Biodiversity, action plans: conservation of natural resources, agriculture, fishing and development

The European Parliament adopted the resolution drafted by Marie Anne ISLER BEGUIN (Greens, France) on biodiversity. (Please refer to the document dated 26/02/02). The Plan is welcomed as a first step, but the measures announced are insufficient and should be complemented in the reforms of the common agricultural policy, the common fisheries policy and the Structural Funds regulations and by developing additional action plans for other key sectors such as forests in order to halt biodiversity loss in the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. The preservation of biodiversity requires a functional ecological network. Measures have to go beyond protecting a few isolated areas amidst an impoverished environment and should cover the whole territory. Public support is very important. Parliament recommends that a number of cutting edge projects for preserving biodiversity be selected every year to serve as flagships. At least one flagship project should be chosen in Eastern Europe. It is regrettable that Member States commitment to defending biological diversity has scarcely moved beyond the realm of rhetoric. Member States should bring their legislation into line with their good intentions, by allocating substantial human and budgetary resources to preserving biodiversity. NGOs play a fundamental role. The Commission should recognise them as fully fledged partners and players, with regard both to defending biodiversity and informing the public.