The protection of wild species in the EU

The European Union hosts a rich diversity of wild plant and animal species. The Habitats Directive requires Member States to take measures to ensure that the endangered, vulnerable and rare or endemic species are protected. This system of strict protection should be implemented effectively. The final aim, contributing to a favourable conservation status of the species. Three articles of the Directive deserve special attention. Article 12, 13 and 16. Article 12 addresses the protection of animal species. To protect animal species from deliberate capture, killing, destruction or deterioration of breeding sites or resting places or other disturbances, two principles must be observed. First, a legal framework of coherent and coordinated measures and their effective implementation on the ground. And second, good information and guidance by the competent authorities. The Species Protection Regime does not cover only animals but also plants. The provisions of Article 13 prohibit their picking, collecting, cutting, uprooting or destruction, as well as transport and sale. But what if, for example, a plant is needed for research purposes? Or if the disturbance of an animal is necessary to allow for works aimed at preventing serious damages? The provisions of Article 16 cover those cases. If a disturbance, capturing, killing or cutting and picking of a specimen appears necessary and no satisfactory alternative exists, member states may grant a derogation under specific conditions. But the derogation must not be detrimental to the maintenance of the populations of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range. The Habitats Directive, protecting the diversity of Europe's wild plant and animal species.