Lintudirektiivejä

Lintudirektiivejä, or Bird Directives in English, refers to the European Union's primary legal instrument for the conservation of wild birds. Adopted in 1979, it is one of the oldest and most successful pieces of EU environmental legislation. The core objective of the Directive is to ensure the long-term survival of bird species and their habitats across Europe.

The Directive requires Member States to take measures to protect all species of naturally occurring wild birds within the EU. This includes protecting their eggs, nests, and habitats. A key element is the designation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which are sites of crucial importance for the conservation of specific bird species, particularly migratory ones. These SPAs form a network known as Natura 2000, the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world.

Member States must also implement a general system of protection for all wild birds, which prohibits actions such as hunting, capture, killing, possession, and the sale of birds or their parts. While limited hunting is permitted under strict conditions, the Directive aims to prevent any practices that could threaten bird populations. The Bird Directive is enforced by the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union, ensuring that Member States comply with their obligations. Its implementation has significantly contributed to the recovery of many bird populations and the protection of important natural areas.