Latest news with #EUHabitatsDirective
Euronews
2 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
EU faces new legal action over bottom trawling in protected areas
EU leaders are facing a fresh legal complaint over widespread destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs). The lawyers behind it say that continuing to permit this activity goes against the bloc's core nature laws and puts the ocean and people in grave danger. Bottom trawling is a destructive fishing practice which involves dragging a net - some so large it could fit a Boeing 747 plane - across the seafloor to catch fish. It disturbs sediment, destroys marine habitats and far more than just the target species gets caught in these nets. The complaint is being brought to the European Commission by a coalition of non-profit organisations: ClientEarth, Oceana, Seas at Risk and Danmarks Naturfredningsforening. It points out persistent instances of unchallenged bottom trawling in three countries: Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain. The challenge claims that destructive fishing practices in MPAs in these member states flout the EU Habitats Directive and calls on EU officials to launch infringement action against the countries in question. The Habitats Directive requires Natura 2000 MPAs - the most important network of marine protected areas in Europe - to be protected from any activity likely to significantly affect the integrity of the site. 'Legally speaking, bottom trawling in protected areas is not legal, and if policymakers don't live up to their obligations, we will bring them before court,' says Tobias Troll, marine policy director from Seas at Risk. ClientEarth ocean lawyer John Condon adds that 'urgent action' is needed at the EU level to confirm that bottom trawling is against EU law, alongside an 'immediate response' from governments. This legal challenge is the latest in a string of litigation across the EU over bottom trawling in MPAs. Individual national cases have so far been launched in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden and Germany. In April, another group of NGOs filed a similar legal complaint with the EU, alleging breaches of the EU Habitats Directive by Italy, France and Germany. 'This complaint, and others like it, reveal a systemic problem across Europe and one that member states have failed to address for years now, contrary to their legal obligations under EU law,' explains Nicolas Fournier, campaign director for marine protection at Oceana in Europe. The new legal challenge also comes hot off the heels of a crucial judgment from the EU's General Court in May, which confirmed that protected areas must be protected from potentially harmful practices like bottom trawling. The Commission concluded that countries have every right under EU law to ban damaging fishing methods like this in vulnerable marine areas. Some EU countries, like Greece and Sweden, have already announced plans for national legislation to ban bottom trawling in protected areas within their territories. The EU's 2023 Marie Action Plan calls on member states to phase out bottom trawling in all MPAs by 2030. But recent research from NGOs Oceana, Seas At Risk and ClientEarth revealed that no EU country currently has a comprehensive plan in place to phase out destructive fishing practices in these protected areas. And a study published in March this year by Pristine Seas found that around 60 per cent of these vulnerable marine areas in the EU are currently being trawled. With the UN set to host its Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on 9 June and the EU expected to release its strategy to promote a sustainable and competitive blue economy in the next few days, pressure is mounting for more comprehensive ocean protection. Campaigns calling for action on destructive fishing practices in the EU have been backed by fishermen and hundreds of thousands of Europeans. 'The world is waiting for leaders at UNOC to defend the ocean, and make sure protected genuinely means protected,' adds noted MPA defender and founder of the Mediterranean Conservation Society, Zafer Kızılkaya. 'Fishers depend on it - communities depend on it - the world depends on it.'
