European Commission - Press Releases 19/11/2019
Europe depends on biodiversity for its prosperity and quality of life, but Europe's ecosystems continue to be degraded at an alarming rate. The European Commission has published a first action plan to maintain and restore dry calcareous grasslands – one of the most species-rich and most threatened European habitat, of vital importance for wild bees, butterflies and moths. This action plan is part of Europe's efforts to stop biodiversity loss and to increase recognition of the multiple values of nature.
Under the Action Plan for nature, people and the economy , the European Commission, in cooperation with Member States and stakeholders, had committed to develop and promote the implementation of EU Action Plans for two of the most threatened EU habitat types, dry chalky grasslands and European dry heaths, both protected under the EU Habitats Directive .
The action plan consists of six specific medium to long-term objectives and key actions to ensure the maintenance and restoration of these grasslands at favourable conservation status. Grasslands provide vital benefits to society. They are extensively used for livestock grazing all over the EU, providing meat and dairy products, but also services such as pollination, soil erosion prevention, recreational and tourism opportunities. They also act as carbon 'sinks' and are therefore a vital asset in the effort to reduce levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Source: Dods EU Monitoring
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