The European Commission is taking Spain to court for its failure to provide adequate protection for 174 Natura 2000 areas in the Canary Islands. Spain is now two years behind schedule in providing the necessary protection.
Separate warning letters for other nature cases are being sent to Cyprus and Bulgaria.
Sursa.
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vineri, 27 noiembrie 2009
vineri, 13 noiembrie 2009
EU protected areas starved of cash
13 November 2009, Brussels - Natura 2000, the EU’s impressive network of protected areas [1] does not receive enough money from the various EU funding streams, according to a new report published today by BirdLife International [2]. The report looked at both the financing needs of keeping the Natura 2000 sites in good status and the availability of EU funds to this effect in six countries ranging from Spain to Finland and The Netherlands to Bulgaria. These countries represent a wide range of conditions and between them cover one-third of the network. Assuming that half of the necessary funds should come from the EU, there is a funding gap of between 45 and 89% of the total funding need in Austria, Finland, The Netherlands and Spain. In Slovakia and Bulgaria, where the potentially available funds from the EU Structural and Rural Development Funds could cover the funding needs, however, it is unlikely that the required amount of money will actually be spent by the governments concerned.
Sursa
Sursa
miercuri, 4 noiembrie 2009
Europe’s Life+ Projects Receive €200 million In Funding
The European Commission has approved funding for 196 new projects under the second call for the LIFE+ programme (2007-2013), the European fund for the environment.
The projects are from across the EU and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, and information and communication. Overall, they represent a total investment of €431 million, of which the EU will provide €207.5 million.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: “I am convinced that these projects will make a significant contribution to nature conservation and to improving the environment. They will also help raise awareness across the EU of the key environmental challenges facing us, notably climate change and the loss of biodiversity.”
Following the call for proposals, which closed in November 2008, the Commission received more than 600 proposals from public or private bodies from the 27 EU Member States. Of these, 196 were selected for co-funding through the programme’s three components: LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity, LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance and LIFE+ Information and Communication.
Sursa.
The projects are from across the EU and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, and information and communication. Overall, they represent a total investment of €431 million, of which the EU will provide €207.5 million.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: “I am convinced that these projects will make a significant contribution to nature conservation and to improving the environment. They will also help raise awareness across the EU of the key environmental challenges facing us, notably climate change and the loss of biodiversity.”
Following the call for proposals, which closed in November 2008, the Commission received more than 600 proposals from public or private bodies from the 27 EU Member States. Of these, 196 were selected for co-funding through the programme’s three components: LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity, LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance and LIFE+ Information and Communication.
Sursa.
luni, 21 septembrie 2009
100 years of Europe's nature parks
In 1909, Sweden announced nine national parks, the first protected spaces in Europe. Since then the amount of protected land in Europe has grown to more than 26,000 spaces in the 27 member countries, covering more than 860,000 square kilometres. This is the equivalent to 20% of the EU’s territory. Together they make up the Natura 2000 network; the largest network of protected areas in the world.
Sursa.
Sursa.
Mapping Natura 2000 habitats across Europe
A recent study has described a way to accurately map the distribution of different habitats across Europe. These maps contribute to the development of a Pan-European Ecological Network1 designed to conserve and manage the natural heritage of pan-Europe.
Destruction of natural habitats is a major cause of biodiversity loss and the EU has implemented a number of initiatives designed to combat this problem, notably the Habitats and Birds Directives2. Central to the EU nature and biodiversity policy is the Natura 20003 network, which covers more than 25,000 sites and makes up around 17 per cent of the total area of the EU. It is the largest network of protected areas in the world and the backbone of the Pan-European Ecological Network.
Habitats can be described by a number of different classification systems. This study used the habitat definitions given in Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive. Annex 1 currently defines 231 Natura 2000 habitat types, covering a range of marine and land-based habitats, including 71 priority habitats. Each habitat is classified under one of nine major categories: for example, forests or freshwater habitats.
Sursa.
Destruction of natural habitats is a major cause of biodiversity loss and the EU has implemented a number of initiatives designed to combat this problem, notably the Habitats and Birds Directives2. Central to the EU nature and biodiversity policy is the Natura 20003 network, which covers more than 25,000 sites and makes up around 17 per cent of the total area of the EU. It is the largest network of protected areas in the world and the backbone of the Pan-European Ecological Network.
