The European Parliament has highlighted the importance of protecting biodiversity in European overseas regions and territories, calling for long-term investment to support conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
As discussions continue on the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, policymakers and conservation experts are urging stronger financial support for some of the world’s most valuable ecosystems. Europe’s outermost regions and Overseas Countries and Territories contain globally important coral reefs, seagrass ecosystems, tropical forests, and unique species found nowhere else on Earth.
These natural areas play a critical role in climate adaptation, ocean health, sustainable livelihoods, and community well-being. Experts argue that protecting them is essential for achieving the EU’s biodiversity and climate goals.
A high-level event held at the European Parliament brought together policymakers, regional representatives, and conservation organisations to discuss how future EU funding can better support biodiversity action in overseas territories. The meeting was organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD).
Participants stressed that EU overseas regions should be recognised as strategic partners in achieving environmental targets rather than being viewed as peripheral areas. They called for dedicated, long-term funding mechanisms that allow conservation projects to deliver lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.
The EU’s BESTLIFE2030 programme was highlighted as an example of how targeted investment in local conservation initiatives can produce measurable results. The programme has supported more than 200 locally led projects, helping strengthen protected areas, restore ecosystems, and build conservation capacity across European overseas territories.
Speakers at the event emphasised that biodiversity protection is closely linked to economic stability, climate resilience, and human well-being. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services, including clean water, coastal protection, and support for local economies.
Regional leaders also highlighted the connection between environmental protection and community resilience. They noted that initiatives supporting biodiversity must involve local communities and respond to challenges such as climate change, water management, and sustainable resource use.
The discussions formed part of a wider 2026 process connecting regional authorities, European policymakers, and international biodiversity efforts. The importance of overseas territories is expected to remain a key topic in upcoming global biodiversity discussions.
Members of the European Parliament agreed that future EU budgets should reflect the strategic value of overseas biodiversity. They emphasised that sustained investment will be necessary to protect ecosystems, support local communities, and strengthen Europe’s contribution to global climate and biodiversity commitments.
The event reinforced the message that biodiversity conservation is not only about protecting wildlife but also about securing the foundations of resilient societies and sustainable economies. Through continued investment and locally driven action, Europe’s overseas regions can play a central role in achieving long-term environmental goals.
