Towards European biodiversity monitoring: Assessment, monitoring and reporting of conservation status of European habitats and species. Results, comments & recommendations of a NGO consultation with the European Habitats Forum

Underlying Europe's cultural heritage, socio-economic development and quality of life are its diverse natural ecosystems, ranging from the forests of northern Scandinavia to the Mediterranean coastline. The habitats and species found across Europe do not respect national boundaries, and actions taken in one country often have huge impacts on the biodiversity in another. Environmental action has to be taken collectively at the international level and the EU has taken a strategic approach across Europe, by implementing the Birds and Habitats Directives. Successful implementation of these Directives continues to increase in importance as biodiversity loss accelerates worldwide. The latest IUCN Red List shows that a third of all amphibians, one in eight birds and a quarter of all mammals are under threat globally. The Directives are the most significant steps so far taken by the EU to meet its own target of "halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010", and remain vitally important in making progress for conservation at an international level. It is hoped that the European Institutions and Government Ministries and Agencies will find the findings and recommendations of this report useful in undertaking their own monitoring, assessments and reporting exercises, and will continue to involve and consult with NGO experts. It is hoped that many other NGO partners will become involved in this process and offer their information and expertise, so that collectively we can be successfully conserved to protect Europe’s natural heritage.