We are BirdLife

BirdLife Europe & Central Asia is dedicated to the conservation of birds and biodiversity. Our work focuses on protecting species, restoring the habitats they depend on, promoting ecological sustainability, and engaging local communities. Based in Brussels, we are supported by 46 BirdLife Partners across 44 countries, including all EU Member states.

By working together, we can combat human threats to migratory birds at their wintering, breeding and stopover sites. Through targeted conservation action, we aim to end illegal killing at some of the worst blackspots along the African-Eurasian flyway.

Our projects to combat the illegal killing of birds

Safe Flyways – Tackling Illegal Killing of Bird (2023-2026)

The "Safe Flyways – Tackling the Illegal Killing of Birds" project aims to significantly reduce illegal bird killing, trapping, taking and trade in the Mediterranean by at least 50% by 2030. This aligns with the zero-tolerance Rome Strategic Plan, endorsed by the UN’s Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Bern Convention (Council of Europe), and the EU.

While governments across the region support the plan, civil society engagement is crucial to encourage government action, ensure accountability, and facilitate effective implementation.

The project focuses on:

  • Real-time monitoring of illegal activities
  • Strengthening legislation and enforcement
  • Developing National Action Plans to decrease the illegal killing of birds
  • Promoting education and outreach initiatives

Partners involved: BirdLife International, PPNEA (BirdLife Albania), Albanian Ornithological Society (AOS), BIOM (BirdLife Croatia), Croatian Society for Bird and Nature Protection (CSBNP), BirdLife Cyprus, NCE (BirdLife Egypt), Naše Ptice (BirdLife Bosnia & Herzegovina), LPO (BirdLife France), Hellenic Ornithological Society (BirdLife Greece), LIPU (BirdLife Italy), SEO/BirdLife (BirdLife Spain), SPNL (BirdLife Lebanon), BirdLife Malta,CZIP (BirdLife Montenegro), GREPOM (BirdLife Morocco), PWLS (BirdLife Palestine), SPEA (BirdLife Portugal), BPSSS (BirdLife Serbia), DOPPS (BirdLife Slovenia), SSCW (BirdLife Syria), AAO (BirdLife Tunisia), and Doğa Derneği (BirdLife Türkiye), EuroNatur, Tour du Valat, Vulture Conservation Foundation

Continuing and expanding the fight against Illegal Killing of Birds (IKB) in the Mediterranean (2024-2026)

Building on growing public and political support, this project aims to further reduce illegal bird killing in the Mediterranean through:

  • Collaboration with governments and policymakers
  • Awareness-raising campaigns and educational initiatives
  • Strengthening legal frameworks and giving trainings to law enforcement and judicial staff

Local communities play a key role in monitoring illegal activities, delivering educational programs, and supporting law enforcement. At an international level, BirdLife advocates for stronger protections by engaging with the European Commission, environmental agreements, and key stakeholders such as hunting associations and Europol.

This project is possible thanks to the support of the Special Interest Programme of the Oak Foundation.

Partners involved: LIPU (BirdLife Italy), BirdLife Malta, BirdLife Cyprus, Hellenic Ornithological Society (BirdLife Greece)

LIFE Against Bird Crime (2018-2022)

The "LIFE Against Bird Crime" project significantly reduced the illegal killing and trapping of birds in the EU and the Mediterranean by raising awareness and strengthening conservation efforts, especially in Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, and Italy.

A key element of the project was the ‘Flight for Survival’ campaign, which served as its public-facing platform. This campaign raised awareness of the illegal bird killing, highlighted its impact on seven iconic species, including the Eurasian Blackcap, Egyptian Vulture, and European Turtle-dove, and mobilized public support. The campaign reached over 19 million EU citizens.

The project contributed to the objectives of the EU Birds Directive and the EU Biodiversity Strategy by increasing enforcement efforts and public engagement.

Learn more here

We gratefully acknowledge having received funding from the European Commission.

Partners involved: LIPU (BirdLife Italy), Hellenic Ornithological Society (BirdLife Greece), BIOM (BirdLife Croatia), BirdLife Cyprus