Habitats can be described by a number of different classification systems. This study used the habitat definitions given in Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive. Annex 1 currently defines 231 Natura 2000 habitat types, covering a range of marine and land-based habitats, including 71 priority habitats. Each habitat is classified under one of nine major categories: for example, forests or freshwater habitats.
Sursa.
luni, 31 august 2009
Breaking butterflies upon a wheel of indifference?
Nature's cycle does not match politicians'. A price therefore needs to be put on the environment.
Why are butterflies harder to rescue than banks? This is not just an Alice-in-Wonderland question, but a serious problem for the European Union as it begins to rethink its policy on protecting biodiversity. The differences between economic recovery and environmental recovery can throw some light on the question.
Two years since the financial crisis struck, the first green shoots of economic recovery are now evident. France and Germany are, by some standards, out of recession. Optimists think the UK might follow next year. But the EU's member states are a long way from environmental recovery. Many of Europe's habitats, animals, birds and plants are deemed to be in a poor state of conservation, while international talks on a global deal to limit climate change are bogged down.
Sursa.
Why are butterflies harder to rescue than banks? This is not just an Alice-in-Wonderland question, but a serious problem for the European Union as it begins to rethink its policy on protecting biodiversity. The differences between economic recovery and environmental recovery can throw some light on the question.
Two years since the financial crisis struck, the first green shoots of economic recovery are now evident. France and Germany are, by some standards, out of recession. Optimists think the UK might follow next year. But the EU's member states are a long way from environmental recovery. Many of Europe's habitats, animals, birds and plants are deemed to be in a poor state of conservation, while international talks on a global deal to limit climate change are bogged down.
Sursa.
luni, 17 august 2009
Romanian 'Nature 2000' sites endangered!
Many Romanian nature reservations, part of 'Nature 2000' European network of protected natural sites, are affected by the authorities' lack of interest and the unclear legislation.
This is the case of Alba County (central Transylvania) with over 80 sites and 50 protected areas, which are part of the European patrimony, and need immediate attention.
Many of these locations either have no appointed custodians, or are simply ignored by local administrations who are legally responsable for them but are not qualified for making some profit out of them in a non-invasive way.
Alba County's administration is in fact famous for supporting subversive projects in such areas regardless of the European and the Romanian legislation.
Romanian environemantal NGOs affirm that most of the Natura 2000 areas from the Carpathian Mountains, with endangered animal and rare plants, are not even known by the public, which makes it hard to protect them.
Sursa.
This is the case of Alba County (central Transylvania) with over 80 sites and 50 protected areas, which are part of the European patrimony, and need immediate attention.
Many of these locations either have no appointed custodians, or are simply ignored by local administrations who are legally responsable for them but are not qualified for making some profit out of them in a non-invasive way.
Alba County's administration is in fact famous for supporting subversive projects in such areas regardless of the European and the Romanian legislation.
Romanian environemantal NGOs affirm that most of the Natura 2000 areas from the Carpathian Mountains, with endangered animal and rare plants, are not even known by the public, which makes it hard to protect them.
Sursa.
luni, 15 iunie 2009
Green 10: European Commission off target
The environmental record of the outgoing European Commission is worryingly off target. This is the outcome of the report published today in Brussels by the ‘Green 10’, the coalition of leading environmental organisations, of which BirdLife International is a member. Environmental groups published an assessment of the Barroso Commission, giving it an overall mark of 4.4/10.
In all, the ‘Green 10’ report examines the successes and failures in 12 policy areas that impact the environment, and sets out a checklist for the next Commission. The Green 10 blamed the low score on, among other things, a failure to reform agriculture and fisheries policies, and, more broadly, to propose sustainable economic policies. But there were some positive notes, notably in climate, energy and transport policy. At a time when Europe is gripped by economic and environmental crises, the environmental groups call on the next Commission to double its efforts over the next five years and put in place policies that benefit the environment and people’s health, and create sustainable economic growth and jobs.
Sursa.
Full report here.
In all, the ‘Green 10’ report examines the successes and failures in 12 policy areas that impact the environment, and sets out a checklist for the next Commission. The Green 10 blamed the low score on, among other things, a failure to reform agriculture and fisheries policies, and, more broadly, to propose sustainable economic policies. But there were some positive notes, notably in climate, energy and transport policy. At a time when Europe is gripped by economic and environmental crises, the environmental groups call on the next Commission to double its efforts over the next five years and put in place policies that benefit the environment and people’s health, and create sustainable economic growth and jobs.
