European Forests Common Benefits, Shared Responsibilities" and adopted five resolutions tackling cross-sectoral co-operation and national forest programmes, economic viability of sustainable forest management, social and cultural aspects, forest biological diversity as well as forests and climate change. More information can be found at http://www.iisd.ca/SD/SDPFE/ and http://www.iisd.ca/download/pdf/sd/sdvol84num1.pdf .

Europe's Environment - The Third Assessment report from EEA: Europe's environmental progress at risk from unsustainable economic activities

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The third state of the environment report from the European Environment Agency confirms, that the state of the environment across Europe has improved in several respects over the past decade, but much of the progress is likely to be wiped out by economic growth because governments have yet to make significant strides towards decoupling environmental pressures from economic activity. Click on the title to read more. press release: http://www.eea.europa.eu/pressroom/newsreleases/kiev-en and report: http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/environmental_assessment_report_2003_10

The Kiev Conference 21 - 23 May 20003. The declaration on biodiversity

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The Kiev ministerial conference is the fifth such event held under the 'Environment for Europe' process begun in 1991. Information about the conference is available at http://www.unece.org/env/wgso/index_kyivconf.htm and http://www.kyiv-2003.info/main/index.php. A Biodiversity Resolution is submitted for adoption, pointing to the importance of a pan-European ecological network of nature sites (PEEN) and to the need for coordination and collaboration on biodiversity monitoring and indicator development. The declaration text can be found at: http://www.unep.ch/roe/documents/biodiv/kiev_conference/documents/biodiv_resolution_e.pdf. ECNC, BirdLife International and EEA have collaborated to produce a brochure on the need for biodiversity monitoring and indicators to serve as background for of the declaration. The brochure is available at the conference and can also be found at: http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/information/indicator/international

London meeting on "2010 - The Global Biodiversity Challenge" with UNEP-WCMC and UNDP

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The international biodiversity world looks towards the year 2010 as a year of reckoning. By then a significant reduction or even a halt in the loss of biodiversity should be achieved. But will it ? - CBD in collaboration with several other bodies held a meeting in London 21-23 May with more than 120 participants. The outcome should be used for the SBSTTA9 meeting in November 2003 and concern how to go about measuring the achievements, using a limited number of indicators (10) and 3 snapshots in time (1992, 2002, 2010). The summary report will appear later on http://www.iisd.ca/linkages/sd/sdgbc/

Species 2000 Europa information

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Information about the Species 2000 Europa project is now available from the web site at http://sp2000europa.org/. The web site contains information about the six work packages under this European Community Fifth Framework Programme research project. The goal of the project is via a distributed organisation to assemble a Catalogue of Life for Europe. It will be a validated synonymic taxonomic checklist planned for all species in all groups of organisms. It will start with all of the known species of plants , animals, fungi and micro-organisms that are currently available, including an integrated view of the indigenous and non-indigenous species occurring in Europe. It will also test an electronic (e-Science) gateway enabling users to locate precise technical biodiversity information for species from other data systems in Europe and world-wide.

Biodiversity controlled vocabulary

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The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity has made available a CBD controlled vocabulary (glossary). The vocabulary is a list of terms to be used for web pages on the Convention's website as descriptors. It is at the same time also aimed at a wider use, such as by clearing-house mechanism (CHM) national focal points for the national CHM websites. The vocabulary terms should function as keywords to facilitate and standardize web searches. The terms are taken from official Convention documents, UNEP's ENVOC and the FAO's AGROVOC. Terms can be submitted for inclusion. They must be from official documents prepared under the Convention and/or other published controlled vocabularies or thesauri. The CBD controlled vocabulary is available on the CBD website at: http://www.biodiv.org/doc/cbd-voc.aspx.

EUNIS - The European Nature Information System has gone public on the web

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EUNIS is the European Nature Information System. It contains information on selected species, habitats and sites of importance for protecting Europe's biodiversity. The main content concerns the European Community Birds and Habitats directives as well as the Bern Convention. EUNIS has been developed for the European Environment Agency (EEA) by the European Topic Center for Nature Protection and Biodiversity.

The web application has been developed with European Commission funds (IDA-II programme). EUNIS is a live system, which will change over time with new data. The latest data set covers all the nationally designated areas data delivered by countries as one of the EEA priority data sets.

EUNIS was demonstrated at the Joint CHM meeting between the CBD Secretariat and EEA in Prague in September and at the EEA National Focal Point meeting of EEA in October 2003. The EUNIS web application can be found directly at http://eunis.eea.europa.eu or via EC CHM (the European Community Clearing House Mechanism) at http://biodiversity-chm.eea.europa.eu. You can register comments on EUNIS in the feedback section.

The Convention on Biological Diversity. Ninth meeting of SBSTTA in Montreal

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SBSTTA (The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice to the Convention on Biological Diversity) is holding its ninth meeting 10 - 14 November in Montreal at the Secretariat of the Convention. The purpose of the SBSTTA meeting is to ensure good advice in preparation for the seventh COP (Conference of the parties), to be held in early 2004 in Kuala Lumpur. The main concern is how to achieve the target set for 2010 of significantly reducing the loss of biodiversity in the world. The meeting will deal with many issues; the main themes are protected areas, mountains ecosystems and transfer of technology. All the papers for SBSTTA can be found at : http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meeting.asp?mtg=SBSTTA-09&tab=0.

What did they discuss at SBSTTA in Montreal in November?

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SBSTTA (The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice to the Convention on Biological Diversity) held its ninth meeting in november in Montreal in Canada, where the Secretariat of the Convention is located. The SBSTTA meeting provided advice for the seventh COP (Conference of the parties), to be held in February 2004 in Malaysis (Kuala Lumpur). The two main themes were very different, but both central to the idea of the Convention. The need for establishing protected areas is huge. The World congress in Durban in September again confirmed this and had already provided a strong background for the discussion. The other theme concerned transfer of technology. Other themes were: the ecosystem approach, sustainable use, monitoring and indicators, biodiversity and climate change, mountain biodiversity, invasive alien species. Behind the Convention work lies very clearly the global concern on how to achieve in the real world, not just on paper, the target set for 2010 of significantly reducing the loss of biodiversity. All the papers for SBSTTA can be found at: http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meeting.asp?mtg=SBSTTA-09&tab=0 and the recommendations from the meeting will be available at http://www.biodiv.org/recommendations/. Information on the COP meeting in Malaysia can be found at: http://www.biodiv.org/convention/cops.asp.

UNEP's GEO Data Portal

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UNEP's GEO Data Portal contains the data sources used for UNEP's Global Environment Outlooks (GEO). The protal allows the user access to datasets and maps on themes at different levels such as freshwater, population, forests, emissions, climate, disasters, health and GDP. Find the portal at http://geodata.grid.unep.ch/ . The UNEP publication on 'Four scenarios for Europe' uses data from this portal.

IUFRO Conference Monitoring and indicators of forest biodiversity in Europe - from ideas to operationality

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In the framework of the Italian EU Presidency some 160 forest experts gathered in Florence to discuss how to further develop biodiversity assessment tools; i.e. indicators of biodiversity and preferred methodologies to collect data. More than 100 presentations, including posters, were given showing many aspects of the issue, from Europe and other parts of the world. The outcome of the Conference will serve the Ministerial Conference for Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE), the EU Forest Focus scheme and the Core set of Environmental indicators proposed by the European Environment Agency (EEA). More information, inclusive abstracts and draft conclusions at the Conference website http://www.efi.fi/events/2003/Monitoring_and_indicators/ and here: ww.iufro.org/download/file/2220/75/80701-40205-40206-florence03.pdf .

The 2003 Environment Policy Review now published by the European Commission

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First Environment Policy Review highlights need to speed up reforms to better protect the environment and promote sustainable development. The European Commission on 3.12.2003 adopted its first Environment Policy Review on developments since 2001, highlighting current priority issues in the EU and national environmental policies. The Review emphasises the need to speed up reforms to improve the state of the environment both in Europe and internationally. The key message is the necessity to achieve a decoupling of economic growth from environmental pressures in line with sustainable development. The press release can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/03/1648|0|RAPID&lg=EN&display=

European Community implements the Bonn Guidelines on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing (ABS).

