| Series Title | European Voice |
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| Series Details | Vol.10, No.27, 22.7.04 |
| Publication Date | 22/07/2004 |
| Content Type | News |
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Date: 22/07/04 CASH previously earmarked for the EU's network of Natura 2000 wildlife sites could soon be axed, conservationists have warned. The Commission has estimated that it will cost €6.1 billion annually to maintain the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, which cover an area bigger than France and Greece combined. But BirdLife International has expressed concern that the Commission could pull the plug on a funding mechanism set up specifically to help establish the network. Two proposals, on the EU's financial perspectives for 2007-13 and on financing Natura 2000, omit any reference to the continuation of this programme beyond 2006. It is now part of the Financial Instrument for the Environment and has been allocated _300 million for 2000-04. But a Commission spokeswoman said that even if this fund no longer exists, "there are still other funds that the member states can use". The Natura 2000 communication, released on 16 July, cites structural and agricultural funds as potential financing sources. But Clairie Papazoglou, of BirdLife, fears that "without explicit encouragement, member states are likely to divert these funds to other projects". Terminating the fund, a move which insiders claim would be backed by DG Environment chief Catherine Day, would put at risk threatened bird species such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle and the Great Bustard. |
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| Source Link | http://www.european-voice.com/ |
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| Subject Categories | Geography |
