census metropolitan-influenced zone [ MIZ | metropolitan-influenced zone ]

metropolitan area [ MA | metropolitan district | metropolitan region ]

census metropolitan-influenced zone category [ MIZ category ]

* loss of biodiversity, including decline of coastal and offshore fish stocks as a result of damage to coastal spawning grounds; Regional Biodiversity Action Plans have identified up to 30 actions necessary to prevent further habitat loss and arrest species decline in certain coastal areas in the North-West European Metropolitan area.

* there are disparities between regions within countries, with, in general, the pace of development in metropolitan areas, particularly large cities, being in advance of other parts and with rural areas lagging behind.

Such networked co-operation and encouragement of interlinkages is given significant emphasis in the NAPs of Austria (development partnerships), Denmark (Social Council), Finland (local partnerships), Germany (e.g. Development and Opportunity for Young People in Socially Disadvantaged Areas), Ireland (area based partnership supported by a Local Development Social Inclusion Programme), Sweden (e.g. Joint Committees of local authorities and county councils for health and social services and local development agreements with metropolitan authorities) and the UK (local strategic partnerships).

58. Approves, nevertheless, of the fact that urban issues are highlighted by the report, given the importance of cities in the globalised economy and their potential impact in terms of sustainability; notes the commitment of European regions and cities to make the transition to greener growth, as embodied by the Covenant of Mayors; suggests that the major gaps in development between rural and urban areas should also be duly addressed, as should the problems in metropolitan regions, which are showing resilience ...[+++] while remaining vulnerable;