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Brown bears to become legal source of meat in bid to stop attacks on humans
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico approved plans to shoot 350 of the country's 1,300 brown bears in response to some fatal attacks. The meat will be sold for human consumption Controversial plans to slaughter brown bears and sell the meat for human consumption will cause "immense suffering", according to leading animal groups. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico approved plans to shoot 350 of the country's 1,300 brown bears in response to some recent fatal attacks. Brown bears, which are a protected species under EU law, will be sold to the public in a bid to "prevent waste", according to State Minister Filip Kuffa. 'We will supply every captured individual [bear] that meets the conditions for consumption,' he said this week in a social media post. "Because bear meat can be eaten', the ministry will 'offer caught specimens for sale,' he added. Despite the brown bear being listed as a "near threatened" species in the EU by the World Conservation Union, the move state-authoritised slaughter has been approved. After a man was mauled to death while working in a forest in Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico said: "We can't live in a country where people are afraid to go into the woods." Slovakia reported a total of 54 bear attacks from 2000-2020, with the average number of attacks rising to around ten a year, according to the latest figures. PETA's Vice President of Programmes, Elisa Allen, criticised the move and said killing the bears will cause "immense suffering" She told The Mirror: "No one needs to eat bears, and bears don't wish to be eaten - they simply want to be left in peace. Humane, non-lethal solutions – including habitat management, bear-proof rubbish bins, and public education about bear-safe behaviours – have proven effective in addressing perceived wildlife issues, and authorities owe it to these sensitive, majestic animals to use them. "Killing bears risks orphaning cubs, causing immense suffering, and destabilising ecosystems. Rather than destroying and consuming the natural world, we must learn to live compatibly with other species." However, State Minister Mr Kuffa claimed it was "wasteful" the animals were being to a carcass disposal facilities, as he attempted to justify the meat sale. But the decision to cull the bears and sell them for human consumption been slammed by conservationists and opposition politicians. The World Wide Fund for Nature Slovakia called the culling and sale of meat "unacceptable." A spokesperson told The Mirror: "We are deeply concerned by the Slovak government's latest steps regarding the management of the brown bear population, including the recent approval of a mass cull and the reported allowance for the public sale of bear meat. 'WWF Slovakia underlines that brown bear is a protected species under EU Habitats Directive, Bern Convention, as well as CITES. The latest management measures are not only unacceptable from an ethical and environmental point of view, but they are also in direct conflict with European law and international treaties. 'The brown bear is a strictly protected species in Slovakia. Yet, we saw a record 144 bears killed in 2023 — the highest number in over 100 years. Despite this unprecedented culling, the number of human-bear conflicts has not decreased. This further confirms what science has already made clear: indiscriminate, large-scale culling does not reduce human-bear dangerous encounters. 'The Ministry of Environment, under the current government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, continues to propose non-systemic, short-sighted solutions that fail to address the root causes of the issues. The proposal to kill another 350 bears could mean losing almost half of Slovakia's bear population in just two years – with no guarantee that this will make people safer. "Instead of turning Slovakia's protected wildlife into a menu item, the government should prioritize evidence-based prevention measures, such as: Better waste and food management in towns and villages near bear habitats, Removing baiting sites near settlements and hiking trails, Supporting measures to prevent bear attacks on livestock, supporting emergency response teams to deal with problematic bears, Placing warning signs in areas inhabited by bears and Educating people on how to behave safely in the wild. "We ask the Slovak government to stop these harmful measures and focus on long-term, responsible wildlife management. Allowing the sale of meat from a protected species like the brown bear is an unprecedented and concerning decision, which could lead to even more damage to wildlife being treated as products."
