A new EEA briefing 'Solutions to restore European agricultural ecosystems' presents examples of key ones options available to farmers, evidence-based to help restore Europe's ecosystems and increase the agricultural sector's ability to cope with the increasing impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods. increase in productivity.

The study says that introducing some key farming practices can prove to be beneficial for farmers and local nature , as it provides better resilience and restores local ecosystems such as grasslands, hedgerows or streams.

These practices can improve the condition of semi-natural habitats, restore multifunctional and biodiverse agricultural landscapes, and reduce pressures on biodiversity through sustainable land and water management. All of these actions can benefit pollinators, species and their habitats, as well as help strengthen local resilience to the impacts of climate change. (More on eea.europa.eu)

By considering climate action separately from nature conservation, climate solutions can sometimes worsen biodiversity, stress several experts who call for a systemic approach.

"Sometimes when we try to find a solution to a problem, we risk causing damage elsewhere," explains Anne Larigauderie, executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity, which will publish a major report in December on how to reconcile climate, biodiversity, access to water or food and health.

As early as 2021, a working group between IPBES and the IPCC, its climate counterparts within the UN, explained that separate assessments of climate and biodiversity risk “at worst […] leading to actions that inadvertently prevent one or both issues from being resolved. (More on rtbf.be)

Everything you need to know about this year's three big environmental conferences. Climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, desertification and drought are deeply interconnected aspects of the planetary crisis.

With most of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) currently off track, we must act urgently to manage this crisis and secure a livable future.

This year, three major environmental Conferences of the Parties (COP) are being held over the course of six weeks.

They represent a unique opportunity to solve our most pressing problems head-on and together. The challenges we face do not exist in isolation, and neither do solutions. The outcome of the COP is crucial for our future.

Here's what you need to know.

The Biodiversity Summit COP16 starts on Monday, October 21 and runs until November 1. Unlike the climate change conferences that are held every year, the Biodiversity COPs are a rarer act, held every two years. This year's Biodiversity COP, held in the Colombian city of Cali, is therefore the first since COP15 in 2022. COP15 culminated in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets the path to achieving “ of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050 ". ” and contains targets for 2050, supported by targets for 2030. A crucial focus of the upcoming COP on biodiversity is the implementation of the ambitious goals and targets set out in the Framework into practice. Below are some points to be aware of before starting the COP. (Richard Hilton, Helena Campbell, more at lexology.com)

From the point of view of active forest management and maintaining or restoring biodiversity, we can observe a mutual intermingling. Synergies arise when the maintenance of forest structures that support recognized human needs for biomass production ensures the creation of diverse habitats. Nowadays, the diverse ownership structure has caused diverse land use, which leads to the occurrence of different types of forests side by side. If we want to talk about the protection of biodiversity, it is necessary to benefit from sensitive protection planning, adapted to local and regional conditions. Effective strategies must include land-use planning based on input from multiple stakeholders in a given country. Such an approach will enable the protection and restoration of wildlife corridors, thereby increasing overall biodiversity. (More on lesmedium.sk)

For supporters, biodiversity credits could free up billions in much-needed funding for nature, but critics fear a repeat of the scandals that have dogged other funding approaches to environmental protection.

Paying for protection tropical rainforests or compensation for habitat destruction is an area of growing interest, and conservation credit trading will feature at this year's COP16 UN Biodiversity Summit in Colombia this month.

The market for biodiversity credits or certificates – which monetize activities that claim to protect or restore nature – is new, unregulated and dogged by fears of "greenwashing".

Supporters say the credits could financially compensate for environmental damage caused by industry, such as when a mine or road project affects the surrounding environment.

Businesses could at least theoretically compensate for the damage by buying credits from organizations that support nature and biodiversity, for example by protecting wetlands or sustainably producing rubber. (Benjamin LEGENDRE, more at phys.org)

The human-caused extinction of hundreds of bird species over the past 130,000 years has led to a substantial reduction in bird functional diversity -- a measure of the range of different roles and functions birds perform in the environment -- and resulted in the loss of about 3 billion years of unique evolutionary history, according to a new study published today in Science.

To achieve net zero huge investments will be required, especially in the energy sector and related infrastructure, which is estimated to double by 2030 and lead to an exponential increase in electricity production from $500 to $160 trillion. But although this type of approach is important in the fight against climate change, it can also mean significant risks for biodiversity, the effects of which are already evident: the decline in the functionality of ecosystems costs the global economy more than 5,000 billion. dollars per year. This means that the world economy is losing ecosystem services worth about 6 % of global GDP each year, an amount roughly equal to the total market value of agricultural, forestry and fisheries production in 2019. (BCG and Quantis reports, more at esgnews.it)

DIVERSEED is a 7-year project focused on the restoration of priority grassland habitats shared between Slovakia and Romania and brings innovative mapping and restoration techniques that will have (viac…)

The topic of biodiversity will soon be back in the global spotlight at the 16th United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, in October. There will be a strong focus on action and implementation of the framework agreed at last year's COP15 conference to continue progressing national commitments and actions. However, on such a global issue, collaboration is key and the involvement of the business community, as well as other stakeholder groups, will be critical to success.

