Enpa, Lac, Lav, Legambiente, Lipu, and WWF Italy have filed a formal warning against the Tuscany Regional Government, denouncing its decision to authorize hunting of the lapwing, a bird species in clear decline. The regional decision relies on a recently amended law, which equates the opinion of the National Wildlife and Hunting Technical Committee (CTFVN) — viewed by the associations as a politically driven body — with that of ISPRA, Italy’s national scientific institute for environmental protection.
Political interests overshadow scientific evidence
According to environmental groups, this legal change undermines ISPRA’s scientific authority, replacing technical expertise with politically motivated decisions. As a result, wildlife management risks being disconnected from scientific evidence, potentially harming biodiversity. The Tuscany Region is accused of manipulating the law to significantly reduce the role of scientists, thereby violating the precautionary principle that underpins EU environmental policies.
A return to hunting that defies EU rules and past legal rulings
In recent years, lapwing hunting had been suspended due to formal requests from the European Union and legal victories by environmental associations. The regional government’s reversal is seen as a step backward, one that breaches EU legislation and threatens conservation efforts for a vulnerable species.
With their legal notice, the associations demand the immediate withdrawal of the regional decision and the reinstatement of scientific authority in wildlife management. Their goal is to ensure compliance with national and European regulations and to protect natural heritage through informed, transparent decision-making. For these groups, the issue goes beyond just the fate of the lapwing — it’s also about institutional credibility and respect for democratic environmental governance.