Wolf Protection Status Hangs in the Balance
A crucial decision looms in Strasbourg on Tuesday regarding the future protection status of wolves. The European Commission, representing the 27 EU member states within the Bern Convention, has formally requested a downgrade in the wolf’s current level of protection. If a two-thirds majority–at least 34 out of the 50 signatory states–is secured, the EU will regain the ability to refine wolf protection measures within its own Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive (FFH Directive).
Proposed Shift Raises Concerns and Welcome
The proposal seeks to reclassify wolves from their current status as “strictly protected animals” to simply “protected animals.” This change, proponents argue, would grant EU member states greater flexibility in managing wolf populations through regulated hunting, without entirely eliminating protection. A key tenet of the proposal is to ensure that any hunting activities do not jeopardize the overall health and stability of wolf populations, according to a press release from the Council of Europe, the body that oversees the Bern Convention.
Agricultural representatives have largely welcomed the proposed change to the convention, viewing it as a necessary step in balancing wildlife conservation with the protection of livestock and rural livelihoods. However, environmental and animal rights groups have expressed strong opposition, arguing that weakening wolf protections could pave the way for unchecked hunting and threaten the long-term survival of these iconic predators.
Switzerland Pushed for Change in 2022
This debate is not new. Switzerland had already initiated a similar proposal for revision at the 2022 meeting of signatory states. Despite this, the EU voted against the change at the time, as it lacked a clear mandate from its member states. The situation on Tuesday might be different, with the European Commission officially backing the reclassification.
What are the potential impacts of downgrading wolf protection status on biodiversity in Europe?
## Wolf Protection Status Hangs in the Balance: An Interview with BirdLife International
**[HOST]:** Welcome back to the programme. Today we’re discussing a crucial environmental decision facing the European Union: the potential downgrade of wolf protection status under the Bern Convention. Joining us to shed light on this issue is [GUEST NAME], a representative from BirdLife International, a leading conservation organization.
**[GUEST]:** Thank you for having me.
**[HOST]:** So, what exactly is at stake in this upcoming vote in Strasbourg?
**[GUEST]:** The European Commission has proposed downgrading the wolf from strictly protected status to a category that allows for more management measures, including culling [[1](https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/09/25/press-release-europe-weakens-wolf-protection-major-blow-to-science-and-biodiversity/)]. This shift sends a dangerous message and opens the door to the unacceptable practice of wolf culling as a simplistic solution to perceived conflicts with livestock.
**[HOST]:** Many critics argue that wolf populations are recovering well and that culling is necessary to manage their numbers and prevent conflicts with farmers. What’s your response to that?
**[GUEST]:** While it’s true that wolf populations have seen some recovery in certain areas, they are still far from healthy across Europe. Decades of persecution have drastically reduced their numbers. Targeting wolves as the sole cause of livestock depredation is misguided.
Effective solutions involve preventative measures like improved livestock guarding practices and predator-friendly farming techniques. Widespread culling is not only cruel, but ultimately counterproductive to achieving a healthy balance between predators and prey in the ecosystem.
**[HOST]:** What are the potential consequences of this downgrade for wolf populations and biodiversity in Europe?
**[GUEST]:** This decision would be a major setback for wolf conservation and undermine Europe’s commitment to safeguarding biodiversity. Weakening protection could lead to increased persecution and potentially put wolf populations back on the path to decline.
Moreover, wolves are keystone species, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Their decline ripples through the food chain and impacts the balance of entire ecosystems.
**[HOST]:** What message do you have for viewers who are concerned about this issue?
**[GUEST]:** We urge viewers to make their voices heard. Contact your elected officials and express your opposition to the downgrade of wolf protection. Support organizations working to protect wolves and promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife. Remember, the future of wolves in Europe is in our hands.
**[HOST]:** Thank you for sharing your insights with us today, [GUEST NAME]. We appreciate your work in advocating for wolf conservation.