Agriland
21-05-2025
- Science
- Agriland
NPWS events to celebrate Irish Natura 2000 sites
Some of the country's most valuable sites for nature are being celebrated today (Wednesday, May 21) to mark Natura 2000 day. The Natura 2000 Network includes over 27,000 protected sites across the European Union, covering nearly 20% of Europe's land and almost 10% of its marine waters. It is the world's largest network of protected sites. Ireland is home to more than 600 Natura 2000 sites, which protect a wide range of valuable habitats and species under the EU Habitats Directive Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and the Birds Directive Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Natura 2000 To mark Natura 2000 day, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is supporting Bioblitzes and other events in Natura sites around the country. Bioblitzes bring together scientists and citizen scientists to record as many species as possible in a short time at a Natura 2000 site. During the week NPWS staff are hosting bioblitzes at sites including St Gobnet's Wood SAC in Co. Cork, Connemara National Park, Coole Park in Co. Galway, and Killarney National Park in Co. Kerry. Speaking on Natura 2000 Day, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan encouraged members of the public to discover their local Natura 2000 site. 'The Natura 2000 network includes some of the finest examples of habitats and species we have in this country and in Europe. 'It is a network of protected sites which highlights the biodiverse and unique natural heritage in Ireland and in Europe. 'Conservation is a shared responsibility and today is an opportunity for everyone to learn about a site near you and how it is being managed and protected for future generations,' he said. Restoration The minister said that Natura 2000 Day is also an opportunity to recognise the restoration work that landowners and the NPWS are undertaking together on these sites. These include projects focused on actively restoring raised and blanket bog habitat designated as SACs under the Habitats Directive. Recent surveys are showing significant positive trends in respect of raised bog sites, which are beginning to move towards more favourable conservation condition. Old Oak woodland is being restored in Glen of the Downs SAC, Co. Wicklow by removing the invasive alien species Cherry Laurel, and Lapwing are being protected in Co. Mayo in the Termoncarragh lake and Annagh Machair SPA. Niall Ó Donnchú, director general with the NPWS, said the Natura 2000 network is 'a central part of our natural heritage in Ireland'. 'Many of the sites in the network in Ireland are in public ownership and are accessible, for example, our national parks, while other sites are in private ownership. 'The landowners and stakeholders in all the sites in Ireland are working together to protect and restore these vitally important habitats and species. 'Natura 2000 Day is a reminder of the diverse and unique natural heritage we have and can be proud of in Ireland,' he said.
Agriland
08-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
State purchases corncrake breeding site on Belmullet Peninsula
Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan has announced that the state has purchased a corncrake breeding site on Belmullet peninsula, Co. Mayo. The 5.75ha site provides 'the perfect habitat of the corncrake', according to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, including protection for the birds and a sustainable source of food. The announcement of the purchase comes as the department launches a new 'Natura Communities' initiative. Minister O' Sullivan said the site 'maintains 25% of the local corncrake population, and is of huge, strategic importance to the survival of the species'. 'By purchasing the site, we're making a further commitment to protect it. The site lends itself well to research and education due to location, road access and scale, and will enhance conservation management already underway.' 'Over the past five years, the corncrake population has increased by 35%, and here in Mayo the population has doubled. These impressive results are testament to the collaboration here on the Belmullet Peninsula,' the minister added. He drew attention to the role of farmers and landowners in this collaboration, as well as the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). A special event was held today (Thursday, May 8) to launch the Natura Communities initiative, hosted by the Wild Atlantic Nature Project, and attended by Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Alan Dillon, who is a Mayo TD. Minister Dillon commented: 'Today's announcement marks a significant step forward in our commitment to preserving Ireland's natural heritage. 'The acquisition of the corncrake breeding site on the Belmullet peninsula and the launch of the Natura Communities Initiative are testaments to our dedication to conservation. 'By working together with local communities, farmers, and environmental organisations, we are not only protecting vital habitats but also ensuring a sustainable future for our biodiversity,' Minister Dillon added. The Natura Communities initiative aims to improve the conservation status in the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) network of blanket bogs, a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive. The project is led by Wild Atlantic Nature, and focuses on 35 Natura 2000 sites in the northwest of Ireland, working with farmers, landowners, policy-makers and others to deliver solutions that benefit local communities and the environment. The initiative has been piloted in Ireland since 2022. It has been developed to help deliver wetland and other ecosystem restoration at the local level, including input from local authorities via biodiversity officers and climate action teams. Presently, approximately 40 locally based and trained staff are employed by the three existing Wild Atlantic Nature Natura communities groups operating in counties Galway, Mayo and Donegal, with the objective of expanding the initiative across the country.
RTÉ News
05-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
How are the 'vital ecosystems' that are Irish peatlands protected in law?
