Defining and applying the concept of favourable reference values for species and habitats under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.

closed

Achieving favourable conservation status (FCS) for habitats and species of Community interest is the overall objective of the Habitats Directive (HD). Favourable reference values (FRVs) are key reference levels used to define in specific terms when FCS is being achieved for individual species and habitats. Similar concepts apply to the Birds Directive (BD) even though they are spelled out less clearly and different terms are used. The contract has 3 main objectives:Despite the fact that FRVs are essential elements to determine the 'distance to target' (i.e. the distance to FCS), the latest reporting round under Article 17 has shown that they are still poorly developed and often inconsistently applied across Member States. This is considered problematic, as it could lead to very different interpretations as to the overall goal to be achieved under the nature directives.Therefore, the given contract has 3 main objectives:1) support the development of methodologies and guidance on how to establish FRVs and testing of the methods;2) application of the resulting method (i.e. establishing FRVs) for a defined group of habitats and species;3) translating the biogeographic or population-based FRVs by way of examples and guidelines to concrete measures and action on MS level.