Rare birds still threatened despite 30-year success of EU directive

THE European Union’s first nature law, the Birds Directive, celebrates its 30th anniversary tomorrow.

Hailed as one of the greatest achievements of European environmental policy, the legislation is central to the EU’s strategy for halting biodiversity loss.

The Birds Directive has played a key role in reversing the decline of some of Europe’s most threatened birds.

Many birds now face a much brighter future thanks to targeted action by the EU, national governments, conservationists and volunteers. Today there are nearly 5,000 special protection areas, covering more than 10% of the EU’s land mass. They form an integral part of the Natura 2000 ecological network.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said the directive is a practical expression of the EU’s commitment to global biodiversity conservation.

“Birds are not only intrinsically beautiful and a priceless part of our natural heritage, they are also vital indicators of the health of the environment.

“Europe’s wild birds have greatly benefited from the high standards provided by the directive. There are still important challenges to be met to ensure long-term healthy bird populations,” he said.

Mr Dimas said the directive is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago and has a key role to play in delivering EU biodiversity policy for many years to come.

The directive has recognised the importance of human activities, such as hunting, fishing and farming, coexisting alongside nature.

Much of the land covered by the Natura 2000 network is likely to continue to be privately owned, with emphasis on ensuring that future management is sustainable, both ecologically and economically.

The EU’s rich diversity of more than 500 wild bird species still faces serious pressures.

According to the latest studies, 43% of Europe’s bird species are threatened or facing serious declines.

The European Commission says there is a need for greater protection of common birds dependent on the wider countryside. Changes in agricultural policies have led to a worrying decline in farmland birds.

Numbers have fallen by 50% since 1980. Although these are now stabilising, more work is needed to better integrate bird protection requirements into agricultural and other policies to restore important species such as the corncrake.

The health of wild birds is symptomatic of the wider pressures facing biodiversity, such as climate change.

“There is already evidence of a shift in the distribution of some bird populations.

“Ensuring adequate space for nature and adapting bird conservation to a changing climate is a key challenge for the future,” the commission says.