N3. 'Half Europe': where and how can biodiversity conservation be achieved in the Anthropocene?

Emilio Padoa Schioppa (University of Milano-Bicocca), emilio.padoaschioppa@unimib.it

Claudia Canedoli (University of Milano-Bicocca)

Ioannis Vogiatzakis (Open University of Cyprus)

Summary

The symposium aims to start from the provocative work of E.O. Wilson, and try to analyze the state of the art of the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in Europe. In particular, we want to understand how far we are from the targets of EU biodiversity strategy of 2030. The symposium we give priority to fragile landscapes such as small islands, mountain areas and roadless areas.

Description

Living in a geological epoch, which is by now referred to as the Anthropocene we are witnessing the magnitude of the negative effects of human activities on both biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES). Recently some of the lead ecologists of our times advocated urgent measures to halt biodiversity loss, like the controversial proposal of conserving half of the Planet. Inspired by the idea that we need more spaces for biodiversity conservation to reverse the trend of increasing habitat loss, this symposium seeks for studies that examine the current situation of Europe. In particular: which are the most important areas for biodiversity and ecosystem services in Europe? At what level is our knowledge about them? Which are the methods and techniques to identify biodiversity and ES crucial area today? Having missed the 2020 deadline, can we realistically achieve the targets set by the new EU biodiversity strategy for 2030?

Besides identifying important biodiversity and ES areas, there is a need to identify conservation initiatives and practices which take into account the natural and social context, in order to identify the best ones (parks, protected landscapes, or other forms of conservation). Thus, additional topics of discussion include the following: What is the current know-how that we have implemented? Which are the different forms of biodiversity and ecosystem services conservation existing today, and what is their contribution? What can we say about the limitations or advantages of these conservation forms we have been applying?

Finally, given that Europe is characterized by high population density and a high degree of urbanization, an important aspect is reserved for the coexistence of nature conservation and humans presence and needs.

This symposium welcomes studies that bring new ideas to the assessment, monitoring and mapping of biodiversity or ES in Europe, European countries and regions. It will present case-studies of biodiversity and ES conservation in Europe, discuss advantages and limitations of different measures and techniques of biodiversity and ES conservation, explore the relationships with society in terms of supporting, impeding or being affected by nature conservation measures and initiatives. The symposium we give priority to fragile landscapes such as small islands, mountain areas and roadless areas.

Impact

We will publish a special issue in a journal indexed in ISI / Scopus databases.