The government wants to undertake comprehensive reform this decade to preserve Spanish nature, as outlined in the draft Strategic Plan for Natural Heritage and Biodiversity by 2030, whose public exhibition period ends this Monday. The document includes, among other strategies, the complete elimination of mink farms; release cetaceans in aquariums and dolphinariums; End hunting lead ammunition, plant 120 million trees and increase marine protected areas.
The strategic plan, to be developed between now and 2030, defines priority lines of action, objectives and urgent actions, including from 2022 the implementation of a national system for monitoring and managing biodiversity in Spain, which allows for continuous assessment of its conservation status.
On the other hand, the Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainability (PAEAS) will encourage the development of outreach, education and environmental awareness actions for citizens, and the biodiversity approach will be promoted under the UN’s ‘One Health’. Europa Press reported that the Biodiversity and Health Action Plan will be developed.
Save extinct species and free marine mammals
On the other hand, the draft Saving at least 40 percent of extinct species by 2030 Throughout the natural environment with programs for the reintroduction of priority and threatened species to historic areas of extinction, including the promotion and adequate coordination of ex situ conservation programs for the most threatened species.
Same way, centers that keep marine mammals in captivity will be phased out. From 2023, the reproduction or movement of specimens will be prohibited and the existing site conditions and the characteristics of the aquatic environment will be improved.
In the marine environment, the Government plans to designate new protected areas. It hopes to declare eight new marine protected areas in the Natura 2000 Network, where at least 18 percent of Spanish waters will be protected until they reach 30 percent by 2030, and between 2023 and 2024.
120 million trees in 10 years
Regarding pesticide risk, the draft plans to halve the use of the most dangerous drugs.with the promotion of organic agriculture and animal husbandry, which will cover an area of 25 percent this decade.
Another measure in this area is At least 10 percent of agricultural lands have high landscape diversityand this will be achieved through protection bands, shrubs, swirling fallows, wild trees, bodies of water or wetlands or biodiversity islands distributed in a way that ensures ecological connectivity. This also makes it possible to increase the bird life of agricultural habitats.
By 2030, 200,000 hectares of new forest will be created.For this, at least 120 million trees will need to be planted.
Allowed pet list
Another of the draft proposals passes Confirm the list of allowed pets in 2023, so the possession of animals will be limited to those with “proven environmental harmlessness and sanitary safety”. A new regulation for breeders of wild fauna species will also be approved that year.
In order to combat invasive species, the Government Phased closure of American mink farmsIt will run campaigns to eradicate wild populations of this species, which should end by 2030 at the latest.
Poisons and power lines
Concerning the act of preventing threats to the species, at least one Review and update of the National Strategy against the illegal use of poison baits in the natural environment and to protect birds from collision with high-voltage power lines and from electric shock, precautions will be changed.
Among the main changes, adequacy of existing power lines will be supported and regulations will be changed so that public administrations no longer have to finance the repair of old lines. “By 2030, all dangerous lines will be appropriately replaced in accordance with the revised regulations,” the text states.
Likewise, guidelines will be established to prevent fauna from drowning in rafts and canals, and the adaptation of existing infrastructures to these guidelines will be encouraged and the cleaning and decontamination of plastics and microplastics will be encouraged, including the fishing industry, ports, navigation or tourism industry, among other sectors.
Lead free for hunting and fishing
Regarding hunting and fishing, the sketch shows: Before 2025, a regulation will be approved across Spain that will eliminate the use of lead in both fishing tackle and big catches. and by 2030 at the latest, this ban will be extended to include small game hunting and sport shooting.
Another measure included in the strategy is Review of subsidies and incentives harmful to natural heritage by 2025 and biodiversity. So by 2025 these will be cut by half and by 2030 they will all be guaranteed to be neutral or positive for natural heritage and biodiversity.
The construction industry will have to be involved, as the government wants to take measures before 2024. At least 1 percent of the public works budget is allocated to finance actions that contribute to the conservation of the natural heritage. and biodiversity and its sustainable use.
Finally, the composition, functions and regulations of the State Council for Natural Heritage and Biodiversity will be reviewed to strengthen the participation of the most representative professional, scientific, commercial, trade union and environmental organizations.
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