40 Years of the Bern Convention

CONVENTION

Biodiversity

40 YEARS OF THE

Raising awareness

Defending human rights through nature conservation

Environmental challenges

About us

Natural habitats

Healthy nature for healthy Europeans! Une nature saine pour des Européens en bonne santé

.Biodiversity.

.Environmental. .Challenges.

.Natural. Habitats.

.Raising Awareness.

Our ecosystems host thousands of animals and plants that live in a delicate balance. For 40 years, the Bern Convention has aimed to preserve this balance for future generations. Click on the pictures to know more!

BIODIVERSITY

.The Large .Carnivore .Initiative.

.A safe shelter for marine turtles.

.Beavering away!.

.Returning home.

.A plan for the osprey.

.The last leopards of. .the Caucasian region.

.Protecting our. .furry ones.

.There is hope for the white-headed duck.

.Saving rare fish in the Doubs river.

.A new dawn for dragonflies.

If we ask you to name a large carnivore, you may think about the lion or the tiger, but here in Europe we have our own species too! Sadly, due to the lack of prey and other issues, these impressive animals have disappeared in many areas where they were present in the past. To tackle this situation, in 1999, Bern Convention members teamed up with WWF to create the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE). Since then, this initiative has taken actions and made Recommendations to protect species like the lynx, the wolf and the bear. Nowadays, the conservation state of many of these carnivores has improved, but efforts must continue! Large carnivores need special care to maintain their vital role in ecosystems and thus the conservation of biodiversity. The Bern Convention is committed to keep fighting for some of the most fragile species in Europe. Related stories: Saving rare fish in the Doubs river

The Large Carnivore Initiative

Some European landscapes like the meandering Doubs river on the border between Switzerland and France host unique species of plants and animals. The Mediterranean Nase (Parachondrostoma toxostoma) and the Rhone streber (Zingel asper) are two rare fish species that can only be found in this river. However, they are on the verge of extinction due to the construction of dams, hydropower plants or water pollution. This is what led the Bern Convention, in collaboration with regional and national authorities and NGOs, to call for a national plan to save the river species. Currently, efforts are being made to ensure that this action is strengthened, and authorities continue their work to recover fish populations. The Convention is essential for fostering political action. It focuses on preserving biodiversity because this helps us maintain our ecosystems. In this way, we guarantee the numerous services that healthy nature provides us with. Related stories: The Large Carnivore Initiative

Saving rare fish at the Doubs river

The white-headed duck is a globally endangered species. One of the reasons for the shrink in its European populations was the accidental introduction of the American ruddy duck. As both species are closely related, they can hybridise and this was driving the European species almost to extinction. To prevent this, the Bern Convention mobilised and coordinated efforts in countries such as Spain, UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands to follow its recommendations on the matter. This joint effort was a success: most countries have eradicated the ruddy duck and the populations of white-headed ducks are now progressively recovering! As pressures on biodiversity know no borders, the Bern Convention is an essential instrument to coordinate conservation actions when these affect different countries. Related stories: Protecting our furry ones

There is hope for the white-headed duck

This cute animal is the European mink. Decades ago, it was a common resident of the wetlands, until its American counterpart was introduced in Europe. The American mink is bigger, can transfer some lethal diseases to the native species and also competes for food, habitat and mating. So far, the European mink is losing the battle for survival and it has almost disappeared from its natural habitats. To solve this problem, the Convention adopted Recommendation No. 189 encouraging governments to draft eradication plans for the American mink, to hamper pet trade and to reduce the number of mink farms. The European mink is an important part of the European natural heritage, so it is listed as a strictly protected species for the Bern Convention. Thanks to the fight against the American invasive species, its conservation status has improved. Related stories: Think Outside the Box!

Protecting our furry ones

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Climate change, invasive species, harmful human activities…nature is always at risk. Since 1979, the Bern Convention has been working hard to fight all threats to the environment. Click on the pictures to see how!

.The Last Tweet.

.Safety first.

.Linking climate change and biodiversity.

.The leading voice.

.You are not alone against climate change!.