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When an EU company uses exotic plants like Aloe Vera for producing cosmetics it should share the benefits of this use with the country where the plant came from. This is the key message in a Communication just adopted by the European Commission. The use of exotic plants like Aloe Vera, Ginseng, Green Tea, Jojoba Oil, etc is widespread in the EU, particularly in cosmetics. Several industry sectors are investing in research to discover new applications for such so called "genetic resources" in medicines, cosmetics or agriculture. The Communication urges companies and research institutes not to take genetic resources from other countries - usually developing countries that are rich in bio-diversity - without their consent. European companies and research institutes should guarantee that the countries of origin get a fair share of the profits and research results arising from the use of their resources. The Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on 'implementation by the EC of the Bonn Guidelines' was adopted on 23 December 2003 . The communication is part of the global work towards access and benefit sharing (ABS) of genetic resources under the global Convention on Biological diversity (CBD). The press release can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/04/21|0|RAPID&lg=EN&display= The Communications in all EU15 languages are accessible at: http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/information/F1046684686/F1058442682 Further information on the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Bonn Guidelines: http://www.cbd.int/

There are only six years to reach the target of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010! - The European Environment Commissioner puts this serious reminder to the seventh Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

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The seventh Conference of the Parties to CBD takes place in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from 9 to 20 February 2004. The European Commissions starting point is to seek agreements on concrete measures to break the decline in global biodiversity. This means establishment of a global network of protected areas, development and implementation of indicators to measure biodiversity and strengthening the access to genetic resources and to equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their use. The Commission stresses that success will depend on all parties giving greater priority to the links between biodiversity protection and poverty eradication, because the poor will be the first to suffer from vanishing ecosystems. The EU is committed to incorporating biodiversity objectives into development strategies and projects across different sectors of the recipient countries. Biodiversity and economic prosperity go hand in hand. The European Commission press package can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/index_en.htm

Global Ballast Water Convention (BW Convention) adopted to control ballast water transportation of invasive species

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Invasion of species that become harmful to health, environment or to agriculture, forestry, fisheries and industry is an increasing problem, which was dealt with in general at the conference of the parties (COP7) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)in Kuala Lumpur. Transportation of species (mussels, crabs, fish, snail, algae, mostly in juvenile forms) in ballast water contributes to heavily to such invasions. To help control such invasions the BW Convention (the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments) was adopted in London on 13 February 2004, at a meeting of 74 members of IMO (International Maritime Organization) and by 18 international NGOs.

The results from Kuala Lumpur: International consensus reached on fundamental steps to tackle the loss of biodiversity worldwide important also for the European Community.

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The 7th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP7) and the 1st Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (MOP1) ended on Friday 27 of February in Kuala Lumpur. COP7 could go down as one of the most important in the history of the CBD. COP7 achieved agreement on a focused and comprehensive work programme on protected areas and on indicators to assess progress towards the 2010 target of significantly reducing the rate of biodiversity loss. Equally satisfactory is the outcome of MOP1. The Biosafety Protocol is up and running as the 1st Meeting of the Parties was a complete success setting the scene for an effective implementation and further development of the Protocol.

BIODIVERSITY AND THE EU - Sustaining Life Sustaining Livelihoods. Stakeholder conference 25-27 May 2004 in Malahide, under the Irish EU Presidency

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The Irish EU Presidency is calling stakeholders to a conference on biodiversity and the European Union. It will be a key event in a critical policy review process on biodiversity and the European Union, presenting the opportunity to re-orient EU policy in time to meet the 2010 targets to halting the loss of biodiversity, which were agreed by Heads of State and Government at Gothenburg (2001) and Johannesburg (WSSD, 2002). The Conference will be formative in defining the EU’s response to the 2010 biodiversity targets. Information can be found at the Irish Presidency web site: http://www.ue2004.ie/templates/meeting.asp?sNavlocator=5,418,13&list_id=193 Participants are expected to include senior officials from Member States (including the ten new Member States) and neighbouring countries, environmental and developmental NGOs, industry (e.g. farming and fishing industries) and academia, as well as the media. The conference will take place from 25 – 27 May. More information: see also below.

GEO Year Book 2003 on-line with indicators on threatened species and protected areas

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UNEP's Global Environment Outlook Year Book for 2003 is accessible at http://unep.org/geo/yearbook/yb2003/ . It contains global and regional information with a limited set of main indicators. Threatened animals and plants are reported by main groups. Protected areas now account for around 11 % of the total terrestrial surface of the Earth, while less than 0.5 % of the marine area is protected. For Europe the main focus is on the extension of the European Union from 15 to 25 countries by 1 May 2004. There is no reporting on European biodiversity as such, but on indicators for extreme weather events, unsustainable transport patterns and on overfishing, three main influences on biodiversity.

International Day for Biological Diversity to be celebrated 22 May 2004

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The annual International Biological Diversity Day 2004 will be celebrated Saturday 22 May. The focus this year is on the importance of biodiversity for food, water and health. The Convention on Biological Diversity web site contains suggestions for celebration themes and information on some planned events: http://www.biodiv.org/programmes/outreach/awareness/biodiv-day-2004.asp?content=loc

The Malahide Message - more than 200 stakeholders agreed to 18 biodiversity targets

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More than 200 stakeholder representatives from the 25 EU countries and from various NGOs agreed late this May in Malahide in Ireland on 18 very concrete targets on how we together can work towards reaching the EU target to stop the loss of biodiversity by 2010. The Malahide Message was sent from the Irish Presidency to the European Commission and to the EU countries to help guide the political decisions to be taken now and in the next years. The main message was clear: we cannot reach the 2010 target, unless direct and focused action to enhance biodiversity conditions is taken both on nature conservation and in the improtant sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and forestry, but also on water, tourism, transport, energy and environmental pollution. The focus now on biodiversity in EU and in Europe is an integral part of the global concern expressed in the work under the Convention on Biological Diversity and formulated in the latest conference of the parties in February. The Malahide Message: http://www.dk-chm.dk/convention/cbd_regional/F1084886121/1086862003 . Malahide web site: http://www.ue2004.ie/templates/meeting.asp?sNavlocator=5,418,13&list_id=193.

Seminar in European Parliament on the 2010 biodiversity target: report published

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ECNC has now published the report from a seminar that was organized by ECNC and EEA in the European Parliament on 23 March 2004. During this seminar, hosted by Mrs Dorette Corbey MEP, leading organizations reflected on how best to report on developments in Europe's rich, but still decreasing biological diversity. The report summarizes the presentations by Mrs Corbey, Nick Hanley (EC DG Environment), Frits Schlingemann (UNEP-ROE), Gordon McInnes (EEA), Michael Rands (BirdLife International) and Ben Delbaere (ECNC). It also contains general background information. The conclusions by the chairmen have been communicated to the European Commission, the Council of the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and many others. Amongst others, during this seminar Mrs Corbey, called for a single indicator to communicate about the health of ecosystems on an annual basis to the wider public. The report can be found at: http://biodiversity-chm.eea.europa.eu/information/indicator/F1056004638/international/F1087392578/1089980205 .

Biodiversity Indicators and Monitoring, first meeting of Coordination Team 7. July 2004

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Following the Joint Eionet/BioMIN/PEBLDS meeting 'Development of plan and guidelines for indicators and monitoring to help achieve the 2010 target for biodiversity in Europe (http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/information/indicator/F1078143615), the PEBLDS Bureau endorsed the revised action plan for monitoring and indicators, and the Malahide Conference (http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/stories/STORY1081427703) endorsed the EU list of headline biodiversity indicators as well as an objective with targets for the development of monitoring, indicators and reporting - and their funding/coordination. EEA will therefore move forward to establish a Coordination Team and experts groups as proposed in the Joint meeting. The Coordination Team is proposed to be limited to EEA/ETC, ECNC and UNEP-WCMC, having staff who can contribute a significant amount of time. Representatives from the European Commission, PEBLDS secretariat, the MCPFE Liason Unit Warsaw and Czech Republic (the latter as lead country for the Kiev Resolution action plan) were also invited to a first meeting to kick off the work/planning Wednesday 7 July. Contact: Gordon McInnes, EEA gordon.mcinnes@eea.eu.int

Minutes from the first meeting of the Coordination Team on Biodiversity Indicators and Monitoring, 7. July 2004

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The first meeting was held in the European Environment Agency, Copenhagen on 7 July 2004. It was chaired by Gordon McInnes (EEA) and attended by Dominique Richard (ETC nature protection and biodiversity), Ben Delbaere (European Centre for Nature Conservation), Jerry Harrison (UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre), Jan Plesnik (representing the Czech Republic as lead country for PEBLDS action plan on biodiversity for monitoring and indicators) and Malgorzata Buszko-Briggs (Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forest in Europe Liaison Unit). Anne Teller (DG Environment) and Ivonne Higuero (PEBLDS Secretariat) were invited along with MCPFE to the first meeting as major international clients but were unable to attend. Tor-Björn Larsson (EEA) and Sophie Condé (ETC) also attended as observers. The meeting considered the following agenda items: 1. Coordination Team mandate and terms of reference 2. Composition of the Coordination Team 3. Resources for Coordination Team time and budget, 2004 and beyond 4. Preparation of work plan outline, contributions and timetable 5. Expert Groups links to CBD/PEBLDS/EU indicator lists, first priorities, possible participants, possible leaders 6. Expectations from Expert Groups testing, developing, documenting indicators and subsequent monitoring requirements 7. Support for Expert Groups - 2004 and beyond, involving experts from EECCA countries 8. Informing stakeholders who are they, upcoming events, written communication etc 9. Links to other indicator activities SD indicators, structural indicators, EEA core set, Bio-IMPs, UNEP-WCMC pilot study, MCPFE indicators on sustainable forest management, OECD etc The full minutes can be read in: http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/information/indicator/F1090245995/1090246068

The Convention on Biological Diversity has launched a new web site, using the same URL

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The Convention on Biological Diversity now has a new and lighter web site. It still uses the same URL: http://www.biodiv.org. The new site aims at improving sharing of data with other Conventions as well as with organizations and research institutions. Specific information on the homepages of the Clearing-House Mechanism can be found at: http://www.biodiv.org/chm/default.aspx . The new web site also aims at facilitating CEPA ( The Communication, Education and Public Awareness programme of the Convention) through electronic communication tools which can be used to increase interaction with Parties, Governments and stakeholders.