In this second article in our 'Climate for Nature' series - engaging the views of executives on nature-related issues that are high on the boardroom agenda - we focus on biodiversity and how it is fast becoming a priority for business. Our Sustainability Partner Ben Stansfield talks to Dr Samuel Sinclair, Co-Founder and Director of Biodiversity, about the challenges of data collection and planning in this area, the opportunities and what to consider depending on where you are on your biodiversity journey you find. (Ben Stansfield, more at lexology.com)

Climate change and biodiversity loss pose a "more fundamental threat" to the UK than terrorism or Vladimir Putin, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in his first major policy speech, reported the Independent newspaper. In speech at London's Kew Gardens, Lammy said climate change and biodiversity loss "may not be as pressing as a terrorist or an imperialist autocrat" but are "more fundamental... systemic... pervasive... and accelerating towards us", the Independent said. Financial Times said Lammy had pledged to make climate change and biodiversity loss "central to everything the Foreign Office does" and to create "special representatives" in each area. The Guardian he noted that it would be the first time the UK had appointed a special envoy for nature. (More on carbonbrief.org)

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, "nature-based solutions harness nature and the power of healthy ecosystems to protect people, optimize infrastructure and ensure a stable and biodiverse future." These solutions play a significant role in mitigating climate change and are estimated to generate more than 30 % of emissions reductions needed to limit global warming. In addition, they play a key role in addressing biodiversity loss, restoring natural habitats and supporting communities to adapt by improving health and socio-economic conditions. (Pam Cheng, more at weforum.org)

Concerned about the loss of biodiversity worldwide due to climate change, an international team of scientists has proposed a new approach to managing vulnerable landscapes, focusing on sites least affected by changing weather. These places, known as climate change refuges, experience weather conditions that are most favorable for their survival and may be the key to reducing species extinction, ecologists say.

In a new paper written by scientists from Australia, Canada, the United States and Hungary, scientists set out a framework for identifying, protecting and restoring refuges from climate change.

Document published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution calls for an alternative to traditional conservation efforts that have focused on creating static protected areas. (Candy Gibson, University of South Australia, more at phys.org)

The European Commission is considering a market system that would encourage farmers and industry to protect nature and restore lost biodiversity by putting a price on ecosystems. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today (September 13) that the EU must create new financial instruments to reward farmers who contribute to reversing biodiversity loss and climate change.

"We need new financial instruments to compensate farmers for the additional costs of sustainability and to compensate them for taking care of land, soil, water and air," von der Leyen said.

On June 24, 2024, the European Union adopted the regulation (EU) 2024/1991 on the restoration of nature, published on July 29, 2024 in the Official Journal of the European Union and effective from August 18, 2024 (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulation"). The regulation, which introduces legally binding targets and obligations for the restoration of degraded ecosystems, will have a significant impact on businesses operating within the European Union. The aim of this paper is to outline the main consequences that the adoption of the regulation will have for companies, and at the same time to provide an overview of the measures necessary for effective preparation. (Pinella Altiero, Melania Mazzonová, more at lexology.com)

On Sunday (August 18), the regulation on the restoration of nature (law on the restoration of nature) came into force. Full implementation of the law is key to restoring EU biodiversity and halting further biodiversity loss, achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and adapting to climate change, and increasing food security for EU citizens. The law will thereby support the achievement of other European ambitions, such as water security.

It is also a key tool to help the EU and its Member States meet their international biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The law sets in motion the process of continuous and sustainable restoration of nature on EU land and sea, while promoting more sustainable economic development and agricultural production and hand in hand with the development of renewable energy. (More on environment.ec.europa.eu)

There have been calls for a common approach to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss for years, but a coordinated global policy is still lacking. The world is facing unprecedented changes in climate conditions and drastic loss of biological diversity, which threatens humanity. The breakdown of the Earth's climate and the rapid decline of wildlife are interconnected, but the response of governments to these crises currently fails to recognize the deep connection between the two.

There have been calls for a joint approach to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss for years, but a coordinated global policy is still lacking.

Humanity risks catastrophic global warming if it focuses only on decarbonisation at the expense of restoring the natural world, Colombia's environment minister said in preparation for a key world summit on nature later this year.

