IUCN Europe Programme 2021-2024
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IUCN Europe Programme 2021-2024 IUCN EUROPEAN REGIONAL OFFICE
About IUCN IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and some 18,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards. IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development. www.iucn.org twitter.com/IUCN/
IUCN Europe Programme 2021-2024
Published by: IUCN, European Regional Office
Copyright: © 2021 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
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Table of contents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
1. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. The path to 2030: A new programme for transformative change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. IUCN leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1. Leading by example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2. Enacting the IUCN Global Programme, Nature 2030, in Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. Partnerships for nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5. The European Programme of work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.1. Enhancing IUCN tools and their use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.1.1. Enhancing the use of the IUCN Global NbS standard and practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.1.2. Continue the work on developing and updating the IUCN Red Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.1.3. Promote the uptake of IUCN tools in the designation, classification and
management of Protected Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.2. Impact areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.2.1. Integrate nature efficiently and effectively in urban planning and infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.2.2. Develop a circular economy model that integrates biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.2.3. Achieving a more sustainable agricultural and food system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.2.4. Support the development of a genuine sustainable finance system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.2.5. Support the restoration of European ecosystems to bend the curve of biodiversity loss . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2.6. Reverse the decline of pollinators through use of knowledge products and policy efforts . . . . . . . 20
5.2.7. Minimise the impact of Invasive Alien Species in Europe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.8. Promote the protection and restoration of forest ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.2.9. Support halting illegal deforestation globally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.2.10. Support the protection of biodiversity in EU Overseas Territories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.2.11. Monitor policy development and support biodiversity protection in the Arctic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6. Implementation of the European Work Programme. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Annex: Programme Impact Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 iii
iv IUCN Europe Programme
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1.1. Foreword
Foreword
The environmental challenges we So why are we not achieving our targets? The
reason is simple: action taken so far is far
face come as no surprise. During
from enough, and it is not happening at a
the past decades, the prioritisation fast enough pace. We need a transformative
of economic growth has placed change and this will need the joint efforts of
all of us, but also clear science-based targets
environmental protection at the
and a focus on the effective implementation
bottom of the political agenda and of environmental policies and legislations.
promoted a socio-economic model Moreover, to address the intertwined crises of
biodiversity loss and climate change, we must
incompatible with our planetary
tackle them jointly.
boundaries. We are well aware of the
ground-breaking scientific reports It is in this context that the IUCN European
which clearly demonstrate the Programme 2021-2024 has been elaborated. This
is the way forward for the IUCN constituency
detrimental state of the environment - Members, Commissions and Secretariat -
and how human life is fundamentally to achieve the mission of a just Europe that
altering the delicate balance of our values and conserves nature. This document
outlines the framework in which IUCN Europe
planet. The past two years have seen
will operate in the European region, in line with
an unexpected new element: the the overall IUCN Nature 2030 Programme. It
global pandemic. This crisis has been highlights the core principles which we will
focus on: leadership by example, informing EU
a clear example of how deep the
policies, convening and consensus building
interlinkages between humans and with partners and members, and improving
nature are, and it demonstrated how IUCN’s impact through knowledge tools such
as the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based
we cannot live a healthy life on a
Solutions, the Red Lists and the IUCN Protected
sick planet. Areas management categories. The Programme
will underpin our work to ensure a just transition
to a more sustainable world which puts our
We have all the information, and this includes planet on the path to recovery.
the fact that some steps in the right direction
have been taken. The EU Green Deal and The urgency of the environmental crises has
most of its attached policies, such as the EU never been more apparent, but we have the
Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Circular tools to put us on the path to a greener and
Economy Action Plan or the Farm to Fork more sustainable future. The IUCN European
Strategy, have generated unprecedented Regional Programme 2021-2024 signals the
political momentum both at the EU level and direction for a better future for people and
beyond. about it is evident that we need to nature. We must be ambitious and bold, and
move away from business-as-usual scenarios most of all we need to work together as a Union:
and promote a more holistic approach to for us, for the future generations and for the
nature conservation, working towards synergies planet.
between sectors. Intersectoral dialogues
are increasingly being convened, normally Alberto Arroyo Schnell
including the environmental voice. IUCN European Regional Programme Coordinator
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 v
Foreword
vi IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024
© Danist Soh / unsplash.com
1.1. Summary
1. Summary
The IUCN Europe Programme for the period context, including the implementation of the
2021 – 2024 is the response of IUCN to the EU Green Deal and the external influence of
environmental crises we are facing: it is the the European region. In this context, Nature-
implementation means of the global IUCN based Solutions are a good example which can
Nature 2030 Programme in the European be mainstreamed in all our areas of work, to
Region. It is also a programme for the Union: provide benefits for people, the planet and the
for Members, Commissions and the Secretariat. economy. Through a number of areas of work,
This programme reflects not only the action we will pursue the sustainable use of land and
foreseen in the European region, but also its restoration, the integrating of nature in cities,
the influence that this region can have in the a reshaping of our economy and future healthy
rest of the world. Therefore, we follow the oceans, and tackling climate change.
general principle of “leading by example”. Also
fundamental is the work with others and the The programme aims to guide action and
need for partnerships. This means the inclusion strengthen collaboration between IUCN
of sectors in environmental conversations, and Members, Commissions and National
even more importantly the inclusion of the Committees in the region, as well as
environmental voice in the sectoral discussions. between IUCN Secretariat offices and the
related programmes, especially the IUCN
Keeping in mind that humans are a pivotal Mediterranean Cooperation Centre in Málaga
component of the ecosystem which is our and the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Office.
planet, we will focus on convening and The Programme will underpin our work to
consensus building with public and private ensure a just transition to a more sustainable
stakeholders, knowledge products such as world which puts our planet on the path to
the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based recovery.
