Summary
It is important to note that this act is a directive; as such, it sets out goals that all countries in the European Union must achieve, but not the methods by which to achieve them. It opens by outlining the purpose of the directive, which is to conserve all species of naturally occurring birds in the wild, and the scope, which includes the birds themselves, as well as their eggs, nests, and wider habitats. The directive goes on to outline several steps that member states ought to take to ensure preservation, including the creation of protected areas, re-establishment of destroyed biomes, and the creation of biotopes. These steps are to benefit species that are in danger of extinction, vulnerable to specific changes in their habitat, or rare due to small population sizes. Beyond this, the directive requires member states to prohibit deliberate killing, destruction of eggs or nests, egg removal, or other deliberate disturbance during breeding periods. Member states are permitted to ignore these directives for the interests of public health and safety, air safety, agricultural interests, and for the protection of other wildlife. Member states are to report their progress every six years to the European Commission.