.If you like it, craft it!.

.What can we do to stop invasive alien species?.

.A guide for responsible hunting.

.Think Outside the Box!.

.Joining forces for the sake of the birds.

RAISING AWARENESS

Preserving our natural heritage not only takes governments, but also citizens. Since 1979, the Bern Convention has been promoting people’s engagement in nature conservation. Click on the illustrations to learn how!

.The minds behind nature conservation.

.It’s summer camp time!.

.All voices matter.

.Together we. .are stronger.

.The hydropower. . plant menace.

.Sturgeons, rivers and people.

.Planting seeds. .for the future.

.The first stone.

.No other like the otter.

.Spreading .the word .online.

From wetlands to steppes, from forests to seashores, the natural diversity of Europe is huge! For 40 years, the Bern Convention has been safeguarding our habitats, which are home to many flora and fauna species. Click on the images to discover more!

NATURAL HABITATS

.The 15th goal.

.Protecting. homes.

.A new ally joins the .Emerald Network

.Saving trees to protect. birds in Iceland.

.A new aspirant.

.The geese and the wind farm.

.Emerald Viewer: nature just one click away.

.The birth of the Emerald Network.

.Recognising the wealth of nature

.Nature protected; nature awarded.

Defending human rights through nature conservation

Working on the spread of Democracy, Conservation, Protection of the environment and Human rights.

The Bern Convention is the only Treaty for nature conservation in Europe. It was established by the Council of Europe in 1979 and has been signed by the European Union and 50 countries that are committed to protect wildlife, both species and their habitats. For the last 40 years, the Bern Convention has become an essential tool for the conservation of our natural heritage, and hence, for the safeguarding of our most basic human rights. This effort will prevail to ensure a sustainable future for the planet and for generations to come. For more information, visit: Bern Convention website Reach us on: @bernconvention | email

.Together we .are stronger.

Hunting is part of European tradition and cultural heritage, especially in more rural societies. Hunters can contribute to regulating fauna populations and caring for their habitats but, if this practice is uncontrolled, it can be harmful to biodiversity. Therefore, it must be respectful of certain principles and rules. The European Charter on Hunting and Biodiversity aims to be a practical tool to promote sustainable hunting and hunting tourism. This initiative sets up a series of principles and guidelines on topics such as safety concerns, education and wildlife awareness that hunters should follow for the responsible management of biodiversity. Through this charter, the Bern Convention fostered collaboration among all stakeholders to promote the positive aspect of hunting in the conservation of wild populations and their habitats. Related stories: Joining forces for the sake of the birds

A guide for responsible hunting

You are not alone against climate change!

Extreme temperatures in summer. Mosquitoes swarming the streets. Polluted air that makes breathing hard. If you live in a city, you may have noticed some of the consequences of climate change. Fortunately, you are not alone! Biodiversity can help us cope with and even revert these effects. For example, trees clean and cool the air, and some species like bats feed on pests like mosquitoes. But for that, we must bring nature back to our cities. The protection of biodiversity is important not only to preserve natural heritage, but also to save our own habitat. To raise public awareness about this issue, the Bern Convention launched the “Not Alone” campaign. Visit the campaign’s website to learn more! Fighting climate change is another reason to keep protecting biodiversity. That was the message spread by the Bern Convention through the “Not Alone” campaign. With more people involved, our cities will become healthier places! Related stories: Linking climate change and biodiversity

Linking climate change and biodiversity

Torrential rains, sudden hurricanes or droughts: climate change creates new challenges for our ecosystems. To be able to face them, the Bern Convention created a group of experts which studies how this phenomenon could affect biodiversity. They meet regularly to discuss ways to improve the Convention’s Recommendations on climate change and to enforce their implementation by national governments. Furthermore, the group promotes communication campaigns to explain how climate change alters ecosystem services. Their work is key for ensuring that government experts report and assess the progress of adaptation policies, address how protected areas and species are affected by climate change, and work to find solutions. The Bern Convention ensures that public authorities understand that the use of natural resources should be carefully regulated. It places particular importance on the need to build societies that benefit from the natural wealth of the planet in a sustainable and respectful way. Related stories: You are not alone against climate-change!

This is a red robin. Along with the European goldfinch, the song thrush and the blackcap, these birds are threatened by illegal hunting, catching and trading. To counteract these practices, and after some initial measures, the Bern Convention launched an ambitious project in 2013. The Tunis Action Plan was agreed between several countries and organisations and comprises a series of legal, biological and awareness-based actions on illegal bird killing to be taken by governments. Although this initiative is due to end in 2020, threats still exist so a zero-tolerance approach has been adopted by all Convention Parties and a new strategic programme for eradicating illegal bird killing will be launched. With these kinds of initiatives, the Bern Convention aims to protect wild bird populations not only for environmental reasons but also because these animals represent important educational and cultural values for present and future generations. Related stories: Saving trees-to protect birds in Iceland, A guide for responsible hunting

Joining forces for the sake of the birds

Think Outside the Box!

There is a threat lurking inside fish tanks. You cannot see it, but it came along in the trading of exotic salamanders to be used as pets. Or together with a foreign newt that scientists brought over to study. We are talking about fungi like Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, which are deadly for European salamanders. The Bern Convention was the first to warn about this problem by issuing several Recommendations on biosafety for scientists and pet owners, and also by launching a large communication campaign: Think Outside the Box. Through a series of posters and online actions, the campaign reached high visibility on the negative impact that pet trading, tourism and research have on these animals. Even small actions can have a dramatic effect on species and ecosystems. Thus, we need to raise awareness through campaigns like “Think outside the box” to get more people onboard. Related stories: Safety first, The leading voice

Many years ago, it was common to spot the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) all around Western Europe. Nowadays, its population has dropped, and it is considered as a "near threatened" species. It also happens that otters can only live in wetlands, but these habitats are also threatened. Otters are very sensitive to water pollution caused by industrial waste and are illegally killed by hunters or drowned in fish traps. These animals also play an important role in their ecosystem as they are at the peak of the food chain, so their conservation is key for the rest of the species. They are so vital that they are considered a sign of environmental welfare! The Eurasian otter is a perfect example of an animal endangered due to human activity. As the Bern Convention aim is to protect endangered species and threatened ecosystems, there is probably no better animal to depict these values. Related stories: The first stone

No other like the otter

All voices matter

Imagine you live near a protected area and you detect that something is not going well. How could you raise the alarm? The Bern Convention lets everyone send complaints of practices and projects with alleged negative environmental impacts. These are carefully assessed and every year the Bureau and the Standing Committee adopt country specific Recommendations to avoid damage to protected wildlife. By doing so, it is possible to monitor the implementation of the Convention and assess its objectives. Moreover, it also fosters cooperation between different stakeholders. This is a great example of how democratic participation can be applied to conservation. Since the implementation of this system in 1984, nearly 200 signals and complaints have been processed! The Bern Convention considers natural heritage as a common good that must be preserved. That is why it gives citizens the possibility of raising their voices and participating in the environmental debate. Related stories: Protecting homes

The Bern Convention was established in 1979 by the member States of the Council of Europe and some non-member states. Its aim is to preserve European nature and was founded around three key values: conservation of wild flora and fauna, cooperation between states, and protection of endangered species, especially the migratory ones. During these forty years, the Bern Convention has pursued these aims through different tools such as a Standing Committee that issues Recommendations for the adequate preservation of species and habitats, expert groups that monitor the implementation, and through a public system for complaints about possible violations of the Convention’s provisions. The wild flora and fauna are part of the heritage handed on to future generations. Since its establishment, the Bern Convention has elaborated over 200 Recommendations and listed many species as protected in the fight to look after our important biodiversity legacy. Related stories: No other like the otter

