Protected areas: birds Directive (Natura 2000, SPA)

In 1979, Member States decided to introduce specific rules for the protection of birds, the Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC). The Birds Directive concerns a total of 200 bird species present in the Member States. Of them there are 66 in Sweden (see the bird list in the pdf library). Each Member State shall take measures necessary to maintain bird species in viable populations (e.g. regulate bird hunting) and, on the other hand, take specific measures for bird species listed in Annex I to the Directive. Among other things, special protection areas should be identified. Protection can also be about restoring habitats for birds. The directive contains several rules governing countries’ ability to hunt and trade in birds.