Freshwater fishes in the context of the EU Biodiversity Strategy

24-25 November, Brussels – Online

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Final Agenda Freshwater Fishes In The Context Of The EU Biodiversity Strategy

The event will gather national and European freshwater fish experts, conservation NGOs and stakeholder groups, as well as national or regional representatives in charge of preparing the national pledges for protected areas and conservation status improvement of habitats and species. It aims at highlighting opportunities for improving the protection and management of Europe’s freshwater fish species, including in terms of transnational cooperation, covering both the species listed in the annexes of the Habitats Directive, and IUCN Red listed species.

The event is organised by the European Commission and the Living Rivers Europe (1) coalition in the frame of the EU biogeographical seminar process.

Day 1: Thursday, 24 November 2022

09:00-12:30 Plenary seminar on Fish and Rivers in the EU Biodiversity Strategy (also available online)

12:30-13:30 Lunch Break

13:30-16:00 Parallel breakout sessions

• Session A: Pledges for strict protection of freshwater ecosystems in the context of the EU Biodiversity
Strategy;

• Session B: Sustainable use of fish populations listed on Annex V of the Habitats Directive;

16:00 – 16:30 Reporting back and plenary discussion

16:30-18:00 Networking reception

Day 2: Friday, 25 November 2022

09:00 – 11:30 Parallel breakout sessions

• Session C: The importance of connectivity for migratory fish species and ecosystem processes;

• Session D: Main drivers of decline of the lesser known fish species – what do we know? Prioritising actions;

11:30 – 11:40 Short Break

11:40 -12:30 Reporting back and plenary discussion

12:30 Close

(1) “Living River Europe” is a coalition of NGOs founded in 2017, dedicated to conservation and restoration of Europe’s river ecosystems, that includes the European Anglers Alliance (EAA), the European Environment Bureau (EEB), the European Rivers Network (ERN), the Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Wetlands International European Association (WI-EA) and the WWF European Policy Office (WWF EPO).