Sursa.
Full report here.
joi, 4 iunie 2009
Malta: AD asks EU Commissioner to investigate mismanagement of Natura 2000 sites
Alternattiva Demokratika have written to Commissioner Stavros Dimas about Special Areas of Conservation and lack of management plans for these areas. A copy of their letter is shown below:
From: Perit Carmel Cacopardo
To: Commissioner Stavros Dimas
Subject: Implementation of provisions of Habitats Directive in Malta
Date: Wednesday, 3rd June 2009
Mr Dimas,
It is with regret that on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika (AD), The Green Party in Malta I would like to draw your attention to the general mismanagement by the Competent Authority in Malta of Natura 2000 sites.
In particular I would like to refer to three of the sites, originally designated as Special Areas of Conservation-Candidate Sites of International Importance on the 26th September 2003 (Government Notice 877 of 2003) in terms of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations 2003 which transposes the EU Habitats Directive. These were eventually incorporated in the Government Notice presently in force, dated 9th February 2007 (Government Notice 112 of 2007) in terms of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations 2006, which replaced the original GN of 2003.
The sites in question are:
Ix-Xaghra tal-Kortin, ref. INT 008
Buskett and Girgenti ref. INT 014
Malta Coastal Cliffs 1/8 Qammiegh Area ref. INT 016.
As you are undoubtedly aware in terms of subarticle 4 of Article 4 of the Habitats Directive, the Competent Authority has as soon as possible, but within 6 years of the designation of a site as an SAC, to establish priorities for the sites' maintenance and restoration in the light of the threats of degradation or destruction to which those sites are exposed. Almost 6 years have elapsed since these sites have been designated as SACs and the Competent National Authority has not as yet drawn up these priorities as detailed in the Habitats Directive. Management plans for these Natura 2000 sites have not even been initiated.
Of particular concern to Alternattiva Demokratika is the organisation of open air discos late at night in the following sites:
* at Mistra: within Ix-Xaghra tal-Kortin ref. INT 008
* at Buskett: within Buskett and Girgenti ref. INT 014
* at Paradise Bay: within the Malta Coastal Cliffs 1/8 Il-Qammiegh Area ref. INT 016
The use of high powered laser beams and/or high tech sound equipment in the open air, together with the trampling by large numbers of people, notably at the Buskett Natura 2000 site, is surely not conducive to proper management of these Natura 2000 sites which Malta is internationally obliged to manage on behalf of future generations.
Alternattiva Demokratika believes that permitting these activities, especially without any public appropriate assessment by the Competent National Authority - the Malta Environment and Planning Authority MEPA - is a further infringement of the obligations of the Directive, considering that no management plans are presently being considered for such sites.
In view of the above Alternattive Demokratika would like to ask you to investigate such mismanagement by Malta of its Natura 2000 sites in breach of its obligations as defined in the Habitats Directive, and that necessary and appropriate measures are taken to ensure the appropriate for full adherence thereto.
Thanking you for your attention.
Regards.
Mr Carmel Cacopardo
AD Spokesman on Sustainable Development
Sursa.
From: Perit Carmel Cacopardo
To: Commissioner Stavros Dimas
Subject: Implementation of provisions of Habitats Directive in Malta
Date: Wednesday, 3rd June 2009
Mr Dimas,
It is with regret that on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika (AD), The Green Party in Malta I would like to draw your attention to the general mismanagement by the Competent Authority in Malta of Natura 2000 sites.
In particular I would like to refer to three of the sites, originally designated as Special Areas of Conservation-Candidate Sites of International Importance on the 26th September 2003 (Government Notice 877 of 2003) in terms of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations 2003 which transposes the EU Habitats Directive. These were eventually incorporated in the Government Notice presently in force, dated 9th February 2007 (Government Notice 112 of 2007) in terms of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations 2006, which replaced the original GN of 2003.
The sites in question are:
Ix-Xaghra tal-Kortin, ref. INT 008
Buskett and Girgenti ref. INT 014
Malta Coastal Cliffs 1/8 Qammiegh Area ref. INT 016.
