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Trevor Hutchings, Director of Advocacy at WWF-UK commented on yesterday’s confirmation that the EU Commission EU’s flagship nature laws – the Birds and Habitats Directives – will be saved and not rewritten or weakened, 

“Today’s agreement by the European Commission not to amend key EU nature laws and to declare them fit for purpose is a victory for the species and habitats we all enjoy and depend upon.  With global wildlife populations predicted to decline by 67% by the end of the decade there is now more than ever a pressing need to safeguard nature. As we exit from the EU we must ensure these protections are enshrined in UK law and enhanced through the government’s welcome commitment to a 25 year environment plan.”

The EU nature laws - the Birds and Habitats Directives – safeguard more than 1,400 threatened species and one million square kilometres of natural habitats in Europe that fall under their protection.

Related information:

Birds Directive

Habitats Directive