Cross-realm biodiversity integration of the EU environmental policy mix

It is widely accepted that a cross-realm approach, encompassing terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, is critical for effective biodiversity conservation and restoration. This study is the first to investigate the scope of the European Union's environmental policy mix relevant to the biodiversity agenda through a cross-realm conservation lens. Cross-realm biodiversity integration refers to the incorporation of biodiversity across policy domains and ecosystems. We analysed 41 selected policy documents using policy mix and network analysis techniques to determine the extent of cross-realm integration within and between policies. Through our coding procedure we identified 397 policy connections. Network analysis revealed single- and multiple-realm policy communities with key bridging policies creating connections across the network, such as the Common Agricultural Policy, Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Terrestrial and multi-realm policies occupied central positions of the analysis network, an indication of their higher connectivity and influence within the wider policy mix. Our EU environmental policy mix analysis reveals strong evidence of significant efforts to integrate biodiversity conservation across EU policy, though their effectiveness and implementation remain to be determined. Our findings reveal a much strengthened and diverse policy mix, drawing in a variety of sectors and environmental issues, that provides a roadmap to implementation, anchored by the landmark Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR).