Biodiversity: a crucial aspect for sustainable agricultural production and consumption

EPOA supports the aim of the EU Biodiversity Strategy in the conservation and restoration of biodiversity and urges stakeholders to take adequate actions to protect vulnerable and crucial flora and fauna.

Summary

• Biodiversity and sustainable production and consumption are intimately linked.
• Biodiversity is crucial for safeguarding EU and global food security.
• Governments need to ensure proper legislation to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
• Companies involved in critical supply chains (not limited to palm oil) should perform proper due diligence in order to avoid loss of biodiversity and restore and conserve natural habitats in the particular regions.
• Legislative or financial action to protect local biodiversity must be based on a true multi-stakeholder process.
• Clear biodiversity and restoration targets for EU member states should be the basis to work on biodiversity goals in areas outside the EU and support partner countries.
• National governments should set the priorities when it comes to a biodiversity action plan, ensure adequate regulation (including standards) and governance.
• Policies (regulatory and non-regulatory measures) for protection of biodiversity should go hand-in-hand with socio-economic development in rural areas especially in the developing countries.

To download the full text of the position paper click here.