Cumulated area of nationally protected areas in pan-Europe, EEA biodiversity indicator

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

The cumulated area of nationally protected areas in pan-Europe is an EEA indicator covering 30 countries across Europe. It is a response indicator, showing the efforts by the concerned countries to protect their nature by means of individual area based permanent protection decrees. The curve cannot be expected to continue its strong increase over the last decades. In many countries single area protection is slowing down, since large parts of the most valuable nature is protected, but also because of increasing conflicts with land owners and with development of urban areas and infrastructure. EEA aims to update the data set every year through EIONET. EEA collaborates with UNEP-WCMC to deliver data to the World Database on Protected Areas in an agreed format. The Collaboration concerns the CDDA (Common Database on Designated Areas). It can be seen as a forerunner for the global indicator foreseen for the Convention on Biological Diversity. The indicator can be found and downloaded from the EEA web site at: http://themes.eea.eu.int/Environmental_issues/biodiversity/indicators/BDIV10d%2C2004.11 . Contacts in EEA are also indicated there.

In 2004 the 3 big biodiversity instruments in Europe are celebrating their 25th anniversaries - the EU Birds Directive and the Bonn and Bern Conventions

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

In 2004 3 very important international legal instruments to protect biodiversity are celebrating their 25.th anniversaries. In April 1979 the EU Birds Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC) was adopted. It now covers all EU-25 countries and aims at protecting the naturally occurring birds of EU. In June 1979 the global Bonn Convention on Migratory Species followed, working towards protection of threatened migrating species, not only birds, but also for example fish, whales and bats. In September 1979 the broader pan-European Bern Convention for the Conservation of the European Wildlife and Natural Habitats came onto the scene, aiming at protecting a large number of both animals and plants and their habitats. In 1992 the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)followed, to protect many species of plants and animals other than birds as well as habitat types. Together they form a family of important legal instruments, covering several thousand species and several hundred habitat types in Europe. They work via site protection and protection of species in general, and lately they also promote management plans for selected species. However, there is still along way to go, before there is a sustainable protection for the species and habitat types of these biodiversity instruments, and they will only ensure the continuing survival if there is a constant political and public will to maintain them. Also it took a long time before the conventions came into force: the Bern Convention in 1982 and the Bonn Convention in 1983. The following web sites contain a wealth of legal and status information: The European Commission on the Birds Directory 25th. Anniversary: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/nature_conservation/focus_wild_birds/25year_birds_directive/index_en.htm . BirdLife International on the Birds Directive: http://www.birdlife.org/action/awareness/eu_birds_directive/. The Eu Habitats directive: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm . The Bonn Convention on migratory species: http://www.cms.int/about/welcome_en.htm . The Bern Convention: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/Bern/QR9_en.pdf

25 years of the EU Birds Directive celebrated

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

The 25th anniversary of the EU Birds directive has been celebrated during 2004 in many ways, and many web sites contain a wide spectrum of information. The latest occasion was a meeting in November in the Netherlands in Bergen op Zoom under the Dutch Presidency. The title of the meeting was 'REINFORCING OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING EUROPES WILD BIRDS AND THEIR HABITATS'. The conclusions and results contain 10 common points of action for the future to strengthen the implementation and to carry the Bird Directive successfully into the new EU Member States. The NATURA2000 Newsletter issue 18 from October 2004 in its articles shows both the very positive signs for several threatened species, as well as the still very negative trends for many other species ( http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/info/pubs/natura2000nl_en.htm ). The NATURA2000 Barometer shows the status of the national contributions to the Birds directive in appointing SPA sites (Special Protection Areas) in June 2004 ( http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/barometer/index_en.htm ). Two major sources of information to consult are the web sites of the European Commission ( http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/birdsdirective/index_en.htm )and of BirdLife International ( BirdLife International on the Birds Directive: http://www.birdlife.org/action/awareness/eu_birds_directive/ ). A brochure on the SPA network was developed by EEA for the Commission (http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/brochure_2006_0306_102133/at_download/file ).

The SBSTTA 11 meeting - 28 November to 2 December in Montreal, Canada

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

SBSTTA (The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice to the Convention on Biological Diversity) will hold its 11th meeting from 28 November to 2 December in Montreal, Canada, at the seat of the Convention Secretariat. The agenda can be found at: http://www.biodiv.org/convention/sbstta.asp .

SBSTTA meetings are organised by the Convention Secretariat. The chair for this and for SBSTTA 12 (2006) is Mr. Christian Prip from the Danish Ministry for the Environment.

The SBSTTA meetings provide scientific and technical advice on themes which are to be on the agenda for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP meetings) to the Convention.

At this SBSTTA the following items will considered:

The conclusions from two major reports: the draft version of the Second Global Outlook and the Millenium Ecosystems Assessment
For ecosystems the focus will be on the dry- and sub-humid ecosystems with also some work on the mountains and marine ecosystems
The global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI)
The issue of incentive measures

The next COP will be the 8th and will be held in Brazil in the last weeks of March 2006. Preparations for this meeting are already ongoing. Information may be found at: http://www.biodiv.org/convention/cops.asp .

During SBSTTA 11 one side-event will present progress in development of Clearing House Mechanisms. The collaboration in Europe among national Clearing Houses and the European Community Clearing Houses will be part of this side-event, assisted by several collaborating countries. - This present European Community Clearing House web site is the result of this collaboration. http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int .

Third national report on implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity 2005

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

The third national reports to CBD for 2005 now begin to appear.They will gradually be uploaded on the Convention web site at: http://www.cbd.int/reports/search/?type=nr-03.By mid September around 20 reports were publicly accessible there. FromEU-25 only 9 countries have so far delivered the report.

The report format is large and for this report it consists of two mainparts: information concerning the Convention articles and thematic issues.

INSPIRE - call for expressions of interest for participation in Spatial Data Interest Communities (SDICs) - first teams to be formed on the basis of interests expressed before 15 April 2005

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

Spatial data are becomming more and more important, not only to planners, administrators and business, but also to the wider public. More and more of us use data, that are in some way georeferenced - such as for the many position location systems now in use and for the foreseen future simple access systems to integrated information about our own neighbourhood. This all creates the need for harmonised spatial data, for guidelines to perform the harmonisation and for simple and open access to data. Information about biodiversity such as on species (threatened or protected speces, production based on crops and animals), on ecosystems and on areas and sites (forests, wetlands, protected areas etc) are beginning to be accessible online, now also with georeferences: where are the species, the ecosystems and the protected sistes? The basic information sources are also increasingly spatial: satellite imagery and other remote sensing data. The EU initiative INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial InfoRmation in Europe. It is a EU initative, which was established to support and facilitate this development: to harmonise spatial data specifications, support interoperability of spatial data services and data sharing policies. INSPIRE now calls for expressions of interest in participation in Spatial Data Interest Communities (SDICs). The purpose is to identify those expert networks or organisations which are able and interested in participating in establishing drafts and review implementing rules for INSPIRE. The call also concerns registration of project activities undertaken in the context of GMES (the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security Initiative). First to be formed are drafting teams, to be formed on the basis of expressions of interest before 15 April, but the wider call will remain open on a permanent basis. The call for expression of interest can be registered via http://www.ec-gis.org/ . More information on INSPIRE, its organisation and workprogramme and the preparations for an EC directive on spatial information can be found at the INSPIRE web site: http://inspire.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ .

Biodiversity News Headlines from CBD

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

At Biodiversity News Headlines http://www.cbd.int/information/news.shtml the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity daily presents news which are of importance to biodiversity and its use and protection

Geo-referenced data and maps on biodiversity are essential

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

International Biodiversity Day Sunday 22 May 2005

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

The annual International Biological Diversity Day 2005 will be celebrated on Sunday 22 May. The focus this year is on the importance of biodiversity as the Life Insurance for our Changing World, where the growing human populations and expanding consumption are placing great pressure on biological diversity. Countries and organisations and private citizens are invited to join the clebration with their own activities and to inform the CBD Secreatriat about them. A global poster has been produced and can be downloaded from http://www.cbd.int/ibd/2005/.

Celebrating the 2005 International Biological Diversity Day: New release of the European Nature Information System - The EUNIS web database

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

Launching of a much improved EUNIS database web application to celebrate the International Biological Diversity Day

Nature Conservation: Commission approves specially protected sites in the Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

The Commission has approved the first list of sites of Europe-wide importance for conservation under the EU's Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). This list covers the biogeographic region of Macaronesia the Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira. The sites in question provide protection for natural habitats and rare and endangered plant and animal species, and now formally become part of the EU's network of specially protected sites known as Natura 2000. The Commission will compile five further lists of such sites covering the other five biogeographic regions into which the Community is divided - Alpine, Continental, Mediterranean, Boreal and Atlantic on the basis of proposals to be submitted by Member States. Commission Press Release 17 January 2002

EU Biodiversity Partnering Catalogue 2001, Research Organisations

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

European biodiversity indicators to assess if we reach the 2010 target of halting the loss of biodiversity - the SEBI2010 process

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

This year - 2005 - sees a strong focus on the development of indicators to assess progress towards reaching the target for biodiversity by the year 2010. By then further loss of species, ecosystems and genes should be significantly reduced globally, in Europe even halted and mitigated if possible. Much of the developments are guided by the concepts of the global Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In Europe the European Commission, the European Environment Agency (EEA), UNEP's Regional Office and Council of Europe assisted by the European Centre for Nature Conservation (ECNC) have joined forces to develop a European set of indicators to match the global set while also showing the European situation. UNEP-WCMC (World Conservation Monitoring Centre). The project is called SEBI2010 - Streamlining European Biodiversity Indicators for 2010. Information about the project and the process can be found at the SEBI website: http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/information/indicator/F1090245995. Here EEA will gradually place documents from the ekspert groups and from the coordination team. - The SEBI2010 list conforms with the CBD list of indicators, with a few exceptions. Some indicators will be developed directly by the coordination team: coverage of protected areas, impact of climate on biodiversity, marine trophic index, water quality in aquatic ecosystems, European patents based on genetic resources, funding to biodiversity, public awareness and participation. Six expert groups will develop indicators on: trends in selected species (including change in status of threatened and redlisted species), trends in extent of selected ecosystems (including connectivity and fragmentation), trends in genetic diversity of species of major socio-economic importance (domesticated animals, cultivated plants, trees, fish species), nitrogen deposition, invasive species, and area under sustainable landmanagement (forest, agriculture, fishery and aquaculture). Most European countries are now also taking part in these processes and develop national indicators to match SEBI2010 and the global level. Information about the Biodiversity Convention work on indicators can be found at: http://www.biodiv.org/programmes/cross-cutting/indicators/. Also other organisations work with biodiversity related indicators and datasets. OECD's 2005 indicators can be found at: http://lysander.sourceoecd.org/vl=1400872/cl=66/nw=1/rpsv/factbook/. FAO has large datasets at: http://www.fao.org/ag/guides/resource/data.htm . The MCPFE (Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forests in Europe) indicators can be found at: http://www.mcpfe.org/filestore/mcpfe/Publications/pdf/improved_indicators.pdf. Much other information on indicators can be found also here in the EC CHM at: http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/information/indicator. The EEA Core set of indicators (CSI) can be found at: http://themes.eea.eu.int/IMS/CSI

Call for proposals 2005 for the European Community (EU) programme 'Environment and Forests in Developing Countries'

2011-10-11T15:18:11Z

The European Commission invites proposals for the programme 'Environment and Forests in Developing Countries'. The call opened 4 August 2005.

You will find guidelines, application form and other documents from the following website: http://www.europa.eu.int/europeaid/index_en.htm . After chosing Your language, You should: 1). go to 'Tenders and grants'. 2). go to 'Tender and call for proposals notice'. 3). in the left column, select Status 'open' and type 'grants'. 4). (already selected) Region: 'all'. 5). (already selected) Country: 'all'. 6). click 'submit query'. 7). scale down to 'All' Here You find 'Programme on Environment and Tropical Forests in Developing Countries' with Reference: Europeaid/121998/C/G/Multi .

Issued by: The European Commission, EuropeAid Co-operation Office, unit 04 Central Management of Thematic Budget Lines, section: Environment, tropical Forests. B-1049 Brussels, Belgium

European Clearing House Mechanism - EC CHM version 2 Steering Committee meeting 7-8 September 2005 in EEA

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The Steering Committee for the EC CHM version 2 holds it second meeting in 2005 at the European Environment Agency (EEA)7-8 September. The main scope of the meeting is to present and discuss the new web version with all its new and amended functionalities. One new feature concerns the possibilites now emerging of national CHMs using the EC CHM technology to migrate to a common server at the European Environment Agency. Germany and Denmark have already joined. The final version 2 will be launched in December 2005. The technology was developed under IDA funding by the consultant company Finsiel. - - The version 2 of the EUNIS database (European Nature Information System) will also be presented. It was developed based on EC CHM and EEA technologies as well. It contains information on species, habitat types and sites of European importance. - - The new European Community ABS portal (access and benefit sharing portal) will also be presented. Documents for the meeting can be found on this website in the 'About' section in the upper white band, look into the folder on the EC CHM2 meeting 2

EC CHM portal software updated to version 2.0

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Since 19th September 2005, this website runs the improved multilingual content management system called Naaya, developed under IDA funding by the consultant company Finsiel.

More national portals will soon be migrated to the same technology and hosted on EEA servers.

Biodiversity conservation in China - EU offers 30 million euros to China

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

A five-year programme for putting into place effective monitoring and information feedback mechanisms for biodiversity conservation was signed in Beijing in November 2005 between China and EU.

UNDP (The United Nations Development Program) will manage the 30 million euro fund and be responsible for the implementation together with the State Environmental Protection Administration of China (SEPA).

IPCB - The International Press Centre Biodiversity Research news portal was launched on 14 November 2005 in Brussels

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Under the EU 6th framework programme for research the International Press Centre Biodiversity Research "IPCB" was launched in Brussels on 14th November. The occassion was the conference 'Communicating European Research'. The IPCB can be found at http://www.biodiversityresearch.net .

The main goal of the IPCB press portal is to communicate news on biodiversity research to the international press community.

However, it is also foreseen to turn into an information source for biodiversity related research.

The IPCB is an initiative under the NEtwork of Excellence of the ALTER-Net. The Communication service is managed via the Belgian Institute for Nature Conservation. More information on http://www.alter-net.info

SBSTTA 11 now started in Montreal

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

SBSTTA (The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice to the Convention on Biological Diversity) has now started its 11th meeting. It is being held in Montreal during week 48. The agenda and all meeting documents can be found at: http://www.cbd.int/sbstta/ .

SBSTTA meetings are organised by the Convention Secretariat. The chair for this and for SBSTTA 12 (2006) is Mr. Christian Prip from the Danish Ministry for the Environment.

The next Conference of the Parties (COP8) will be held in Brazil 20-31 March 2006. Information may be found at:http://www.cbd.int/convention/cops.shtml .

During SBSTTA 11 around 30 side-events will present a wide variety of interesting issues. The regional development of Clearing House Mechanisms in Europe will be part of one of the first side-events. Information about the European Community Clearing House (http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int) and the European collaboration can be found in http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/About/fol842995 .

NOBANIS - a regional portal on invasive alien species in Northern and Central Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The NOBANIS regional Internet portal on invasive alien species

The portal is an important gateway to data on invasive alien species in Northern and Central Europe. The portal is based on the latest scientific knowledge about invasive alien species. The portal can be used by all interested parties - administrators, journalists and scientists alike.

The searchable database answers questions such as what alien species are present as well as how, when and why a species is introduced to the region. For each country information on the status, invasiveness and impact of the alien invasive species is available. Maps covering the entire region are available to show the distribution of species which are particularly a problem for the environment and society.

NOBANIS is a network of environmental administrators from the Northern, Baltic and Central European countries working with invasive alien species. The current members of the NOBANIS project are: Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Germany, Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden. NOBANIS is financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the participating countries’ environmental authorities.

In the future, details on management and control of the most invasive species will also be provided on the portal.

Visit the portal at: http://www.nobanis.org/

COP8 - The 8th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to be held in March in Brazil

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The next Conference of the Parties (COP8) will be held in Curitiba in Brazil 20-31 March 2006.