Susana Muhamad, who will chair October's Cop16 UN biodiversity summit in Cali, said a singular focus on reducing carbon emissions while failing to restore and protect natural ecosystems would be "dangerous to humanity" and risk societal collapse. (Patrik Greenfield, more at theguardian.com)

Biodiversity loss has a knock-on effect that affects both the future of your students and your research goals. Biodiversity is threatened worldwide by climate change, pollution, invasive species, overexploitation of natural resources, and growing cities and populations. As an educator and responsible for spreading knowledge, you have a key role to play in solving this crisis. What you teach the next generation will be critical to our ability to meet future environmental and social challenges. By integrating biodiversity into the curriculum at all levels, encouraging nature-focused research and guiding students to take informed action, you can create the foundation for transformative change. On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day, we offer you six ways that educators can integrate biodiversity conservation into curricula and research activities.

1. Creation of courses and materials on biodiversity:

Include biodiversity education in schools and universities. Provide training in biodiversity management and conservation so that classrooms become centers of conservation awareness and activities. Consider creating certification programs in biodiversity conservation and training teachers in best practices. Mentor research that addresses pressing biodiversity issues with real-world impacts.

2. Implementation of research and cooperation on protection and policy making:

Your research can improve understanding of biodiversity and influence policy decisions. Collaborate on citizen science projects to contribute valuable data. You can also get involved in initiatives to promote sustainability, such as protecting wildlife corridors on your campus.

3. Providing research opportunities for students and professionals:

Offer students and professionals rich hands-on research opportunities to directly contribute to biodiversity conservation. Consider competitive summer internships and multi-year scholarship programs. Connect students with local conservation groups and ensure financial support for all students involved.

4. Cooperation and engagement with businesses, policy makers and civil society:

Raise awareness of biodiversity and participate in the creation and protection of knowledge. Organize public lectures and workshops, collaborate with NGOs and increase biodiversity literacy. Connect with industry partners to promote sustainability and work with international organizations to share best practices.

5. Funding and support of international teaching missions:

Virtual or face-to-face exchanges expose students to different issues and cultures, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Offer micro-credentials for students and professionals to lecture on specific topics abroad and spread important knowledge across borders.

6. Organization of field trips and practical learning:

Plan excursions to nature reserves, national parks or organic farms. These trips will allow students to see biodiversity in practice and understand the importance of its protection directly in the field.

7. Interdisciplinary approaches:

Integrate biodiversity topics into subjects as diverse as biology, geography, social sciences and even art. This holistic approach will show how biodiversity affects different aspects of society and everyday life.

8. Simulation games and interactive activities:

Use simulation games where students can see the impacts of their decisions on ecosystems and biodiversity. Interactive activities, such as creating a "living wall" or ecosystem model, can help students better understand the complexity of nature's relationships.

9. Digital tools and online courses:

Use digital tools and online platforms to spread knowledge about biodiversity. Many universities and organizations offer online courses and resources that can be incorporated into a traditional learning environment.

10. Company-based projects:

Engage students in projects that work with local communities to protect biodiversity. These hands-on applications can raise awareness while strengthening connections between students and their community.

11. Environmental clubs and student organizations:

Support the creation of environmental clubs and student organizations that will address biodiversity issues. These groups can organize awareness campaigns as well as practical activities such as cleaning up natural sites.

12. Challenges and competitions:

Organize competitions and challenges aimed at protecting biodiversity, for example creating innovative solutions to local biodiversity problems or artwork that shows the importance of protecting the natural world.

13. Cooperation with experts and institutions:

Invite experts from the field of ecology and nature protection to lectures and workshops. Cooperation with universities, research institutions and organizational bodies can bring up-to-date knowledge and experience to education.

14. Local preservation and monitoring of biodiversity:

Initiate projects aimed at inventorying and monitoring local biodiversity. Involvement of students in these projects can increase their knowledge of local ecosystems and contribute to their conservation.

15. Sustainability in everyday school:

Implement sustainability programs in schools such as recycling, composting, reducing plastic waste and creating green spaces. Students can be involved in these activities and learn practical steps to protect the environment.

16. Spreading awareness through art projects:

Encourage students to create art projects that highlight the beauty and importance of biodiversity. These can be exhibitions, film projects or theater performances.

17. Partnership with gardens and zoos:

Collaborate with botanic gardens, zoos and other organizations involved in biodiversity conservation. Their expert guidance and resources can be a wonderful addition to traditional teaching.

Incorporating biodiversity protection into education can be implemented in various creative and innovative ways that will strengthen students' knowledge and sensitivity to this important topic.

Protecting biodiversity starts in the classroom. As educators, researchers and stewards of knowledge, you have a unique opportunity to spark change and lead new generations to protect biodiversity. Your students and colleagues need not only knowledge, but also leadership on the issues that will shape our future. Be an example to follow and make every day "Biodiversity Day" (Co2AI)

Afforestation is an essential tool in the fight against climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis, store carbon in their tissues and release oxygen. This natural process reduces the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.

In addition to carbon sequestration, reforestation offers a number of other environmental benefits such as biodiversity . In fact, forests provide essential habitats for many animal and plant species, thus contributing to the preservation of biodiversity. (More on dazebaonews.it)