As you are undoubtedly aware in terms of subarticle 4 of Article 4 of the Habitats Directive, the Competent Authority has as soon as possible, but within 6 years of the designation of a site as an SAC, to establish priorities for the sites' maintenance and restoration in the light of the threats of degradation or destruction to which those sites are exposed. Almost 6 years have elapsed since these sites have been designated as SACs and the Competent National Authority has not as yet drawn up these priorities as detailed in the Habitats Directive. Management plans for these Natura 2000 sites have not even been initiated.
Of particular concern to Alternattiva Demokratika is the organisation of open air discos late at night in the following sites:
* at Mistra: within Ix-Xaghra tal-Kortin ref. INT 008
* at Buskett: within Buskett and Girgenti ref. INT 014
* at Paradise Bay: within the Malta Coastal Cliffs 1/8 Il-Qammiegh Area ref. INT 016
The use of high powered laser beams and/or high tech sound equipment in the open air, together with the trampling by large numbers of people, notably at the Buskett Natura 2000 site, is surely not conducive to proper management of these Natura 2000 sites which Malta is internationally obliged to manage on behalf of future generations.
Alternattiva Demokratika believes that permitting these activities, especially without any public appropriate assessment by the Competent National Authority - the Malta Environment and Planning Authority MEPA - is a further infringement of the obligations of the Directive, considering that no management plans are presently being considered for such sites.
In view of the above Alternattive Demokratika would like to ask you to investigate such mismanagement by Malta of its Natura 2000 sites in breach of its obligations as defined in the Habitats Directive, and that necessary and appropriate measures are taken to ensure the appropriate for full adherence thereto.
Thanking you for your attention.
Regards.
Mr Carmel Cacopardo
AD Spokesman on Sustainable Development
Sursa.
marți, 2 iunie 2009
Will protected areas remain effective in the face of climate change?
Protected areas conserve biodiversity, but there are concerns that they may be less effective if climate change causes shifts in the distribution of species. A new study models the future movement of sub-Saharan birds in protected areas. Although many species will move, most will find suitable habitats amongst the network of protected areas under a scenario of intermediate climate change. One per cent of endangered species will lose all suitable habitat from the region.
To help stop biodiversity loss in Europe, the EU has set up a network of over 26,000 protected areas forming the Natura 2000 network1. These represent more than 20 per cent of total EU territory. They have been established on the basis of the current distribution of species.
Climate change will have large impacts on biodiversity and will cause shifts in the distribution of species as they search for new, suitable habitat. In the case of the protected areas, these shifts could be outside the boundaries of protected areas or it could cause new species to move into the protected area. However, the designated sites constitute valuable space for nature, possibly allowing other species to move in.
Sursa.
To help stop biodiversity loss in Europe, the EU has set up a network of over 26,000 protected areas forming the Natura 2000 network1. These represent more than 20 per cent of total EU territory. They have been established on the basis of the current distribution of species.
Climate change will have large impacts on biodiversity and will cause shifts in the distribution of species as they search for new, suitable habitat. In the case of the protected areas, these shifts could be outside the boundaries of protected areas or it could cause new species to move into the protected area. However, the designated sites constitute valuable space for nature, possibly allowing other species to move in.
Sursa.
vineri, 29 mai 2009
Lobbyists – the fifth power in the EU
Sofia. Transparency of political institutions is a prerequisite for legitimacy. It should be easy to scrutinize how decisions are made, what are the influences behind them and finally how resources, i.e. taxpayer’s money, are allocated. Therefore rules for lobbying are ultimately a question of legitimacy.
At the moment it is estimated that there are about 15000 lobbyists and 2500 lobby organisations in Brussels. Counting permanent visitors’ badges and “express”-badges there are approximately 5000 lobbyists operating in the European Parliament.
Lobbyists are the fifth power in the EU and one can easily guess what the reason for the siege of European institutions is - the EU dictates 80% of the legislation of its member states, in fields where numerous interests are involved – agriculture, international trade, telecommunication, food safety, transport etc, The Dnevnik comments.
............
Bulgarian ecology organizations that brought illegal constructions over sites included in the Natura 2000 Sites for Nature Conservation list are among the examples of successful citizen lobbying.
If the Lisbon Treaty comes into force, the range of the European Parliament’s authority over the EU legislature will be broadened.
Sursa.
