WRITTEN QUESTION E-3981/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Declining farmland bird populations

Has the Commission studied the recent figures released by the British Trust for Ornithology on the declining populations of farmland birds in Britain? Has the Commission conducted any studies into declining farmland bird populations across Europe and does the Commission not think that this is a legitimate matter for its concern? In addition, has the Commission studied the connection between declining farmland bird populations and the impact of modern farming on the availability of seeds and invertebrates?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(23 February 1999)

The Commission is aware, from various studies(1), that certain farmland bird species are declining in the Community, but it has not seen the recent figures to which the Honourable Member refers.

The Commission is concerned about any decline in farmland birds in any Member State. All wild bird species are protected under Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds(2). Member States' duty to protect farmland bird species under the directive includes the need to take habitat conservation measures, including the classification of special protection areas, for farmland species listed in annex I of the directive as well as migratory farmland species. Outside these areas Member States must strive to avoid pollution or deterioration of habitats.

Agri-environment programmes, under Council Regulation (EEC) 2078/92 of 30 June 1992 on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside(3), exist in all Member States to promote farming compatible with environmental objectives. Many measures have been developed to favour farm-dependent biodiversity, whether plant species, invertebrates or more conspicuous species such as mammals and birds. These include reducing the use of inputs and the fertility of soil; introducing farming systems (crops, grazing patterns, and rotations) needed by various species; and scheduling or adjusting farm activities to fit into the natural cycle. Monitoring of these programmes is continuing in the context of programme management by Member States and last year the Commission released an extensive evaluation document (reference: VI/7655/98).

Under the Life Regulation (EEC) 1973/92 as modified by Regulation (EC) 1404/96 of 15 July 1996, establishing a financial instrument for the environment(4) important demonstration projects for the conservation of endangered farmland bird species have been supported by the Community. This includes actions for crex crex in Belgium, France, Ireland and the United Kingdom as well as for otis tarda in Germany, Spain and Portugal.

The Commission also gives financial support to the preparation of Community action plans for certain endangered farmland species listed in annex I of Directive 79/409/EEC as well as huntable species listed in its annex II.

(1) e.g. Birds in Europe, their conservation status. Bird life conservation series no 3.1994.

(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(3) OJ L 215, 30.7.1992.

(4) OJ L 181, 20.7.1996.