A3-0002/94

Resolution on the protection and conservation of wild bird species in the European Union

The European Parliament,

-having regard to Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds,

-having regard to decision 82/72/EEC concerning the conclusion of the Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats,

-having regard to decision 82/461/EEC on the conclusion of the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals,

-having regard to Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora,

-having regard to the reports of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection on the Commission proposal for a Council directive amending Annex II to Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and the implementation of the Bern Convention in the European Community,

-having regard to the motion for a resolution tabled by Mr Funk on the protection and preservation of wild bird species in all European countries (B3-0644/92),

-having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

-having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection (A3-0002/94),

A.whereas one of the duties of the European institutions is to preserve and restore biological diversity in the European Union,

B.whereas wild migratory and non-migratory bird species are part of the European Union's common natural heritage,

C.whereas hunting and trapping can be a factor in the decline of certain wild bird species, both hunted and protected,

D.whereas if hunting is practised sustainably in accordance with the principle of wise use of renewable natural resources, hunters can make a valuable contribution to habitat conservation, which is a key factor of many species conservation strategies;

E.whereas the wise use of wild birds can constitute a lasting source of income for rural areas, thus contributing to the long-term socio-economic development of less-favoured regions,

F.whereas hunting and trapping practices should therefore be adapted to the life cycles of species which are themselves hunted or are affected by hunting, in order to preserve and restore an abundant and diversified wild fauna throughout the European Union,

G.whereas in certain countries hunters and their associations have introduced self-imposed restrictions aimed at ensuring the rational management of hunting resources in the context of respect for conservation and the balance of nature,

H.whereas hunting seasons and methods can only be defined at national level on the basis of local and regional particularities,

I.whereas the deterioration and loss of wild bird habitats are generally considered to be the main threats to bird conservation,

J.having regard to the principle of subsidiarity,

1.Calls on the Commission to acknowledge the need for new measures to ensure that Member States meet their obligations under the Directive on the conservation of wild birds, by:

(a)establishing open seasons for hunting which are coordinated between countries (particularly for migratory species) in accordance with the biological characteristics of species, whether they are themselves hunted or are indirectly affected by hunting;

(b)banning completely non-selective hunting and trapping methods;

(c)promoting the establishment of a population management plan for species which are hunted in order to move towards sustainable exploitation of such species;

(d)progressively banning the use of lead ammunition and encouraging the development and use of non-toxic ammunition;

in full consultation with all groups concerned;

2.Urges the Commission to accelerate the conclusion of procedures for infringement of Directive 79/409/EEC, especially for destruction of habitats;

3.Calls on the Member States to strengthen the control measures to eliminate illegal hunting practices;

4.Calls on the Commission and Member States to encourage cooperation between all groups involved in wildlife and habitat conservation and management so that groups which work together can be consulted on all proposals;

5.Deplores the slowness with which the Member States are designating special protection zones in sufficient numbers and size, in accordance with Directive 79/409/EEC, and calls on these States to take the necessary steps as soon as possible;

6.Calls on the Commission to encourage States with which the Union has trade agreements to ensure that hunting of migratory birds on their territory is practised sustainably;

7.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.