Preparations are ongoing and information and documents may be found at: http://www.biodiv.org/convention/cops.asp .

Launch of the new European Community Clearing House Mechanism Website and its Portal Toolkit (EC CHM PTK)

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The European Community Clearing-House Mechanism Website (EC CHM) and its Portal Toolkit (CHM PTK) were officially launched at the CBD Clearing-House Mechanism and European Community Clearing-House Mechanism Joint Regional Meeting for Central and Eastern Europe, which was held in Tallinn, Estonia from 13 to 15 December 2005.

The EC CHM website was developed to assist the European Community to more effectively implement its Biodiversity Strategy and the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The resulting technology – based on open source technology – and content are freely available to other interested parties.

This system was developed through consultations with interested EU countries. By 2005 the collaboration resulted in the use of the CHM PTK by several countries for their national CHMs. Currently two countries have moved their national CHMs to sit with the EC CHM on a dedicated server at EEA. This European regional CHM family is expected to grow during the coming years.

Nineteen countries participated in the Joint Meeting: Albania, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovenia, The Netherlands, Ukraine and United Kingdom. Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Italy and Sweden sent their regrets.

Estonia assisted with the organisation and hosted the meeting and also launched its national CHM, based on the CHM PTK. The Estonian Vice-minister for the Environment Mr. Olavi Tammemäe opened the meeting. The meeting was funded by the EC CHM project.

The project was developed for the European Commission by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and performed under contracts with the consultant company Finsiel 1998 - 2005. The project was funded by the European Community.

From 2006 the EC CHM will promote an annual regional CHM meeting and maintain a technical group of PTK users to collaborate directly in future developments. The EEA will continue to maintain and develop the EC CHM and support ongoing collaboration, including with countries outside the European region.

Regional training in West Africa under the Belgian CHM partnership

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Sub-regional CHM training for West-Africa, January 2006

In January 2006, the CHM national focal points of Burkina Faso and Belgium will jointly organize a sub-regional training workshop. The Belgian CHM is discussing with the Secretariat of the CBD on the possibility of also participating in the organization of this workshop as they did on earlier occasions in Workshops in 2003 and 2005.

The workshop in Burkina Faso aims to strengthen national capacities and promote the involvement of partners from four countries in the West African Region (Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Niger).

The aim of the training workshop is twofold: (I) continue education by providing refresher courses to former trainees and (ii) train new persons involved in national CHMs.

Part of the training curricula will be on new technologies such as the EC PTK, XML, web services for a contact database and inter-operability between CHM web sites.

From each country at least three persons, whom are actively involved in their national CHM, will participate in the training.

Currently Belgium has a partnership with the following countries and regional organisations:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, Vietnam, SACEP and COMIFAC

Launch of Estonian National Biological Diversity Clearing-House Mechanism webpage

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

On 14th December 2005, during the Joint Regional Meeting for Central andEastern European Countries on Convention of Biological DiversityClearing-House Mechanism (CBD-CHM) and European Community BiologicalDiversity Clearing-House Mechanism (EC-CHM), official launch of the EstonianNational Biological Diversity Clearing-House Mechanism (BTV) took place.

BTV is a web portal based on the European Community Clearing-HouseMechanism Portal Toolkit and is developed by Estonian EnvironmentalInformation Centre. Its official address is http://loodus.keskkonnainfo.ee:88/English/index_html .

Your views on biodiversity - Open consultation on the European Commission Communication on halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 - and beyond

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The objective of this consultation is to seek your views onwhat needs to be done if the EU is to deliver on its commitments:

a) to halt the loss of biodiversity in the EU by 2010and

b) to contribute towards significantly reducing the rate ofbiodiversity loss worldwide by 2010

The consultation is open until 6 February 2006.

You can give your views on key challenges and key measuresfor the work in the coming years to reach the biodiversity targets.

You can submit your views by using the consultation formfound via the link below.

All information can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations_en.htm

Towards a List of 'Worst invasive species threatening biodiversity in Europe'

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

As part of the SEBI2010 process (see http://biodiversity-chm.eea.europa.eu/information/indicator/F1090245995 ) the Expert group on 'Trends in invasive alien species' is developing alist of 'Worst invasive species threatening biodiversity in Europe'.

You are hereby invited to comment on the list, the balanceof species and the criteria used.

We also welcome proposals for additional species.

A documentation of the indicator including the criteria usedto identify species and a draft list of species, as well as species factsheets, is presented at http://biodiversity-chm.eea.eu.int/information/indicator/F1090245995/F1115192484/fol712457

There you will find the 'Worst invasive species'form' to be used if you want to submit data

You should mailto:Melanie.Josefsson@snv.slu.seno later that 27 February 2006.

Open consultation on European biodiversity indicators - the SEBI2010 process goes public

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

NOW 4 indicators for consultation

The first year of the SEBI2010 process on developing indicators for Streamlining European 2010 Biodiversity Indicators has been completed.The first set of indicator documentation forms are now opened for public consultation on

European Common Birds, European Butterflies, IUCN Red List Index for European Species, Alien Species in Europe, numbers since 1900 in 5 Nordic countries

The documentation can be found in SEBI2010 consultation . Here you will also find information on how to comment on the indicators.

The 4th Intergovernmental Biodiversity in Europe Conference in Croatia, 22 - 24 February 2006 - preparation for COP8 in Brazil

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The Conference will consider issues on the agenda of the upcoming 8th Conference of the Parties (COP8) to the Biodiversity Convention (CBD), focusing on island biodiversity, CEPA (Communication, Education and Public Awareness) and the Global Taxonomy Initiative.

Most importantly the conference will address and explore the status of implementation of the biodiversity commitments in the pan-European region, included in the Kyiv Resolution on Biodidiversity from 2003, in order to recognize important achievements and recommend steps to address the gaps and needs fo the region. The strategic issues for evaluating progress to be discussed include Streamlining European 2010 Biodiversity Indicators (SEBI2010), Forest Biodiversity, Agriculture and Biodiversity, Protected Areas and Ecological Networks as well as Invasive Alien Species (IAS).

The conference will take place in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.

The upcoming COP8 will be held 20 - 31 March in Curitiba in Brazil.

More information and documents can be found at

Join Spring observations in Europe's nature 2006 - For 7 countries you are invited to input directly your first observations for flowering white Wood Anemone, later also for calling Cuckoo and the high-flying Swift

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

In collaboration with several European countries the German project'Naturdetektive' has initiated the 2006 Spring observation project

You can easily join and input your observations directly intothe system

Visit the map of your country, zoom in and click on the map and givethe observation date for

the first flowering white Wood Anemone you see. It will start showing its white flowers soon

Later in this spring - when they begin to arrive - thesystem will open for two birds

the first calling Cuckoo
the first highflying Swift

Your observations will be visible together with all otherobservations

As more and more observations come in, the maps will show how springpasses over Europe gradually or in leaps.

The system goes alive on 6. March 2006 with so far 7countries: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Sweden,Denmark and Estonia

Visit the 'Naturdetektive' mainsite for more information

Photo coyright: Soren Kaslov, Denmark

COP8 - The 8th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity meets in Brazil this March

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The 8th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on BiologicalDiversity meets in Curitiba, Bazil, 20-31 March.

Delegates from over 175 countries will meet and work together on manyissues including progress in reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010and the operations of the convention (CBD).

Preparatory discussion have been held at EU level as well as - in therecent 4th Biodiversity in Europe Conference in Croatia - for thepan-European level.

All COP8 documents can be found in the portal of the Convention http://www.cbd.int/doc/?meeting=cop-08 . The agenda of the meeting is included in the documents UNEP/CBD/COP/8/1and UNEP/CBD/COP/8/1/Add.1 .

At COP8 a workshop will be held on 20 March on monitoring progresstowards the 2010 Biodiversity target.

The workshop will discuss progress in the SEBI2010 indicator progress onStreamlining European 2010 Biodiversity Indicators. This process contributesto implementation of the Biodiversity Convention (CBD).

The workshop is sponsored by the European Commission and the EuropeanEnvironment Agency (EEA).

Read more in the SEBI2010 Information Flyer

COP8 results from Brasil - The 'Global Biodiversity Outlook 2' report was released

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The 8th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity met in Curitiba, Bazil, 20-31 March.

During the conference a major report was launched. The 'Global Biodiversity Outlook 2' (GBO2) report contains an overview of the status of the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It focusses on progress towards th 2010 Biodiversity Target and on its contribution to the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals. The report analyses according to the CBD Focal areas and uses the CBD Headline indicators.

All COP8 documents can be found in the portal of the Convention http://www.biodiv.org/convention/cops.asp .