At the moment it is estimated that there are about 15000 lobbyists and 2500 lobby organisations in Brussels. Counting permanent visitors’ badges and “express”-badges there are approximately 5000 lobbyists operating in the European Parliament.
Lobbyists are the fifth power in the EU and one can easily guess what the reason for the siege of European institutions is - the EU dictates 80% of the legislation of its member states, in fields where numerous interests are involved – agriculture, international trade, telecommunication, food safety, transport etc, The Dnevnik comments.
............
Bulgarian ecology organizations that brought illegal constructions over sites included in the Natura 2000 Sites for Nature Conservation list are among the examples of successful citizen lobbying.
If the Lisbon Treaty comes into force, the range of the European Parliament’s authority over the EU legislature will be broadened.
Sursa.
miercuri, 13 mai 2009
Publicatie noua: Natura 2000 - successful, flexible, modern - Facts and findings
NATURA 2000 provides us with the best achievement of Europe in protecting biodiversity. Since its creation, nearly 20 percent of Europe’s territory has been included in the network of NATURA 2000.
Including now about 25.000 sites in all 27 Member States, NATURA 2000 is seen as the cornerstone of the EU’s biodiversity work and represents one of the world’s most modern and ambitious approaches to halt the loss of biodiversity.
NATURA 2000 sites maintain and provide a number of ecosystem services crucial for human well-being. Some sites preserve habitat types that provide important services: wetlands crucial for water purification and retention, peat bogs important for carbon storage and forested mountain areas that help prevent ero-sion and landslide. The sites can also function as ‘refuges’ and breeding places for local biodiversity like pollinating insects, game animals and fish.
First successes:
NATURA 2000 is the cornerstone of EU’s biodiversity work. Although the overall trend in halting the loss of biodiversity is continuing, there are positive trends for some species. The recovery of some of the large carnivores is also an encouraging indicator.
Flexible management:
NATURA 2000 allows adjustments in conservation objectives and management plans which is needed to address – for example – the future impact of climate change.
Modern assessment of impacts:
NATURA 2000 does no look at the type of a project, but only its actual impact on the site in need of protection. It guarantees ecological sustainability while allowing for economic development.
Download the full report for more information.
Publicatia poate fi descarcata de aici.
Including now about 25.000 sites in all 27 Member States, NATURA 2000 is seen as the cornerstone of the EU’s biodiversity work and represents one of the world’s most modern and ambitious approaches to halt the loss of biodiversity.
NATURA 2000 sites maintain and provide a number of ecosystem services crucial for human well-being. Some sites preserve habitat types that provide important services: wetlands crucial for water purification and retention, peat bogs important for carbon storage and forested mountain areas that help prevent ero-sion and landslide. The sites can also function as ‘refuges’ and breeding places for local biodiversity like pollinating insects, game animals and fish.
First successes:
NATURA 2000 is the cornerstone of EU’s biodiversity work. Although the overall trend in halting the loss of biodiversity is continuing, there are positive trends for some species. The recovery of some of the large carnivores is also an encouraging indicator.
Flexible management:
NATURA 2000 allows adjustments in conservation objectives and management plans which is needed to address – for example – the future impact of climate change.
Modern assessment of impacts:
NATURA 2000 does no look at the type of a project, but only its actual impact on the site in need of protection. It guarantees ecological sustainability while allowing for economic development.
Download the full report for more information.
Publicatia poate fi descarcata de aici.
luni, 11 mai 2009
MEPs back Bulgarian environmentalists
At its last session in the current mandate the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament reviewed petitions regarding Natura 2000 in Bulgaria that had been submitted by Bulgarian citizens. The committee decided to send an insistent letter to EU Commissioner for Environment Stavros Dimas demanding no further delay in punitive procedures on the most urgent and severe cases. Besides, the Petitions Committee will ask the European Ombudsman to investigate the European Commission for its passive stance on offences in Bulgaria and for its slow reaction.
Sursa.
Sursa.
Europe Will Miss 2010 Biodiversity Protection Target
ATHENS, Greece, April 28, 2009 (ENS) - A European Commission conference on biodiversity in Athens today acknowledged that the European target of halting the loss of biodiversity across the continent by 2010 will not be met.
While some progress has been made in halting the decline of plant and animal species, the original target is unlikely to be met, concluded the high-level gathering that included Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
Barroso told the delegates that the European Commission has been at the forefront of the battle against climate change, and now must put urgent effort into the related issue of biodiversity protection.
