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In 2008 Pan-European Biodiversity Picnics were organized
on the following locations, where participants could
spend a pleasant day in the green:
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Biodiversity and ecosystem services essentially
contribute to human life and wellbeing in a number of
ways. However, in order to save this biodiversity (also)
for our future benefit, real commitment is needed from
all decision-makers and the public. The "Pan-European
Biodiversity Picnic" is a multi-stakeholder initiative
aiming to raise awareness on biodiversity and
to strengthen commitment to its conservation through
regular events every year on International Biodiversity
Day.
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Biodiversity
means the diversity of life on Earth. It does
not only include diversity of genes, species and ecosystems,
but also the variety of relationships among living entities.
The complexity comprising this diversity is a main characteristic
of ecosystems and their functioning, a characteristic
that we can never explore and understand in its entirety.
At the same time, however, we do not have any doubts about
the crucial role of ecosystem services, i.e. those ecosystem
functions, which are beneficial for society and vitally
contribute to human well being. |
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Human
wellbeing derives from ecosystem services and
thus biodiversity in many ways. The food we eat, the water
we drink, a stable climate, timber, fiber and natural
medicines are all presents from nature, which we take
away or benefit from for our own wellbeing. If the ecosystems
surrounding us cannot function properly any more, there
will be no such services available either. Therefore maintaining
the healthy functioning of ecosystems, which at the same
time is built upon the diversity of all life forms in
the course of billions of years, is not a luxury, but
rather a matter of social welfare. |
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International agreements
and national policies are intended to ensure the conservation
of biodiversity and sustainable use of its components.
Governments have made strong commitments, namely to halt
the loss of biodiversity at the Pan-European level by
2010. However, efforts have not been enough. As the Belgrade
Assessment reveals, biodiversity decline is continuing
in the region, and unprecedented efforts would be needed
to reverse it. The lack of true sectoral integration and
commitment from the public threaten not only biodiversity,
but also the flow of these ecosystem services for our
own wellbeing. The Pan-European Biodiversity Picnic aims
to contribute to building up this commitment of all stakeholders
in society. |
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The "Pan-European Biodiversity
Picnic" is launched at the Biodiversity
Stakeholders' Roundtable organised jointly by the Pan-European
Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy and European
ECO Forum within the Belgrade Conference in October
2007.
It aims to:
- Raise political and public awareness on biodiversity
through regular national events on International Biodiversity
Day,
- Deepen the understanding of the contribution of
biodiversity to human wellbeing,
- Attract various stakeholders to nature conservation,
- Raise the profile of biodiversity in global politics
through publicising this Pan-European multi-stakeholder
initiative at international events and in the media.
The "Pan-European Biodiversity Picnic" intends
to bring together:
- the Head of state and heads of state institutions
(like government, parliament, ministries),
political leaders,
- trade unions, chambers, farmer organisations and
other advocacy groups,
- business leaders
- social and youth organisations,
- artists,
- scientists,
- conservation groups and other stakeholders for a
pleasant picnic in nature every year on 22 May, International
Biodiversity Day.
In addition to some seasonal fruits from extensive,
organic orchards what else is needed for making the
Picnic a success in your country?
- Commitment from an institution or organisation,
which can mobilise stakeholders and devote some capacities
for the organisational tasks,
- High-level representatives of various stakeholders,
who are attracted to the Picnic both by the importance
of the issue and the content of the picnic basket,
- A nice place in nature, which can be a scenic place
for a friendly gathering,
- Preferably nice weather.
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The Pan-European Biodiversity Picnic is a multi-stakeholder
campaign for raising awareness on biodiversity. It is
supported by UNEP Regional Office of Europe and by all
participating countries and stakeholders. Download the
brochure
(pdf, 740 kb) about the campaign and please contact
Veronika Kiss for
further infromation.
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