Solutions or the IUCN Red Lists, and the policy
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 1
Summary
2 IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024
© Henry Co / unsplash.com1.1. The path to 2030: A new programme for transformative change
2. The path to 2030: A
new programme for
transformative change
The current societal production and surrounding environment. It is fundamental
consumption patterns, especially in the that future efforts are guided by the One Health
Global North, including the EU, coupled with principle.
a growing human population have exceeded
our planetary boundaries and accelerated It is clear that we need transformative
the biodiversity crisis. By prioritising economic change to protect the planet and ourselves.
growth, we failed to consider the key aspect of The year 2020 was hailed in the international
environmental health. Actually, the COVID-19 environmental arena as the Super Year for
pandemic showed how fragile our societies can Nature. It also marked the beginning of the UN
be and how interconnected our health is to the Decade on Ecosystem1 Restoration (called by
The EU Green Deal: the way forward for the EU
To ensure the transformative change happens there is the need for clear examples of
leadership and commitment. It is within this framework that the European Union leads the way
with its new growth strategy: the EU Green Deal. Presented in December 2019, the European
Commission’s flagship initiative has been constellated by a series of thematic policies aimed
at ensuring a fair, economically viable and sustainable transition towards a greener future. The
new Circular Economy Action Plan, the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Zero Pollution Action plan for
Water, Air and Soil are all elements of the EU Green Deal which bring new hope that the EU is
finally addressing holistically the dual crisis of biodiversity loss and climate change. One of the
crucial components of the Green Deal for IUCN’s work is the new EU Biodiversity Strategy to
2030, which aims to ensure that Europe’s biodiversity will be on the path to recovery by 2030, in
line with other international commitments. Supporting the implementation, in an inclusive and
fair manner, based on the commitments included in these strategies will constitute a priority
for IUCN Europe in the upcoming four years.
The European Union’s influence on international policy has been steadily increasing over the
past years and the EU is now considered one of the main geopolitical actors. Through the
European Economic Area, the Neighbourhood Policy and a series of bilateral agreements
the EU is able to greatly influence countries bordering its frontiers. For example, the internal
strategies of the EU 27 Member States shape pivotal environmental conventions such as
the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the
Convention to Combat Desertification, the Bern Convention, the Alpine Convention, the
Carpathian Convention, and the regional seas conventions (OSPAR, HELCOM, Barcelona and
Black Sea Conventions).
1 https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 3The path to 2030: A new programme for transformative change
world leaders at the SDG Summit in September 2021 is also be the beginning of our new IUCN
2019) and the UN Decade of Action22 (a ten-year European Programme, which will guide the
period to spur effective measures and develop Union’s activities on European territory for
inclusive policies aimed at reconciling human the next four years, in harmony with the global
society with the natural environment, leaving Nature 2030 IUCN Programme, which for the
no one behind in the transition). In these first time, sets its ambition in a decadal time
challenging times, we can only hope we have frame (2021-2030). This longer-term outlook
finally realised how important it is to preserve ensures alignment with the United Nations
and protect our natural heritage for our own 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
health and survival on earth. This should be as well as the post-2020 Global Biodiversity
the beginning of our recovery and should Framework, which will be adopted during the
pave the way towards a new era for nature fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the
conservation. But, this should only be the Parties at the UN Convention on Biological
start. We believe that every year from now on Diversity (CBD) soon. In parallel, the programme
should be a super year for nature. will also be aligned with other relevant
international environmental processes under
the UNFCCC and UNCCD.
2 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/decade-of-action/
4 IUCN Europe Programme
2021-20241.1. IUCN leadership
3. IUCN leadership
IUCN Europe will follow the five pathways to nature. Moreover, the upcoming four years
transformative change outlined in the IUCN and beyond will be marked by the recovery
global programme Nature 2030: Recognise, from the global health and economic crises.
Retain, Restore, Resource and Reconnect. Cross- An unprecedented amount of resources will
sectoral and multidisciplinary collaborations be available to rebuild our societies and IUCN
will be fostered to ensure the importance will ensure that funding will be positive for
of a whole-of-society approach to today’s nature and that the EU answers the demands
environmental crises. Complementary to this of European citizens for action on the twin
first pathway, there is the need to stress the crises to truly build back better. Synergies with
concept of ownership, understood as the need national, European and international policies
for all segments of society to feel responsible will therefore be fundamental in determining a
for enabling a just and fair transition to a successful and efficient coordinated approach.
more sustainable future. Based on the key The reconnect pathway to transformative
programme areas defined in this document, change is of particular importance as it is well
IUCN will relentlessly work to retain and restore connected with the IUCN Europe’s objective
our natural capital. Our work to protect Europe’s to increase our presence and visibility of our
habitats and species, tackle the drivers of ambition for a green recovery and investment in
biodiversity loss and enhance the uptake of nature amongst decision-makers, researchers,
nature-based solutions will contribute to IUCN’s businesses and civil society.