"The success of our climate change policy will also be measured by the success of our efforts in stopping the loss of biodiversity," Barroso said. "These issues – like so many of the challenges that we face – are irrevocably interrelated, just as the link with energy and energy security has helped to develop our understanding of the importance of climate change."
Sursa.
While some progress has been made in halting the decline of plant and animal species, the original target is unlikely to be met, concluded the high-level gathering that included Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
Barroso told the delegates that the European Commission has been at the forefront of the battle against climate change, and now must put urgent effort into the related issue of biodiversity protection.
"The success of our climate change policy will also be measured by the success of our efforts in stopping the loss of biodiversity," Barroso said. "These issues – like so many of the challenges that we face – are irrevocably interrelated, just as the link with energy and energy security has helped to develop our understanding of the importance of climate change."
Sursa.
miercuri, 29 aprilie 2009
Environment: Commission calls for a shakeup in EU biodiversity policy
A European Commission conference on biodiversity in Athens has issued a forward-looking message regarding the future biodiversity policy of the European Union. Key findings include the need to improve communication about the loss and its consequences, the importance of thinking about ecosystem protection rather than species protection, and the need to ensure that available funds are indeed channelled towards nature protection projects. Scientists acknowledge that biodiversity is in crisis around the world, and that too little is being done to protect it. Europe has a target date of 2010 for halting biodiversity loss in the EU, and while some progress has been made in halting the decline, the original target is unlikely to be met. The Commission called a conference in Athens to examine ways of improving its performance.
Sursa.
Sursa.
marți, 31 martie 2009
Natura 2000 Spania : Boom-ul imobiliar determina rapoarte negative de la UE
EU Parliament: Spain Guilty of Property Abuses
The European Parliament today approved a report slamming Spain for all manner of evils relating to the Spanish property sector, including the ‘land grab’ and Ley de Costas scandals that have created so much misery for home owners in Spain.
The report, by Danish MEP (Greens) Margrete Auken, paints a depressing picture of developers and corrupt politicians trampling over private property rights and the environment in pursuit of their own enrichment, whilst the authorities look the other way. This is the 3rd EU report slamming Spain for foul practices in its property sector in almost as many years.
..........
“Whereas the natural Mediterranean island and coastal areas of Spain have suffered extensive destruction in the last decade as cement and concrete have saturated these regions in a way which has affected not only the fragile coastal environment – much of which is nominally protected under the Habitats /Natura 2000 and Birds Directives, such as urbanisations in Cabo de Gata (Almería) and in Murcia – but also the social and cultural activity of many areas, which constitutes a tragic and irretrievable loss to their cultural identity and heritage as well as to their environmental integrity, and all this primarily because of the absence of supra-municipal planning or regional planning guidelines placing reasonable limits on urban growth and development, set on the basis of explicit criteria of environmental sustainability, and because of the greed and speculative behaviour of certain local and regional authorities and members of the construction industry who have succeeded in deriving massive benefits from their activities in this regard, most of which have been exported."
Sursa.
The European Parliament today approved a report slamming Spain for all manner of evils relating to the Spanish property sector, including the ‘land grab’ and Ley de Costas scandals that have created so much misery for home owners in Spain.
The report, by Danish MEP (Greens) Margrete Auken, paints a depressing picture of developers and corrupt politicians trampling over private property rights and the environment in pursuit of their own enrichment, whilst the authorities look the other way. This is the 3rd EU report slamming Spain for foul practices in its property sector in almost as many years.
..........
“Whereas the natural Mediterranean island and coastal areas of Spain have suffered extensive destruction in the last decade as cement and concrete have saturated these regions in a way which has affected not only the fragile coastal environment – much of which is nominally protected under the Habitats /Natura 2000 and Birds Directives, such as urbanisations in Cabo de Gata (Almería) and in Murcia – but also the social and cultural activity of many areas, which constitutes a tragic and irretrievable loss to their cultural identity and heritage as well as to their environmental integrity, and all this primarily because of the absence of supra-municipal planning or regional planning guidelines placing reasonable limits on urban growth and development, set on the basis of explicit criteria of environmental sustainability, and because of the greed and speculative behaviour of certain local and regional authorities and members of the construction industry who have succeeded in deriving massive benefits from their activities in this regard, most of which have been exported."
