The new strategies, part of the European Green Deal, were published 20 May 2020. The two sister-strategies propose new commitments to reduce biodiversity loss and address the intimately interrelated aspects of land use, managing the food system and our consumption patterns.

The Biodiversity Strategy aims to tackle the key drivers of biodiversity loss by strengthening implementation of the existing network of protected areas and establishing the EU Nature Restoration Plan. The plan aims to improve the health of protected species and bring back nature to areas where it is currently lacking to provide benefits to people. Particularly in relation to species protection, Member States will be required to ensure that no species and habitats deteriorate in conservation status and that at least 30% not currently in favourable status move to this category or show a strong positive trend. The Commission and the EEA will provide guidance on how to select and prioritise species and habitats for this purpose.