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Abstract: EU BDS implementation is transparently monitored using publicly available tools. The actions tracker shows progress towards the > 100 actions of the EU BDS. The dashboard uses a set of indicators to track progress towards its 16 targets. Scientific input is needed to further identify and/or develop suitable indicators. The European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (EU BDS) represents a pivotal step forward in the commitment to protect and restore biodiversity, not only within Europe but also at a global scale. In order to reinforce its implementation, an innovative biodiversity knowledge governance has been established. It includes, among other measures, a progress monitoring system that fosters transparency and can inform corrective action to be taken when progress is being reviewed. In this context, we introduce the official, publicly available, online tools at the core of the EU BDS progress monitoring system: the actions tracker and the dashboard. The actions tracker is specifically designed to track progress on the implementation of the more than a hundred actions stemming from the EU BDS, while the dashboard monitors progress across 16 targets using indicators. However, while the actions tracker is a mature tool, the work on the dashboard is still in progress, as indicators are missing for several targets. New scientific input is needed to propel policy tracking and ensure transparent and data-driven monitoring of the EU BDS targets. With this paper, we invite the scientific community to seize this opportunity to actively participate in the policy monitoring process.
Abstract: The EU has traditionally adopted a ‘silo approach’ in the policy areas of climate change (CC), biodiversity (BIO) and circular economy (CE), which does not reflect the actual interlinkages between these different domains. The European Green Deal (EGD), in contrast, has been shaped as an integrated growth strategy, which aims at transforming the EU into a climate neutral and resource efficient economy, while protecting, conserving and enhancing the EU's natural capital. The present article carries out an in-depth qualitative analysis to investigate whether the ambition of making the EU environmental policy more consistent with the ‘Nexus thinking’ has been really embedded in the policy design of the whole EGD strategic framework (which currently comprises almost 30 strategic documents). It emerges that, while many CC-BIO-CE interlinkages have been addressed, others that may be critical to meeting the EGD goals still need to be fully understood and managed. Among trade-offs, a special attention should be paid to the planned use of the maritime space according to different objectives that seem difficult to reconcile, the ‘substitution process’ triggered by the large-scale deployment of zero-emission vehicles, and the potential effects on biodiversity of the increasing use of biomaterials. With regard to synergies, the CE-BIO connection may be strengthened through a stricter focus of the CE concept on how resources are extracted (which could include the implementation of regenerative practices). Moreover, in order to truly incorporate CE into CC policy, the real impact of the former on GHG emissions should be better demonstrated and measured. The EGD aims at reflecting the actual Nexus between climate change, biodiversity and circular economy. However, some synergies and trade-offs between these different domains are not fully understood and managed. These shortcomings may undermine the achievement of the EGD goals.
Abstract: Biodiversity underpins the functioning of ecosystems and the diverse benefits that nature provides to people, yet is being lost at an unprecedented rate. To halt or reverse biodiversity loss, it is critical to understand the complex interdependencies between biodiversity and key drivers and sectors to inform the development of holistic policies and actions. We conducted a literature review on the interlinkages between biodiversity and climate change, food, water, energy, transport and health (“the biodiversity nexus”). Evidence extracted from 194 peer-reviewed articles was analysed to assess how biodiversity is being influenced by and is influencing the other nexus elements. Out of the 354 interlinkages between biodiversity and the other nexus elements, 53 % were negative, 29 % were positive and 18 % contained both positive and negative influences. The majority of studies provide evidence of the negative influence of other nexus elements on biodiversity, highlighting the substantial damage being inflicted on nature from human activities. The main types of negative impacts were land or water use/change, land or water degradation, climate change, and direct species fatalities through collisions with infrastructure. Alternatively, evidence of biodiversity having a negative influence on the other nexus elements was limited to the effects of invasive alien species and vector-borne diseases. Furthermore, a range of studies provided evidence of how biodiversity and the other nexus elements can have positive influences on each other through practices that promote co-benefits. These included biodiversity-friendly management in relevant sectors, protection and restoration of ecosystems and species that provide essential ecosystem services, green and blue infrastructure including nature-based solutions, and sustainable and healthy diets that mitigate climate change. The review highlighted the complexity and context-dependency of interlinkages within the biodiversity nexus, but clearly demonstrates the importance of biodiversity in underpinning resilient ecosystems and human well-being in ensuring a sustainable future for people and the planet. [Display omitted] Biodiversity underpins the climate, food, water, energy, transport and health nexus. Negative impact studies on biodiversity outnumber positive impact studies. Biodiversity has mostly positive impacts on the nexus, but more evidence is needed. Nexus studies inform the development of holistic policy and management options. Biodiversity nexus is context-dependent, and evidence needs to be contextualized.
