BirdLife Europe and Central Asia

🌬 Offshore wind and grid development in line with nature? The ‘𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀’ conference will demonstrate how Europe’s offshore wind, grid, and biodiversity ambitions translate into concrete actions.  Join us and our speaker, Ariel Brunner, on this day and discover innovative solutions in a dedicated fair, discuss policy needs, and network with leaders from across industry and civil society!  ⌛ October 30th, in Brussels Check out all speakers and make sure to register for #ThrivingSeas2024 👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/edPHWjfr Organised by Renewables Grid Initiative, WindEurope, the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN).

Europe's food and farming systems stand at a crossroads, facing mounting challenges from environmental degradation to geopolitical turmoil. The Strategic Dialogue, initiated by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, brought together 29 key stakeholders from across Europe—farmer unions, consumer group, environmental NGOs, and business leaders—to shape a common vision for the future of agriculture. Over the course of seven months, this diverse group worked to address the pressing challenges facing the sector, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The Strategic Dialogue provides a clear roadmap for the future of European agriculture. Next week, Agriculture Ministers will meet to discuss the future of a "farmer-focused post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy." With the work of the Strategic Dialogue already offering a comprehensive vision, the task for ministers is clear: they need to embrace this plan and take decisive steps to put it into action. The worst thing ministers can do is making superficial changes and continuing to lock farmers into an unsustainable business as usual system. Farmers and society are grappling with serious, interconnected challenges, from the impacts of climate change to ecosystem breakdown, that require bold, transformative policies. Simply tweaking the current system will not be enough. To ensure the resilience of our farming communities and protect the planet for future generations, ministers must commit to the fundamental changes outlined in the Strategic Dialogue. #NoNatureNoFood #EUagriculture #farmersprotests2024 Ariel Brunner

This week, a major step was taken for the conservation of migratory birds in Kazakhstan and beyond! 🦅 A memorandum was signed between the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of Kazakhstan, ACBK — Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan and BirdLife International. This partnership aims to strengthen efforts in studying and protecting migratory bird species that breed in and migrate through Kazakhstan, a critical habitat for many rare and endangered birds. But why is this so important? Migratory birds face many challenges, from habitat loss to dangers at power lines and wind farms. Protecting these species requires: 🦉 Systematic monitoring to track populations 🌲 Conservation of key habitats ⚡ Sustainable energy development to prevent bird deaths during migration This memorandum is not just a local initiative—it's about building international cooperation to safeguard migratory birds across borders. With support from BirdLife International, Kazakhstan is joining a global effort to ensure that these incredible species thrive for generations to come. #GenerationRestoration #BirdConservation 📸 danishrasool525/Unsplash & Yves Adams/Vilda

🌿Meet the people of #NaturaConnect! We are pleased to introduce Joana Bores, Sites Conservation Officer at BirdLife Europe and Central Asia. Through #NaturaConnect, she has contributed to the deliverable "Review and Synthesis of Best Practices in Governance and Land-Use Policies", identifying key interventions that could bolster the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N). These governance strategies play a crucial role in achieving the EU's 2030 biodiversity targets by fostering resilient, well-connected protected areas. Read more about her work here: https://buff.ly/3UxOC0D #HorizonEU

[🎥] The next five years will be crucial for the ocean & the time for action is now ! 🌍 In this video taken during the Ocean Lab, Cyrielle Goldberg, from BirdLife Europe and Central Asia reminds us of the urgent work still needed to protect Europe’s seas. Ahead of the upcoming commissioner hearings, it’s crucial that all EU institutions commit to taking bold action to safeguard our seas 🗝️ 🚨 The stakes are high. Ocean Week was just the beginning. The ocean must be a priority in the EU agenda to make the #OceansPact come together. 🔗 Watch the video and learn more about the Blue Manifesto 👉 https://lnkd.in/eFCHrJ6f Seas At Risk ClientEarth Oceana WWF European Policy Office Surfrider Foundation Europe #EU #Ocean #OceanDeal #Sustainability #Politics #Future #BlueManifesto

