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.

 

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, 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.