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Sixth National Report

  published: 10 Dec 2019

Section I. Information on the targets being pursued at the national level

Greece

1. INCREASING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY STATUS

The protection of biodiversity is directly related to scientific research. Therefore, it is necessary to increase and update relevant knowledge, so that, through scientific analysis and studies, the public may be appropriately informed and appreciate the status and trends of the natural environment, the functioning of natural systems and the interaction between biotic and abiotic parameters. This knowledge base is bound to enhance the design of targeted actions for the conservation of biodiversity. In particular, the support of applied research on the management of species and habitats will contribute to the more efficient planning of the necessary actions for the protection of biodiversity in Greece. At the same time, support for research and dissemination will fulfill the legal obligations of the country with regard to monitoring the conservation status of species and habitat types.


At present, there is a major gap in organizing the current knowledge of biodiversity and how access to the latter can be facilitated. It is necessary to create a central repository where existing knowledge is collected and maintained and new knowledge is also deposited, so as to become available and accessible to all interested parties (the scientific community and the wider public). The creation of national databases that include basic information on Greek biodiversity will provide an essential tool in creating and maintaining an effective management and monitoring system. 

General Target 1 includes Specific Targets 1.1. and 1.2.:
1.1. Facilitate access to scientific knowledge (regarding the Greek flora and fauna) and fill in the gaps in scientific data
1.2. Facilitate access to information on actions for biodiversity conservation and monitoring, as well as the implementation of the National Strategy
EN
Level of application
National / Federal
Relevance of National Targets to Aichi Targets
1. Awareness of biodiversity values
12. Preventing extinctions
13. Agricultural biodiversity
14. Essential ecosystem services
19. Biodiversity knowledge
Relevant documents and information

The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).


The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

EN
The NBSAP link

2. CONSERVATION OF NATIONAL NATURAL CAPITAL AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

The implementation of national, European and international environmental legislation and the coordinated protection of the components of biodiversity require planning and prioritization that will determine the priorities of actions for the next years. The existing institutional arrangements governing protected species are old, and the list of protected species needs to be updated based on the latest scientific literature and new versions of the Red Book for plants and animals. As a first step, it is necessary to select species and habitats that require increased protection, management or restoration based on specific criteria. The criteria may include: (a) the species designated as protected or endangered, (b) their rarity (e.g. endemics), (c) their importance in the context of Greek biodiversity, (d) their conservation status, (e) their risk of genetic erosion and (f) the severity or importance of the threats they face. Therefore, beyond the species and habitat types already included in the EU and international commitments, other species and habitat types may be listed and ultimately become designated as being of EU and international interest. 

Prioritization for the conservation of species and habitat types will only be effective if accompanied by specific actions, which should not be ad hoc or fragmentary, but should be based on new, updated or existing action plans. Action plans define the management actions necessary for the protection and/or recovery of species or habitat types and may be specified by either region or species. 

Monitoring of the conservation status of species and habitat types is a national legal obligation that arises from the European environmental legislation. At the same time, it is an important tool for the inventory and management of the state of biodiversity in Greece. Therefore, the development and application of scientific monitoring plans for species and habitat types of community importance are required. Among these, particular emphasis should be placed on the monitoring and assessment of the conservation status of species and habitats listed in the annexes of Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, since the current status for the monitoring of these species is far from being ideal. This issue was revealed by a recent assessment of the conservation status of species of Community interest, which was performed in the context of the second national six year report in accordance with article 17 of Directive 92/43/EEC.

General Target 2 includes Specific Targets 2.1. and 2.2.:
2.1. Conservation of species and habitat types in Greek terrestrial and marine ecosystems, to promote the goal of sustainability
2.2. Restoration of important species and habitat types
EN
Level of application
National / Federal
Relevance of National Targets to Aichi Targets
2. Integration of biodiversity values
5. Loss of habitats
6. Sustainable fisheries
11. Protected areas
12. Preventing extinctions
14. Essential ecosystem services
15. Ecosystem resilience
 
10. Vulnerable ecosystems
Relevant documents and information

The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).


The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

EN
The NBSAP link

3. ORGANISATION AND OPERATION OF A NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PROTECTED AREAS AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE BENEFITS FROM THEIR MANAGEMENT

The institutional reinforcement of protected areas in Greece is a decisive step towards biodiversity conservation. Today, there are several areas where necessary designations are still pending, despite the fact that they meet all the necessary requirements specified in the relevant legislation. The incorporation of these areas in the national system of protected areas and the resolution of the organisational and operational issues are among the objectives of the NBSAP.


Regarding the Natura 2000 network, the selection and designation of more marine protected areas are deemed as a priority action that has been outlined in the NBSAP, and, as a consequence, has recently important progress at national level. Sites of Community Importance, that are already approved by the European Commission for the Mediterranean biogeographical zone, are mostly classified as Special Areas of Conservation. The institutional fortification of these areas should be accompanied by the adoption of institutional, administrative and management measures to maintain or restore the species and habitat types that have justified the designation of these areas.


Habitat fragmentation is one of the major threats to biodiversity. Species need adequate space, within which they may move and feed, so that their populations can maintain good conservation status. The successful management of individual protected areas is not sufficient to achieve the conservation objectives of certain species (usually large predatory species), unless there are ecological corridors that allow local populations to interact and persist. To delineate ecological corridors, it is necessary to identify species that have such needs, study their ecological requirements, and then map and identify areas where specific conservation and management measures are needed. Ecological corridors serve several purposes at the same time. Such corridors are able to: (1) maintain an area of good ecological status, (2) offer the opportunity to continue to provide ecological functions, and (3) help species and habitat types to adapt to climate change.


General Target 3 includes Specific Targets 3.1.- 3.3.:
3.1. Effective organisation of the administration and management of protected areas and the implementation of preventive measures in protected areas
3.2. Application of exemplary and innovative practices in the productive sectors and tourism based on the management plan of each area for biodiversity conservation and management
3.3. Delimitation and potential integration of ecological corridors into a special status along with their effective management
EN
Level of application
National / Federal
Relevance of National Targets to Aichi Targets
5. Loss of habitats
6. Sustainable fisheries
11. Protected areas
12. Preventing extinctions
14. Essential ecosystem services
15. Ecosystem resilience
 
10. Vulnerable ecosystems
Relevant documents and information

The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).


The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

EN
The NBSAP link

4. CONSERVATION OF THE GENETIC RESOURCES OF GREECE – FACILITATING ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES – FAIR AND EQUITABLE SHARING OF THE BENEFITS ARISING FROM THEIR UTILIZATION

The three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity include the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. The three objectives of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture are related to conservation, the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use, in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity for sustainable agriculture and food security. Genetic diversity is a component of biodiversity; therefore, genetic resources are included in the objectives of both international agreements.


In Greece, the existing institutional framework includes provisions for the protection of the country’s plant germplasm and the conservation and protection of indigenous breeds of livestock (PD* 80/1990 and PD* 434/1995). In the context of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBSAP) priority is given to the continuing registration, characterization and evaluation as well as the conservation of plant genetic resources, forest genetic resources and the genetic resources of livestock. In addition, priority is given to the conservation of genetic resources in situ (on the farm) or ex situ (in institutes, such as gene banks and botanical gardens), particularly for genetic resources of economic importance to the country. Special care should be taken to prevent the potential impacts of genetically modified organisms on biodiversity.


Genetic resources are part of the sovereignty of each state and, thus, institutional protection and regulation are required. This institutional framework should cover issues of access and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization. Regarding these issues, an institutional framework is lacking, with the exception of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (in which access to and the distribution of the benefits are carried out by the Standard Material Transfer Agreement), which should be addressed as soon as possible. This need is even more urgent today, by following the adoption of the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization. Moreover, the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol should take into account the potential impact on the rights of breeders, farmers and local communities who have contributed to the conservation and utilization of genetic resources.

General Target 4 includes Specific Targets 4.1.-4.4.:
4.1. Ensuring access to scientific records of genetic resources and filling in the gaps in scientific data
4.2. In situ and/or ex situ conservation of Greek genetic resources
4.3. Facilitating access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of these resources
4.4. The study, prevention and reduction of the impact of Genetically Modified Organisms on biodiversity

*Presidential Decree
EN
Level of application
National / Federal
Relevance of National Targets to Aichi Targets
13. Agricultural biodiversity
16. Nagoya Protocol on ABS
Relevant documents and information

The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).


