Biodiversity in decline: one million species at risk, EU at crossroads

In fact, a representative system of legally protected areas has been established throughout the EU: the Natura 2000 network. This is the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world, totalling 27,000 natural sites protected by EU laws. These sites are the size of Spain and Italy combined.

The new European Biodiversity Strategy 2030 then set concrete targets for the expansion of these protected areas and nationally designated areas. In particular, member states are required to allocate at least 30 per cent of the land and sea area under their jurisdiction to protected areas by the end of the decade.

At the end of 2022 (latest available data), terrestrial protected areas covered 26% of the EU territory, with 18.6% of the EU territory designated as Natura 2000 sites and 7.5% with other complementary national designations.

The trend over the last decade is positive although not particularly exciting, especially in recent years: +1.8 percentage points since 2011. According to the European Environment Agency, there is currently no certainty that the EU will reach the 30% target unless the rate of protected area designation doubles by 2030.

Nine Member States have already reached the target, with a higher concentration in Eastern Europe. By contrast, in five countries, mostly located in Northern Europe, coverage is still below 15%.

Even less encouraging are the figures for marine protected areas, which account for just 12% of EU waters. Although the share has doubled in the last decade, at present it seems unlikely that the 30% target will be reached.

Among the ten member states furthest from reaching the target is Italy. In 2023, the European Commission started an infringement procedure (INFR(2023)2181) against our country for non-compliance with the Habitats Directive, in particular for failing to take adequate measures to prevent the incidental capture of protected marine species, such as cetaceans and turtles, in Natura 2000 sites.

In conclusion, the biodiversity crisis is not a distant or abstract problem: it concerns our health, our economy and our survival. European policies provide a solid regulatory framework, but their effectiveness depends on political will and the active involvement of civil society.