WRITTEN QUESTION E-1451/02

by Paul Lannoye (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(23 May 2002)

Subject: Decline in Eleonora's Falcon population in Crete

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature has informed me of an alarming decline in the number of Eleonora's Falcons (included in Annex I of Directive 79/409/EEC(1) on the conservation of wild birds) in Crete since 1997. The population has fallen by half. This decline is apparently due to poisoning by the methomyl pesticide, a carbamate marketed under the name Lannate (DuPont) and used illegally by the island's inhabitants. During the hot summer months, strong concentrations of this pesticide are left outside in basins of water in order to eliminate certain animals considered undesirable, e.g. cats, martens, rats, dogs, etc. Other, non-targeted animals, such as vultures and falcons, obviously fall prey to this deadly preparation.

Is the Commission aware of this decline in the Eleonora's Falcon population?

What measures has it taken or does it intend to take to prevent this species of falcons from becoming extinct?

Certain nature protection organisations are calling for mammal repellents to be added to all pesticides available on the market so as to prevent them being used illegally as poison to eliminate certain animals.

How does the Commission view this proposal? Will it consider implementing it in the context of pesticide authorisation procedures?

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 2002)

The Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that it is aware of the decline in the number of Falco eleonorae (species included in Annex I of the Birds Directive(1)). The situation has been brought to the attention of the Commission services through a registered complaint launched against Greece. Subsequently, a letter has been sent to the Greek authorities requesting information about the situation of the population of Falco eleonorae in the island of Crete and of the measures that the Greek authorities have taken as to alleviate the particular problem in the island. The reply to this letter is still pending. As soon as the Greek authorities respond, the submitted information shall be analysed with a view to assess if Greece has violated its obligations derived from Community environmental law in this case.

While the evaluation of Methomyl in the framework of Directive 91/414/EEC(2), is ongoing, the national legislation of the Member States regarding placing on the market and use of plant protection products applies. Use of the insecticide Methomyl is currently permitted in 10 Member States. The described use in Crete is illegal and it remains the responsibility of the Greek authorities to take the necessary measures.

The proposal made by certain associations for nature conservation (Bird Life International and their Greek associates, the Greek Ornithological Society) to add repulsive agents for the mammals to the preparations, has already been applied by DuPont, one of the companies producing Methomyl. It seems however that the repulsive effect on birds is not yet proven. However, there are indications that the application of Methomyl according to label instructions poses a low risk to birds such as falcons. Recognising that the decline of falcons can be attributed to the illegal use of Methomyl products, DuPont and the Greek Ornithological Society, according to information provided to the Commission, are currently running a joint project on the island of Crete. The project aims to raise public and farmers' awareness about the situation and to inform farmers about the effects on the falcon's population by the misuse of the pesticide.

Further to the actions already taken regarding the case of Eleonora's Falcons decline on the island of Crete, the Commission is currently finalising a Communication to Parliament and to the Council entitled Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. This Communication will launch a broad consultation of all stakeholders to prepare the thematic strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides requested in the 6th Environment Action Programme.

(1) Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds.

(2) Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, OJ L 230, 19.8.1991.