Environment: Commission issues stern warnings to Portugal and Spain over nature protection shortcomings

2012-02-28T16:26:41Z

The European Commission is sending letters of formal notice to Portugal and Spain for failing to take sufficient measures to protect nature. The Portuguese case concerns authorisations for planned tourist complexes in protected areas in Grândola and Alcácer do Sal, south of Lisbon. The Spanish case concerns a failure to comply with a ruling by the European Court of Justice requiring Spain to designate sufficient protected areas for the conservation and protection of wild birds in a number of regions around the country.

EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "Europe depends on its biodiversity for innumerable ecological services, from water and air purification to forestry resources. That biodiversity is under threat, and it is vital that we protect it. Spain and Portugal must comply with Europe's nature legislation and maintain the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. This is critical if the EU is to meet its target of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010."

Tourism2030 - May

Environment: Commission issues stern warnings to Portugal and Spain over nature protection shortcomings