The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, also known as the Bern Convention (or Berne Convention), is a binding international legal instrument in the field of Nature Conservation, it covers the natural heritage in Europe, as well as in some African countries. The Convention was open for signature on 19 September 1979 and came into force on 1 June 1982. It is particularly concerned about protecting natural habitats and endangered species, including migratory species.
Aims and objectives
The convention has three main aims, which are stated in Article 1:
- to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats
- to promote cooperation between states
- to give particular attention to endangered and vulnerable species including endangered and vulnerable migratory species
Structure
The convention is divided into:
- Appendix I – Strictly protected flora species
- Appendix II – Strictly protected fauna species
- Appendix III – Protected fauna species
- Appendix IV – Prohibited means and methods of killing, capture and other exploitation
Ratifying states
Member States of the Council of Europe, status as of 15 February 2022.
States not members of the Council of Europe
International Organisations
Algeria, Cape Verde, the Holy See, San Marino and Russia are among non-signatories that have observer status at meetings of the committee.
The convention led to the creation in 1998 of the Emerald network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) throughout the territory of the parties to the convention, which operates alongside the European Union's Natura 2000 programme.
Duties of contracting parties
All countries that have signed the convention must:
- promote national conservation policies
- promote measures against pollution
- promote educational and informative measures
- co-ordinate efforts to protect migratory species
- establish legislative and administrative measures
Monitoring the implementation of the convention
To achieve successfully the aims of this Convention, a number of monitoring devices were implemented.
Reporting system
- Compulsory biannual reports
- Voluntary general reports (every four years)
- Legal reports (one country per year)
- National reports
- Follow-up of recommendations
Groups of experts
The chosen experts are in charge of monitoring the implementation of the Standing Committee recommendation regarding species and habitats, as well as doing their own recommendations about specific conservation problems.
Case-file system
The system is based in complaints for possible non-compliance or other problems related with the provisions of the Convention. These complaints are processed by the Secretariat, the Bureau and the Standing Committee and when they feel there is the need for further information, on-the-spot visits by independent experts can be arranged.