conservation efforts
The European network of protected areas is being strengthened. By the end of 2022, Member States are expected to present their commitments on several targets for the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, including targets for protected areas. Hunters are key stakeholders in advancing conservation efforts on Natura 2000 sites. It is important to add that there is no general presumption against hunting on Natura 2000 sites; hunting should be compatible with the sites' conservation objectives. The EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 requires member states to step up their conservation efforts to protect 30% of Europe's land and sea by 2030, of which 10% will need to be strictly protected.
The level of protection
According to FACE, the best chance of success will be achieved by explicitly integrating the local population into the conservation of these sites. The global experience of protected areas has shown that the level of protection is not the key factor in halting biodiversity loss, but rather the empowerment of local populations and the maintenance of cultural and livelihood benefits. The FACE Biodiversity Manifesto contains data to show the important contribution that hunters make to the management of protected areas. The current draft of the Global Conservation Framework (CBD), due to be adopted at CBD COP15 in Montreal this December, emphasizes that protected areas should be managed effectively and equitably and integrated into wider landscapes.
A network to expand
This follows evidence that good site management is more important than the level of protection when delivering biodiversity benefits. For the target of European protected areas it will be necessary to expand the network of terrestrial protected areas by about 4% and the strictly protected areas by about 4%7%. More work needs to be done on marine protected areas, which are expected to grow by 19% by 2030. According to the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, all primary and old-growth forests should be strictly protected, as well as other areas rich in biodiversity who thrive on processes.
future actions
Under the Commission's guidance, with the new category of strictly protected areas, there can of course be restrictions on a range of human activities, including hunting and fishing, but only where justified based on the specific characteristics of the site. Therefore, it is essential that key stakeholders are actively consulted to promote community-based conservation. By 2024, the Commission will assess whether further action or new EU legislation is needed, but right now stakeholders should focus on national engagement processes and promoting community ownership to ensure protected areas deliver storage. (Source FACE)