Today, on #WorldMigratoryBirdDay, we celebrate the essential role insects play in fuelling the journeys of migratory birds across vast distances. These tiny creatures are vital for replenishing the energy reserves of traveling birds of all sizes, influencing the timing, duration, and overall success of their migrations. This is particularly evident at crucial stopover points, where peak insect abundance coincides with the arrival of traveling birds. But the outlook for insect populations is bleak. Studies reveal staggering declines of at least 70% in recent decades across Europe. Data from participatory science experiments in Britain and Germany reveal alarming declines 63.7% between 2004 and 2022. In Germany, studies conducted in protected agricultural landscapes show an average decline of 76% in flying insect biomass between 1989 and 2016. Similar declines have been observed in Denmark, where analysis suggests an 80% drop in insect collisions on busy roads between 1997 and 2017. While data from France is scarce, trends mirror those seen in neighbouring countries. Human activities that fuel habitat loss, climate change, agricultural intensification, invasive species, and the excessive use of harmful synthetic chemicals, are identified as the primary drivers behind this distressing decline. Intensive farming practices, in particular, have transformed vast expanses of land into inhospitable environments for insects and other wildlife. Natural features such as hedgerows, which serve as essential shelters and habitats for wildlife, are disappearing at an alarming rate. Monoculture fields, where single crops dominate, often lack biodiversity and are heavily treated with pesticides. Given the critical role insects play as the foundation of ecosystems, as well as an important food source for birds and other wildlife, their decline presents significant ecological challenges and jeopardizes the delicate balance of biodiversity. The loss and disturbance of insect populations along avian migration routes pose a direct threat to bird populations. A shortage of insects, which are rich in energy and protein, can lead to weakened immune systems, lower reproductive success, and higher mortality rates among both adult birds and their offspring. At BirdLife, by monitoring birds and their migration patterns, we can identify the vital habitats they need in order to protect and restore them. We advocate for sustainable agricultural policies, to ensure a harmonious coexistence between nature and farming practices. Through these efforts, we strive to protect the delicate balance of ecosystems and support the survival of migratory birds and their insect companions for generations to come. 🎥 Matthew25/Shutterstock - Red-throated Flycatcher

🦅 EuroBirdwatch 2024: birdwatchers unite for nature once again! 😍 Over the past weekend, over 24,000 bird enthusiasts joined EuroBirdwatch 2024, Europe's largest birdwatching event. Organised by 36 BirdLife Partners across Europe and Central Asia, nearly 1,000 events were held, giving participants a front-row seat to witness the migration of more than 3.5 million birds heading south for the winter. A preliminary report from 29 BirdLife Partners revealed impressive figures: 984 events, 24,614 participants, and over 3.57 million birds spotted. The data was collected, analysed, and published by SOS/BirdLife Slovensko. While many bird lovers shared the same enthusiasm all across the Partnership, some countries flew to higher results than others. Here are a few highlights: Most observed birds  - BirdLife Suomi ry(1 400 000) - BirdLife Sweden (617 808) - Vogelbescherming Nederland (383 269) Most abundant bird species  - Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) - Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) The events across Europe yielded sightings of many rare and elusive species. Among the ornithological highlights were:  - Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) in Hungary and the Netherlands - Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) in Poland - Parasitic Jaegers (Stercorarius parasiticus) in Romania - Levant sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) in Serbia - Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus) in Sweden and Finland - Northern bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) in Turkey - Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) in Austria - Slavonian Grebes (Podiceps auritus) in Belarus - Little Buntings (Emberiza pusilla) in Belgium - Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus) in Bulgaria and Belgium - Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka) in Cyprus Some special remarks: ·      In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the planned trip to the Hutovo Blato Nature Park, was unfortunately cancelled because of catastrophic floods which hit the southern part of the country during the night between 4-5 October, which damaged the roads. This unfortunate event happening at the same time as Eurobirdwatch24 it’s a sad reminder of why it is so important to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis through nature conservation and restoration. Find out more ornithological highlights and special remarks from #EuroBirdwatch24 here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ePKPay96 📸 by Rollin Verlinde; Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