The GBO2 may be downloaded from http://www.biodiv.org/GBO2/default.shtml .

The Millenium Ecosystem Assessment report may be found at http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/index.aspx .

At COP8 many interesting side-events took place. One of them concerned the SEBI2010 indicator project on streamlining European 2010 Biodiversity Indicators.

The European Commission adopts communication on Biodiversity

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The new Communication on "Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond; sustaining ecosystem services for human well-being" has been adopted by the European Commission on the 22nd of May. Success will depend on dialogue and partnership between the Commission and Member States and common implementation.

For more information and access to the relevant documents, please use the following link: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52006DC0216:EN:NOT

30 May -2 June Brussels: European Commission events devoted to the topic of Biodiversity

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

In the year 2006, DG Environment's annual Green Week is devoted to the topic of biodiversity. Green Week 2006 will focus the spotlight on four aspects of our work to halt biodiversity loss: biodiversity as a global issue, the management of natural resources, space for nature, and biodiversity and society. Green Week aims to provide an opportunity for exchange of experience and best practice among non-governmental organisations, businesses, various levels of governance and the public. The event will take place in Brussels, 30 May to 2 June.

For further information: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/greenweek2006/home.html

The marine component of European Biodiversity Indicators

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

An expert meeting organised by the EEA in Copenhagen at the end of June, has looked at the progress made in including the marine component when elaborating on the EU headline indicators for the 2010 biodiversity target.

"Progress towards halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010" report released by EEA

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Four years before 2010, progress in halting the loss of biodiversityis not visible in most ecosystems in Europe, however there are positiveresponses related to forests, quality of fresh water, the establishment ofthe Natura 2000 network accross the EU. The report can be downloadedfrom:

http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/eea_report_2006_5

Free and open access to scientific information

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Steps are taken for free and open access to scientific information to people who live in developing countries.

Biodiversity and Climate Change in focus

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The 2007 International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD), 22 May, will focus on Biodiversity and Climate Change, as announced by the CBD Secretariat. Click on CBD news on the right side of this page to read more.

Wild Bees and the Flowers They Pollinate Are Declining in Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

European researchers have recently provided, for the first time, evidence of a significant decline in wild bee diversity in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands over the past 25 years. The scientists also observed that the loss of this pollinator’s diversity is consistent with the loss of bee-pollinated plants. As many crops are directly dependant on insects for their pollination, the reported decline in the bee population may have severe implications for farming.

Integrating the Biodiversity 2010 objective in development cooperation policies and the Millennium Development Goals

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

As recognised in the three day Conference in Paris on Biodiversity and European Development Cooperation, September 19-21/2006, there is a need to forge closer ties between biodiversity and sustainable development.This is very much in line with the proposal of UN Secretary General, to incorporate the 2010 biodiversity target into the framework of the Millennium Development Goals.

Progress in European Biodiversity Indicators and monitoring

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Invited by DG Environment of the European Commission, the Biodiversity Group on Monitoring and Indicators met in Brussels, on the 25th of September 2006, to discuss the progress of several initiatives.

What is happening to Ocean Ecosystems?

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

More evidence on biodiversity loss and its impacts on Ocean Ecosystem Services has been recently published by an international research team. On the other hand, the results also suggest that it is possible to reverse this trend in species decline.

Reporting on Article 17 of the Habitats Directive

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Technical details and presentations related to the 2nd reporting cycle on the EU member states implementation measures.

One of the worst invasive species listed in Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Information on one of the worst invasive species threatening biodiversity in Europe is now making it to the headlines. It is a species of Argentinean ant introduced into Europe about 80 years ago, which was found to have developed the largest supercolony ever recorded.

New approaches in biodiversity research are needed for halting biodiversity loss

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The recommendations of the European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy - EPBRS- meeting in Helsinki on 16-19 November 2006 are now online.

Fruit-Net for neglected and forgotten Fruit and Berries and European funding for all genetic resources used in agriculture

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

An on line directory dealing with old, local, forgotten, neglected and endangered varieties of wild fruit and berry plants has been set up through European networking, while relevant action for all genetic resources used in agriculture is taken by the European Commission through its programme on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture for 2004-2006.

Europe's Biodiversity CHM network calls for input to the 2009 meeting

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Biodiversity Clearing House Mechanism managers across Europe are building up the regional network on biodiversity information. In 2008 the CHM community in Europe met and discussed developments and plans for the next triennium. The next meeting, is to be organised in the European Environment Agency in the Autumn of 2009. Submit you proposals for building up the Agenda of the 2009 meeting. For more information please submit an enquiry through the EEA Information centre - see concerned URL.

An explicit reaffirmation of the 2010 biodiversity target by the Environment Council of the European Union

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The Council has sent out a strong political message on biodiversity calling upon immediate action as well as upon the development of a long term EU vision for biodiversity.

How do Changes in Ocean Temperature affect Marine Ecosystems?

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Temperature strongly affects marine larval dispersal, a key component in conservation and management of fish, shellfish and other marine species as shown recently by American researchers.

A call for evidence on economics of biodiversity loss

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Today the European Commission launched a six-week-long internet-based call for evidence on the economics of biodiversity loss. Following commitments made at the G8+5 meeting of Environment Ministers in Potsdam in March 2007, the Commission is supporting Germany with the preparatory work for a Review on the Economics of Biodiversity Loss.

Developments in the Assessment of Biodiversity in Forests in Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Three main messages on future forest biodiversity monitoring in Europe is the outcome of the joint workshop of ICP forests and COST action on assessing biodiversity in forests of Europe, held in Firenze, Italy on 22-24 March 2007

Research insights on reducing Biodiversity Loss

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

New insights into how environmental policies could be modified and extended to cover the issue of biodiversity loss from the EU funded research project ALARM 'Assessing LArge scale Risks for biodiversity with tested Methods'.

Protected Forest Areas in Europe Need Harmonisation

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

We still lack a clear picture on the area of forests protected in Europe, according to analysis of the diversity of national and international categories of protected forest areas in Europe completed under the EU COST Action E27.

How would an International Mechanism for Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity contribute to halting biodiversity loss?

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The European Regional Consultation of the Consultative process on IMOSEB meeting held in Geneva, 26-28 April, 2007, produced some important outcomes.

European Parliament adopts report on the Biodiversity Communication of the European Commission

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

'However clever humans are, they can never make up through artificial means for the natural resources they are destroying. Hence, halting the decline in biodiversity will require unprecedented efforts in adapting our activities to the needs of natural systems- and not the opposite', says MEP.

Assessment by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) shows that one in six European mammals are threatened with extinction

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The European Mammal Assessment, compiled by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) at the request of the European Commission, has been completed and is available on-line.

EU Nature Policy has delivered benefits for birds in Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The European Communities Birds Directive which was adopted in 1979, a legal instrument designed to protect birds at a continental scale, has indeed improved the fortunes of the most threatened and vulnerable European species, signalling that conservation can deliver real results if it is enshrined in law and acted upon.

Extinction crisis escalates: Red List shows apes, corals, vultures, dolphins all in danger

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the world’s most authoritative assessment of the Earth’s plants and animals has been released today.

One of 10 best ideas to save nature in 2008 is the SEBI 2010 Indicator set

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The SEBI 2010 set comprises 26 biodiversity indicators, to help policy-makers halt the loss of biodiversity in Europe. It is a result of a Pan European process, and has been selected as "one of 10 best ideas to save nature in 2008".The prize is awarded by the Spanish magazine RED LIFE and the Fundación Caja Rural del Sur. The award ceremony is taking place on Monday 16 June in Sevilla, Spain, where EEA will be represented.

Message from Lisbon on Business and Biodiversity

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

More than 400 leaders from business, governments, the EU and NGOs meeting in Lisbon, 12-13 November 2007, have signalled a major shift in thinking on the role of business in biodiversity conservation.

The European Common Database on Designated Areas develops through international cooperation

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The European Environment Agency, together with UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Center and the Council of Europe have joined efforts in sharing procedures for the information included in the European Common Database on Designated Areas- the so called ECDDA.

How much is Europe spending for invasive alien species?

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

A new report supports the need for a EU strategy on invasive alien species to optimise the use of available financial resources.

Get ready to collaborate and communicate biodiversity!

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

A presentation of the the updated version of the European CHM Toolkit already used by 13 countries in Europe, 14 countries in Africa and 2 countries in the Pacific region was the concluding focus of the side event on the Biodiversity Clearing House developments, organised by the CBD Secretariat during the 9th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 21 May 2008, at 13.15h.

The first assessment of habitat types in Finland completed

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The proportion of threatened types is highest among traditional rural biotopes and forests, still improving the state of habitat types is possible, according to the report published by the Finnish Ministry of Environment today.