vision of a just world that values and conserves
3.1. Leading by example
The impact of the European region, in IUCN Cambridge Office, as well as with constant
particular the European Union in the exchange of views with our British members.
environmental field reaches far beyond its
borders. It influences neighbouring countries, Furthermore, it is important to remind how
such as those in the European Economic the global reach of the European Union is
Area, and the entire Eurasian region. 2020 also linked to the Overseas Countries and
coincided with the withdrawal of the United Territories (OCTs) and Outermost Regions
Kingdom from the EU, marking yet another (ORs). From the poles to the tropics, the EU
event of this tumultuous year. The strong Overseas are amazing gateways and critical
historical relationship between the UK, the strategic actors of cooperation in the Pacific, the
EU and IUCN, however, will not cease with Caribbean and Amazonia region, the Atlantic
the ratification of the agreement. A priority and the Macaronesia region, the Indian Ocean
for the IUCN European Programme will be to region and the polar regions of the world,
continue fostering collaboration opportunities, an ever-increasing focus for future efforts.
promote the development of joint projects With its regional offices, IUCN bolsters the
and support a united front in key international environmental European Union external action
environmental negotiations with relevant and contributes to the implementation of the
institutions in the UK. IUCN can and will be an European Green Deal beyond the EU borders.
example of how a mutually beneficial post- The BIOPAMA programme is in this regard a key
Brexit cooperation should look like, through the example. Through the BIOPAMA partnership,
work of the European Regional Office and the 79 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 5IUCN leadership
the Pacific benefit from tailored support on EU Green Deal and the IUCN Programmes
protected area management and governance to are mutually reinforcing and their synergies
achieve their international commitments. provide a concrete framework in which IUCN
action can be of the utmost effectiveness.
Beyond the pan-European region and its Thus, IUCN Europe aims to play a key role in
corresponding instruments (such as the Bern the upcoming four years in supporting an
Convention, but also the marine Regional adequate implementation of the EU Green
Conventions), it is undeniable how the work Deal, which remains the key challenge.
of IUCN Europe is inextricably linked with Furthermore, its operations in the Brussels
the European Union and its institutions. The ‘bubble’, heart and hub of European politics,
current European Parliament and European facilitates the European Office’s tasks in
Commission will continue until 2024, therefore fostering relationships with a wide array of
the European’s agenda is closely aligned institutions and stakeholders in the capital of
with the IUCN Programme 2021-2024. The Europe.
3.2. Enacting the IUCN Global Programme, Nature 2030, in
Europe
The first priority area of IUCN’s Nature 2030 ecosystems and the services they provide,
programme concerns People. The key ensure the sustainability of production
objectives to be pursued in this area include landscapes, promote equitable access to
the realisation of equitable and effective natural water resources for all, and strive to include
resource governance, the enforcement of the nature values in water governance, law and
environmental rule of law, the advancement of investments. In this context, IUCN welcomed
the rights, roles and obligations of indigenous the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, which
peoples and local communities (IPLCs), includes both a commitment to protect 30% of
women and girls, and youth in relation to the Europe’s land and sea, as well as the proposal
conservation and sustainable use of nature. for legally binding restoration targets aimed
The European Union has declared its intention at safeguarding key EU ecosystems which will
to ensure a fair and green transition for all, benefit both biodiversity and climate change.
and supported its claims in the environmental Upscaling the use of Nature-based Solutions
field with important initiatives such as the will continue to be one of the main priority areas
European Climate Pact and the Just Transition of work to enhance climate change resilience,
Mechanism. A multi-stakeholder approach, restore the natural functions of land and
fostering the participation of the youth with water ecosystems and to create regenerative
concrete measures, respecting the fundamental business models that ensure health and
principle of gender equality, and ensuring the wellbeing. The EU Farm to Fork Strategy has
full and effective participation of IPLCs, is the the goal of redirecting our food systems to
only way forward to achieve IUCN’s vision of a greener and more socially just production and
just world that values and conserves nature. consumption patterns. The implementation of
Partnerships with the private sector, a renewed these Strategies will determine how important
focus on sustainable finance and the promotion the EU considers tackling the biodiversity
of practices such as natural capital accounting crisis. IUCN will monitor and help to ensure the
will also play a crucial role in the achievement of implementation is effective. With regards to
IUCN’s vision. the agricultural and food system, IUCN Europe
will maintain engagement in supporting a
The second and third areas of IUCN’s Global transition towards a more sustainable model.
Programme regard Land and Water, which Finally, the EU’s environmental objectives
aim to safeguard key nature conservation concerning urban ecosystems are strongly
areas, conserve and recover species, restore aligned with IUCN’s mission to deliver
6 IUCN Europe Programme
2021-20241.1. IUCN leadership
sustainable solutions to urban challenges and momentum at the international level, its
to IUCN Europe’s leadership and efforts within relevance and the crucial interrelation between
the IUCN secretariat to promote the health the key environmental priorities. The restoration
and conservation of green urban areas and to of forests and ecosystems, for example, should
restore the connectivity between cities and their become an integral part of national climate
surrounding ecosystems. action plans and nationally determined
contributions (NDCs). Being a frontrunner in
The fourth area of work for the next four years environmental protection, IUCN has already
concerns the protection of the world’s oceans. developed tools to support tackling the dual
An important component of the marine work crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. A
during the upcoming years will relate to the very important tool is the IUCN Global Standard
30% protected areas target included in the EU for Nature-based Solutions, which strives to
Biodiversity Strategy, which foresees tripling the ensure that the full potential of addressing
current Marine Protected Areas (MPA) surface. socio-environmental challenges is reached.
