The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

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1 The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats Øystein Størkersen (Norway) Chair of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention

2 1979 The Bern Convention is opened for signature to improve the level of nature conservation in Europe and enable the maximum number of States to become Contracting Parties (51 Parties in 2015)

3 Bern Convention (1979) Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats Ratified by Parties and legally binding Secretariat hosted by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg 51 Parties (incl. EU and 4 African countries) Still scope for more members (e.g. Russian Federation) Legal obligation of the Signatories to protect listed species and habitats European Diploma for Protected Areas (50 year anniversary 2015) Characterized by broad participation and involvement by NGOs and IGOs

4 Legal obligations The Bern Convention was the first biodiversity Convention to cover all aspects of nature conservation Annual meeting of the Parties to deal with the implementation of legal obligations of the Convention Example on contemporary issues: Wind turbines, hydropower, powerlines, highways, tourist/hotel developments on beaches in the Mediterranean and species conservation (Monk seal, hamster, IAS) Complaints can be raised for possible breaches of the Convention Complaints handled by exchange of information, meetings, on-thespot appraisals and mediation

5 Threatened species The first list of species to be protected by all States in Europe More than 70 action plans for threatened birds, large carnivores, amphibians, reptiles, and a few on invertebrates and plants Many expert working groups on species issues Eg birds, amphibians/reptiles and invertebrates WGs identify problems and proposes specific action for the Governments Eg Tunis Action Plan for birds (on illegal killing of birds in the Mediterranean) or the Action plan for Leopard in the Caucasus Charter on island biodiversity and on hunting The WGs rely on the best available scientists and scientific advice

6 Invasive Alien Species 25 years with WG A European Strategy on IAS endorsed Resulted in 7 guidelines (Codes of conduct): Horticulture and Invasive Alien Plants (2008) Pets and IAS (2011) Botanic Gardens (2012) Zoological Gardens and Aquaria and IAS (2012) Hunting and IAS (2013) Recreational Fishing and IAS (2014) Planted forests (to be adopted next year)

7 IAS Focus of codes how to improve awareness and how to deal with it on a precautionary basis and also how to handle IAS inside protected areas (see: European Guidelines on Protected Areas and IAS (2013)) Recent: Bern Convention and EU IAS Regulation and collaboration initiated on application outside EU List of species to be exempt from trade etc to be developed

8 Climate change issues Expert working group on how climate change will affect: Biodiversity in general Predictions for plants, amphibians/reptiles, marine species, invertebrates, birds Biological invasions Protected areas Wildland fires Mountain or island biodiversity Delivering precise guidance to Governments on mitigation

9 Lists of species to be protected App II (full protection) Habitat and species protection App III (protection, but also sustainable use possible) System of complaints permits citizens (NGOs) to present cases to be investigated by the Convention, cf case files. Can include fact-finding missions, and conclusions ends with Parties issuing Recommendations to the country concerned. Implementation of recommendations closely monitored

10 Habitat and species conservation European Diploma of Protected Areas Bern Convention and the Committee of Ministers of the CoE 74 areas appointed Recognized by outstanding biodiversity and exemplary management "The European Diploma for Protected Areas is a much sought after award we do not hand this out to anyone. Indeed, in fifty years the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has only awarded 74 Diplomas in 28 States".

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12 Habitats and species conservation The Emerald Network, a European wide system of PA For EU states: the Natura 2000 (compliance with Bern) Areas of Special Conservation Interest selected systematically and in close collaboration with the EEA European Topic Centre 16 countries actively involved so far (incl. Russian Federation) Covers sites and ca km2 On average ca 11-12% of the countries territories This is a continuous ongoing work and figures changes

13 CBD relation The Bern Convention has close liaison with CBD Aim to assist Parties on the Aichi Targets (cf national biodiversity strategies and reports) Charter on island biodiversity developed by the Bern Convention and turned to a global tool by CBD Assistance to Parties on the Sustainable Development Goals expected Follows closely synergies initiatives and aim to contribute

14 The Bern Convention aim to: Summary Streamline nature conservation and sustainable use in a very diverse Europe (cf. common standards) Increase knowledge of biodiversity at national and regional level Strengthen cooperation between States and within States Involve NGOs, IGOs and local stakeholders General approach on conservation of areas outside of conservation areas proper

15 IUCN collaboration Bern Convention and the IUCN have much in common! Intense collaboration throughout the history of the Convention In 2011 the Council of Europe celebrated 50 years of the Agreement with IUCN A new Memorandum of cooperation with IUCN signed Invaluable synergies between the two

16 Thank you! Questions: Ivana d Alessandro, Head of the Biodiversity Unit, Secretary of the Bern Convention, Council of Europe Ivana.dalessandro@coe.int Website: