A new vision for the Birds Directive &The Positive Role of Hunting

Cy Griffin Director of Conservation

Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU

2015 BASC Wildfowling Conference

FACE – the voice of the European hunters

• Founded in 1977 (because of Birds Directive)

• Representing our members, the national associations of hunters from 35 countries, which in turn account for 7 million hunters.

• Liaising with EU policy makers, providing information on topics relevant to hunting, ensuring the best possible policy context for hunting.

• Providing expertise on legal, environmental and socio-economic issues.

FACE mission

• To defend and promote sustainable hunting at European and international levels, avoiding unjustified restrictions on that activity

• In practice, most of FACE work is EU-related

• 85% of legislation affecting European hunters is decided at European level

Birds Directive – 35 years old

Why mark the occasion?• Current political climate – environment viewed as economic

barrier• The Birds Directive (aka pandora’s box), but temptation

growing• Upturn in polarisation between hunting and conservation

at national and international level • Birds Directive often criticised, but is it really that bad???

• Value for habitats - Special Protection Areas network • Legal list of quarry species

Birds Directive: Implications for hunting

• Which species of birds can be hunted?Those listed in Annex II, part A & B

• When can they be hunted?Not in spring and during breeding period (Article 7(4))

• Which methods can be used?Any method, except non-selective ones listed in Annex IV

• Where can they be hunted?No restriction on where hunting can take place

• Art.2 - ..maintain the population of the species .. at a level which corresponds in particular to ecological, scientific and cultural requirements, while taking account of economic and recreational requirements, or adapt the population of these species to that level

• Art. 7 Owing to their population level, geographical distribution and reproductive rate throughout the Community, the species listed in Annex II may be hunted under national legislation

• Member States shall ensure that the practice of hunting … complies with the principles of wise use and ecologically balanced control of the species of birds concerned … in particular that the species … are not hunted during the rearing season nor during the various stages of reproduction ... or during their return to their rearing grounds

But recognised as legitimate activity..

What are the risks if it is opened..

• The provisions for hunting in general

• Habitat protection

• The list of quarry species• The preliminary results of next AEWA Conservation

Status Report on migratory waterbirds. Shows that of Annex II populations listed in the Birds Directive; 42% have declined over the last decade, 32% were stable, fluctuating or uncertain and 25% have increased

• What should happen for declining species?

1995 Commission Communication Wise Use and Conservation of Wetlands

Waterfowl hunting in European wetlands is a popular leisure activity and can be an important source of income for wetland owners. Rightly, hunting associations are becoming an important driving force for wetland conservation.The principle of using the waterfowl resource in a sustainable way can substantially contribute to wetland conservation, providing it includes the use of non-toxic shot, the setting of bag limits, the creation of an adequate network of game refuges, and the adaptation of the hunting seasons to the ecological requirements of the species. These are also aspects covered by Council Directive EEC/79/409 on the conservation of wild birds.

The classic quote for FACE PowerPoints is getting a bit old

2015 Commissioner the Environment JanezPotocnik at Birds Directive Conference

“For over 35 years, the Birds Directive has helped protect Europe’s wild birds. Responsible and sustainable hunting has also played an important role, supported by agreements between hunters and bird conservation organisations, such as the one we are celebrating today between BirdLife and FACE. It’s encouraging to see the hunting community adopting such a pro-active approach to bird conservation and giving such high-profile recognition to the EU Nature legislation.”

Careful wording but up to date

New Vision for Birds Directive Case studies presented

Role of habitat management

Boleybrack Mountain Red Grouse Habitat Management Project (NARGC)

• Promote interest among local stakeholders to take care of the waterfowl habitats and biodiversity in their home regions• 48 model wetland sites with

landowners totaling 300 ha• Active communication with

stakeholders on all levels and education to hunters/landowners

• Active media work to deliver the results to the public and to stakeholders

• Total budget 2,06 mil. €

12

Finnish strategy for wetlands and waterfowl Life+ Return of Rural Wetlands project 2010-

2015

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Mikko Alhainen

Mikko Koho

New Vision for Birds Directive Case studies presented

Role of predator control

New Vision for Birds Directive Case studies presented

The real threats to wildlife

Expectations• 2015/16:

• European Commission’s report on the implementation of the Directive and status and trend of bird populations• Report of State of Nature in the EU – April 2015

• Fitness Check on the Birds & Habitats Directives• Online public consultation April – June 2015• Final report early 2016

• No indication that the Directive will be amended

• Ongoing clarifications by:• Jurisprudence of EU Court of Justice• European Commission's answers to parliamentary

questions

Conclusions

• Hunting interests needed to be represented in Brussels and at international level

• Partnerships with other conservation organisation are valuable in policy debates

• Evidence on the positive role of hunting is essential

• FACE is not in favour of opening the EU Birds Directive

Thanks

www.face.eu