World Wildlife Day: EU poised to weaken Habitats Directive amid growing concerns
On World Wildlife Day, concern is growing over EU plans to weaken nature conservation laws, particularly the Habitats Directive. Although the wolf is the main target, other species could follow in its footsteps.
Adopted in 1992, the EU's Habitats Directive protects more than a thousand species - including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and plants - and 230 habitat types. Its overall aim is to ensure that these species and habitats are maintained at or restored to a favourable conservation status. Beyond halting the decline, the directive aims to allow biodiversity to recover and thrive in the long term.
However, this important piece of legislation is about to be reviewed. The move follows the recent decision to downgrade the protection status of wolves under the Bern Convention - an initiative led by the EU itself.
The EU is now preparing to amend the Habitats Directive to reflect this change, meaning that wolves would no longer be strictly protected under EU law. This change would make it easier for member states to allow wolves to be hunted in response to conflicts with humans or livestock.
Cutting red tape
For decades, the Habitats Directive has remained largely untouchable as the EU has prioritised the importance of healthy ecosystems. But conservative parties in the European Parliament are now pushing to weaken it on the pretext of food security, international competitiveness and cutting red tape. Concerns are growing that this may not stop at wolves. The European People's Party (EPP), the political group of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has already signalled an interest in targeting bears.
Illegal culls
Some member states are even acting ahead of any official legal changes. In Sweden, a controversial wolf cull began in January, resulting in the illegal killing of five packs - around 30 wolves. On 1 March, the country also began a lynx cull, despite a lack of justification.
We are deeply concerned about the path the EU is taking
"We are deeply concerned about the path the EU is taking," said Magnus Orrebrant, chairman of the Swedish Predator Association, in an interview with The Guardian. "If the EU decides to lower the protection status of the wolf, it will have consequences for all wildlife in Europe."
On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly designated 3 March as World Wildlife Day, commemorating the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the world's biodiversity. But for wildlife in the EU, there is little to celebrate today.
© IMAGEBROKER
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