The new issue of Life Focus, LIFE managing habitats for birds, is dedicated to projects funded through the LIFE funds, the European Union’s financial instrument dedicated to the environment. These are projects that have developed actions aimed at the conservation and improvement of habitats – wetlands, grasslands and forests, among others – to promote the conservation of birds that are in danger of extinction.

Bird conservation has remained an EU policy priority since the Birds Directive was adopted in 1979. Subsequently, thanks to the establishment of the LIFE funds in 1992, the European Union has used this financial instrument for the conservation of birds, through restoration measures and the improvement of the areas that are part of the Natura 2000 Network.

The section Answering the call of the Capercaillie pays special interest to the current situation of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), highlighting the efforts of several countries of the European Union to guarantee the conservation of its habitat, through projects co-financed with LIFE funds. Among others, pilot projects developed in the 1990s in France and Germany are mentioned: Forêts à Tétranoidés du Jura (1992) and Integrated Habitat Protection for the Grouse in the Black Forest (1998). Two key projects, based on the results of which other initiatives were launched that considered habitat improvement actions an urgent and necessary measure to guarantee the conservation of this endangered species. Other projects highlighted in the publication are the LIFE Urgent Conservation Management for Scottish Capercaillie project (Scotland, 2002), the LIFE+ Tétras Vosge (France, 2008), the LIFE+ Cantabrian Capercaillie (Spain, 2009) and the LIFE+ Capercaillie Protection (Poland, 2011).

The Natura 2000 Network is a European instrument for the conservation of biodiversity. It is made up of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated in accordance with the Habitats Directive, as well as Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs) established under the Birds Directive. SACs are the official Sites of Community Interest (SCIs) that have been declared by the States.

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