(19 October 2020) – Today the Commission published its latest assessment of the state of nature in the EU. It provides a comprehensive overview of the situation of Europe’s most vulnerable species and habitats protected under EU nature laws.
Decline of protected habitats and species still continues, caused mostly by intensive agriculture, urbanisation, unsustainable forestry activities and changes to freshwater habitats.
Pollution of air, water and soil also impacts habitats, as well as climate change, over-exploitation of animals through illegal harvesting and untenable hunting and fishing.
If not addressed, this decline will inevitably result in the continued erosion of our biodiversity and the vital services it provides, putting human health and prosperity at risk.