Safeguarding biodiversity must be central in the next EU budget

Brussels, 21 November 2024 - Leading advocates and policymakers are calling on the European Union to make biodiversity protection a key priority in its next budget cycle. At an IFAW event hosted by MEP César Luena (S&D Group) in the European Parliament, representatives of civil society organisations, local community representatives from Kenya, and the European Commission stressed the importance of nature-based solutions and wildlife protection to tackle climate change and protect ecosystems.

Biodiversity in Europe is at a tipping point with over 80 per cent of natural habitats in poor condition due to pollution, unsustainable exploitation of wildlife and deforestation. The experts at the event warned that further financial commitment is crucial to prevent the loss of biodiversity. They called for targeted EU funding to combat illegal wildlife trade, protect habitats and restore ecosystems in the upcoming new EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.

MEP César Luena emphasised the need for budgetary support to sustain recent legislative gains: "Environmental protection must not be seen as an obstacle to but an ally of competitiveness. The upcoming EU budget must prioritize biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions, both within the EU and globally, and recognize the long-term value and cost-effectiveness of investing in nature."

Biodiversity loss is an urgent global crisis that threatens ecosystems and communities worldwide. Jimmiel Mandima, Vice President of Global Programs at IFAW, called on the European Union to maintain its role in global conservation: "The EU is the world's largest aid donor and a major actor with strong influence on global policies. This is why it's crucial, at the beginning of this new EU political term, to secure continued political and financial support by Member States, the European Commission and the Parliament to the protection of biodiversity, both in the EU and at global level."

The upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework and the EU budget for international cooperation are crucial opportunities for action. Concluding the event, the experts called on EU leaders to set clear and binding spending targets for biodiversity and to ensure that biodiversity and climate protection initiatives receive adequate funding. They stressed how important it is to harmonise economic policy with environmental protection in order to create a prosperous future for people and nature.

ENDS

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