EU's Conservation Efforts Need More Strategic Investment to Meet Continental Commitments

• DOI: 10.1111/conl.12248
• Publication Date: 2016-03-21T06:56:46Z
• Authors: Virgilio Hermoso; Miguel Clavero; Dani Villero; Lluís Brotons
• Keywords: Investment

Abstract The European Union (EU) has made significant conservation efforts in the last two decades, guided by Birds and Habitats Directives, currently under evaluation. Despite these a large proportion of priority species are still unfavorable condition continue declining. For this reason, thoughtful review implementation Europe is needed to identify potential causes behind poor effectiveness. We compiled information on distribution all funds LIFE‐Nature, main financial tool for Europe. found that LIFE‐Nature not adequately covered continental needs. majority have been directed toward nonthreatened or regions low priority. Given limited resources available, key aspects urgent need revision improvement. First, should be global needs planned at EU scale. Second, new mechanisms required set priorities dynamic fashion, rather than relying fixed lists (i.e., Directives’ Annexes) may rapidly become outdated. These improvements would require redistribution efforts, supported adequate policy more effective top‐down control investment.