EU: Habitats and Birds Directives

The European Parliament approved last days the evaluation report Mid-term review of the Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. The report describes the progress made in comparison with to the actions and the targets set by the Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, which was approved in 2011. This shows how actions if supported by adequate funding, can protect and 'restore' the nature and the benefits it provides.

The approval by the European Parliament is an important act for the outcome of the Fitness Check process that the European Commission has launched on the Habitats and Birds Directives). These two Directives are the pillars of European policies for the protection of species and most valuable habitats in Europe and represent the key tools for achieving the defined objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020.

ISPRA, in cooperation with other European agencies, joined in ENCA Network (European Nature Conservation Agencies), it has drawn a document that underline the importance and effectiveness of both Directives to proceed towards conservation and restoration of nature.