European Plant
Conservation Strategy
The European Strategy for Plant Conservation (ESPC) is the regional response of plant and fungi
conservation specialists across Europe to the implementation of the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. The first European Strategy was
developed by the Planta Europa Network and the Council of Europe in 2001 and ran until 2007.
After a review of the first strategy, a new strategy (2008—2014) was developed at the Fifth
Planta Europa Conference in Romania in 2007 and published in 2008.
The new European strategy is based on the structure of the Global Strategy for Plant
Conservation (GSPC) with five objectives (understanding plant diversity; conserving plant
diversity; using plant diversity sustainably; increasing awareness of plant diversity; increasing
capacity for plant diversity) and 16 targets. However, it also contains sub-targets specific to the
European region and actions to mitigate the effects of climate change under each target (see
‘History ot the European Strategy for Plant Conservation’, below).
The review of the first European Strategy (2001—2007) found that much progress had been made
in areas such as check-listing, identifying Important Plant Areas (IPAs), ex-situ conservation
methods and conserving genetic diversity, but that there had been much less progress in areas
such as Red Listing, sustainable use of plants and capacity building. The review also highlighted
case studies of the many examples of good practice under all the targets of the strategy.
History of the European Strategy for Plant Conservation
In June 2001, the Planta Europa network drew on all its plant conservation expertise to develop
a master plan to halt the loss of plant diversity in Europe by 2007. The result was the EPCS, a
framework for wild-plant conservation in Europe.
At the heart of this document are 42 targets for plant conservation in Europe, to be achieved
by 2007. The targets are clear, realistic and measurable, and in each case an organisation has
pledged to take the lead on their implementation, while other partners are welcome to join the
lead organisations to assist in achieving these challenging targets.
European Plant
Conservation Strategy
continued
The 42 targets are arranged under five objectives: understanding and documenting plant
diversity; conserving plant diversity; using plant diversity sustainably; promoting education
and awareness about plant diversity; building capacity for the conservation of plant diversity.
The EPCS also contains long-term policy objectives complementing the Planta Europa targets.
Whereas many of the targets are oriented for action by NGOs and technical agencies, the longterm policy objectives are mainly directed at European governments.
In April 2002, the EPCS was recognised as a contribution to the GSPC, the worldwide plan that
has been adopted by the CBD.
In 2004, conservationists from across Europe undertook an extensive mid-term review of
the EPCS. Results were encouraging: more than 50% of the initial 42 targets of the EPCS are
progressing well and two have already been achieved.
The 250 experts involved in the review identified obstacles to implementing the EPCS’s nine
targets. However, they also recognised that the targets are still highly relevant, and established
new, more realistic milestones to help achieve them. Two new targets were added and a further
four were substantially amended to reflect new developments in plant conservation since 2001.
More information and reading
l A sustainable future for Europe: The
European Strategy for Plant Conservation
2008–2014
http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/a_
sustainable_future_for_europe_the_european_
strategy_for_plant_conser
l Mid-term review of the European Plant
Conservation Strategy
http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/
mid-term_review_of_the_european_plant_
conservation_strategy
Other European policies
In addition to the European Strategy for Plant Conservation and the European
Strategy for Plant Conservation, there are many other policies and strategies
which target plant and nature conservation in Europe
Biodiversity policies and strategies
Plantlife International supports the efforts by the European Commission, EU Member
States and the Council of Europe to conserve biodiversity, by sharing plant based data from
Important Plant Areas (IPA) projects
We believe that given adequate financial support and capacity, the Natura 2000 network and
the Emerald Network have the potential to conserve and restore species diversity and support
efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The main European Union (EU) and Pan-European policy structures, directly aimed at
biodiversity conservation, are described below:
Pan-Europe
l The Bern Convention & the Emerald Network Adopted in Bern Switzerland (1979), this
treaty covers the natural heritage of the European continent and extends to some states of
North Africa. Its aim is to conserve wild flora and fauna in their natural habitats, and key sites
are identified under the Emerald Network.
l Environment for Europe Process This is a partnership of member states of all European
countries, international organisations and NGOs. The Secretariat is held by the UN Economic
Commission for Europe (UNECE). There have been six conferences (Dobris 1991, Lucerne 1993,
Sofia 1995, Aarhus 1998, Kiev 2003, Belgrade 2007) and several Pan-European conservation
initiatives including: the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (PEBLDS),
the Pan-European Ecological Network (PEEN), the identification and conservation of High Nature
Value Farmland across Europe, and the Aarhus Convention on public access to environmental
information and justice, and participation in environmental decision making.