Furthermore, and going beyond the marine Therefore, one of the priorities of the future
context, our work on circular economy and the efforts will be the promotion of the integration
marine plastic litter challenge is embedded of such tools into all European policies related
here. In this context, the EU Circular Economy to the adaptation, mitigation of climate change
Action Plan is fundamental, but also the and for natural disaster risk reduction. In the
foreseen Zero Pollution Action Plan for air, water European Union, the fight against climate
and soil - both elements of the EU Green Deal. change has been elevated to the responsibility
Finally, IUCN Europe will support the global of the EU Executive Vice-President who is also
work on issues such as ocean governance, the leading the actions for the EU Green Deal. As
conservation and sustainable use of marine part of the Green Deal, the EU has pledged
biological diversity of areas beyond national to become carbon neutral by 2050 and has
jurisdiction and the UN Decade of Ocean presented a set of measures to achieve this,
Science for Sustainable Development 2021- including: The Climate Law, the new EU
2030, reinforcing the international focus on the Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, and
marine environment. several policies aimed at decarbonising the
industry sector. Similarly to other elements of
The key objective pursued by IUCN in the the Green Deal, the proper implementation of
fifth area of work, Climate change mitigation these policies remains an important focus of
and adaptation, reflects both the political IUCN’s future efforts.
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 7IUCN leadership
8 IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024
© damedias / AdobeStock1.1. Partnerships for nature
4. Partnerships for nature
IUCN provides credible, trusted knowledge, these vital relationships, as we help pave
convenes and builds multi-stakeholder the way for the implementation of the IUCN
partnerships for action, has a global-to-local European Work Programme.
and local-to-global reach, sets and influences
standards, practices and global policies Underpinning all of IUCN’s partnerships is
impartially, and draws on a vast network of the common goal of preserving nature. While
volunteer scientists and expert practitioners the diversity partners may follow different
worldwide. IUCN’s scientific strength, convening pathways for action, it is this common goal
power, global presence, broad and diverse that will continue to serve as guidance for
membership, and, underpinning all of this, cooperation. IUCN Europe will continue to
our partnerships, are integral to the work and convene stakeholder dialogue on nature
functioning of IUCN. This allows for the union conservation, practicing inclusive and
to respond at the scale needed for positive, participatory approaches. With the main goal
timely, and transformative action for a more of mainstreaming biodiversity in all relevant
sustainable future. policy areas - particularly with regards to the
different elements of the European Green Deal
Towards the delivery of the IUCN European - IUCN Europe will continue to advise on and
programme, the respective roles, capacities help determine the EU policy agenda for
and unique features of its constituency – nature. We already nurture many important
Members, Commissions and Secretariat relationships with private sector actors, many of
– in partnership with a diversity of sectors whom have been increasing their commitments
engaged in the sustainable development and action plans for nature and biodiversity,
agenda, will be leveraged. In addition to towards gaining ownership and leading the way
engaging its constituency, IUCN will continue to achieving goals shared by IUCN. Engaging
to work with its partners in science, business, with the business community and ensuring
policy and practice, and will also seek to their true commitment to a greener future
strengthen existing partnerships and diversify through clear measures is fundamental to
into new and innovative collaboration with achieving our 2030 goals in line with the
a wide range of actors. IUCN will continue whole-of-society approach of IUCN.
to reach out across sectors to promote
constructive dialogue and find common IUCN Europe will enhance its cooperation
ground in order to build partnerships and with these partners, particularly in the fields
coalitions that commit to ensuring nature of agriculture and land use, forest ecosystems,
recovery and mainstream natural capital. infrastructure, financing, the circular economy,
and urban development, establishing important
IUCN Europe is a trusted partner of the EU linkages with our policy work and with a focus
institutions (the European Commission, on upscaling the implementation of Nature-
European Parliament, and Council of the EU, based Solutions. We will seek to form new
among others), as well as key EU policymakers partnerships with private sector actors, land
and stakeholders from NGOs to representatives users and managers, urban authorities, civil
of private interest groups, scientific networks society and youth networks and others, to
and business and practice associations, all of help align our actions for nature, achieve our
which are instrumental to the co-creation and goals and commitments, and deliver IUCN’s
implementation of EU policy related to nature. programmatic priorities.
We will continue to sustain and strengthen
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 9Partnerships for nature
10 IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024
© cdc / unsplash.com1.1. The European Programme of work
5. The European
Programme of work
The IUCN Nature 2030 Programme is the ecosystem which is our planet. Convening
framework within which the Brussels office will and consensus building, knowledge products
operate in order to achieve the mission of a and policy settings will be the means for
just Europe that values and conserves nature. IUCN Europe to foster nature conservation
The foundation of our action will be based on and implement measures to counter climate
people: our members, our experts, our staff and change and land degradation. Nature-based
all of those who will join us to protect nature. solutions are the perfect example of scalable
The following figure represents the areas of tools which can be mainstreamed in all our
work, the means and overall direction of the areas of work, to provide benefits for the people,
work of IUCN Europe. The diagram highlights the planet and the economy.
