EU fails to hit biodiversity target

Despite efforts, the EU's target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010 (the International Year of Biodiversity) will not be reached. The UEPG outlines its plans

Thanks to its close relationship with nature and landscape, the aggregates industry has been aware of the importance of biodiversity for a long time, and has been very active in protecting it.

Since 2006, and the creation of its Task Force dedicated to biodiversity, UEPG (2886 European Aggregates Association) signed a partnership with the 1778 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)/Countdown 2010. It has launched its online database of Biodiversity Case Studies (now 127 case studies in 16 countries), and has initiated a number of other actions.

This included the finalisation of the Irish Guidance for Biodiversity and the development of a Toolkit on Biodiversity and Quarrying in cooperation with the 1781 United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). But now is not the time to contemplate the achievements of the aggregates producers.

The 3654 European Union admitted that despite its efforts, the target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010 would not be reached. This is why all sectors need to increase their actions towards biodiversity. The 1022 European Commission issued a new Communication on Biodiversity (Options for an EU Vision and Target for Biodiversity Beyond 2010), preparing a set of options for ministers to consider.

This makes 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, a unique opportunity to raise greater awareness, and for the extractive industry to demonstrate its commitment to biodiversity.

So, what will be the main UEPG events and activities for biodiversity in 2010? UEPG will continue to promote the industry's achievements, and more importantly to communicate its expertise. The database of biodiversity case studies will continue to be maintained so that best practice and experience can be shared.

The Toolkit on Quarrying and Biodiversity, led by UEPG in cooperation with the UNEP, should be finalised and circulated so that decision-makers, NGOs and quarry managers can benefit from it.

Countdown 2010 will cease its activities in October 2010, and will be replaced by a new IUCN structure. UEPG looks forward to continuing its partnership with IUCN, through the Commission's Platform for Biodiversity and Business which should soon be launched.

IUCN is now considering options for the definition of new targets, and UEPG, as a business partner, will contribute to the reflection.

In this context of developing a new action plan, the UEPG Biodiversity Task Force, under the chairmanship of its new chair Robert Wasserbacher (FSKI, Austria), will define new objectives for the industry.

At the Task Force's recent meeting, key actors responsible of biodiversity for the industry, developed their proposals, which should be both measurable and achievable. This will be an opportunity to build and strengthen other partnerships with NGOs, both at local and European levels.

Some events are organised during 2010, as milestones of the industry's action. On 14 April, 2010, the European Minerals Forum Dinner Debate, hosted by Jo Leinen, chair of the European Parliament Environment Committee, will gather industry leaders and Members of the 1066 European Parliament in order to review the new European Commission's Communication on Biodiversity.

On 27 May, 2010, the UEPG Sustainable Development Awards will take place in Munich, Germany. The European Aggregates Industry will present its outstanding actions for Sustainable Development, and the independent jury members will present a special Award for Biodiversity.

In June 2010, the Green Week, held every year at the European Commission, will be dedicated to Biodiversity. UEPG, together with its partners of the European Minerals Day (1883 Cembureau and 3786 IMA-Europe) will be represented.