©Stavros Christodoulides

The Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC) was adopted in 1979 and was amended in 2009 (Directive 2009/147/EC). In association with the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), they form the cornerstones of EU biodiversity policy. The two directives have created the Natura 2000 network – which is now the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world. Its main aim is the protection of all naturally occurring wild bird species present in the EU and their most important habitats. In addition to halting the decline or disappearance of bird species, the Directive aims to allow bird species to recover and thrive over the long-term.

The Birds Directive includes seven Annexes:

Annex I – Bird species requiring special conservation measures (threatened bird species which require special conservation efforts; rare, vulnerable, endangered species or species that require specific habitats for survival). Member States must classify Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for taxa listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive.

Annex II – Hunting regulations for certain species (species that may be hunted in all EU member states or in specific EU countries)

Annex III – Regulated use of bird species (species that can be traded or used under regulations or under strict conditions)

Annex IV – Prohibited hunting and capture methods (non-selective and mass-killing hunting techniques)

Annex V – Research and monitoring requirements (encourages scientific research)

Annex VI and VII are more of a comparison between the initial Directive (79/409/EEC) and the amendment (Directive 2009/147/EC)