It has long been recognised that many species of wild species of plants and animals in the EU are under threat. The main responses at Community level are focused on habitat protection and ecologically sound management of ecosystems under the Birds and Habitats Directives. However, some species are under such pressure that we need to develop complementary approaches to ensure that their conservation problems are adequately addressed. In this context it is widely recognised that action plans provide a valuable tool to help focus limited resources on ensuring that actions taken for endangered species are based on sound science and are targeted at priority measures aimed at the recovery of these species. Since 1993 the European Community has been financially supporting the preparation of action plans by BirdLife International for the most threatened birds species in the European Union. Initially plans were prepared for 23 globally threatened birds with financial support under the LIFE Regulation. The European Commission has since extended its financial support to the preparation of plans for eight further species, three of which are globally threatened. Plans for a further 16 species and sub-species are being finalised. All of these plans are the product of an extensive process of consultation and consensus building involving scientific experts, government agencies and representatives of non-governmental organisations throughout Europe. They are framework plans from which more detailed national and regional programmes can be developed and implemented. As each of the species covered by the plans is listed in the European Union's Bird Directive the plans will therefore facilitate Member States tasks in fulfilling their obligations for the conservation of these species. Given that all of these species are considered as priority for funding under LIFE Nature the plans will also help potential applicants focus on actions which are recognised as the most important and urgent for these species. They should also form the basis for co-operation and networking between conservationists working on these species across Europe.