Abstract: To achieve the goals of the 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework, the European Biodiversity Strategy, and the EU Green Deal, biodiversity monitoring is critical. Monitoring efforts in Europe, however, suffer from gaps and biases in taxonomy, spatial coverage, and temporal resolution, resulting in fragmented and disconnected data. To assess user and policy needs in biodiversity monitoring, we employed a four‐step user‐centered stakeholder engagement process with over 300 stakeholders including a public stakeholder workshop, online survey, interviews, and a meeting with experts from 18 EU member states, the European Commission, and the European Environment Agency. The stakeholders identified policy needs, current challenges, and potential solutions. Based on the policy and stakeholder assessment, we recommend establishing a European Biodiversity Observation Coordinating Centre to optimize existing observation efforts, harmonize data, and enhance our ability to predict and respond to key challenges related to biodiversity loss in Europe.
Abstract: Farmers play a pivotal role in addressing biodiversity loss whilst maintaining food production. To rethink conservation in agricultural landscapes, it is crucial to understand their decisions regarding biodiversity and its management on the farms. In this study, we conducted 48 semi-structured interviews across ten European countries in 2021/22 to explore how farmers' perceptions and valuations relate to their biodiversity management. Employing reflexive thematic analysis, we identified recurring patterns of shared meanings. Our findings underscore the profound influence of farmers' biodiversity perceptions on their biodiversity management practices: 1) Narrow and targeted interventions were closely tied to instrumental values of biodiversity, whereas holistic management strategies were linked with recognising an inherent value of nature. 2) Targeted approaches were related to farmers' interpretations of biodiversity as specific taxa and functions, relying on easily assessable and emotionally connoted indicators. 3) Holistic approaches aligned with a broader biodiversity concept and an emphasis on intricate functional relationships within ecosystems. 4) Actual decisions to implement measures were significantly constrained by perceived dependencies, namely production pathways, social dependencies, and landscape conditions. These findings raise a critical question about the prioritisation of ecocentric intrinsic versus anthropocentric instrumental values in conservation strategies. We propose an approach of ethical pluralism, acknowledging that instrumental values may provide practical solutions for certain challenges, while intrinsic values hold ethical significance, particularly in the context of complex or large-scale biodiversity conservation initiatives. Engaging in dialogue that accounts for diverse values will be essential for shaping effective and socially meaningful biodiversity conservation. Farmers' perceptions of biodiversity strongly influenced their management practices. Those valuing biodiversity for its services adopted targeted approaches. Those recognising an inherent value of nature adopted holistic approaches. Farmers' management decisions are framed by external dependencies.
Abstract: Active forest management and maintenance or restoration of biodiversity are intertwined. We describe several Central European forest types through typical management cycles and identify synergies and trade-offs with biodiversity conservation. Synergies emerge when the maintenance of forest structures supporting recognized human needs for biomass production create diverse habitats. On the stand level, relevant are tending interventions during stand development, the length of the production cycle, and the choice of tree species. Thinning promotes forest productivity, enhances structural heterogeneity, and the habitat diversity for many species groups. The vertical and horizontal diversity on the stand level is high in uneven-aged multi-species forests. The choice of the rotation period is controversial, because no balance between forest productivity, stand stability, and habitat quality is yet negotiated. On the landscape level heterogeneity arises when many actors implement a range of silvicultural concepts and management intensities. Deadwood of different dimensions provides multiple habitats and enhances biodiversity, but causes challenges for forest protection in some forest types. A possible compromise is setting aside unmanaged interconnected units with veteran trees (stepping-stone habitats). Damage caused by wildlife is an un-resolved issue in Central European forests. High ungulate populations are reducing the potentially emerging diversity of tree species by selective browsing. A controversial topic is the introduction of non-native tree species, potentially filling in where native tree species cannot cope with expected future site conditions. Their introduction may lead into uncharted territory with respect to biotic threats. In conclusion, the knowledge-based discourse between nature conservation and forest management needs to be continued to further develop the successful concept of multiple-use forestry.
