Activities of Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY related to 2009/2108(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
EU legislation aiming at the conservation of biodiversity (debate)
Amendments (57)
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution
Visa 17 a (new)
Visa 17 a (new)
17 a - having regard to EEA Report No 4/2009 “Progress towards the European 2010 biodiversity target” in particular the annex “SEBI 2010 Biodiversity indicator”
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution
Visa 17 b (new)
Visa 17 b (new)
17 b - having regard to the Commission Guidance document “Guidelines for the establishment of the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment. Implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives” (May, 2007)
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution
Visa 17 c (new)
Visa 17 c (new)
17 c having regard to COM(2010) 4 final “THE EUROPEAN UNION’S BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution
Visa 17 d (new)
Visa 17 d (new)
17 d - having regard to the EU 2020 strategy
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution
Visa 17 e (new)
Visa 17 e (new)
17 e - having regard to the third United Nations Global Biodiversity Outlook
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas it has become clear from the Commission's Communications that the EU willhas not meet its 2010 biodiversity target,
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas several factors have prevented the EU from achieving its 2010 target, such as incomplete implementation of legislation, incomplete and poor integration into sectoral policies, insufficient scientific knowledge and data gaps, lack of political will, insufficient funding, lack of additional efficiently- targeted instruments to tackle specific problems such as invasive alien species,
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the loss of biodiversity gives rise to substantial economic and welfare losses, in the same order of magnitude as the cost of inaction on climate change;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas a recent study by Eurobarometer shows that EU citizens are largely unfamiliar with the term biodiversity and the consequences of the loss of biodiversitymore than 8 in 10 EU citizens (84%-93%) felt that biodiversity loss was a very or fairly serious problem at national, European and global levels,
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. G. whereas the precautionary principle constitutes a legal basis to be applied in all legislation and decisions affecting biodiversity.
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses itsIs deeply concerned about the very fast pace of human-induced biodiversity loss which, if it continues as in the last decades, will leave us with a greatly impoverished nature by 2050and irreversibly damaged nature by 2050; and underlines that functioning ecosystems are a prerequisite for our subsistence;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Highlights the fact biodiversity is the most important indicator of good environmental status
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is aware that failure to stop biodiversity loss is unacceptable not only from an ethical but also from an ecological and economic perspective, as it deprives future generations of the ecosystem services and welfare aspects of a rich, natural biodiversity; calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to improve biodiversity governance and compliance in internal as well as in external relations
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recognises that NGOs have important role to play in biodiversity protection, as regards contributing to decision-making process, as actors on the ground, and in raising the public awareness;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses the importance of integrated environmental accounting to analyse the link between the environment and the economy at European, national and regional level to assess the effects of production and consumption patterns on the natural resources and calls on the member state to continually provide Eurostat and the European Environment Agency with the necessary data
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Is deeply concerned about the absence of sense of urgency of halting the loss of biodiversity on the international political agenda
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Also underlines that innovative financial mechanisms are needed, in order to promote that the (economic) value of biodiversity is recognized, that there is an adequate payment for (direct and indirect) use of biodiversity and natural resources, which contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. And therefore welcomes paragraph 7 of the Council conclusions of 22 December 2009 where Member States are encouraged to take part in ongoing processes to enhance innovative financing, such as the Life Web Initiative, and engage in a global discussion on the need and possible modalities for innovative systems for payment of ecosystem services, mobilizing private financing, through an appropriate mechanism.
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses itsDeeply regrets that the EU's objective, as agreed to at the European Summit in Gothenburg in 2001, to halt biodiversity loss by 2010 has not been met;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes furthermore the conclusions on biodiversity of the March 15 Environment Council, including the new headline target of halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020 and restoring them in so far as feasible and the European Council Conclusions of 25-26 March 2010 confirming the urgent need to reverse continuing trends of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation; stresses that binding targets are of outmost importance to prevent that targets are not met in 2020;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that halting biodiversity loss constitutes the absolute minimum level of ambition to be realised by 2020Calls on the Commission and member states to act with the highest level of ambition adopting option 4 of the Commission communication of January 2010 for a target seeking to ‘Halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the EU by 2020 and restore them insofar as possible, and step up EU´s contribution to averting global biodiversity loss;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points to the valuable initiatives aimed at restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services already taking place and believes that such restoration activities couldmust also be part of the 2020 headline target; underlines, however, the need for a thorough impact assessment and suitability study before deciding on the precise targets of the future EU biodiversity strategof the negative impacts on biodiversity regarding different sectors of economy;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Given the global character of biodiversity and ecosystems, is convinced that the future EU strategy shouldmust also step up international efforts to avert biodiversity loss; as studies such as TEEB have delivered sufficient evidence that doing this is cost effective and feasible;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recognises that a correct implementation of Natura 2000 legislation plays a major role in achieving the EU's biodiversity objective; climate change, and sustainable development objectives; emphasizes that the Natura 2000- approach has already shown remarkable successes
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Remains concerned, regardless of tangible and positive resultdespite the positive and tangible results achieved by some Member States in the conservation status of several species, about the full and thorough implementation of Natura 2000 legislation; urges the Member States to give higher priority to the implementation of Natura 2000;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the progress made in some Member States in the designation of Natura 2000 sites andfact that the Natura 2000 network represents 18% of the EU territory (on land) and the early progress made in the formulation of conservation measures or management plans; calls on allis dismayed at the failure of Member States to respect the deadlines laid down in the Directive; and therefore urges Member States to take prompt action to achieve full implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses its concern about the lack of progress in the establishment of the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment and asks the Commission and member states to speed up the necessary procedures;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Recalls that the establishment of a coherent NATURA 2000, requires the maintenance of those features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild flora and fauna; calls therefore on the Commission and Member States to actively engage in maintaining and developing the connectivity of protected areas, whether terrestrial or marine, as well as agricultural areas of high nature value.
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Given these differences between Member States, invites the Commission to provide further clarificationtake prompt action to ensure the enforcement of the Directives or to provide guidance where necessary;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Furthermore expresses its concern about the lack of cross-border cooperation, which can lead to identical areas being approached differently;Believes that better cross-border cooperation could have significant benefits to meeting the Natura 2000 objectives
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the Commission to focus more on ecosystem services, and in particular on the resilience of ecosystems to perform under stress, in its future biodiversity strategy and within the context of Natura 2000 in its future biodiversity strategy and within the context of Natura 2000 while at the same time building on and strengthening efforts to achieve favourable conservation status for species and their habitats;
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Is convinced that the Natura 2000 land and marine network is not the only EU instrument for biodiversity conservation, but that a more integralholistic approach is needed for the EU biodiversity policy to be successful;
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Calls on the Commission take action to establish cross-compliance criteria of current law, decisions and the protection of biodiversity.
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Therefore, calls on the Commission to ensure a further mainstreaming of biodiversity into other EU policy areas – such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, regional policy and cohesion, tourism, research and innovation – in a mutually reinforcing way;
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the previous attempts to integrate environmental considerations into the common agricultural policy (CAP), such as the introduction of agri- environment measures and good agriculture and environmental conditions, and calls on the Commission to use the reform of the CAP as an opportunity to further enhance this trendconcludes however that this has not gone far enough and many of today's agricultural practices continue to be a driver for biodiversity loss, therefore calls on the Commission to use the reform of the CAP as an opportunity to change the CAP into a policy that rewards the delivery of well defined public goods and to make sure that only sustainable ways of farming are funded in the future, for example through the introduction of compensation for eco-services or the provision of public goods, including sustainable farming in ecologically sewhereby the benefits for nature must constitive areas, such as Natura 2000 sites; ute the guiding principle;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Taking into account the economic, social and environmental value of agricultural and livestock genetic diversity, urges the Commission to define specific priority targets to halt the loss of genetic diversity and halt the loss of native species; calls further for the adoption of a definition of "native" / "non-native” breeds and measures for their conservation.
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the reform of the common fisheries policy currently being prepared and calls on the Commission to mainstream biodiversity criteria in its future legislative proposals; furthermore,insists that aquaculture activities need to be developed without impacting other species and in compliance with targets set under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Water Framework Directive, and Birds and Habitats Directives; furthermore calls for the Commission to require that fisheries management plans ensure prompt recovery and maintenance of marine biodiversity and insists that, as a possible alternative to fishing, sustainable aquaculture models shouldand future aquaculture legislative framework be developed along the lines proposed by the Commission in its Communication (COM(2009)162) and taking into account the European Parliament's position (*);
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Given the significant decline in aquatic biodiversity and degradation of freshwater ecosystems, emphasises the importance of ensuring the full implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and stresses the need to address biodiversity decline in river basin management planning;
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Welcomes the Commission's communication 2008/645 on addressing the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, which calls for halting the global forest cover loss by 2030 at the latest;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Stresses the need for further action in the field of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning as these could be important elements of a participatory ecosystem approach, ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal resources, respecting natural processes and ecosystem carrying capacity.
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to use the preparatory phase of the development of the 7th Environment Action Programme to advance and promote the debate as well as specific actions on biodiversity in the EU
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Calls on the Commission to issue guidelines for the protection of those species and habitats most vulnerable to climate change.
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Calls on the Commission to ensure that actions taken in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation do not have adverse effects on marine and terrestrial biodiversity
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Subh. 6
Subh. 6
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Furthermore, strongly believes that sustainable economic development and nature conservation can and should go hand in handnature conservation is a necessary prerequisite for future economic growth;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Takes note of the Commission'’s estimates that full implementation ofin 2004 for the annual cost of managing the Natura 2000 legislation is expected to cost EUR 6.1 billionnetwork at EUR 6.1 billion; points out however, that according to the TEEB report, the return on biodiversity conservation investment is up to hundred times more;
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Reiterates the need to foresee dedicated funding for community co- financing of Natura 2000 management in the next financial perspective 2014-2020;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Welcomes the recommendation made by IUCN for 0,3% of GDP to be spent on national biodiversity conservation measures;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Furthermore, underlines the need to incorporate external costs and risks, such as the damage done to biodiversity or the costs incurred to support biodiversity, into the final price of products on the market; especially as this is in long term own interest of companies if they want to keep access to natural resources
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Furthermore, underlines the need to incorporate external costs and risks, such as the damage done to biodiversity or the costs incurred to support biodiversity, into the final price of products on the market;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Stresses the need to develop a clear baseline, on the basis of which the Commission is to set realistic and evidence-based (sub-)targetsmeasure progress towards the (sub-)targets; welcomes in this context biodiversity baseline developed by the European Environmental Agency;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Given the current lack of knowledge among the general public about the importance of biodiversity, welcomes the Commission's information campaign, but urges the Commission to keep biodiversity as a key communication target, and calls on the Member States to increase their awareness-raising efforts;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Welcomes the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya in October 2010 and urges the EU to send a broad delegation to this conference;well prepared and coordinated to this conference; underlines the necessity for the EU to define a strong and coherent position upstream
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Encourages the Commission and Member States to integrate the environmental element in their relations with third countries, also with regards to development aid, and to continue the "Green Diplomacy";
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40 a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to support the mainstreaming of biodiversity into global processes such as the Millennium Development Goals
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Insists that, in international trade agreements, sustainability of the products being traded is a key element; underlines in this regard the need to incorporate "non- trade concerns", including production methods and respect for biodiversity, in any future WTO agreement;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43 a. Supports the creation of an International Scientific Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES);