NEWS AND CONTEXT
WWF Adria calls on scientists to support an appeal to protect birds and habitats
Published
The European Commission plans to review the regulations underpinning the Natura 2000 network in the third quarter of 2027. The scientists who launched the appeal are calling for the existing rules to be better enforced.
What will the Commission review?
On LinkedIn, WWF Adria called on scientists to sign a European appeal to protect the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. These regulations underpin Natura 2000, a network of areas designated to conserve wild species and their habitats.
The announcement comes in the European Commission’s 2027 work programme, published on 4 November. It envisages a review of both directives and the Natura 2000 network. The Commission has left open whether, following the review, it will propose changes to the regulations or measures that can be implemented within the existing framework.
From European regulations to Kopački rit
In Kopački rit, the black stork finds food in shallow pools and builds its nest high in a tree. To raise its young there, it needs both wetland and forest. This is one reason why European directives protect not only individual species but also their habitats.
The Hands Off Nature coalition, which brings together WWF’s European Policy Office, BirdLife Europe, the European Environmental Bureau and ClientEarth, is calling for better enforcement and funding of existing rules. Around 1.25 million people have already signed a citizens’ petition. The appeal now being shared by WWF Adria is addressed separately to scientists.