EU governments have recently agreed to propose changes to an international convention on wildlife conservation that would ease protection for Europe’s growing wolf population. The move, put forward by the European Commission, would allow for the culling or hunting of wolves and downgrade their status from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’. This decision has been criticized by nature conservationists and green groups, who see it as a setback for biodiversity conservation in Europe.
Despite opposition from countries like Ireland and Spain, as well as some smaller member states planning to abstain, the proposal is expected to pass in a formal vote by ministers. Green groups have condemned the decision, calling it a betrayal of facts and pragmatic solutions, and a blow to European democracy and cohesion.
On the other hand, the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) has praised the decision as a breakthrough in addressing the challenges posed by the increase in wolf populations. They argue that the growing wolf population threatens pastoral farming, tourism, and rural communities in Europe. The EU Commission has also welcomed the agreement, emphasizing that member states will still be required to maintain a favorable conservation status for the species.
The proposal is set to be discussed at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention in December. The decision to ease protection for wolves has sparked a debate between conservationists and farming lobby groups, with the latter arguing that the needs of farmers and rural dwellers must also be considered. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for wildlife conservation efforts in Europe.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com