From EUobserver · · 1m 50s
Europe Can't Lead on Nature at COP17 While Cutting Biodiversity Cash
EU faces biodiversity leadership crisis as it cuts home funding despite global climate commitments.
In brief
EU faces biodiversity leadership crisis as it cuts home funding despite global climate commitments. The EU must increase biodiversity funding and implement existing laws to meet global climate targets at COP17. Originally reported by EUobserver.
EU Biodiversity Leadership
The EU has been a global leader in biodiversity protection through legal frameworks like Natura 2000 and the Nature Restoration Regulation.
Global Biodiversity Framework
The EU co-led the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in December 2022 to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.
COP17 Review
COP17 will take place in Yerevan from 19-30 October to review progress on the Global Biodiversity Framework since its adoption.
Mixed EU Performance
The EU's implementation report shows only two of 45 targets achieved, 16 on track, while 25 progress remains too slow and two cannot be assessed.
Implementation Challenges
The EU needs better implementation of existing laws, including the Nature Restoration Regulation, to create visible improvements in biodiversity.
Missed Deadlines
Only nine EU countries submitted draft national restoration plans by the September 1 deadline, delaying cost calculations for nature restoration.
Funding Gaps
The EU lacks a complete assessment of restoration funding needs despite negotiations on the 2028-2034 financial framework moving forward.
Five EU Priorities
The EU must mobilize more biodiversity funding, consolidate the Cali Fund, eliminate harmful subsidies, measure concrete results, and strengthen nature's role in climate adaptation.
Budget Contradiction
The EU proposal for the 2028-2034 budget removes the specific 10 percent biodiversity target from the current budget and no longer presents LIFE as a standalone program.
COP17 Consequence
The EU must increase biodiversity funding and implement existing laws to meet global climate targets at COP17.
The short version
The EU must increase biodiversity funding and implement existing laws to meet global climate targets at COP17.
