EOCA and outdoor industry call on EU to protect nature laws
EOCA and leading outdoor companies have called on the European Commission to retain the Birds and Habitats Directives in their current form and concentrate on funding and implementing them fully.
The statement, published on 6 October 2026, comes amid the Commission’s review of the directives, which underpin the Natura 2000 protected-area network.
EOCA argues that healthy habitats and biodiversity are essential to outdoor recreation, tourism and a resilient economy. Executive director Dan Yates called for renewed commitment to implementing existing legislation.
Signatories include senior representatives from Patagonia, Arc’teryx, The North Face, Mammut, La Sportiva, ORTOVOX, Pertex, Nikwax, Cumulus, Raccoon Media Group / ISPO and Icebug.
Patagonia’s EMEA general manager Nina Hajikhanian also urged business leaders to speak up for nature, linking protection of European ecosystems with the company’s work alongside grassroots organisations and communities.
Read the EOCA announcement and the joint letter.
Featured image: © Dan Yates — Alte Valli Stura e Maira, Natura 2000 Site.
