The protection for some of our natural environments could be at risk, if they lose their status under the EU’s Natura 200 network of Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Habitats and Birds Directives.

The areas which would be affected locally are Cuilcagh Mountain Park and Sliabh Beagh.

According to the RSPB, the European Commission President, Jean Claude Juncker had written to the Environment Commissioner, Karmenu Vela and asked him to ‘carry out an in-depth evaluation of the Birds and Habitats directives and assess the potential for merging them into a more modern piece of legislation.’ An RSPB spokesperson stated: “There is concern that some politicians want to weaken the Directives in the mistaken belief that less protection for wildlife is good for business. Whilst the Directives are not perfect – they are the best tool we have to address the declines in biodiversity at a time when nature is in real trouble.

“Cuilcagh Mountain has been designated an SAC under the Habitats Directive. It takes in 2,500 hectares on the northern slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain at the heart of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. The Park was opened in 1998 with assistance from the European Union’s LIFE Peatlands Project and the Heritage Lottery Fund, to conserve pristine blanket bog, to restore damaged peat-land and to increase awareness of bog-land habitats and wildlife. As a Geopark there is a commitment to benefit the local economy, by bringing tourists into the region, creating jobs and increasing the need for new businesses, therefore authorities and businesses in the area work in partnership to increase tourism to Cuilcagh Mountain Park while mitigating any damage to the SAC. It is evident that the Nature Directives have not impeded economic growth, rather, the designation of the site has provided incentives to invest in the area and manage it correctly in order to attract visitors.

“Sliabh Beagh, which lies on the border between County Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland and County Fermanagh and County Tyrone, is another important site for nature. It contains a number of internationally important habitats listed under the Habitats Directive, predominantly blanket bog, European dry heath and natural dystrophic lakes and ponds; the most complete and functionally intact of these habitats have been designated as SACs. Additionally, over 10,000 hectares of Sliabh Beagh Uplands have been awarded SPA status for hen harriers.

“The Natura 2000 network is of particular importance here, focusing cross-border attention on securing sustainable rural development in this area, providing the backbone for a potential flagship community-led cross border conservation initiative in Ireland.

“The RSPB and other environmental organisations across the EU are asking people to respond to the European Commission’s online public consultation to protect the laws which protect these special places and the wildlife which lives there. Almost 400,000 people have responded already and can be done at www.rspb.org.uk/defendnature and use #defendnature on social media before tomorrow, Friday, July 24.