Protecting Europe's biological data resources

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Information and data on biological resources are important assets to society. A pan-European consortium has received €4.5 million from European Commision funding to work on deciding upon the best way to unite Europe's biological data resources into a sustainable, integrative bioinformatics network for the life sciences.

An early warning and information system for invasive alien species in Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Published today is an on line survey aiming to support an early warning and information system for invasive alien species in Europe! Participate in the survey

Marine biodiversity: does conservation matter?

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

More than a thousand marine biologists from all over the world met in Valencia from 11 to 15 November, to discuss their scientific findings.Current and future threats to marine biodiversity were discussed and the Valencia declaration was agreed.

European Union:Greater protection for Europe's wildlife

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Europe's rich patchwork of protected flora and fauna grew further today with a major extension of Natura 2000, the EU's network of protected natural areas. The additions include 769 new sites and a total area of 95,522 km2. Most of the sites are in the newer Member States. Romania and Bulgaria have now added areas to the network for the first time, including areas along the Black Sea that are home to numerous varieties of rare and threatened plants and animals. Natura 2000 now includes around 25,000 sites, covering almost 20% of the EU’s landmass, making it the largest interconnected network of protected areas in the world. It is the EU's key weapon in the fight against biodiversity loss.

Biodiversity loss is continuing in the EU

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

A mid term report on the implementation of the European Union's Biodiversity Action Plans was published by the European Commission.Despite some encouraging results, notably with the further extension of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas and important investments in biodiversity, the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem concerns into other sectoral policies remains an important challenge. The new Communication from the Commission identifies priorities for further action.

Message from Athens on the future of Biodiversity policies

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

A European Commission conference on biodiversity in Athens has issued a forward-looking message regarding the future biodiversity policy of the European Union.

Key findings include the need to improve communication about the loss and its consequences, the importance of thinking about ecosystem protection rather than species protection, and the need to ensure that available funds are indeed channelled towards nature protection projects.

World Biodiversity day 2009

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Biodiversity – the web of life on which we depend – is in decline around the world. Amphibians and reptiles are more endangered than mammals in Europe, habitat loss being the greatest threat to their survival. Other threats include climate change, pollution and invasive alien species.

Biodiversity and Energy solutions: Engineering microbes to produce hydrogen fuel

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Researchers have designed the basis of a new system for producing hydrogen on an industrial scale using microbes. The system, which they claim is more environmentally friendly than current methods of production, uses genetically engineered yeast and the bacterium Escherichia coli to make the hydrogen.

How much do we use e-Science and Technology Infrastructure for Biodiversity Research? A Survey

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Lifewatch is a European funded (FP7-ESFRI) project research programme, which is getting prepared to set up an infrastructure for biodiversity research addressing the huge gaps in the understanding of life on Earth. We invite you to complete the question survey, which will take only about 15 minutes.

The 2010 target to halt biodiversity loss - assesment of progress in Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

EEA report "Progress towards the European 2010 biodiversity target" is the first assessment of progress towards the target to halt the loss of biodiversity in Europe, based on the SEBI 2010 set of biodiversity indicators.

Health check on Europe's protected species and habitat types

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

In July the Commission published a report on the conservation status of over 1150 species and 200 habitat types protected under EU law. Only a small proportion of these vulnerable habitats and species have achieved good conservation status and Member States will need to strengthen their efforts if this situation is to improve.

Life- EU funds starts making a difference in amphibian conservation

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Reptiles and amphibians top the list of Europe’s most endangered species and amphibians are recognised as the planet’s most threatened group of animals, with one in three of the globally 6 000 known amphibian species considered at risk of extinction. Efforts to improve the fate of these species brought togther amphibian specialists from around the world who established a new Amphibian Survival Alliance. LIFE projects have been active in these fields and LIFE experiences provide valuable good practice for the red listed species.

Biodiversity/resilience/stability relationships in forest ecosystems explored

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

This synthesis report is published by the CBD Secretariat in October 2009, to help the further implementation of the CBD programme of work on forest biodiversity, as well as for efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)

The International Year of Biodiversity celebrated in Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Most European countries will host special events for celebrating the International Year for Biodiversity in 2010. Moreover, a joint work plan between the European Environment Agency and its European Topic Centre for Biological Diversity, and the European Commission ( DG ENV, DG JRC, ESTAT) was agreed for the development of the Biodiversity System for Europe ( BISE version 0), to be hosted on the EC-CHM during 2010.

10 messages for biodiversity -2010

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Biodiversity is Life. Biodiversity is our life. THe European Environment Agency contributes to the International Year of Biodiversity with 10 messages.

Shaping the future EU biodiversity policies

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

A new vision for protecting, valuing and restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services in Europe by 2010 has been adopted by the European Council in March 2010. Now stakeholders will contribute in shaping the future policies to fulfill this vision, by expressing their interest to participate in the meeting in Brussels on 3rd of June 2010, organised by the European Commision

'We are all in this together'

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

This is the message of the new EU campaign on biodiversity aiming to raise awareness of the fact that we humans are not only a part of the larger web of life, called biodiversity, but that we are interlinked with it and interdependent with all of its elements. The campaign shows the real implications biodiversity loss will have for our daily lives and promotes actions people can take to protect nature. You can support the campaign by joining the Facebook community and "biodiversifying" yourself.

Launch of the European biodiversity baseline and Biodiversity Information System for Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Two new tools for supporting biodiversity policies in Europe are launched during the Green Week in Brussels by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency: the EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline report and the Biodiversity Information System for Europe (BISE)

The public consultation on the post-2010 EU biodiversity strategy is now on

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Stepping up its preparation for the post-2010 EU biodiversity strategy, the European Commission is putting forward possible options to stakeholders across Europe.

Consultation is open until 22.10.2010 and is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish.

Census of Marine life, the European Atlas of soil biodiversity and the 2010 assessment of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan released

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Two more gaps in our knowledge of biodiversity in the EU are being addressed: the results of the first Cencus of Marine life and the European Atlas of soil biodiversity have been recently made available. At the same time, the 2010 assessment of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan has been completed by the European Commission and the European Parliament Council has endorsed the EU strategic objectives for the upcoming 10th Conference of the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The future financing of EU Natura 2000 network: on public consultation

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The Commission has just launched an online public consultation to gather the views of different stakeholders aiming to identify ways of enhancing the success of financing Natura 2000. The consultation is addressed to public authorities, the private sector, environmental stakeholders and interested citizens in general. It will be closed on the 17th of February 2011. More information on financing the Natura 2000 network on the DG Environment's Financing Natura 2000 website

A new Business and Biodiversity award scheme in EU

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

B@B award scheme for 2012 initiated! From the 2012 edition of the European Business Awards for the Environment, a new 'Business & Biodiversity' award will be presented to a European company with outstanding achievements in halting biodiversity loss and supporting natural ecosystems. Read more on: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/awards/whats_new.html

Improved version of the European Atlas of the Seas

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

A new and improved version of the European Atlas of the Seas is now available on the website of DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeatlas. It includes 24 new maps, hundreds of updates and improvements. The European Atlas of the Seas was one of the actions outlined by the Commission when it launched an Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union in 2007. A pilot version of the atlas has been available on DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries' public website since May 2010. The new version takes into account the feedback received on the pilot version from the public survey and user testing.

European Commission adopts an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The European Commission has adopted an ambitious new strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the EU by 2020. There are six main targets, and 20 actions to help Europe reach its goal and also contribute to the loss of biodiversity at the global scale. The new strategy is communicated to the Council and aims at the full implementation of EU nature legislation to protect biodiversity, better protection for ecosystems, and more use of green infrastructure. It also calls for more sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, better management of fish stocks and tighter controls on invasive alien species.

European Commission: "Investing in Natura 2000: for nature and people"

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

New brochure: The effective management and restoration of sites in the Natura 2000 Network will only be possible if adequate finances are made available for this purpose.

State of Europe’s Forests 2011 Report Launched

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Forest Europe have collaborated to produce "State of Europe's Forests 2011: Status and Trends in Sustainable Forest Management in Europe," launched during the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (or FOREST EUROPE) held in Oslo, Norway from 14-16 June 2011. Read the full news feed from IISD.

Launch of InforMEA – the United Nations Information Portal on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The Multilateral Environmental Agreements Information and Knowledge Management Initiative (MEA IKM), launched today, develops harmonized MEA information systems to assist Parties and the environment community at large. Supported by UNEP the initiative currently includes 17 MEAs from 12 Secretariats hosted by three UN organizations and IUCN. It is open to observers involved in MEA information and data management.

