Natura 2000 –

The cornerstones of European nature conservation policy

What does the loss of Biodiversity mean to us?

In Ireland 95 bird species are threatened or in serious decline.  120 plant species are endangered.  Ireland's longest living animal, the freshwater pearl mussel, is facing extinction throughout its range in Irish rivers.  Many types of fish are now scarce and population viability poor.  Such reductions in biodiversity in Ireland have serious economic and social consequences. 

So what can we do about it?

Ireland has agreed with the other EU Heads of State in 2001 to “halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010'.  If we are to fulfill this commitment, we need concerted action on both local and national levels. The cornerstones of these efforts are the European Habitats and Birds Directives.  Under these we have designated a network of nature conservation sites, known as Natura 2000 sites.  These include Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas for birds (SPAs).   The directives provide a mechanism for the protection of special sites and endangered species, for mediating potential conflicts between development and conservation, and for socioeconomic development in and around these sires.  Upholding these directives is of the utmost importance in achieving long term sustainable development.  Investments in nature are investments in the wellbeing of people and future generations. 

How is Ireland faring in these efforts?

Ireland has come a long way since in the past decade, with most Natura 2000 sites designated and much work done.  However two recent judgments from the European Court of Justice [link] are critical of Ireland’s efforts to protect our most endangered natural habitats and species.  By satisfying these court judgments Ireland now has the opportunity to complete our work in the conservation of these rare natural attributes and move positively towards our commitments to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010.  Failure to do so will expose Ireland to the risk of substantial fines.  

Biodiversity at a crossroads – which way will Ireland go?

We now face a choice – to improve our record on biodiversity conservation through political will and  financial support for Natura 2000, or watch over accelerating decline of our unique national treasure – our natural heritage.