Analysis: Protecting and restoring Ireland's peatlands is not only a legal or technical challenge but a delicate balancing act Irish peatlands have taken centre stage in recent years for their vital role in tackling climate change, thanks to their ability to store vast amounts of carbon. Despite covering just 3% of the world's surface, peatlands store 'twice as much carbon as all the forests in the world'. Given Ireland's extensive peatland coverage - about 20% of the land - the country has a key role to play in protecting them. However, land-use activities like peat extraction and agriculture have damaged Irish bogs, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere. With growing concerns about rising carbon emissions due to peatland decline, one might wonder: How are these vital ecosystems protected by law in Ireland? Understanding how peatlands are protected begins with three key points to keep in mind. First, there is no single law dedicated specifically to peatlands. Instead, a patchwork of different laws - not designed with peatlands in mind - influences how they are managed and protected. Second, Irish peatlands were largely unregulated for much of their history, and many of the current protections have been introduced in response to EU environmental policies. Third, only a small percentage of Irish bogs are publicly owned, which means that the rest is fragmented among multiple private landowners with competing interests, making efforts to protect and restore them more complicated. From TG4, Manchán Magan explores our complex relationship with the peatlands of Ireland In this context, the main legal tool for safeguarding peatlands has been the designation of Special Areas of Conservation, which are sites recognised for their ecological importance, under the EU Habitats Directive. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for designating them on the basis of ecological criteria, assessed through surveys and site visits. So far, 110 bog sites are Special Areas of Conservation in Ireland. This approach to managing peatlands has created a divide between peatlands that are designated and those that are not. Overall, designated sites benefit from stronger legal protections. The State is expected to take action to maintain or restore their ecological condition and to restrict activities that could cause damage. For example, peat extraction on designated sites has been banned here. However, enforcing this ban has proven difficult, with extraction continuing despite the restrictions. On non-designated sites, protection depends on whether proposed land use activities are likely to cause significant environmental harm. This is assessed through the national planning system, using a procedure called Environmental Impact Assessment, which is required under the EU EIA directive. Whether an assessment is required depends on the size of the peatland site, with smaller sites typically exempt. If required, the process begins with a report prepared by expert consultancies on behalf of the developer. This is then reviewed by local planning authorities or An Bord Pleanála, which are the bodies responsible for carrying out the assessment. The aim is to identify both the direct and indirect effects a project could have on the environment, including its climate impact. As a result, greenhouse gas emissions from degraded peatlands must now be considered before a project can be approved. Despite these regulations, Irish bogs are today in poor condition and suffer from deterioration, also driven by difficulties in enforcing regulations. As climate change has moved higher on the political agenda and the climate value of peatlands is now better understood, there have been growing calls to restore these ecosystems to reinstate their role as carbon sinks. In response, the EU adopted its first-ever Nature Restoration Law in June 2024, setting targets for restoring degraded ecosystems with the highest carbon storage potential, like peatlands. But what does restoring peatlands actually mean? Essentially, it involves rewetting the bogs to bring them back to functioning ecosystems. Given the ownership challenges mentioned above, EU lawmakers also agreed that meeting these targets does not imply an obligation for farmers or private landowners to rewet their land, as this remains voluntary. While Ireland has not yet adopted a restoration plan - something to watch for in the near future - restoration efforts are already underway as part of other initiatives, such as the Climate Action Plan and the Biodiversity Plan. Having covered the key legal aspects of peatland protection and restoration, a few final thoughts that are worth highlighting. While restoration is increasingly seen as essential for achieving climate targets, it should not be considered a simple fix. In some cases, restoration may not be enough to fully recover a bog's ability to absorb carbon, especially if the ecosystem has already become significantly impacted. Rather than treating it as a one-size-fits-all solution, the law should support more site-tailored approaches, especially given the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the condition of many Irish peatlands. Also, the different laws that apply to peatlands can clash. For example, Irish bogs have at times been proposed as sites for wind farms in an effort to accelerate the energy transition and meet climate goals. Yet those same climate goals also depend on protecting peatlands as carbon stores, revealing a tension between two climate strategies. Finally, Irish bogs are not only valuable as carbon stores or natural habitats; they are also lived-in landscapes. Local communities have long relied on these areas through land uses that are deeply tied to their way of life. Securing the participatory rights of these communities is fundamental to inclusive decision-making on the future of peatlands. As Ireland strives to meet its climate targets, protecting and restoring peatlands will not only be a legal or technical challenge but a delicate balancing act between environmental needs and community voices.
