In 2001, the European Union (EU) set itself the ambitious target of halting the loss of biodiversity in Europe by 2010. Two strong pieces of European legislation are the cornerstones of the EU’s policy response to this commitment - the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. Together, they represent the most ambitious initiative ever undertaken to conserve valuable habitats and species across all EU Member States (currently 27 countries).

Thanks to these two Directives, countries are able to coordinate their conservation efforts, irrespective of political or administrative borders. The whole process is science driven, legally enforceable and based on an approach to management that takes account of people’s interests and concerns.