Abstract: Worldwide, states are gazetting new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to meet the international commitment of protecting 30% of the seas by 2030. Yet, protection benefits only come into effect when an MPA is implemented with activated regulations and actively managed through continuous monitoring and adaptive management. To assess if actively managed MPAs are the rule or the exception, we used the Mediterranean and Black Seas as a case study, and retrieved information on monitoring activities for 878 designated MPAs in ten European Union (EU) countries. We searched for scientific and grey literature that provides information on the following aspects of MPA assessment and monitoring: ecological (e.g., biomass of commercially exploited fish), social (e.g., perceptions of fishers in an MPA), economic (e.g., revenue of fishers) and governance (e.g., type of governance scheme). We also queried MPA authorities on their past and current monitoring activities using a web-based survey through which we collected 123 responses. Combining the literature review and survey results, we found that approximately 16% of the MPA designations (N = 878) have baseline and/or monitoring studies. Most monitoring programs evaluated MPAs based solely on biological/ecological variables and fewer included social, economic and/or governance variables, failing to capture and assess the social-ecological dimension of marine conservation. To increase the capacity of MPAs to design and implement effective social-ecological monitoring programs, we recommend strategies revolving around three pillars: funding, collaboration, and technology. Following the actionable recommendations presented herein, MPA authorities and EU Member States could improve the low level of MPA monitoring to more effectively reach the 30% protection target delivering benefits for biodiversity conservation. [Display omitted] Protection benefits occur only when an MPA is implemented and actively managed. Literature and surveys were used to assess actively managed MPAs in Southern Europe. Barely 16% of designated MPAs have baseline and/or monitoring studies. Funding, technology, and collaboration strategies could increase MPAs' efficiency.
Abstract: Protected areas are recognized as a crucial tool to mitigate ongoing trends of biodiversity loss. The effect of different levels of protection and their subsequent conservation efficiency remains, however, largely unexplored. To fill this gap, we present here an integrated approach that combines taxonomic analysis based on typical species to evaluate habitat quality and functional analysis based on plant traits to define habitat structure and functions. We focused on shrubland habitats across levels of protection in two different biogeographical areas. We found that habitat quality does not change linearly with levels of protection. Furthermore, the increase in habitat quality is characterized by a homogenization of habitat structure and functions, mostly driven by an increase in typical species. Our study suggests the level of protection afforded by protected areas is not necessarily indicative of their quality. A combined taxonomic and functional approach in protected areas can offer a thorough appraisal of habitat quality. We assessed habitat quality in protected areas (PAs). We tested it using typical species and functional traits. We found different results in two biogeographically contrasting study areas. Protection level of PAs is not a good predictor for habitat quality. Combination of typical species and plant traits is recommended for PAs appraisal.
Abstract: Agriculture intensification is one of the most impacting drivers of European biodiversity decline. The Natura 2000 (N2000) network constitutes a key tool for conservation of species and natural habitats in Europe. Its action to counteract negative impacts of agriculture is mainly based on implementation of Agri-environment schemes (AES) in the N2000 sites. As economical resources are usually limited, spatial targeting is essential for such conservation policy. Here we evaluated whether AES distribution was in spatial coordination with species and habitat conservation states, and agriculture-driven pressures in the French N2000 network. Using the Pressure-State-Response framework, we tested the hypothesis that AES were mainly implemented in sites mostly exposed to pressures, having higher representativeness of species and habitats and higher degradation levels. We combined different sources of information (i.e., standard data forms of the N2000 policy, data collected by the observatory of rural development and national geographical information) to produce pressure, state and response spatial indicators. We declined the analysis per category of pressures related to agricultural activities and considered species and habitat vulnerability to each pressure category. We found limited spatial coordination between AES, pressure and state variables: only 37 % of the fitted models were significant. Significant relationships between AES implementation and agricultural intensification pressure were mostly negative. Considering all indicators, our hypotheses were disproven for more than half of the significant relationships. The results revealed a spatial mismatch between AES distribution and the ecological needs within the N2000 network, as more resources were devoted to sites less exposed to pressure. Our results raise the need of a more strategic approach for the N2000 policy. Indeed, the state of biodiversity conservation and the level of human pressures should be automatically considered a-priori of any implementation of management measures to effectively focus the efforts on the causes of current biodiversity crisis. We assess agri-environmental schemes (AES) targeting in French Natura 2000 network. AES distributions compared to agricultural pressures and biodiversity variables. AES financial expenses and cover poorly target pressures and biodiversity. More AES are implemented in Natura 2000 sites showing less agricultural pressures. Better efficiency of N2000 policy needs strategic approaches for AES implementation.