The European Union (EU)
l EU Biodiversity Strategy As signatory to the CBD the European Union has set itself targets to
tackle biodiversity loss. The EU admitted that the 2010 target to halt biodiversity loss had not
been achieved and cites poor implementation of legal measures, poor
integration with other EU sectors, inadequate funding, insufficient
data, and poor communication as reasons for failure. However although
the target was not achieved many important projects and frameworks
were implemented under this strategy and the EU has renewed its
commitment to biodiversity and set itself a more ambitious target for
Biodiversity policies and strategies
continued
2020 which includes restoring degraded habitats.
EU Biodiversity post 2010 target - ‘halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of
ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restoring them in so far as feasible, while stepping up
the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss’
l EU Birds and Habitats Directives& Natura 2000 Network As part of its biodiversity strategy
the EU has developed binding legal instruments which include the Birds and Habitats Directive (a
list of species and habitats which must be conserved) and a network of sites across Europe (the
Natura 2000 Network) to conserve them. The Directives and the Natura 2000 network have great
potential for conservation and restoration of species and habitats and provision of ecosystem
services, but sufficient funds must be committed by the EU and member states to achieve this.
More information and reading
l The Bern Convention & the Emerald Network
http://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention
l EU Birds and Habitats Directives& Natura
2000 Network
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/
legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm
Agriculture and plant conservation in Europe
Almost half of Europe’s landscape is farmed
Farming methods are one of the most important routes towards conserving or destroying
Europe’s diversity of plant species. The rapid and widespread decline of arable plant species
under intensive farming methods is a major conservation concern for wild plants and all the
birds and insects they support. The abandonment or conversion of grassland areas is one of the
most pressing threats to the diversity of wild plants in Europe.
A large proportion of Europe’s wild plants and up to 75% of butterfly species rely on extensively
managed grassland areas for their survival. Tackling these issues within the reformed EU
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and through initiatives such as the Pan-European High Nature
Value (HNV) Farmland programmes will be a key arena where the EU and European nations
succeed or fail in their target to halt biodiversity loss.
EU CAP Reform
There is widespread recognition that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in its current form
has done much to increase biodiversity loss across Europe. Many organisations are currently
campaigning to see a truly reformed CAP (2013—2020) which conserves biodiversity and the
ecosystem services it provides, supports rural communities to maintain High Nature Value
Farmland and improve the richness of other farmland, and provides healthy landscapes for all.
High Nature Value (HNV) Farmland
Several initiatives are underway to map areas of biodiversity rich farmland, mainly in more
traditional, extensive agricultural systems in pockets across Europe, and to target resources
towards supporting communities that farm these areas. Plantlife International has signed up
to an NGO proposal outlining a fundamental reorganisation in agricultural subsidies that will
support High Nature Value Farming. Click here for more details.
More information and reading
l High Natural Value (HNV) Farming
http://www.efncp.org/policy/
Forestry and plant conservation in Europe
Forest policy across Europe is mainly based at the national level. There is an EU Forestry
Strategy, but no binding forestry legislation at the European level, although discussions are
underway on the possibility of this route
The Important Plant Areas (IPA) programme in 11 countries across Europe found that poor
forestry practices (intensified forest management, deforestation and afforestation) was the
single most widespread threat to IPAs, affecting 47% of sites. Old growth or ‘virgin’ forests are
particularly important for plant, fungi, lichen and bryophyte conservation but they form a tiny
proportion of overall forest cover in Europe. These remaining areas need to be targeted urgently
for increased protection. Afforestation of other habitats, such as grassland and heath, is also a
key threat which looks set to increase if climate change targets are applied without thought to
wider biodiversity concerns.
Forest Europe
Formerly the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe is a forum for the
forestry ministers from 46 European countries and observer organisations which sets guidelines
and standards for sustainable forest management and protection. It is involved in discussions on
the potential for legally binding European forestry policy.
Water and marine issues
There are to key areas of policy regarding water and marine issues in Europe:
EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive
This compels EU Member States to ensure good ecological status of marine waters by 2020 in
co-operation with other member states within marine regions. This is to be achieved through
assessment of ecological status by 2012, development of marine strategies and the development
of marine protected areas. Projects such as the UK’s Important Plant Areas (IPAs) for algae
provide essential data for making sure all available ecological data is considered.
Water Framework Directive
This has provided a powerful framework that compels member states to ensure good ecological
condition for all rivers, lakes and coastal water by 2015, including the development of River
Basin Management Plans. The potential for conserving and restoring key habitats for wild plants
and algae is immense but as with all legislation the benefits for wild plants and their habitats
will depend on how the law is implemented on the ground.
More information and reading
l EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/index_en.htm
l EU Water Framework Directive
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/waterframework/index_en.html
Invasive species
Invasive plant and fungi species cost billions in eradication programmes each year and are a
direct and increasing threat to the diversity of plant species across Europe
Many invasive species are spread through trade and garden plants, and any attempts to halt
their spread must tackle this issue through ban on sale of known invasives, and effective and
rapid assessment of new trade species for their invasive threat level. The problem of invasives
is a truly European one which does not respect national boundaries, and solutions must include
Europe-wide early warning systems, effective legislation on trade, and targeted information and
eradication programmes.
The EU is currently consulting on a Strategy for Invasive Species and the measures that it should
contain. Plantlife International and the Planta Europa Network has responded to the European
Commission and suggested that a new directive is needed that will take account of the need for
an effective early warning system, legally enforced trade bans, as well as communication and
eradication programmes. The EU has also funded the DAISIE project which provides a first port
of call for information on invasive species and experts across Europe.
The Council of Europe through the Bern Convention developed the first Pan-European Strategy
for Invasive Alien Species in 2003, and has also co-ordinated a European Code of Conduct for
Horticulture and Invasive Alien Species (2008).
More information and reading
l Strategy for Invasive Species
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/
invasivealien/index_en.htm
l DAISIE project
http://www.europe-aliens.org
l European Code of Conduct for Horticulture and
Invasive Alien Species (2008)
http://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention
Climate change
Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere to prevent further man-made
climate change is one of the most pressing concerns of our age. However, plant conservation
has much to offer in terms of value for money efforts to reducing CO2 and mitigating the
effects of climate change
Plants absorb CO2 for free — conservation and restoration of wetland and coastal ecosystems
will help reduce the impact of extreme weather events, while forests, peatlands, and grasslands
lock up CO2 and help to prevent soil erosion. All of these measures are most cost effective than
man-made coastal and riverine defences or man-made carbon-capture programmes, and must
form part of the suite of responses to climate change adaptation.
However, there is a real danger that climate changes measures such as afforestation
programmes and the growing of biofuels will have a negative affect on plant diversity across
the world. The climate change debate must not be allowed to overshadow the loss of species
diversity and ecosystem degradation. This would simply replace one problem with another.
Poorly implemented afforestation programmes threaten to introduce invasive species or to
destroy other habitats (grasslands, heathlands and peatlands) in an attempt to grow more
trees. National and regional afforestation programmes must be carried out within a transparent
strategy that includes protection of biodiversity.
The growing of biofuels is also a major area of concern for plant conservation and social justice,
particularly the indirect land use change (deforestation to make way for biofuel crops, the
replacement of food crops) and the potential spread of invasive species. The growing demand
for biofuels threatens to destroy many important habitats — for example, South East Asian
hardwood forests cut down to make way for palm oil plantations, or the threat to peatlands and
peat forests from palm oil documented by Wetlands International.
EU Climate Change Policy and the Renewable Energy Directive
While we recognise the commitment that the EU has made to reduce its carbon emissions by
2020, there needs to be greater integration of climate change policy with biodiversity policy.
This will help develop sustainable, cost-effective solutions and prevent perverse incentives
such as the current biofuels target in the Renewable Energy Directive, which threatens to
destroy crucial habitats without bringing about a net reduction in carbon dioxide levels.
The sustainability criteria for EU biofuels must be transparent, stringent and effectively
implemented and scrutinised.
More information and reading
l EU Climate Change Policy http://eur-lex.europa.eu/
summary/chapter/environment.html?root_default=SUM_1_
CODED%3D20,SUM_2_CODED%3D2001&locale=en
l Renewable Energy Directive
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/
ALL/?uri=CELEX:32009L0028
Sustainable development policy
Sustainable development (meeting the needs of present generations without
jeopardising the needs of future generations) is the cornerstone of all attempts to
conserve biodiversity
The way we use or overuse our natural resources determines the land cover in a large part of
the world. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Global and European Strategies for
Plant Conservation specifically include targets on sustainable use of plant products and plant
conservation in production lands, but these are the targets with the least available data and
the least reported progress. This is the area where plant conservation must move away from
its traditional territory of endangered species and protected areas, and take on the challenge
of raising awareness of how the ways we shop and live our lives affect the natural world and
the more sustainable alternatives that exist.
EU Sustainable Development Strategy
The EU Sustainable Development Policy has seven priority challenges: climate change and
clean energy; sustainable transport; sustainable consumption and production; conservation
and management of natural resources, public health; social inclusion, demography and
migration; global poverty and sustainable development. In addition, each Member State
has its own National Sustainable Development Strategy. There is still a long way to go in
integrating this strategy across all the other policy areas of the EU which include sustainable
procurement in EU initiatives, effective EIA and SEA assessments for EU-funded projects,
imports into the EU including biofuel imports discussed above, forestry policy and reform of
the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
More information and reading
l EU Sustainable Development Strategy
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/