An important problem formulation step in ERA is the operationalization of general protection goals described in legislation. The ecosystem services concept can be used for this. This concept allows to define specific protection goals for all types of ecosystems and stressors and in this way helps to manage natural resources, particularly by facilitating communication between stakeholders and decision makers. Protection of biodiversity and key ecosystem services in agro-ecosystems may be achieved by developing prospective ERA schemes with a focus on vulnerable species and implementing feedback mechanisms between prospective and retrospective assessments. Research needs will be discussed for extracting and complementing the information collected under European Regulations/Directives (Regulation 1107/2009/EC; Water Framework Directive; Sustainable Use Directive) that, amongst others, aim to regulate and manage environmental risk of pesticides in surface waters. In addition, important conclusions of a recent EFSA Scientific Colloquium 'Biodiversity as Protection Goal in Environmental Risk Assessment for EU agro-ecosystems' will be presented.

Biodiversity and key ecosystem services as protection goal for agro-ecosystems in Europe

248th National Meeting (2014)

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