Nature and biodiversity

Nature knows no borders, so EU countries work together to preserve species populations and their habitats.

EU rules aim to preserve the environment and wildlife by protecting natural areas and recovering degraded ecosystems.

A natural environment with a young deer, fish and birds.

How the EU preserves nature

Nature protection

The EU birds and habitats directives safeguard species and their habitats by establishing protected areas and conservation plans.

Unique European species, such as the Iberian lynx, have been saved from extinction thanks to EU‑funded measures.

Nature restoration

The nature restoration law is the first ever set of EU rules focused on the recovery of nature.

EU countries will have to put in place effective restoration measures for at least 20% of EU land and seas by 2030 and for all degraded ecosystems by 2050.

Safeguarding habitats, ecosystems and species

Biodiversity

The diversity of life is key to well-functioning ecosystems. EU rules aim to stop the loss of biodiversity and increase species populations.

Pollinators

Bees and other species are responsible for pollinating flowers, which is key for growing crops. The EU wants to reverse the decline in pollinators such as bees and birds.

Forests

Forests absorb 10% of EU emissions every year. The EU wants to enhance forests and their biodiversity to help fight climate change.

Water and rivers

EU measures are in place to reduce pollution in surface and ground water. The EU wants to remove barriers in rivers to improve ecosystem health.

Farmland

70% of soils in the EU are in bad health. The EU aims to reduce pollution in soil and make agriculture more environmentally friendly.

Urban areas

Trees in cities are key to mitigating heat. EU measures aim to ensure that cities are greener and therefore more liveable.

What is the state of nature?

The most recent assessment by the European Environment Agency paints an alarming picture of nature.

Only 15% of habitats in the EU are in good condition and species populations are declining. Pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, are particularly affected.

The state of nature in the EU

Three butterflies: the first one is grey and the other two blue.

Protecting nature beyond EU borders

The EU is also active at international level in protecting nature.

It is a party to multilateral conventions, such as the convention on biological diversity (CBD), which sets global rules to conserve biodiversity, and the convention on international trade in endangered species (CITES), which fights illegal trade.

Why salamanders are important to you

Salamanders may seem like insignificant creatures that enjoy wandering around humid environments. Yet they play a fundamental role in the good functioning of ecosystems, and are ultimately vital to our own well-being and the economy.