Nature Conservation Policy in Europe

EuroNatur: Advocate for a better nature conservation policy

Ever since its inception, EuroNatur’s work has had a European focus. The protection of Europe’s rivers and forests, its wildlife and its birds, has to be driven forward through direct political interaction with decision-makers in Brussels. This was one of the reasons why, in 2021, we decided to open a branch office in the Belgian capital.

In our campaigns, we set regional priorities - such as the Ulcinj Salina in Montenegro or the primary and old-growth forests of the Romanian Carpathians - and our aim is to bring about positive change through public and political pressure.

What we are doing to secure an ecologically-oriented nature conservation policy

• Campaigning together for Europe's natural heritage: Together with our partners, we are working to expose abuses of nature conservation policy. We provide early warning of undesirable ecological developments in Europe, and we mobilise the public as well as EU bodies and Members of the European Parliament. We organise protests - whether in Brussels or locally in our project areas - and take legal action where appropriate. 
   
• Reforming agriculture, preserving traditional farming methods: The way we produce our food is key to species diversity in Europe. At one time, forms of small-scale agriculture in particular, ensured that Europe’s biodiversity boomed. EuroNatur is therefore supporting agricultural projects such as pastoral livestock farming (transhumance) in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balkans. Entire ecosystems, such as those which support the dung beetle, the orchid and the black vulture, are benefiting from this approach. A reformed agricultural policy can contribute not only to nature conservation and environmental protection, but also to improving the social conditions of many farmers.

• Deploying funds appropriately: In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the European Union has decided to invest around 670 billion euros in the reconstruction of the European economy. The money is linked to investments in climate and nature conservation as well as digitalisation. However, many of the measures planned by member states risk being extremely damaging to nature. EuroNatur is campaigning to limit the worst impacts of this misguided policy and to set the course for an ecological future.