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legislation and guidance on green public procurement , the Commission will integrate 
criteria and monitoring to boost nature-based solutions. 
3.3.3. Measuring and integrating the value of nature 
Biodiversity considerations need to be better integrated into public and business decision-
making at all levels. Building on existing work 74, the Commission will develop in 2021 
methods, criteria and standards to describe the essential features of biodiversity, its 
services, values, and sustainable use.  
These will include measuring the environmental footprint of products and 
organisations on the environment , including through life -cycle approaches and natural 
capital accounting. In this context, the Commission will support the establi shment of an 
international natural capital accounting initiative. 
3.3.4. Improving knowledge, education and skills 
The fight against biodiversity loss must be underpinned by sound science. Investing in 
research, innovation and knowledge exchange will be key to ga thering the best data and 
developing the best nature -based solutions. Research and innovation can test and develop 
how to prioritise ‘green’ over ‘grey’ solutions and help the Commission to support 
investments in nature-based solutions, such as in old-industrialised, low-income or disaster-
hit areas. 
The new Skills Agenda will play a key role in the transition to a green economy and the 
fight against biodiversity loss, focusing on training and reskilling of the workforce across 
a wide range of sectors. 
The future Horizon Europe programme will include a long-term strategic research 
agenda for biodiversity, including a science policy mechanism for research -based 
options for ratcheting up the implementation of biodiversity commitments , with 
increased funding. Horizon Europe ’s Missions75 will significantly contribute to filling 
knowledge gaps and finding solutions to improve the health of ecosystems and their 
contribution to human health.  
In parallel, the Commission will promote and facilitate partnerships, including a 
dedicated Biodiversity Partnership, to make the bridge between science, policy  and 
practice and make nature -based solutions a reality on the ground. The Commission will 
also establish in 2020 a new Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity  in close cooperation 
with the European Environment Agency. The Centre will: (i) track and assess progress 
by the EU and its partners including in relation to implementation of biodiversity related 
international instruments; (ii) foster cooperation and partnership, including between 
climate and biodiversity scientists; and (iii) underpin policy development. Moreover, t he 
Commission will increase its support to the Intergovernmental science-policy Platform on 
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. 
To help integrate biodiversity and ecosystems into school, higher education and 
professional training, the Commission will propose a Council Recommendation on 
                                                 
74  SWD(2019) 305. 
75  Missions on adaptation to climate change including societal transformation , on healthy oceans, seas 
coastal and inland waters, on climate-neutral and smart cities, and on soil health and food.