that humans are a pivotal component of the
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 11The European Programme of work
Modelled on the IUCN Nature 2030 programme contribute to each of the aspirational goals /
– under our overall IUCN focus on recognition, headlines above:
retention, restoration, resourcing and
reconnecting – our work will contribute to five Reshaping our economy
overarching goals:
Integrating Nature in Cities
• Sustainable land use and restoration
• Integrating nature in cities Sustainable Land Use
• Reshaping our economy
• Tackling climate change Tackling Climate change
• Healthy oceans
Healthy Oceans
The following colour code will be used in the
following pages, for each Area of Work, as they
12 IUCN Europe Programme
2021-20241.1. The European Programme of work
5.1. Enhancing IUCN tools and their use
5.1.1. Enhancing the use of the IUCN Lists are specifically relevant to achieving many
Global NbS standard and practices of the Aichi targets. At the European level, the
Council of the EU committed to a long-term
(2050) vision and it is the EU who is showing
the ambition to reverse biodiversity loss, lead
The EU’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, a key pillar the world by example and by action, by helping
of the European Green Deal, includes a nature to agree and adopt a transformative post-2020
restoration plan that can boost the uptake of global framework at the 15th Conference of
nature-based solutions. Nature-based solutions the Parties to the Convention on Biological
are also highlighted in the EU strategy on Diversity. In parallel, as already mentioned, in
adaptation to climate change that was recently 2020 the European Commission adopted the EU
adopted by the European Commission. Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 which provides a
framework for action for Europe’s biodiversity
Effective implementation of nature-based and its path to recovery.
solutions in Europe requires development of
technical standards, increased knowledge of IUCN is the lead authority in developing
potential trade-offs, integration across policy and implementing the Red List Categories
sectors, collaborative governance, capacity and Criteria Standard and has applied this
building and financing. Knowledge Product worldwide to a variety of
taxa. To date 15,060 species have been assessed
IUCN will continue to create awareness and on the European Red List with around 24%
build capacity to implement effective NbS. of these listed as being threatened. These
The Global Standard can help to strengthen include all vertebrate species (mammals,
engagement of new target audiences who have amphibians, reptiles, birds, and freshwater and
major impact on protection, restoration actions marine fishes) and a range of invertebrates
of landowners, infrastructure sector, finance (including all aquatic and terrestrial molluscs,
sector and the public and media. By organising grasshoppers, dragonflies, butterflies and
dialogues and establishing partnerships for bees), and plants, lycopods and ferns, crop wild
exchange of knowledge, bringing together relatives, aquatic plants and medicinal plants).
evidence, mapping policy and practice In addition, selected saproxylic beetles and
guidance for NBS across ecosystems at EU endemic vascular plants (262 species) have
and national level, new investment and been assessed. Individual assessments can
implementation of NbS will be promoted. be searched and viewed on the IUCN Red List
website and from the European Commission
The efforts and learning of IUCN Members and European Red List. Currently, IUCN is assessing
partners who implement NbS in Europe provide all of the European native hoverflies, with the
inspiring stories to encourage others to strive European Red List of Hoverflies expected to be
for real change through implementing and published towards the end of 2021.
investing in Nature-based Solutions.
Despite the European Red Lists completed
to date and many other important initiatives,
5.1.2. Continue the work on developing information on biodiversity that is readily
and updating the IUCN Red Lists available can sometimes be limited in scope
and accuracy and may be out of date. IUCN
Red Lists need to be updated every 10 years
to ensure they remain reliable and contribute
Information about biodiversity is critical to to the best available evidence supporting the
achieve European environmental protection conservation status of a species. The vision of
objectives. At the global level, the European Red the European Red List is to produce reliable
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 13The European Programme of work
information on the status of biodiversity In Europe, IUCN will continue engaging with
available to support the work of policy makers Member States and the European Commission,
and practitioners. Red List data are primarily in efforts to further promote the take up of one
used as indicators of biodiversity trends at the of its key knowledge products in European
species level but can also be extrapolated for countries and have the number of species
use as indicators of trends at the habitat or present on the Red List to continue increasing.
ecosystem level. Except for birds and freshwater This refers also to the Red List for Ecosystems:
fishes, no other European species groups (out of a related exercise was completed in 2016 in
the 20 already covered by the European Red List Europe, and can serve as a base for future
Initiative) have been reassessed. IUCN’s work related action.
in this coming period in Europe will focus on a
large-scale Red List reassessments.
5.1.3. Promote the uptake of IUCN tools
Developing an updated European Red List in the designation, classification
for species groups will provide a more precise and management of Protected
overview of the status of biodiversity in Europe, Areas
identify changes to the main threats to them
and make recommendations for further
research and conservation action needed.
Protected areas (PA) play an important role
Via its work on the reassessments, IUCN will in nature conservation in Europe. Effectively
provide a European scale snapshot of the managed systems of protected areas are critical
progress made so far to conserve these species instruments in achieving policy objectives in
in Europe, as well as the contribution of past Europe. The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030
conservation measures to reduce the extinction defined important targets for the designation,
risk of these species while helping identify classification and management of Protected
priority sites for further conservation action. The Areas. Its ambition is to strengthen the Natura
European-level reassessments can also be used 2000 network aiming to protect and effectively
to produce a Red List Index for key taxonomic manage at least 30% of EU land and 30% of sea
groups, and this aspect will also be tackled area, of which 10% should be strictly protected
during the reassessment work. through an EU wide network of ecologically
representative protected areas by 2030.
