Resource description:
Deliverable D4.2: Guidance to Facilitate Transformative Change in Europe is a BIONEXT (Horizon Europe) report that sets out a practical framework for embedding biodiversity considerations across European policymaking. The document focuses on the "biodiversity nexus", highlighting the interconnections between biodiversity, food, water, health, energy, transport and climate systems.
Drawing on scientific evidence and stakeholder input, the report argues that Europe must move beyond incremental reforms and instead address the structural causes of biodiversity loss. It recommends integrating diverse social, cultural and ecological values of nature into decision-making, removing environmentally harmful subsidies, improving resource efficiency, supporting circular economic models, and promoting sustainable lifestyles and land-use planning.
Sector-specific recommendations are provided for agriculture, energy, health, transport, water and climate policy. The report also identifies ways to strengthen European Union policy instruments through better cross-sectoral coordination, behavioural insights, harmonised monitoring systems, strategic foresight and broader public participation.
Overall, the guidance emphasises that long-term sustainability requires systemic governance changes, stronger legal frameworks, greater social justice and a fundamental shift in how society values nature.
Author/Contact:
- Elizabeth Díaz-General (KIT)
- Stella Piipponen-Doyle (UNEP-WCMC)
- Valentina Vaglica (UNEP-WCMC)
- Opi Outhwaite (UNEP-WCMC)
- Lara Lebleu (UNEP-WCMC)
- Mark Rounsevell (KIT)
- Alejandrina Viesca-Ramírez (CzechGlobe)
- Paula Harrison (UKCEH)
- Aniek Hebinck (DRIFT)
- Mara de Pater (DRIFT)
- Anita Lazurko (UKCEH)
- Alexandra Ioannou (ATHENA)
- Jyri Mustajoki (SYKE)
Email: bionext.project@syke.fi
- Deliverable_D4.2.pdf (2.63 MB)