This week saw the celebration of International Mother Earth Day. This day encourages the world population to recover ecosystems, a mission in line with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). Healthy ecosystems are important for numerous reasons, including protecting us from diseases because biological diversity makes it difficult for pathogens to spread.[1] Despite efforts to protect global biodiversity, estimations point to one million plant and animal species threatened with extinction.[1]
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) brings together government and civil society organisations.[2] The network dates back to 1948 and now counts 1,400 member organisations and 17,000 experts.[2] Their vision is to influence, encourage and assist societies to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.[2] The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides comprehensive information on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species.[3] It helps inform conservation decisions by summarising critical information about range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats and conservation actions.[3]
Speaking of biodiversity, did you know that the first Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Agreement on Marine Biological Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is scheduled for January 2027? The third session of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission took place on 23 March - 2 April 2026. The Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) was established by the United Nations General Assembly following the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement to lay the foundation for the first COP. [4] Not sure what the BBNJ is? Find out by reading our previous Map of the Weeks: ‘Map of the Week - Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction and Global Ocean Chlorophyll’ and ‘Map of the Week - Marine biodiversity’.
At the European level, marine biodiversity is addressed in the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The MSFD has been in place since 2008 and envisions achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) of European Union (EU) waters by 2020.[5] To help European Union countries achieve GES, 11 descriptors were established, including one concerning biodiversity! [6] Other descriptors target eutrophication, litter, food webs and more.[5] The MSFD was evaluated in 2025, finding that it has put in place an ambitious framework to monitor the state of our seas and protect marine life from pollution and unsustainable practices.[7] It also found that it failed to fully achieve its Good Environmental Status objective, as marine biodiversity continues to decline in certain areas and pollution still causes harm.[6] The follow-up of the evaluation will be discussed in the context of the Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact.[8]
This week’s map is that of Marine Natura 2000 Sites. Natura 2000 is based on the 1979 Birds Directive and the 1992 Habitats Directive in the framework of which Natura 2000 sites have been designated to ensure the long term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Explore the map to learn more. You can zoom into the map and click on the sites to read details. You can also use the Measurement tool (click on the ruler icon) to estimate the size of the sites.
This week, there was more than one day to celebrate! World Book and Copyright Day celebrates the power of books, introducing us to new people, new cultures and new ideas.[8] This years’ World Book Capital, selected by UNESCO and international organisations representing major sectors of the book industry, is Rabat in Morocco.[9] Which is your favorite book that touches on marine biodiversity? Let us know via the European Atlas of the Seas feedback form!
Wish to learn more about what is happening in the coming weeks and months?
- On 23 April 2026, the Commission launched a public consultation to help shape the European Ocean Act, a key legislative proposal under the European Ocean Pact, set for adoption in 2026. The Ocean Act aims to strengthen ocean governance in the EU, serving as a single reference point for all economic, climate, environmental, and social targets to protect and sustainably use ocean resources. Running until 16 July 2026, the consultation invites stakeholders, public authorities and administrations, experts, citizens, and coastal communities to share their views via a structured questionnaire. This consultation aims to ensure the future Ocean Act meets real-world needs. [10]
- The #ForOurPlanet campaign is an EU campaign to address the climate and nature crises across the globe. This year, Earth Day kicked off the campaign with a focus on the theme of Nature Restoration, in line with EU Green Week 2026.
- European Youth Week is an event organised by the European Commission every second year to celebrate and promote youth engagement, participation and active citizenship all over Europe and beyond. It will take place from 24 April to 1 May 2026. This year’s edition is dedicated to Solidarity and Fairness.
- EU Green Week 2026 has its 26th edition this June and is putting the spotlight on the business case for nature, demonstrating that a nature-positive economy is essential for Europe’s prosperity, resilience, and competitiveness.
- The 7th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity will be organised in Bruges (Belgium) on 17-20 November 2026.
The data in the map is provided by EMODnet Human Activities.
The European Atlas of the Seas is powered by the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). Don’t miss the latest news, register for the monthly EMODnet News Digest.
[1] https://www.un.org/en/observances/earth-day
[2] https://iucn.org/about-iucn
[3] https://www.iucnredlist.org/about/background-history
[4] https://www.dosi-project.org/a-dosi-guide-to-bbnj-prepcom/
[6] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/marine-environment_en
[7] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/659eea3a-8a00-410e-bc2f-f94baf210c9b_en