The Report on the state of the Alps is published

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

With this report the Alpine Convention wishes to draw attention to the development potential which may be offered by the Alps, both for inhabitants in this territory and for the entire Europe region. Not only the natural resources, but its people are one of the most important sources for development in the Alps. With their creative and innovative approach, they adapted to the characteristics of the Alpine territory, know how to use advantages and create new opportunities and at the same time also ensure that the Alps will not become confi ned but will stay in dynamic relation to its broader hinterland.

Update on Ecosystem Assessments in Europe

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

The objective of these updates is to share relevant information in order to facilitate the planning and development of ecosystem assessments in Europe. The June 2011 update includes information on EU activities on ecosystem assessments, news from the EEA and from EEA partners in Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Germany and France.

EU expanding its network of protected areas

2012-03-16T23:17:18Z

Natura 2000, the EU's network of protected areas, has undergone a significant expansion. Nearly 18 800 square kilometres have been added, including a major addition of marine areas covering 17 000 square kilometres which will increase protection for many endangered marine species.

More plants, molluscs and freshwaterfish included in the European Red Lists

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

Europe's natural heritage is showing an alarming decline, according to new research published today. The European Red List, a part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, assessed a considerable portion of Europe’s native fauna and flora, finding that a large proportion of molluscs, freshwater fish and vascular plants now fall into the threatened category.

Investing in the EU Natura 2000 network benefits nature and people

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

A recent assessment for EU-27, estimates the total investments needed for managing the Natura 2000 network to be at least € 5.8 billion per year, largely confirming earlier estimates. One third of these needs relate to one-off investments; the remainder relate to recurring management of the sites. Weighted against the benefits from Natura 2000 which are of the order of €200 to 300 billion/year, the socio-economic benefits of Natura 2000 far outweigh the estimated costs.The relevant Commisison Staff Working Paper on financing Natura 2000 is now transmitted to the Council, EP, Committee of Regions and ECOSOC.

Consultation on a dedicated legislative instrument on invasive alien species

2012-02-07T14:13:54Z

In preparation of a legal instrument on Invasive Alien Species, the European Commission is now seeking views on the more specific choices to be made when establishing this instrument. All EU citizens and organisations, particulalry stakeholders and Member States are welcome to contribute to this consultation. Contributions are particularly sought from stakeholder organisations and Member States, during the period from 27.01.2012 to 12.04.2012.

Funding opportunities for biodiversity and ecosystem services in EU Overseas

2012-04-24T13:54:54Z

The open call for proposals BEST 2012 in the framework of the Preparatory Action 'BEST' (Voluntary scheme for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of the EU Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories) was published today by the European Commission, with a deadline for submission of applications on the 1st June 2012

The European Parliament endorses the EU Biodiversity strategy to 2020

2012-04-24T13:56:36Z

The resolution adopted gives higher political priority towards preserving and restoring damaged ecosystems. As the EU failed to meet its overall biodiversity target for 2010, biodiversity conservation should now be built into key EU policies, it adds. Environmentally harmful subsidies should be named and phasedout by 2020 and EU farm policy reform should aim to sustain biodiversity, say MEPs.

European Biodiversity Clearing House Mechanism Integrated within BISE - Biodiversity stories

Bonn meeting of National CHMs 2001

Steering Committee meeting December 2001

First meeting of the European Community Biodiversity Expert Group

European preparation for COP6 in April in the Netherlands

Pan-European Intergovernmental conference highlights biodiversity as the foundation for sustainable development

EU Biodiversity Action Plans adopted by the European Parliament

COP6 - Daily reports with information on Biodiversity

CHM Portal Tool Kit is available

The Convention on Biological Diversity.

The World Summit on Sustainable Development WSSD in Johannesburg 26 August - 4 September

The World Summit on Sustainable Development WSSD in Johannesburg 26 August - 4 September

The World Summit on sustainable Development - WSSD

New report: "Biodiversity indicators and monitoring - Moving towards implementation".

The Second Report on Biological Diversity from the European Community

SBSTTA meeting 8 to be held in Montreal in March 2003

SBSTTA meeting 8 in Montreal

Now available: Final report from SBSSTA meeting 8 in Montreal

SERIS

Living Forest Summit, April 2003

Europe's Environment - The Third Assessment report from EEA: Europe's environmental progress at risk from unsustainable economic activities

The Kiev Conference 21 - 23 May 20003. The declaration on biodiversity

London meeting on "2010 - The Global Biodiversity Challenge" with UNEP-WCMC and UNDP

Species 2000 Europa information

Biodiversity controlled vocabulary

EUNIS - The European Nature Information System has gone public on the web

The Convention on Biological Diversity. Ninth meeting of SBSTTA in Montreal

What did they discuss at SBSTTA in Montreal in November?

UNEP's GEO Data Portal

IUFRO Conference Monitoring and indicators of forest biodiversity in Europe - from ideas to operationality

The 2003 Environment Policy Review now published by the European Commission

European Community implements the Bonn Guidelines on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing (ABS).

There are only six years to reach the target of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010! - The European Environment Commissioner puts this serious reminder to the seventh Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Global Ballast Water Convention (BW Convention) adopted to control ballast water transportation of invasive species

The results from Kuala Lumpur: International consensus reached on fundamental steps to tackle the loss of biodiversity worldwide  important also for the European Community.

BIODIVERSITY AND THE EU - Sustaining Life Sustaining Livelihoods. Stakeholder conference 25-27 May 2004 in Malahide, under the Irish EU Presidency

GEO Year Book 2003 on-line with indicators on threatened species and protected areas

International Day for Biological Diversity to be celebrated 22 May 2004

The Malahide Message - more than 200 stakeholders agreed to 18 biodiversity targets

Seminar in European Parliament on the 2010 biodiversity target: report published

Biodiversity Indicators and Monitoring, first meeting of Coordination Team 7. July 2004

Minutes from the first meeting of the Coordination Team on Biodiversity Indicators and Monitoring, 7. July 2004

The Convention on Biological Diversity has launched a new web site, using the same URL

Cumulated area of nationally protected areas in pan-Europe, EEA biodiversity indicator

In 2004 the 3 big biodiversity instruments in Europe are celebrating their 25th anniversaries - the EU Birds Directive and the Bonn and Bern Conventions

25 years of the EU Birds Directive celebrated

The SBSTTA 11 meeting - 28 November to 2 December in Montreal, Canada

Third national report on implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity 2005

INSPIRE - call for expressions of interest for participation in Spatial Data Interest Communities (SDICs) - first teams to be formed on the basis of interests expressed before 15 April 2005

Biodiversity News Headlines from CBD

Geo-referenced data and maps on biodiversity are essential

International Biodiversity Day Sunday 22 May 2005

Celebrating the 2005 International Biological Diversity Day: New release of the European Nature Information System - The EUNIS web database

Nature Conservation: Commission approves specially protected sites in the Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira

EU Biodiversity Partnering Catalogue 2001, Research Organisations

European biodiversity indicators to assess if we reach the 2010 target of halting the loss of biodiversity - the SEBI2010 process

Call for proposals 2005 for the European Community (EU) programme 'Environment and Forests in Developing Countries'

European Clearing House Mechanism - EC CHM version 2 Steering Committee meeting 7-8 September 2005 in EEA

EC CHM portal software updated to version 2.0

Biodiversity conservation in China - EU offers 30 million euros to China

IPCB - The International Press Centre Biodiversity Research news portal was launched on 14 November 2005 in Brussels

SBSTTA 11 now started in Montreal

NOBANIS - a regional portal on invasive alien species in Northern and Central Europe

COP8 - The 8th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to be held in March in Brazil

Launch of the new European Community Clearing House Mechanism Website and its Portal Toolkit (EC CHM PTK)

Regional training in West Africa under the Belgian CHM partnership

Sub-regional CHM training for West-Africa, January 2006

Launch of Estonian National Biological Diversity Clearing-House Mechanism webpage

Your views on biodiversity - Open consultation on the European Commission Communication on halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 - and beyond

Towards a List of 'Worst invasive species threatening biodiversity in Europe'

Open consultation on European biodiversity indicators - the SEBI2010 process goes public

The 4th Intergovernmental Biodiversity in Europe Conference in Croatia, 22 - 24 February 2006 - preparation for COP8 in Brazil

Join Spring observations in Europe's nature 2006 - For 7 countries you are invited to input directly your first observations for flowering white Wood Anemone, later also for calling Cuckoo and the high-flying Swift

COP8 - The 8th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity meets in Brazil this March

COP8 results from Brasil - The 'Global Biodiversity Outlook 2' report was released

The European Commission adopts communication on Biodiversity

30 May -2 June Brussels: European Commission events devoted to the topic of Biodiversity

The marine component of European Biodiversity Indicators

"Progress towards halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010" report released by EEA

Free and open access to scientific information

The results from Kuala Lumpur: International consensus reached on fundamental steps to tackle the loss of biodiversity worldwide important also for the European Community.