Overall, IUCN will maintain its focus on species This network of ecologically representative
and habitats via its work on the European Red protected areas consists of Natura 2000 sites
List, as well as strengthen expert networks as well as national PA types. The ambition is
(taxonomy) in Europe. This work will continue to enlarge existing areas and designate areas
in Europe, especially in support of the of very high biodiversity and climate value to
implementation and monitoring of the EU strict protection (i.e. following IUCN protected
Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. IUCN Europe will areas (PAs) management categories I and II).
facilitate the conservation of even more species It is also of importance to create a system of
by moving them from assessment, through interconnected biotopes between the existing
conservation planning and onto effective protected areas. Furthermore, IUCN Europe
action, by working with partners to identify will continue its efforts towards an enhanced
opportunities for Assess – Plan – Act workflows use of the IUCN “Global Standard for the
and partnerships” as outlined in the IUCN Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas”. Other
Species Strategic Plan 2021-2024. The European effective area-based conservation measures
Red List is compiled by IUCN’s Global Species (OECMs) will also play a fundamental role in
Programme in collaboration with the IUCN achieving a truly coherent and ecologically
Species Survival Commission and other partners representative European PA network. The
and experts. Brussels office will work to support its members,
the EU institutions and other key stakeholders
in integrating the IUCN guidelines on OECMs
14 IUCN Europe Programme
2021-20241.1. The European Programme of work
within the PA discussion at the international, EU an EU project which ended in 2019. It assessed
and national level. Achieving these ambitious the benefits and constraints of setting up a
targets will require increased efforts by Green Listing process specifically tailored for
Member States to effectively implement the Natura 2000, considering technical, economic
EU’s Birds and Habitats Directives and improve and operational feasibility and synergies with
management approaches. existing instruments. This remains an important
area of work and knowledge product, which
The IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved IUCN will continue developing and further
Areas (the ‘IUCN Green List Programme’) aims disseminating in Europe.
to promote effective management of PA. In
the European context, IUCN Europe worked IUCN will continue its collaboration with the
to adapt the IUCN Green List Sustainability IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme (GPAP),
Standard to Natura 2000 sites by developing where the IUCN Green List of Protected and
specific indicators in line with the requirements Conserved Areas (GLPCA) is the most important
of the EU’s Birds and Habitats Directives. The area of interest in the European context.
work was implemented in the framework of
5.2. Impact areas
5.2.1. Integrate nature efficiently and Translating this to the challenges of our
effectively in urban planning and increasingly urban world and the growing
infrastructure momentum for greening and reforesting,
climate change resilience as well as circular and
sustainable lifestyles, it is important to consider
for which animal, plant and tree species we
Protecting and enhancing biodiversity should create a home in our city streets, roofs, parks
not only focus on pristine habitats in remote and backyards. Cities do not only harbour a
areas, but on creating space for nature in significant fraction of the world’s biodiversity,
the places where people live. With almost but will also be more liveable and resilient for all
75% of Europe’s citizens living in urban areas, living creatures, through nature-friendly urban
there are multiple benefits to improving and design, and learning from nature.
strengthening NbS in cities:
To strengthen action to integrate the values
• Improvement of biodiversity by creating of nature in urban planning and development
more and better habitats for animals and and to mobilise investment in nature-based
plants; solutions for cities, ambitious cities that lead
• Better quality of the living environment the way in this transition require additional
for citizens by making the city a more resources and capacity to work towards these
enjoyable, clean and healthy place to live objectives.
and work during times of crisis and normal
daily life; An important ambition of IUCN is to catalyse
• Effective climate adaptation, as flood and the much-needed support for cities to access
heat mitigation, drought prevention, carbon state of the art knowledge and best practices,
storage and improved air quality, food, exchange experiences, join forces in mobilising
water and energy supply. financial resources to implement nature-
• A more attractive city environment based solutions to their most urgent societal
supporting economic development, health, challenges and to inspire others to follow suit.
investments and green jobs.
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2021-2024 15The European Programme of work
Cities play a leading role in the green recovery spaces, eliminate the use of pesticides, limit
actions that are currently under development in excessive mowing of urban green spaces and
response to Covid-19 and will need to combine other biodiversity harmful practices. Such plans
health and nature objectives with benefits could mobilise policy, regulatory and financial
for jobs and the creation of a pipeline of tools.
sustainable innovative new projects that can be
implemented quickly while creating long-term The IUCN Urban Alliance envisages a world in
resilience. which nature thrives in urban areas providing
solutions to multiple environmental, social
Urban green and blue spaces provide billions and economic challenges. In its initial phase
of dollars in cost savings in preventing flooding of development (2019-2021), we are working
and other climate related disasters, while towards three objectives:
improving quality of life and resilience of cities.
