NEWS & EVENTS : SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
More citizens calling for greater nature protection
11.05.2013
Almost nine out of ten Europeans believe that biodiversity loss – the decline and possible extinction of animal species, flora and fauna, natural habitats and ecosystems in Europe – is a problem, according to a new survey.
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Environment Commissioner Janez PotoĨnik said: "It's good to see that public opinion is increasingly aware of how important biodiversity is. I hope political leaders will translate this concern into tangible action to deliver what we have agreed in the EU Biodiversity Strategy."
Almost four in ten respondents (38 %) to the Flash Eurobarometer survey say that they already make a personal effort to protect biodiversity, a proportion that has increased slightly compared with 2007 (34 %).Eight in ten Europeans (78 %) say that they buy eco-friendly products, such as those that are organic or locally produced, to help fight biodiversity loss.
According to the survey responses, Europeans protect biodiversity for a variety of reasons:
· Nine out of ten Europeans agree (93 %), and six out of ten (62 %) very much agree that it is important to halt biodiversity loss because our well-being and quality of life is based upon nature and biodiversity.
· More than eight out of ten Europeans agree (87 %) that it is important because biodiversity is indispensable for the production of goods such as food, fuel and medicines.
· Three quarters of Europeans agree (75 %) that it is important because Europe will get poorer economically due to the loss of biodiversity.
A majority of Europeans – 65 % – totally agree that the EU should increase the areas where nature is protected in Europe. Much of the EU's efforts to protect biodiversity centre round Natura 2000 (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/), a vast network of protected areas that now covers almost 18 % of Europe's landmass. But the survey showed an upward trend in awareness of the network, but from a low level – around three quarters of respondents (73 %) have still not heard of the network. In addition, more than seven out of ten respondents totally agree that the EU should better inform citizens about the importance of biodiversity.
More information:
http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/flash_arch_390_375_en.htm#379
