Nature protection and biodiversity - Outlook 2020 (Spain)

Biodiversity in 2020 will depend on the balance achieved between:

• The main trends in development of Spain's economy and production sectors
• The success of the environmental policies applied
• The degree of involvement by public and private institutions
• The level of education and awareness among the general population

The world economic short-to-medium-term outlook is difficult to predict, which makes it equally hard to forecast future developments. Nevertheless, according to the latest data, the Spanish economy's growth has slowed. This has principally affected the construction industry and the situation will foreseeable continue for some time. This downturn may be considered positive in terms of halting biodiversity loss, as it will result in, for example, fewer GHG and other pollutant emissions, less urban development and less pressure on Spain's coast.

Remarkable efforts are being made to achieve sustainable use of water resources. Policies are being implemented to prevent air pollution and GHG emissions and expansion and development of the Natura 2000 network continues apace.

The balance between pressures, responses and society's awareness could well play a positive role in halting biodiversity loss by 2020.