During the year that is dedicated to biodiversity, Green Week also turned its attention to the variety of life on Earth. The conference addressed the state of biodiversity around the globe, the benefits we are risking to lose, present-day pressures, and possible solutions to the current rates of loss. NGOs, businesses, local and regional authorities, EU Institutions, the media and the public were given an opportunity to exchange information and promote environmental awareness.
The conference also took a closer look at post-2010 EU policies, and the economic dimension of biodiversity. The Charlemagne building hosted about thirty sessions, debates and workshops, alongside with an exhibition of fifty stands, numerous side events, sessions and activities.
IFOAM EU Group, one of the selected exhibitors, presented the organic principles, and highlighted the key role organic agriculture can play in protecting biodiversity. The stand of IFOAM EU Group was approached by several prominent figures from EU Institutions, such as Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment, public authorities, scientists and the international media. Our staff distributed our most recent publications, which elaborate on the relationship between biodiversity and organic food and farming, and provided information about organic food and farming policy. Similar to recent years, our quiz on organic farming and biodiversity was a major hit, attracting a lot of attention.