The European Parliament has called for increased investment to protect biodiversity in the European Union’s overseas countries and territories, recognizing these regions as some of the world’s richest reservoirs of unique plants, animals, and marine ecosystems. Members of Parliament stressed that stronger financial support is essential to address biodiversity loss, climate change, invasive species, and habitat degradation affecting these environmentally significant areas.
The proposal encourages the European Commission and EU member states to expand funding for ecosystem restoration, marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and climate adaptation projects. It also highlights the importance of supporting local communities and Indigenous peoples, whose traditional knowledge plays a vital role in conserving fragile ecosystems.
Many overseas territories contain extensive coral reefs, tropical forests, mangroves, and endemic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. However, these ecosystems face increasing pressure from rising sea temperatures, extreme weather events, pollution, and unsustainable development. Parliament emphasized that investing in nature-based solutions can strengthen resilience while contributing to the EU’s broader climate and biodiversity goals.
The initiative aligns with international commitments under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Environmental experts welcomed the move, noting that protecting overseas biodiversity not only preserves irreplaceable ecosystems but also supports global carbon storage, fisheries, tourism, and scientific research.
If adopted through future EU budget and policy decisions, the increased investment could significantly enhance conservation efforts across Europe’s overseas territories, reinforcing the European Union’s leadership in global environmental protection and sustainable development.
News as reported
