Hybrid Event “Outermost regions, biodiversity sanctuaries: Preserving and conserving unique ecosystems”
25 October 2023
In the framework of preserving and conserving unique ecosystems, the French Biodiversity Agency – OFB, organized an event on the subject of Biodiversity in Outermost regions held in Brussels (Rue du Trône 100, 1050 Brussels) in a hybrid format on the 25th of October 2023.
Outermost regions are recognized as sanctuaries for an outstanding biodiversity. However, this biodiversity is currently under threat. The devastation and fragmentation of natural ecosystems, pollution, overuse of natural resources, introduction of invasive alien species, and climate change are all contributing factors to the acceleration of species extinctions. Among the endangered ecosystems, the unique habitats found in Outermost regions are particularly vulnerable to these threats.
This event addressed the questions of preservation and conservation, as well as examined Regions’ involvement in biodiversity protection and the opportunities for interregional cooperation.
The event was divided in two parts: the first featured high-level introductions, while the second was dedicated to a panel discussion with the participation of Claire Helly, Project Officer at the Islands Commission, who shared the expertise of the CPMR-IC and its members on the topic (See presentation).
PROGRAMME
Outermost regions, biodiversity sanctuaries
Preserving and conserving unique ecosystems
- Start 9am/9:25am – Participants’ arrival, reception with coffee/breakfast
- 9:25am/10am – High-level introductions :
- 9h25/9h30: Olivier Thibault, Director General of the French Biodiversity Agency
- 9h30/9h40: Max Orville, MEP, Renew Group
- 9h40/9h50: Leonardo Mazza, European Commission, DG ENV.D.2, Natural Capital & Ecosystems Health Unit
- 9h50/10h: Etienne Le Marchand, French Permanent Representation, Adviser on Outermost regions and Overseas territories
- 10am/10:55am – Panel discussion. Short presentations of the organisations (15 min each) followed by a Q&A session
– Claire Helly, Projects and Policy Officer, Islands Commission of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) – See presentation
– Cristina Romero, Programme Officer and Alexandru-Ioan Craciun, Projects officer, IUCN - 10h55/11h – Conclusions by Olivier Thibault (Director General of the French Biodiversity Agency)