Abstract: Knowledge exchange (KE) between research and decision‐making is increasingly demanded for tackling environmental challenges, yet there is still much to learn about how to enable that effectively. Here, we analyze a distributor of research funding (i.e., the Australian National Environmental Science Program Marine Biodiversity Hub (‘the hub’)) which actively coordinated KE between researchers and state‐ and Commonwealth Government end‐users. Through 30 in‐depth qualitative interviews with researchers, hub executives and end‐users we identify enablers of KE engagement, compare what researchers and decision‐makers found most important, and highlight what research programs and funding organizations can learn from this case study. Through an evolution of programs, the hub had a strong governance structure, co‐identified priority setting, and funding for emerging priorities. Additional enablers were a legacy of longstanding interpersonal working relationships, regular engagement, knowledge brokering roles, and the nationally trusted role of the hub. Researchers more so than end‐users found trust, the focus on clear end‐user needs as well as the hub's governance and progress‐monitoring key to success. End‐users more often indicated the early engagement, collaborative nature, and flexibility to adjust as important assets to effective interaction. Visions for future KE included better engagement of Traditional Owners, streamlining direct access to expertise, more accessible outputs, and earlier involvement of researchers in policy development. In sum, we find that time (e.g., pre‐story, early engagement) and boundary roles (e.g., knowledge brokering individuals, engaged research funders or coordinators) are key to success underlining that there are substantial components to KE success that can be nurtured and planned for.
Abstract: Effective biodiversity protection is generally associated with a strict rule of law and democratic participation in environmental decision making. Norway's exceptional ranking in terms of governance, however, has failed to be a predictor of effective biodiversity protection. Through a systematic review of the main regulatory frameworks relevant to protecting biodiversity in Norway, this article analyses the misconceptions, perverse incentives and institutional bottlenecks that lie at the centre of the problem. The analysis finds three overarching barriers that regulatory frameworks have created to the effective protection and promotion of biodiversity in Norway, namely, a governance system based on diffuse legal obligations and responsibilities, excessive trust in private operators and considerable discretion to local entities. Accordingly, this article proposes three enabling factors, and related reform suggestions, for mitigating such barriers and domesticating earth system governance in biodiversity matters.
Abstract: Protected areas are recognized as a crucial tool to mitigate ongoing trends of biodiversity loss. The effect of different levels of protection and their subsequent conservation efficiency remains, however, largely unexplored. To fill this gap, we present here an integrated approach that combines taxonomic analysis based on typical species to evaluate habitat quality and functional analysis based on plant traits to define habitat structure and functions. We focused on shrubland habitats across levels of protection in two different biogeographical areas. We found that habitat quality does not change linearly with levels of protection. Furthermore, the increase in habitat quality is characterized by a homogenization of habitat structure and functions, mostly driven by an increase in typical species. Our study suggests the level of protection afforded by protected areas is not necessarily indicative of their quality. A combined taxonomic and functional approach in protected areas can offer a thorough appraisal of habitat quality. We assessed habitat quality in protected areas (PAs). We tested it using typical species and functional traits. We found different results in two biogeographically contrasting study areas. Protection level of PAs is not a good predictor for habitat quality. Combination of typical species and plant traits is recommended for PAs appraisal.
Abstract: Biological invasions pose an increasing risk to nature, social security and the economy, being ranked amongst the top five threats to biodiversity. Managing alien and invasive species is a priority for the European Union, as outlined in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Alien plant species are acknowledged to impact the economy and biodiversity; thus, analysing the distribution of such species provides valuable inputs for the management and decision-making processes. The database presented in the current study is the first consolidated checklist of alien plant species that are present in Romania, both of European Union concern and of national interest. This database complements a prior published distribution, based only on records from literature, bringing new information regarding the occurrence of alien plants in Romania, as revealed by a nationwide field survey. We consider this database a valuable instrument for managing biological invasions at both national and regional levels, as it can be utilised in further research studies and in drafting management and action plans, assisting stakeholders in making informed decisions and implementing management actions. We present the results of the first nationwide survey of alien plant species in Romania, conducted between 2019 and 2022, in the framework of a national project coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests and the University of Bucharest. The present database complements and updates the database published by Sirbu et. al (2022), which included occurrence records published until 2019. The new database includes 98323 occurrence records for 396 alien plant species in 77 families, with most species belonging to the Asteraceae family. One alien plant species in our database, the black locust Robinia pseudoacacia L., had more than 10,000 occurrence records. The distribution database also includes information on newly-reported invasive alien plant species of European Union concern in Romania (i.e. the floating primrose-willow Ludwigia peploides (Kunth) P.H.Raven) and documents the presence of plants in 44 additional families compared to Sirbu et al. (2022). Each entry includes information on species taxonomy, location, year, person who recorded and identified the alien plant, geographical coordinates and taxon rank.
Abstract: Most large carnivore populations have increased in recent decades in Europe. Along with the adoption of the EU Habitats Directive in 1992, the EU launched a funding program entirely dedicated to environment, nature protection and climate action, the European LIFE programme. Here, we explore the investment of this programme in large carnivore conservation across Europe, from its implementation in 1992 to 2020 (28 years), with respect to budgets, species considered, economic factors and the geographical distribution of the projects. A total of 153 projects have directly or indirectly targeted large carnivores, with a total budget of ca. 338.2 M€ (EU contribution >194.1 M€). Despite the transboundary character of most large carnivore populations, only 5.8 % of projects worked across national borders. Large carnivores did not receive equal attention within the programme, and EU Member States from Southern Europe accumulated 77.7 % of the projects. The region of Abruzzo (Italy) has been granted with the highest number of projects (n= 28), followed by Castilla y León (Spain, 16 projects). At national level, the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) did not correlate with the number of LIFE projects granted, but the proportion of the GDP invested in the protection of biodiversity and landscapes (positively). However, at the level of European regions (NUTS 2), those regions with lower average per capita GDP were more frequently granted with LIFE projects. We discuss several factors affecting the distribution of projects across Europe, and we make recommendations for future investments in maximizing large carnivore conservation under this program.
Abstract: Knowledge of species distribution is crucial for their protection, and this was our motivation to identify hotspots of the Habitats Directive (HD) species in the Carpathians. As a data source we used reports and species distribution maps submitted by the EU Member States according to the Habitats Directive Article 17 in 2019. The highest HD species richness areas are in the south-eastern part of the Western Carpathians and in the south-west outcrops of the Carpathians at the SK/AT and CZ/AT borders. The south-eastern part of the Western Carpathians is important for all studied species groups, specific patterns of distribution exhibit fish (distribution along big rivers), amphibians (high diversity also in the outer Western Carpathians and Transylvanian Basin) and partially plant species (besides SE Western Carpathians, quite high diversity also in other parts of the Western Carpathians). We analysed the relation between species richness, proportion of species groups, and concentration of rare species. Mammals are the dominant taxonomical group, especially in species-poor grid cells. The proportion of invertebrates increases with increased species richness. The widespread species prevail in species-poor grid cells and their proportion decreases with increasing species richness. We also identified areas with low Natura 2000 coverage, but with high biodiversity or a high number of rare species. These areas have high potential to improve protection of the HD species by designating new Natura 2000 sites or enlarging existing ones. [Display omitted] •Habitats Directive Article 17 data for analyse hotspots of HD species in Carpathians•SE part of the Western Carpathians is a hotspot of the Habitats Directive species.•Valuable areas with low Natura 2000 coverage were identified.•Analyse of species richness, species groups, and concentration of rare species
Abstract: Five years after a German study on insect biomass described a multi‐decade decline in nature protected habitats, the DINA (Diversity of Insects in Nature protected Areas) project has investigated the status of insects in 21 selected nature reserves across Germany in the years 2020 and 2021. We used the same methods and protocols for trapping and measuring the biomass of flying insects as in the earlier study. Across two vegetation periods, we accumulated a comprehensive data set of 1621 data points of two‐week emptying intervals to evaluate the insect biomass along gradients from arable land into nature reserves through transects of Malaise traps. On average, we observed an increase in maximum insect biomass per day along the transect from the edge to the centre of the nature reserve. Overall, the measured insect biomass remained at low levels, consistent with previous findings from the years 2007–2016. There were no significant regional differences. The results show that protected habitats have higher insect biomass compared to farmland and are therefore essential for insects but are unlikely to be sufficient to sustain insect biodiversity. Further measures need to be taken for better protection and sustainment of insects, which fulfil key functions in all terrestrial ecosystems. Across two seasons, we accumulated a comprehensive data set on insect biomass from representative nature reserves across Germany. The measured overall insect biomass remained at low levels and corresponds to the published latest figures from 2007 to 2016. There were no significant regional differences, but biomass was negatively correlated with agricultural production area within 2 km of nature reserves.
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