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Future development of the Birds Directive
Common scoter
In particular:
- The RSPB considers the terrestrial network of Special
Protection Areas incomplete. Several key species
remain under-represented within the network. There are still
important discrepancies between the area designated as Special
Protection Areas under the Birds Directive and that identified by
BirdLife as Important Bird Areas, which we believe are worthy of
statutory protection as SPAs given their internationally important
interest for birds. Completion of the network is especially
important in Scotland.
- Implementation of the Birds Directive in the marine
environment has been lamentable. Twenty-five years
after adoption of the Directive, only one marine SPA has been
designated – for common scoters in Carmarthen Bay – and that in the
face of European Court action. Lack of certainty about the location
of internationally important sites for birds at sea is now posing a
major problem for conservationists and developers alike because it
is difficult to guide marine development away from sensitive
areas.
- Much of the current SPA network is not in favourable
condition. A mixture of policy reform, regulatory
improvements and more resources for positive land management
agreements with owners and occupiers are required to achieve
favourable condition.
- Some parts of the Directive are still poorly
implemented in the UK. For example, while much effort has
been put into the designation of SPAs under Article 4, the wider
habitat conservation requirements of Article 3 have not been
properly implemented. Measures to address site deterioration are
also poorly developed.
Last modified: 02 April 2004