Protected areas, Birds Directive (Natura 2000, SPA)

In 1979, Member States decided to introduce specific rules for the protection of birds, the Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC). The Birds Directive covers a total of 200 species of birds present in the Member States. Of these, 66 are located in Sweden (see the bird list in the pdf library). Each Member State shall, on the one hand, take measures necessary to maintain bird species in viable populations (e.g. regulate bird hunting) and, on the other hand, take specific measures for bird species listed in Annex I to the Directive. In particular, special protection areas must be designated. Protection may also include the restoration of habitats for birds. The Directive contains several rules governing the ability of countries to hunt and trade birds.