Trees, rivers, parks, wetlands, soils, aquifers, • To create a platform for debate and
urban forests and other vegetation reduce air knowledge exchange on urban dimensions
pollution, limit flooding, improve water quality, of nature conservation;
store carbon and improve health and climate. • To catalyse new projects and partnerships
for greener cities; and
IUCN will support cities with knowledge, • To develop an ‘Urban Nature Index’ to
capacity building and peer to peer learning to measure change and drive action.
improve nature through its integration in urban
design, planning and practice and upscaling the To achieve these goals, we are collaborating
implementation of nature-based solutions to with a range of IUCN constituents – Members,
societal challenges. The cities will be supported Commissions, National Committees and
with strategy development and action, have Secretariat Units.
access to IUCN knowledge, experts and tools
and to mobilise funding, create awareness and
engagement of citizens, set up educational 5.2.2. Develop a circular economy model
programmes, development of strategies that integrates biodiversity
for urban planning and implementation of
nature-based solutions and support research
and monitoring on the value of urban natural
assets and their benefits for responding to The focus on the broader circular economy
societal challenges. This will result in cities discussion is now consolidated: after years of
with enhanced urban biodiversity and nature, participating in the high-level assemblies of
improved health and liveability, social justice, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder
more local food production, circular economy Platform, IUCN Europe was recently elected
and better climate adaptation and mitigation to a member of the Platform’s Coordination
build back better. Group, where our mandate for the upcoming
years will be to more closely integrate nature
These activities are linked to the objectives and biodiversity into the circular economy
of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and EU Green discussion. In the EU policy arena, the European
City Accord: To bring nature back to cities and Green Deal has set out a number of important
reward community action, the Commission calls objectives and targets for biodiversity and
on European cities of at least 20,000 inhabitants the circular economy, chief among them the
to develop ambitious Urban Greening Plans Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 and the new
by the end of 2021. These should include Circular Economy Action Plan, respectively.
measures to create biodiverse and accessible While the actions under the Green Deal must
urban forests, parks and gardens; urban farms; be coherent and integrated, the relationship
green roofs and walls; tree-lined streets; urban between the circular economy and biodiversity
meadows; and urban hedges. They should remains underexplored, both in theory as well as
also help improve connections between green in policy and practice. Globally, and for IUCN, the
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circular economy is gaining prominence. In the support the ambition of the EU to become
upcoming years, it will be important to closely a global leader in the circular economy and
align the two fields of sustainability action, and biodiversity alike.
IUCN Europe will play a key role in this respect.
• Convening and consensus building: IUCN
Over the next 4 years, IUCN Europe will play an Europe will continue to be an active
active part in supporting this crucial activity, member of a number of key platforms,
with a special focus on the relation between the providing an environmental voice to the
promotion of circular economy and halting the discussion. These platforms include the
loss of biodiversity, both in terms of policy and Marine Strategy Framework Directive
on the ground: Technical Group on Marine Litter as well
as of the European Tyre and Road Wear
• Knowledge and learning: As a key activity Particle Platform, which will continue
in the upcoming years, IUCN Europe will convening over the coming years. Further
engage in knowledge-building to explore to this, IUCN Europe will play a key role in
and strengthen the relationship between facilitating discussions among experts and
the circular economy and biodiversity. In stakeholders to connect and strengthen the
collaboration with other members of the relationship between the circular economy
Coordination Group of the Circular Economy and biodiversity.
Stakeholder Platform, and in discussions
with key stakeholders, IUCN Europe
will contribute to the newly-emerging 5.2.3. Achieving a more sustainable
knowledge base to link the two areas, agricultural and food system
while also providing the crucial focus on
policy. This will help support and anchor
nature in the political priority for a transition
to a circular economy. IUCN Europe will IUCN Europe has been actively engaged in the
contribute to mainstreaming the use of discussions surrounding the greening of the EU
Nature-based Solutions and the Global Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), in particular
Standard towards the implementation of through the participation in high-level
relevant elements under the European discussions and in the facilitation of stakeholder
Green Deal and the overarching goal of a dialogues to inform the CAP as well as other
transition to sustainable production and relevant policies. IUCN has also been active
consumption in harmony with nature. in the debate on the concept of sustainable
agriculture, and in the provision of knowledge
• Policy setting: The upcoming 4 years will on the subject, through the recent publication
be crucial for the EUs circular economy “Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture”3.
policy, with numerous ambitious objectives The European Green Deal launched a series
under the Circular Economy Action Plan, of strategies and targets, which will be
including a host of legislative and policy instrumental for the future of agriculture and
developments. These will touch upon the food system in Europe as well as globally.
sustainable production and consumption, The Farm to Fork Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy
as well as further legislative measures to 2030, and EU Forest Strategy will (among
to tackle unintentionally-released other important elements) help shape the
microplastics, which have a significant transition to sustainable agriculture, and
impact on the natural environment. Falling will need to be closely integrated into EU
under the umbrella of the European Green agricultural policy.
Deal, the objectives and targets under the
Circular Economy Action Plan will need Over the next 4 years, IUCN Europe will play an
to align with those in the Biodiversity active part in supporting this crucial transition,
Strategy to 2030. IUCN Europe will also both in terms of policy and on the ground:
IUCN Europe Programme
2021-2024 17The European Programme of work
• Knowledge and learning: The IUCN the urban and the rural dimensions. In
paper on approaches to sustainable this context, IUCN Europe will continue
agriculture highlighted the need to better to convene stakeholders and facilitate
be able to measure the sustainability, in exchange, towards building consensus
particular environmental aspects, of the and mutually-agreed ways forward for the
approaches and practices outlined. While transition to sustainable agriculture – e.g.
