The state of nature in the EU. Reporting under the EU habitats and birds directives 2007–2012

Europe has a stunning diversity of wild plants, animals and landscapes, many unique to our continent. However, since the start of the 20th century, our wildlife has been declining at an alarming rate. Valuable habitats have been lost as a result of rapidly changing land use, pollution, infrastructure development and continuing urban sprawl. Taken together, the EU birds and habitats directives represent the most ambitious and large-scale initiative ever undertaken to conserve Europe's natural heritage. As this brochure shows, well-targeted conservation actions deliver substantial results. It summarises the latest findings as regards the conservation status of over 2,000 species and habitats protected under the two EU directives.