Biodiversity, now the focus of targeted international action, why is it so important?
Biodiversity is the variety of animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms that, in relation to each other, create a fundamental balance for our Planet. In fact, biodiversity ensures food, clean water, safe shelters and resources essential for our survival. It is indispensable for the environment and for combating climate change.
For all these reasons, international government bodies have recognized the vital role of biodiversity and are committing to policies to restore and safeguard it. Thus the EU commission, along with the ‘Farm to Fork‘ plan that focuses attention on organic and pesticide reduction; has unveiled the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030, part of the Green Deal framework. This plan aims to make the EU economy sustainable and climate neutral by 2050.
But that is not all, analyzing the issue reveals that biodiversity is also indispensable for theeconomy. Indeed, there are sectors that are closely linked to the preservation of land and biodiversity, such as: fisheries, agriculture, the food and beverage industry, as well as construction. If we think of some areas of the world where agriculture is the only source of livelihood, then preserving or restoring biodiversity also means the restoration of jobs.
Biodiversity for the supplier of Ca’ Corniani grapes.
What are the goals of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030?
Targets to be met by all member states collectively include converting 10 percent of agricultural land to high-biodiversity areas and achieving at least 30 percent of European rural and marine protected areas.
Brussels aims to regenerate degraded ecosystems through a number of important measures included in a new legal framework for restoring the natural environment. Among the planned actions are: improving the conservation status of at least 30 percent of habitats, re-naturalizing 20,000 km of rivers, and planting 3 billion trees by 2030.
Protection of wildlife, especially birds and insects on farmland represents another type of intervention. Particular attention is given to pollinators, which are responsible for 75 percent of the world’s food diversity. Some consequent actions are the reduction of chemical pesticides and related risks by 50 percent, but also the increase of at least 20 percent of farmland devoted to organic farming. Fundamental is the issue of maintaining soil fertility, a nonrenewable resource.
In light of the current health emergency, we have come to understand how our survival is closely linked to the presence of biodiversity on Planet Earth. Therefore, we must become aware that failure to take action to safeguard it means disrupting natural balances and undermining global food security.