The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

EN
The NBSAP link

5. ENHANCING THE SYNERGIES AMONG THE MAIN SECTORAL POLICIES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY- ESTABLISHING INCENTIVES

Biodiversity is an issue that transcends typical sectoral policies and demands a multi-layer approach. Thus, it is necessary to integrate nature conservation into all other sectoral policies. Spatial and urban planning policies coordinate the location of all activities in space and, therefore, may decisively contribute to protecting natural habitats, in the proper demarcation of human activities, and avoiding habitat fragmentation. These policies ultimately contribute to conserving biodiversity, both in rural and urban areas.


Planning policy is based on the General Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development. The general framework is, by law, the reference basis for the coordination and harmonization of policies, programmes and developmental projects that have significant impact on national cohesion and economic development. There is a need to strengthen the connection of the developmental planning of sectoral policies with spatial planning. Therefore, the priorities and strategic directions of the General Framework for Spatial Planning and the Special Frameworks for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development should improve the integration of the needs of biodiversity conservation and landscape protection (in accordance with the European Landscape Convention as ratified by Law No 3827/2010), while taking into account the new circumstances and the significant consequences that climate change might have (e.g. fires, floods, erosion, drought, desertification, etc.) and trying to adapt existing plans in order to integrate these issues.

Despite their usefulness, the strategic directions of the above projects are not sufficient to prevent local pressures within the boundaries of protected areas and within the limits of human settlements. Therefore, it is necessary to produce or improve land use plans at local level, which are presented through the local spatial plans of municipalities (General Urban Plans and/or the City Master Plans).

This target aims to integrate biodiversity conservation into various sectoral policies, such as infrastructure, residential and industrial development, tourism, the primary productive sector (agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry), the sector of energy production from renewable sources, mining, and the collection of biological and other natural resources.

General Target 5 includes Specific Targets 5.1.-5.8.:
5.1. Effective integration of biodiversity conservation at all levels of spatial planning
5.2. Minimizing the impacts of large infrastructure projects
5.3. Ensuring the compatibility of residential and industrial development activities (including conventional energy production) with biodiversity conservation
5.4. Ensuring the compatibility of tourist activities with biodiversity conservation
5.5. Ensuring the compatibility of agricultural, fishing and forestry activities with biodiversity conservation
5.6. Ensuring the compatibility of energy production activities and infrastructure (including renewable energy) with biodiversity conservation
5.7. Ensuring the compatibility of mining activities with biodiversity conservation
5.8. Ensuring the compatibility of other activities (like hunting, the collection of plants and animals) with biodiversity conservation
EN
Level of application
National / Federal
Relevance of National Targets to Aichi Targets
3. Incentives
4. Use of natural resources
6. Sustainable fisheries
7. Areas under sustainable management
8. Pollution
10. Vulnerable ecosystems
13. Agricultural biodiversity
14. Essential ecosystem services
15. Ecosystem resilience
 
11. Protected areas
Relevant documents and information

The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).


The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

EN
The NBSAP link

6. CONSERVATION OF LANDSCAPE DIVERSITY

The number of types of natural and anthropogenic ecosystems, their spatial distribution and the area they occupy define the characteristics of landscapes. According to the European Landscape Convention, which Greece ratified by Law No 3827/2010, landscape is defined as a natural area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or anthropogenic processes. It is a definition that conveys the modern perception of landscape, including its cultural, ecological and social dimensions. Therefore, the European Landscape Convention is an important step towards the sustainable management and protection of the landscape throughout Europe. The multidimensional nature of landscape highlights the need for a holistic approach to its study and effective management. 

Due to its geomorphological and climatic heterogeneity and its rich biodiversity of species and ecosystems, Greece is characterized by a wide diversity of landscapes. The protection and preservation of many different types of landscapes depend on the protection and conservation of the ecosystems that compose them, and, thus, depend on the protection and conservation of their biological diversity. Landscape composition includes not only natural features and ecosystems, but also elements resulting from human presence and its related activities, such as the presence of agroecosystems, settlements, etc. Therefore, landscapes reflect the interaction of man with nature and contribute towards defining local identity through their specific features, becoming a key component of European natural and cultural heritage. Greece is a place where culture spans millennia and has co-evolved with the surrounding landscape. This phenomenon signifies the importance of Greek landscapes as components of national and European cultural and natural heritage. Finally, landscape is an important part of the quality of people’s lives and contributes to their well being, both in urban and rural areas.

