Future challenges
 Andy Hay/RSPB Images
The Corncrake Crex crex is declining steadily due to the intensification of modern agriculture.
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Despite the progress made through the Birds Directive birds remain widely threatened, and the conservation status of many species has worsened alarmingly in the last ten years.
- Recent analyses from BirdLife International show that 48% of all bird species in the EU (43% in the whole of Europe) are in serious trouble, including many farmland birds, long-distance migrants and waders.
- In the last decade 45 species have declined in status, but only 14 have improved.
Common Agricultural Policy
While the causes for the decline of long-distance migrants (wintering south of the Sahara) are not yet completely understood, the plight of farmland birds is clearly connected to intensive agriculture encouraged by the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) of the European Union. In this sector the Birds Directive’s principles are not properly integrated, which is why it can’t have the desired effect.
BirdLife International is working to reform the Common Agricultural Policy for the benefit of birds and people with its Farming for Life campaign.
Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most important challenges for the future. Recent research suggests that many species with restricted ranges will suffer as their suitable habitat disappears. Furthermore, species that depend on coastal habitats will be greatly affected as many coastal habitats are expected to disappear.
EU Enlargement
The ten new Member States that joined the EU in 2004 bring an exciting opportunity to greatly increase the biodiversity richness of the EU and to learn from the mistakes of the first 25 years, not allowing the same EU-catalysed destruction of biodiversity.
BirdLife’s vision for the future of the Birds Directive
BirdLife International has developed targets and priority actions for the next 25 years of the Birds Directive.
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