A major success for nature and bird conservation in Europe: the European Parliament has paved the way for an EU-wide ban on lead shot. Following years of intensive work by nature conservation organisations such as EuroNatur and their partners, this will put an end to one of the biggest sources of lead pollution in Europe’s natural environment.
The legacy of a dubious pleasure. The ban will also reduce environmental lead pollution in wetlands.
© Borut Stumberger
Millions of water birds, including rarities such as the garganey, are likely to benefit from this ban.
© Monika PovelThis ban will gradually eliminate the largest remaining source of lead pollution from hunting and shooting sports in Europe. Every year, more than 44,000 tonnes of lead are released into the environment, endangering numerous bird species – particularly ducks and birds of prey, but also scavenging mammals.
“This decision is a milestone for European nature conservation,” says Dr Stefan Ferger, Head of Programme Migratory Birds. “EuroNatur and many partner organisations have worked together for years to ensure that the dangers of lead ammunition are finally taken seriously. The fact that the EU is now taking action is a major success for the protection of millions of birds and for a healthier environment in Europe,” says Ferger.
Despite the delight at having achieved this goal, there is still a need for action. The ban that has been adopted covers only lead shot, but not hunting ammunition in the form of lead bullets. These continue to pose a danger to birds of prey and other scavengers, which can ingest lead, for example, via contaminated carcasses and then die in agony.