This Commission impact assessment aims to analyse the impact of the Communication on Halting the Loss of Biodiversity by 2010 – and Beyond (Sustaining ecosystem services for human well–being). It provides the European institutions and public with information on the impacts of biodiversity loss and of proposed measures to halt this loss and secure the longer-term recovery of biodiversity.
Section 1 provides a review of the use of consultation and expertise in the preparation of the Communication. This includes a year-long stakeholder review of progress in implementation, effectiveness and appropriateness of the European Community Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans.
Section 2 reviews the problem of biodiversity loss – at the levels of ecosystems, species and genes - and the closely related problem of decline in natural capital and ecosystem services, both within the EU and globally.
Section 3 presents the aims of the Communication and their consistency with other EU policies.
Section 4 presents three possible policy approaches. The preferred option being to develop a focused EU Action Plan to 2010 and Beyond. The approach is elaborated through four key policy areas for action and ten related priority objectives, and four key supporting measures. Section 5 analyses the impacts of those few actions in the Action Plan which are new or accelerated beyond already agreed timetables.
Section 6 refers to the differentiation of Community and Member State responsibilities for each action.
Lastly, Section 7 presents plans for monitoring and evaluation, including the establishment and implementation of a headline set of biodiversity indicators.