the various approaches and practices agreeing on metrics and the application
for sustainable agriculture can each be of NbS. While our dialogues thus far have
the most suitable given their particular primarily explored food production, bringing
circumstances or environment in which together environmental and agricultural
they are implemented, we still lack stakeholders, the transition to sustainable
appropriate and measurable indicators by agriculture, and a truly sustainable food
which we could ascertain and compare system, requires the consideration of a host
the environmental impacts and benefits of other questions. These include how much
thereof. To help facilitate the uptake of food we produce (linking to the issues of
sustainable agricultural practices and food waste) as well as what kinds of food we
approaches in general, IUCN Europe will produce (linking to the issues of health and
work on exchanging and building the the environmental impacts of the continued
knowledge base among agricultural and production of certain kinds of food requiring
environmental stakeholders towards a set of excessive amounts of processing or land).
mutually recognized metrics for sustainable The Farm to Fork Strategy seeks to examine
agriculture. Another key area of work in the whole food value chain. Moving forward,
terms of knowledge and learning will entail IUCN Europe would like to include in our
mainstreaming the use of Nature-based discussions additional stakeholder groups
Solutions and the recent IUCN Global in order to better capture the whole chain
Standard, towards the implementation (including e.g. the pesticide industry, food
of relevant elements under the European processors, wholesalers and retailers, and
Green Deal and CAP and the overarching consumer organisations, while keeping
goal of a transition to sustainable up the participation from farmer and
agriculture and a sustainable food system. environmental organisations, academia and
policymakers).
• Policy setting: The upcoming 4 years will
be crucial for EU agricultural policy, with
the “transitional CAP” in place until the 5.2.4. Support the development of a
end of 2022, the EU Member States’ CAP genuine sustainable finance
Strategic Plans drafted and agreed within system
this time, with the implementation of the
new eco-schemes from 2023, and with the
discussions on the CAP post-2027 already
kicking off. All of these developments will The global pandemic is a reminder of how
need to be in line with the objectives as deeply economy, nature and society are
outlined in the umbrella European Green interconnected. Never has it been more clear
Deal, in particular those in the Farm to Fork that a system change is needed to make the
Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy to 2030. health of people and our planet the highest
priority on the economic and political agenda.
• Convening and consensus building: Land
users and land owners - with a special The rate of global loss of nature has increased
mention to farmers - are key actors, as extensively in the last 50 years and the
they work on the ground they are the degradation of the planet’s ecosystems is
ones finally implementing the policies. undermining its ability to provide vital goods
Rethinking our food systems requires and services that enable our economies
a holistic approach that considers both to thrive. A substantial part of the world’s
18 IUCN Europe Programme
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economic growth is dependent on nature, In this context, IUCN has been and will continue
however, the value of natural assets and to be actively engaged within the high-level
ecosystem services is not included in the stakeholder dialogues aimed at developing an
economic equation. The valuation and EU-wide Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and
integration of nature in business, investment will support the creation of (public-private)
and policy decisions and the use of Nature- partnerships for action to mobilise investment
based Solutions provides new opportunities in upscaling NbS and ecosystem restoration.
for business that respect dependence on
nature and reduce harm for biodiversity and
ecosystems. 5.2.5. Support the restoration of
European ecosystems to bend the
The European Green Deal presents a clear curve of biodiversity loss
pathway for shaping Europe’s future actions
for growth and development with the strong
ambition to integrate the value of nature in
all sectors of the economy. Business has a The European Green Deal offers a unique
crucial role in delivering the transformative opportunity to bring back the balance between
change that is envisioned by this new growth ecology, economy and society and to bring
strategy by mobilising investment and our production systems within planetary
establishing unconventional partnerships for boundaries. Making the transition towards agro-
action. However, a comprehensive framework ecological ways of production is needed to feed
of legislation is essential to preserve Europe’s the world, protect biodiversity, and to combat
natural capital and to achieve the EU’s target for rural poverty and climate change.
net-zero emissions by 2050.
In Europe there is an increasing understanding
IUCN objectives are to contribute to the and sense of urgency to halt this ongoing loss
development of standards for sustainable of biodiversity and ecosystems degradation.
investment, through its involvement in the EU With respect to land management practices,
Sustainable Finance Expert Group, and to help this implies a growing concern with the overall
accelerate mainstreaming of natural capital sustainability, land management practices
and to stimulate public and private financing and natural resource management. Systemic
for the upscaling of Nature-based Solutions. In solutions for upscaling soil and landscape
particular by addressing barriers to investment, restoration to increase biodiversity and
such as market and institutional failures, the support a wide range of ecosystem services,
fact that natural capital is considered a high as envisioned in the Biodiversity Strategy for
risk investment with long payback periods 2030, is considered essential for a sustainable
and high up-front cost, as well as insufficient future. Enhanced land management practices
understanding of the benefits of Nature-based based on natural solutions with action towards
Solutions. sustainability along the food, forest and fibre
supply chain lie at the heart of a green recovery.
IUCN will bring together representatives
of the private sector, the European Union, The gains of landscape restoration will not
governments and civil society for exchange and only be considerable for biodiversity and
dialogue on the opportunity that biodiversity ecosystems, but also for soil fertility, carbon
and ecosystem services offer to achieve the storage and productivity and a range of other
objectives of the European Green Deal with ecosystem services. Land restoration, together
regards to financing. Inspiring examples and with reduced and avoided degradation that
innovative ideas for business, nature and people increases carbon storage or avoids greenhouse
will be shared and practical solutions for a swift gas emissions in global forests, wetlands,
and successful integration of natural capital in grasslands and croplands could provide more
the business plans and action for recovery and than one third of the most cost-effective
resilience. greenhouse gas mitigation activities required
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2021-2024 19You can also read
