Information note on the Scientific Manifesto in support of the SPAs of the Plana de Lleida

Researchers from various research centers and universities have prepared a scientific manifesto to provide a data-based vision to the public debate on the Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs) of the Plana de Lleida. The document responds to the need to clarify some of the most frequent misunderstandings about these protection figures, especially in relation to their origin, delimitation criteria and their effects on the natural environment and agricultural activity.
The manifesto summarizes five main points:
1. the SPAs respond to a European obligation to conserve species in decline;
2. their delimitation was based on scientific criteria and historical data series;
3. there is no evidence that the SPAs are related to the rabbit problem;
4. they do not increase the risk of fires;
5. and the management applied to them is yielding positive results for several threatened species.
This document has been prepared at a time when the public debate on SPAs is particularly intense and, often, poorly informed. Therefore, the signatories consider it necessary to provide clear, rigorous and accessible information to contribute to an evidence-based dialogue.