The European Union(EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to halting and reversing biodiversity loss worldwide by 2030 with the announcement of several transformative actions
Building on its commitment to double external funding for biodiversity from 2021 to 2027 to €7 billion, the EU unveiled a package of close to €160 million with new initiatives aimed at supporting partner countries and safeguarding biodiversity globally.
According to the Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen the EU reinforced its commitment to safeguarding the planet’s natural heritage as part of the Global Gateway.
“By focusing on capacity building and supporting local communities, we are empowering people to lead efforts to protect and sustainably manage vital ecosystems. At the same time, we are stepping up the fight against environmental crime, working with international partners to preserve wildlife, and address the root causes of biodiversity loss. These actions reflect our broader goal of creating a sustainable future where biodiversity thrives and supports resilient societies around the globe.” He said.
Developing capacity building and knowledge
The EU also announced a comprehensive €69 million package of actions aimed at enhancing capacity and increasing knowledge in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This initiative will provide much-needed support to governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities (IPLCs).
It will als0 strengthen partner countries’ abilities to mobilise domestic and international finance for biodiversity through the implementation of Biodiversity Financing Plans.
Additionally, renewed support will be provided to two regional observatories for biodiversity in the Pacific and the Caribbean. These observatories, alongside the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), with whom a contract will be signed at COP16, will serve to enhance biodiversity knowledge and management skills of policy makers and local stakeholders.
Combating wildlife trafficking
Another significant announcement is the EU’s new €48 million programme on illegal wildlife trafficking. This initiative aims to protect wildlife by fostering transnational collaboration and building the capacity of law enforcement and justice systems in developing countries. It will also aim to reduce demand in key markets for illegal wildlife products.
The programme will establish mechanisms to combat organised criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking and develop a rapid-response system to address emergencies affecting biodiversity and local populations.
Addressing biodiversity in the high seas
Through a dedicated €40 million program, partner countries will be supported in their efforts to conserve and sustainably manage biodiversity in the high seas , the 65% of the ocean’s surface that lies beyond national jurisdiction
They will receive on-demand technical assistance at national and regional levels, including support for ratifying and implementing the newly adopted Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.
The programme will also facilitate access to and use of marine genetic resources and data and support the development of strong proposals for future marine protected areas in the high seas, which are key to achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework’s target to protect at least 30% of land and ocean by 2030.
Leveraging private capitalT
The EU is also stepping up efforts to leverage private capital through de-risking instruments such as blending and guarantees from the European Fund for Sustainable Development plus (EFSD+) to address the biodiversity financing gap, and as part of the Global Gateway Strategy.
It also offers support for the development of interoperable sustainable finance frameworks and taxonomies and to scale up green bonds worldwide.
Concrete examples of how this support is delivered were presented at the COP.
Towards biodiversity certification and nature credits
At COP 16, the EU presented its exploratory works on the potential and the challenges of biodiversity certification and nature credits, as part of the innovative finance instruments toolbox for broadening sources of funding to mobilize resources, help companies set nature-positive goals, and reward those who protect and restore nature, including farmers, foresters, fishers, and other sea- and land managers as well as IPLCs.
Background
Over the past two years, the EU and its Member States have made progress in meeting their international commitments to nature and biodiversity. Following up on the ambitious EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Nature Restoration Regulation enters into force with its binding targets to put in place restoration measures within the EU.
The EU’s announcements at COP16 come at a pivotal time, as countries around the world work to implement the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in December 2022. With a focus on empowering communities, building capacity and on leveraging funds to attract additional financing for biodiversity, the EU is playing a critical role in supporting partners in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin American and the Caribbean. These initiatives complement existing national, regional, and global support such as the € 1.4 billion NaturAfrica initiative or Amazonia+.
