The state of nature in the European Union. Report on the status and trends in 2013-2018 of species and habitat types protected by the Birds and Habitats Directives

Summary:

Report published by the European Commission on 15 October 2020, comprising an assessment of nature in the European Union (EU).

Further information:

The assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the situation of Europe's most vulnerable species and habitats protected under EU nature laws. This reporting cycle is the largest and most extensive data-gathering exercise yet undertaken on the state of Europe's nature. The report provides an analysis of data on status and trends related to all wild bird species occurring in the EU (460 species), 233 habitat types and almost 1400 other wild plants and animals of European interest.

This report underlines the clear need for action if we are to have any serious chance of putting Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It highlights that the decline of protected habitats and species still continues, caused mostly by intensive agriculture, urbanisation, unsustainable forestry activities and changes to freshwater habitats. Pollution of air, water and soil also impacts habitats, as well as climate change, over-exploitation of animals through illegal harvesting and untenable hunting and fishing.

The document is based on a more detailed technical report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 19/10/2020: New State of Nature report points to persisting pressures on Europe's nature https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1920

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