 🦆⚠️ Our new research shows that birds that are exposed to neonicotinoids (agricultural pesticides) have a lower survival rate. They also suffer from health problems and negative effects on their behaviour and reproduction. Eating food that contains neonicotinoids is harmful on all fronts to birds such as house sparrows, partridges, mallard ducks and many more species.   ☣️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐬 Our behavioural ecologist Elke Molenaar says: ‘There have been concerns about the negative impact of neonicotinoids on insect populations for some time, but the general consensus for many years was that birds suffered relatively little from their toxicity. This study now shows that direct harmful effects do occur when birds eat food containing neonicotinoids.’   🧭️ 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 One example of these effects is reduced orientation, causing migrating birds to lose their course. Other effects include young chicks with birth defects, birds with abnormal blood levels and birds that lived shorter lives. The study examines the effects of 5 different types of neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, clothianidin and thiacloprid). Elke states: ‘For all of them, we see negative effects.’   ⛔️ 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 Although neonicotinoids are mostly banned within the EU for use in open agriculture and horticulture, they are still used outside of the region. Meanwhile, new insecticides are also rapidly being developed. Our research partner Vogelbescherming Nederland (Birdlife Netherlands) calls for much more extensive and rigorous testing of pesticides for their possible side effects on humans, animals and the environment. If in doubt, they should not be authorised.   🤝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 For this study Wageningen researchers Elke Molenaar and Sjouke Anne Kingma collaborated with Wolfgang Viechtbauer (Maastricht University) and Janske van de Crommenacker (Vogelbescherming Nederland). The researchers analysed global data from nearly 50 studies on 12 different bird species. #pesticides #birds #animalhealth

🚨 New Research shows that neonicotinoids are harmful to birds on all fronts 🚨   Not only bees and bumblebees, but also birds are severely affected by neonicotinoids, a group of pesticides used in agriculture. New research by Wageningen University & Research, in collaboration with our Dutch Partner Vogelbescherming Nederland, shows how far-reaching the impact of these substances is. 🔍 Direct harm to birds An analysis of global data from nearly 50 studies, on 12 different bird species, including house sparrows, partridges, and mallard ducks, shows that neonicotinoids adversely affect almost every aspect of bird life. In these studies, birds were exposed to neonicotinoids through their food or via direct administration, and more than a thousand effects were investigated. One example of such effects is reduced orientation, causing migrating birds to lose their course. Other effects include young chicks born with complications, birds with abnormal blood levels and birds that lived shorter lives after exposure to these substances. ⚠️ Still in use despite the risks Although neonicotinoids are mostly banned within the EU for use in open agriculture and horticulture, they are still used worldwide in several countries. There are also exceptions within the EU, whereby arable farmers can still get permission to use them via ‘emergency licences’. Meanwhile, new similar crop protection products are rapidly being developed and marketed. Vogelbescherming Nederland calls it very worrying that these harmful agents still pass the strict authorisation procedures and are wrongly labelled as safe for humans, animals and the environment. For example, the pesticide is often used on a large scale for years, while subsequent research shows that it is not at all safe for birds and perhaps other organisms that ingest it. Thorough and independent research is therefore urgently needed before pesticides can be authorised. Both into substances that have hardly been investigated yet, and into recently developed agents. Frans van Alebeek, Senior Policy Officer at Vogelbescherming: “Pesticides should be tested much more extensively and rigorously for their possible side effects on humans, animals and the environment. If in doubt, pesticides should not be authorised. Things have gone wrong far too often in the past.‘’ 📷 Lars Soerink