| Author (Person) | Carstens, Karen |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.10, No.2, 22.1.04 |
| Publication Date | 22/01/2004 |
| Content Type | News |
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By Karen Carstens Date: 22/01/04 EUROPE must act fast to save its dwindling natural habitats before hundreds of species of animals and plants go the way of the dodo, Margot Wallström has warned. Speaking at a European biodiversity conference in Madrid on Monday (19 January), ahead of a global version in Kuala Lumpur next month, the environment commissioner highlighted the need for the EU to take action. "Biodiversity loss has accelerated to an unprecedented level," she said. "Experts say that species are becoming extinct and ecosystems are vanishing at a rate that is 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the natural rate would be." In Europe alone, she added, 335 vertebrate species are at risk of extinction, at least 40% of bird species and butterflies are endangered or vulnerable, 80% of fish stocks face collapse or are of unknown status and 800 resident plant species are threatened with global extinction. And there is not much left in the way of natural habitats for them to thrive in - the EU has lost more than half of its wetlands, most of its natural forests and undermined its marine environments. The economic value of biodiversity, however, is "often overlooked", the commissioner said. "To put it simply, we cannot afford to lose biodiversity." EU leaders have pledged to halt the loss of Europe's wildlife by 2010, but Wallström insists more needs to be done to achieve this "very tough target". Member states also agreed yesterday (21 January) in Madrid on new proposals covering fish farming, shipping and protecting parts of the high seas which fall outside national jurisdictions. The European Commission has pledged to review its own Biodiversity Strategy, as well as individual action plans with member states. In May the Irish EU presidency will host a major conference to develop a "2010 Delivery Plan". The Madrid meeting drew environment ministry officials from Europe, Russia and several Asian countries who strove to hammer out a common proposal to take to Kuala Lumpur. Report of a speech by the EU Environment Commissioner at a European biodiversity conference, Madrid, 19 January 2004. |
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