Plea for strong European stand on biodiversity
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. In view of the Belgian EU Presidency, Flanders wants to play the role of pioneer. Flemish Minister for Environment, Nature and Culture Joke Schauvliege made a plea for strong European stands on biodiversity.
This was done at a meeting in the Hoge Kempen National Park in Genk with nature organisations, and in the presence of –among others- European President Herman Van Rompuy and EU commissioner Janez Potocnik.
As the chairwoman of the European Environment Council, Minister Schauvliege wanted to give the world an important signal and enforce the importance of biodiversity. A species of plant or animal becomes extinct on earth every 13 minutes.
With this message, Minister Schauvliege will be going to the international summit on biodiversity in Nagoya (Japan), where she will represent Europe, because it is “essential to preserve the balance between all life on earth. The multitude of plants and animals ensures that we can survive here.”
At the bottom of the page you can find the film with atmospheric images of the meeting in Genk, as well as more statements of Minister Schauvliege and other speakers.
