Why and how the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development must improve its biodiversity standards
June 24, 2024
The EBRD’s Environmental and Social Policy is now undergoing revision and it needs not only to maintain the EBRD’s practices with regard to biodiversity, but also to significantly improve them.
Joint civil society comments on the EBRD biodiversity standards (ESR 6)
May 29, 2024
Ahead of the EBRD’s Annual Meeting, 12 civil society organisations submitted their collective input on the revised draft of the EBRD’s Environmental and Social Policy, focusing on standards related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of living natural resources.
From drainage to restoration: A new chapter for Estonia’s wetlands
May 28, 2024
In Estonia, drained peatlands are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and thus exacerbate climate change. Our case study highlights the success of a project aimed at restoring the water regime of a mire ecosystem, leading to a remarkable growth in vegetation and the recovery of multiple species.
Destroying while rebuilding: Flawed hydro project set for Polish just transition region needs a rethink
May 7, 2024
Eastern Wielkopolska, one of Poland’s just transition regions, urgently needs to repair the damage caused by decades of lignite mining. One controversial hydrological project slated for the region aims to flood open pits and stabilise water levels. But while these measures appear to be positive steps towards making amends, the environmental impacts of the project have not been assessed, which is likely to result in a number of unintended and damaging consequences.
Clearcutting chaos: A bumpy ride for Estonia’s conservation areas
April 15, 2024
Rail Baltica, the ambitious railway project set to connect the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as part of Europe’s modern rail network, promises to boost regional development and integration. However, despite assurances of habitat protection and compensation measures during the construction of Rail Baltica, recent revelations on clearcutting in protected areas have exposed longstanding issues with Estonian forests. The case also highlights the broader challenges faced by nature when economic development takes precedence and the need for proper environmental safeguards against economic interests.
Manifesto: A call for the next European Parliament and Commission to deliver the transformative investments citizens deserve
March 26, 2024
The proposals outlined in this manifesto guide our vision for how EU public finances can become more transformative.
Led by nature: Projects to protect and restore biodiversity in Europe
March 22, 2024
These case studies from several European Member States demonstrate some of the many ways EU funds can and should be used to support nature restoration and conservation projects, which are instrumental to addressing the biodiversity crisis across sectors while also building a greener, fairer future.
The Wisłoka: Overcoming barriers on a Polish river
March 8, 2024
This case study highlights the Wisłoka Without Barriers project, a sustainable approach to river continuity that led to the removal of barriers, allowing aquatic organisms to swim freely once again.
Needs and priorities for biodiversity funding: a comparative analysis of Latvia and Estonia
February 22, 2024
This briefing provides an overview of the priorities for national biodiversity needs in Latvia and Estonia.
Recommendations on how to determine the contribution of EU funds for biodiversity
January 31, 2024
This briefing aims to demonstrate the need to ensure a greater and more accurate amount of funding is channelled to the right areas, as well as to explore potential alternatives ahead of the next EU budget.