Sursa.
luni, 16 martie 2009
When Swordfish Conservation Biologists Eat Swordfish
We are seeing species decline and disappear at ever
increasing rates. Environmental problems have
become so widespread and emergencies so common
that they are no longer perceived as drama. Few
news items have the power to grasp our attention
and elicit a sense of dismay.
...................
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the
change you wish to see in the world.” If we cannot
manage to embody our teachings at least in part, it
may be unrealistic to expect that others will change
anything in their life, whether it is to stop eating
whale meat or to refrain from hunting endangered
wildlife for sport. This is not meant to be a recipe to
save the planet. When conservation biologists stop
ordering swordfish and opt for organic chicken or
vegetables, the world will not be substantially
different.
Sursa.
increasing rates. Environmental problems have
become so widespread and emergencies so common
that they are no longer perceived as drama. Few
news items have the power to grasp our attention
and elicit a sense of dismay.
...................
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the
change you wish to see in the world.” If we cannot
manage to embody our teachings at least in part, it
may be unrealistic to expect that others will change
anything in their life, whether it is to stop eating
whale meat or to refrain from hunting endangered
wildlife for sport. This is not meant to be a recipe to
save the planet. When conservation biologists stop
ordering swordfish and opt for organic chicken or
vegetables, the world will not be substantially
different.
Sursa.
duminică, 15 martie 2009
Natura 2000 Success! Polish coal mine construction halted
Great news just in from Poland, where work on the giant Jó?win IIB open-cast pit and coal mine near Konin has been suspended. Following a legal challenge submitted last December by Greenpeace, a Polish court has ruled that there were problems with the environmental assessment process undertaken before work began on the site. Construction has now been halted while the process is reviewed.
This is a big victory - Jó?win IIB was the site for our most recent Climate Rescue Station, set up last winter to remind delegates at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in nearby Pozna? that tackling climate change and building new coal-fired power stations are fundamentally incompatible aspirations. It will be particularly well-received by many of the peaceful activists who were attacked by mine workers at the end of last year during the protests.
This is a significant win in our battle against the mine, which if built would lead to around 50 million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere, the displacement of hundreds of local people, water pollution and land destruction in an ecosystem protected under the Natura 2000 network.
Sursa.
This is a big victory - Jó?win IIB was the site for our most recent Climate Rescue Station, set up last winter to remind delegates at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in nearby Pozna? that tackling climate change and building new coal-fired power stations are fundamentally incompatible aspirations. It will be particularly well-received by many of the peaceful activists who were attacked by mine workers at the end of last year during the protests.
This is a significant win in our battle against the mine, which if built would lead to around 50 million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere, the displacement of hundreds of local people, water pollution and land destruction in an ecosystem protected under the Natura 2000 network.
Sursa.
vineri, 13 martie 2009
Commission launches an official guide to the sustainable hunting of wild birds
On Monday the European Commission will officially launch a guide on the hunting of wild birds to ensure the activity is carried out in accordance with EU nature legislation. It aims to clarify the hunting requirements of the EU's oldest nature law, the Wild Birds Directive, which celebrates its 30th anniversary on the 2nd of April 2009. This is one of the key tools in helping achieve the EU's objective of halting biodiversity loss. The guide on sustainable hunting be launched at an official ceremony in Paris by the French Environment Minister Jean-Louis Borloo and the Director General of the Commission's Directorate General for Environment, Karl Falkenberg.
Sursa.
Sursa.
vineri, 6 martie 2009
Iron Curtain, Ribbon of Life
When communism crumbled in 1989, it created an opportunity for wildlife. The Iron Curtain that divided communist Eastern Europe from the capitalist West had created a no-man's-land protected by barbed wire and minefields - a last haven for many rare animals and plants. This film tells the story of the movement, led by biologist Dr Kai Frobel, that set out to save the wildlife of this precious strip.
Now as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain, we can also celebrate the birth of the biggest conservation movement in the world, a ribbon of life stretching 13,000 kilometres across Europe, protecting everything from bears and wolverines in Finland to rare eagles in Bulgaria.
Sursa.
Now as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain, we can also celebrate the birth of the biggest conservation movement in the world, a ribbon of life stretching 13,000 kilometres across Europe, protecting everything from bears and wolverines in Finland to rare eagles in Bulgaria.
Sursa.
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