2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. The European countries' target is to halt the decline of biodiversity. Blink met Sirpa Pietikäinen to talk about it.

Backstage: Improving biodiversity

2010 is the International Year   of Biodiversity.

Each year hundreds of animal   and plant species die out

and the planet's biological wealth   is at risk.

So in 1992 the countries of the UN   decided to make biodiversity a priority.

The United Nations: 192 countries   united for peace and development.

Biodiversity is the variety and wealth   of all life on Earth.

but also ecosystems -   the areas in which life develops.

All living elements are in balance   and connected to each other.

The disappearance of an animal or plant   puts this balance at risk.

So in 2001 the European countries   set themselves a target:

to halt the decline of biodiversity by 2010.

It's really urgent.   I wonder if we're going to get there.

This MEP sits on the Committee   on the Environment.

How is the EU saving   the biological wealth of the Earth?

The EU works to save the life   of the planet at international level

by being very active in the United Nations   to safeguard our biodiversity.

Here we have   a big new biodiversity programme,

plus we are trying to incorporate   saving biodiversity,

for example, to the use of   our biomass and biofuels.

But, to be honest,   there's lots and lots to be done

and that's what we are for   here in the Parliament.

If I understand you right,   it will be hard to meet the 2010 target.

What can we do?   What's the most urgent?

It's hard to pick out   the most urgent issue in biodiversity,

that in all fields we're increasing   the degradation of biodiversity -

But if you have to pick   some of the most important issues,

I would pick indirect land use,   when it comes to biomass and biofuels,

and a more integrated approach   to biodiversity in the future.

We must also protect natural areas   where plants and animals live,

since they're often affected   by the destruction of their habitat.

Then we need to reduce   man's polluting activities,

for example, by using fertilisers or fuels   that harm nature less.

Can you give us an example   of what the EP is doing?

For example, the Parliament   works for biodiversity

That means, how do we save   our endangered species,

like the bluefin tuna or some of our   natural European bobcats, for example.

We work for biodiversity   when it comes to reforming our CAP,

which is how we support our agriculture,

so that farmers will be better supported

in safeguarding biodiversity   in their everyday actions.

See you, Sirpa. To find out more about   bluefin tuna, bears, bees or salamanders,

look out for A-Z, when we talk about   endangered species in Europe

and action supported by the EU   to save them. Bye!