Human activities often exert pressures on landscapes, degrading their biological diversity, which ultimately results in their deterioration. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate Landscape policy, which should be based on an integrated approach and be in accordance with the European Landscape Convention. According to the European Landscape Convention, landscape policy relies on competent authorities formulating general principles, strategies and guidelines for taking specific measures designed to protect and manage landscapes.

This policy has been incorporated into regional spatial planning. However, it must be integrated into all sectoral policies and all levels of spatial planning. The landscape policy should also be in accordance with the principles, objectives and actions of the Biodiversity Strategy. To maintain the diversity of landscapes in terms of biodiversity, it is very important to maintain the history of biodiversity as evidenced in many historical landscapes.

General Target 6 includes Specific Targets 6.1.-6.3.:
6.1. Completion of the integration of conservation landscape diversity policy into all sectoral policies
6.2. Maintaining the diversity of the landscape both inside and outside of protected areas
6.3. Conservation of unique landscapes


EN
Level of application
National / Federal
Relevance of National Targets to Aichi Targets
 
7. Areas under sustainable management
11. Protected areas
14. Essential ecosystem services
Relevant documents and information

The process of developing and adopting this national target follows the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The NBSAP is the outcome of a long process that started in 1999, when the Zoological Museum of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens submitted the first draft of the national biodiversity strategy and national action plan to the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works (as it was known then, which is the today’s Ministry of Environment & Energy). The next important step was taken when the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre and the Goulandris Natural History Museum, following the directions of the Natural Environment Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works, submitted a new draft of the national biodiversity strategy. In 2009, this draft was subject to public consultation. The opinions and comments of the general public were evaluated by a group of experts and government representatives. Then, the text was thoroughly revised, enriched and updated by a working group from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and various environmental NGOs (with representatives from: WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arktouros, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Callisto, Mediterranean SOS Network and Archelon).


The revised version was again submitted to public consultation in 2014. Finally, the Greek Natura 2000 Committee evaluated, revised and approved the text in accordance with the provisions of Greek Law No 3937/2011. The final version is the result of the collaboration among the Natural Environment Management Unit, the Special Service for the Coordination of Environmental Actions and the Working Group for the Coordination of Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, which was set up in 2013 by the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

EN
The NBSAP link

7. PREVENTION AND MINIMIZATION OF THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BIODIVERSITY

Climate change is considered an additional threat to biodiversity both in terms of habitats and species survival. It is obvious that the ecosystems in Greece will be significantly affected due to the expected increase of average temperature, more frequent extreme weather events precipitation changes as well as potential reduction of available water quantity. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration the impact of climate change when drawing up biodiversity management plans in order to protect the species and habitats at risk and help them adapt to new environmental conditions. The consensus of relevant research is that it is possible for species and habitats to shift their geographical distributions in response to climate change. A proportion of species that present conservation interest and might be driven outside the boundaries of existing protected areas may be a result of this shift in the geographical range of species and habitats. Therefore, management measures should not only be planned to maintain and restore healthy ecosystems, but also to enhance the capacity of these ecosystems to withstand the pressure of climate change and, thereby, avoid biodiversity loss as a result of this phenomenon.


The actions and measures to conserve biodiversity promoted in this National Biodiversity Strategy may also contribute towards addressing climate change, because healthy ecosystems may perform functions related to the regulation of the climate. In particular, seas and wetlands contribute to carbon sequestration and, thus, help to reduce concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

However, actions to address climate change may have an impact on biodiversity conservation. Therefore, in the context of integrating biodiversity conservation in all sectors of the economy, special attention must be payed to potential negative impacts of various climate adaptation projects and their related infrastructure on biodiversity. This integration is most effective when achieved during the planning stage of projects, plans and programmes to address climate change and in the process of environmental impact assessment of the projects. In this way these mitigation measures will be operational during implementation or construction and operation, as is the legal provision for all infrastructure that may have negative impacts on biodiversity.

General Target 7 includes Specific Targets 7.1.-7.4.:
7.1. Studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem functions
7.2. Taking action so that the components of biodiversity will be able to adapt to climate change
7.3. Reducing the impact of actions established to address climate change on biodiversity
7.4. Enhancing the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change
EN
Level of application
National / Federal
Relevance of National Targets to Aichi Targets
3. Incentives