Whatever happened to a European nature conservation plan for the future?

It is a matter of utmost urgency that the European Commission draw up a future plan for the conservation of nature. In this regard it remains unclear as to how Europe hopes to achieve the 2020 goals, let alone how it will go about planning for the years to follow. “I expect a clear commitment from the Commission,” states MEP Mark Demesmaeker. “A solid strategy is the first order of affairs, and a second is to guarantee sufficient resources for this strategy.”

For some years now already, Mark Demesmaeker has been pushing for Europe to make a political priority of nature and biodiversity. Early this year, an action plan on behalf of nature, humankind and the economy was an emphatic sign that we are moving forward. “However, without additional effort, we will once again fail to reach the 2020 objectives,” the MEP thinks. “We can and must do far better; the alternative is to have the natural environment in Belgium deteriorate dramatically.”

Investing in biodiversity is an investment in prosperity

A trans-European network for green infrastructure, an initiative to protect bees and insects and measures against illegally killing birds cannot happen soon enough. “For the N-VA, investing in nature and biodiversity must integral to a smart, sustainable and inclusive Europe,” Mark Demesmaeker concludes. “Not only is it imperative for nature, but it is also essential for Belgian welfare and prosperity.”