Biodiversity
The EIB recognises the significant value of biodiversity and supports the EU policy to halt the loss of biodiversity.
The EIB manages all operations to minimise negative impacts on biodiversity and aims to enhance biodiversity and natural habitats wherever practicable. All EIB –financed projects are screened for their potential impact on biodiversity and natural habitats, applying the principles of the EU Nature Conservation Policy.
The Bank also works with international organisations to explore how biodiversity concerns can be best addressed through its project activities.
International cooperation
The EIB actively participates in the European Task Force on Banking, Business and Biodiversity, which looks at potential financial mechanisms for biodiversity projects. The Task Force was established in the framework of the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy.
The Bank also works closely with the Nature and Biodiversity Unit of the European Commission’s Directorate General Environment to improve its internal assessment process, discuss any potentially sensitive projects and raise staff awareness on biodiversity and nature protection-related legislation, assessment tools and methodologies.
In September 2006, the Bank signed a first Memorandum of Understanding with the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the world’s largest conservation network. This relationship will allow for the development of joint initiatives and exchanges of information to strengthen efforts to manage biodiversity issues consistently on a long-term basis.
Related documents
- Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond; sustaining ecosystem services for human well-being" and the developed “Action Plan to 2010 and beyond”, outlining the responsibilities of both EU institutions and Member States
- EU Nature Conservation Policy, namely the Habitats and Birds Directives, NATURA 2000 and the Convention on Biological Diversity to which the EU is a signatory.
