Protecting sites of great ecological value

Description

The setting up of networks of sites of great ecological value and in particular of protected areas at local, regional, national and international level is fundamental to the conservation of biological and landscape diversity.

Context

Links between the protected sites are necessary and should extend to all categories of protected sites.

Implementation

The Contracting Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Rio, 1992) undertook to set up a system of protected areas in order to conserve biological diversity, and to co-operate among themselves to preserve this diversity. The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (Sofia, 1995) serves as a European frame of reference for the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, 1979) and Directive 92/43/EEC of the Council of the European Communities on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora, as amended by Directive 97/62/EC promote habitat protection.

Claim

It is necessary to formulate administrative and legal guidelines for transfrontier and inter-territorial co-operation between protected sites. The level of conservation should be appropriate to the ecological needs and the administrative bodies of the countries concerned. Co-operation and links between protected sites are necessary and should extend to all categories of protected sites.

Counter-claim

Protecting sites of great ecological value is an exaggerated concern. Nature is resilient and adapts over time, often thriving in unexpected ways. Prioritizing these sites diverts crucial resources from pressing human issues like poverty and education. Instead of fixating on preserving every inch of land, we should focus on innovation and development that benefits society as a whole. Nature will find its balance, and we must prioritize our immediate needs over misguided conservation efforts.