The review shows that the European Union has failed in many of its own goals of reversing biodiversity loss, leaving many plants and animals at risk of extinction and failing ecosystem restoration targets, with only one from the 28 EU Member States to present a basic rehabilitation plan.
According to the Bird Association, the Commission's findings are in line with BirdLife Europe's warnings in its review entitled 'Halfway There?' , huge reductions in bird numbers have been recorded in EU agricultural areas and the negative trends do not seem to be reversing. "A worrying wave of pasture destruction is hitting many European countries."
Aird Brunner, BirdLife Europe's European Policy Officer, said: "This review unfortunately confirms our analysis that the EU is failing at biodiversity, with agriculture being the disaster zone. While Europe as a whole is not on the right track, the review confirms that where the Birds and Habitats Guidelines (often referred to as the Nature Guidelines) are properly implemented, endangered species are recovering. It also shows that the EU needs to focus on correcting dysfunctional agricultural policy and fully implementing environmental legislation. "
The Executive Director of the Cyprus Bird Association, Dr. Klairi Papazoglou, noted that "this review touches on important issues in Europe as well as in Cyprus", pointing out that the Rural Development Plan for Cyprus is vital for the conservation of high natural agricultural areas. (LNG) has not yet been approved, nor has the map of LNG areas in Cyprus.
He also noted that the serious problem of illegal bird trapping continues, a problem that affects 153 different species of birds, of which 78 are endangered.
At the same time, he added, Cyprus has not invested resources in nature protection and the need for management measures in protected areas is evident everywhere.
According to Ms. Papazoglou, these issues show the need for the full implementation of the Nature Directives both locally and at European level ".
Source: KYPE