Better policies support Europe’s biodiversity hotspots
The 34 European overseas entities, including nine outermost regions (ORs) and 25 overseas countries and territories (OCTs), are among the most important zones in the world for biodiversity conservation. Their rich natural heritage has nurtured generations of local populations and communities, and is a pillar for their future economic development and crucial for their long-term prosperity and sustainability. Unfortunately, this exceptional biodiversity is at risk from direct human activities, invasive alien species, natural hazards and/or climate change. Scientific knowledge is vital for addressing these threats, bringing them to the attention of the global community and promoting effective management actions. However, the isolation of many ORs and OCTs limits their individual human capabilities and their access to resources, such as facilities and information. These challenges were addressed by the project NETBIOME-CSA (Strengthening European research cooperation for smart and sustainable management of tropical and subtropical biodiversity in outermost regions and overseas countries and territories). The aim was to improve research partnerships for biodiversity management and sustainable development for outlying regions of the EU, while raising awareness for the need for conservation in tropical and subtropical areas. International and interdisciplinary groups identified pressing challenges in environmental conservation and biodiversity management. These challenges formed the basis for international conferences, where experts discussed innovative ideas relating to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. A multi-stakeholder and interregional participative approach was used to identify the main challenges to sustainable management of biodiversity in ORs and OCTs. The result was a strategic document underlining the socioeconomic value of biodiversity in subtropical and tropical regions through case studies. Policy recommendations include a more coherent approach to spatial planning that takes into account ecological and societal considerations. The need to adapt international legislation to national/regional contexts and more efficient and sustainable usage of natural resources has also been highlighted. Other proposals focus on the importance of actively implementing ecosystem-based management practices and the establishment of biodiversity indicators specific to European overseas entities. Outlined research priorities include improving tools for participating in biodiversity management, predicting the effect of climate change on natural resource use and mapping ecological limits of extractive activities. NETBIOME-CSA successfully brought together researchers, government, businesses and civil society to improve biodiversity management. The resulting improvements in policies and activities supporting sustainable development in Europe’s outermost areas will have a long-term positive effect on conservation efforts.
Keywords
Biodiversity, outermost regions, overseas countries and territories, conservation, NETBIOME-CSA
