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European Legislation

logo-EUThe Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979) was aimed at ensuring conservation and protection of all wild plants and animals, increasing cooperation between states, and affording special protection to the most vulnerable or threatened species. It was implemented by the EC Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC) and the EC Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC).

The Bonn Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (1979 & 1994) requires the protection of migratory animals. It was implemented by the EC Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC) and the EC Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC).

The EC Habitats Directive aims to establish a network of protected areas in order to maintain the distribution and the abundance of threatened species and habitats.

  • Annex II lists animals and plants whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
  • Annex IV lists animals and plants in need of strict protection, and prohibits a range of actions including capture or killing of the animals listed and deliberate picking and destruction of the plants.
  • Annex V lists animals and plants for which taking in the wild may be subject to management measures.

The EC Birds Directive is designed to protect and maintain wild bird populations at levels corresponding to ecological requirements.

  • Annex I lists bird species that are either in danger of extinction, vulnerable to specific changes to their habitat, considered rare due to small populations or restricted local distribution, or require attention due to their specific nature of habitat;
  • Annex II lists birds that that may be hunted, except under certain circumstances and not during the breeding season.

For more information on protected and designated species see: