The European Environment Agency regularly monitors nature, assessing conservation status and protected areas. Europe faces significant biodiversity threats from urban sprawl, unsustainable farming and forestry, and pollution, leading to fragmented habitats.

EEA reports indicate that only 15% of habitats and 27% of protected species maintain good conservation status. EU directives like Birds and Habitats protect around 2000 species, mainly through the Natura 2000 network. Urgent nature restoration, supported by the proposed Nature Restoration Law, is crucial.

Additionally, nature-based solutions provide means to alleviate the impacts of climate change. Agricultural activities are identified as the primary threat to species, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced efforts to expand marine protected areas.

The EU’s 2030 biodiversity strategy aims for 30% protected areas on land and at sea, prioritizing regions rich in biodiversity. Restoration efforts target free-flowing rivers and carbon-rich ecosystems, aiming for 20% restoration by 2030 and complete restoration by 2050. Ongoing conservation efforts are guided by regular EEA assessments.

Read full original article Nature protection and restoration at eea.europa.eu

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