The first stone

Planting seeds for the future

Conservation is a long-term effort, so we need to ensure that it is supported over time. As children will be soon looking after the planet, teaching them about the importance of nature conservation is a way to ensure that efforts continue and strengthen. To do so, the Bern Convention promotes activities for bringing nature closer to the youth. In 2018, for example, the Secretariat of the Convention organised a drawing competition, "Nature in the city" in which children made drawings that reflected the benefits of nature in cities. Educating the public and advocating for the conservation of species and habitats is an obligation for Parties too, as per the Convention’s Article 3. One of the requirements to become a Contracting Party to the Convention is to promote education and information on nature conservation. The Convention puts a special emphasis on this because education is essential for ensuring efficient, long-term conservation measures. Related stories: Spreading the word online

At the end of the 1980’s, the Council of Europe, as part of its work under the Bern Convention, launched an ecological network that includes areas of special conservation interest: the Emerald Network. Since then, fifteen countries have embraced Emerald Network sites on their territories. For inclusion in the network, potential Emerald Network sites have to demonstrate that they can achieve the objectives of the Convention. Once accepted, the correct management of these areas is ensured through the implementation and monitoring of specific conservation measures. Countries working on the establishment of the network regularly propose candidates to become new sites that are evaluated by the Standing Committee. Currently, there are 1,122 adopted sites and the number continues to grow every year! The EU is also a member: the sites of its member states comprise the Natura 2000 network sites. The Bern Convention focuses on the protection of European ecosystems because they provide us with multiple essential services. Their conservation also guarantees the full enjoyment of human rights: food, health and security. Related stories: Emerald-Viewer: nature just one click away

The birth of the Emerald Network

Emerald Viewer: nature just one click away

Across the fifteen Contracting Parties implementing the Emerald Network, the Bern Convention monitors many natural areas, each with different endangered species and habitats that need specific protection measures. These are the result of a collective work of national authorities, local experts, NGOs and the Bern Convention. In this process, a lot of valuable data is generated but it remained inaccessible until the Emerald Network Online Viewer was put in place. Now, this tool allows the consultation of any of the proposed, candidate and adopted Emerald Network sites, as well as the full list of species and habitats. This way, scientists, policymakers or academics can benefit from this useful knowledge. By launching this tool, the Convention ensured free access to all the data gathered. This allows a more democratic participation in the conservation of the Emerald Network natural spots. Related stories: The birth of the Emerald Network

Back in the day, the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) was a common sight by the coasts of Southern Europe but now it’s close to extinction. This is mostly due to the human destruction of its nesting sites. So, when young ospreys come back from their African migration, they can’t find a place to breed and their survival is at risk. The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention launched in 2016 the Plan for the Conservation and Recovery of the Osprey. It includes the building of artificial nests for the young ospreys and the introduction of specimens from Northern Europe. It’s still early to assess the impact of this plan but hopefully we will see the osprey come back to our skies very soon. The plan is to build up sustainable osprey populations within 20 years. The Bern Convention, experts and State governments, including African countries, will work together to ensure this is a reality. Related stories: Returning home

A plan for the osprey

Leopards and humans have co-existed since early prehistoric times in the Caucasian region. Nowadays though, we can only find a few remaining leopards if we travel to certain areas of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Most of them have succumbed to poaching and to the loss of their habitat. In 2007, government representatives and experts put forward the “Strategy for the Conservation of the Leopard in the Caucasus Ecoregion”, which helped to develop an action plan to protect this species. Ten years later, the Strategy was reviewed and showed that the leopard was recovering its presence in the area! Big carnivores like the leopard are particularly sensitive to human presence. The Bern Convention aims to revert their critical situation before it’s too late, using all the tools available and cooperating with different partners. Related stories: The Large Carnivore Initiative

The last leopards of the Caucasian region

In a matter of years, many species that once were widespread across Europe have become almost impossible to spot. As soon as they sparked human interest for their economic value, they were pushed to the verge of extinction. This is the case of the European beaver, which was treasured for its fur and also to extract castoreum, a substance used as a perfume dye and a food additive. But the decline of this species was not only devastating for the beaver itself, but also for its whole wetland-ecosystem: as beavers build dams that retain water and sediment, they create the perfect place for many other species to live. Fortunately, the Emerald Network now protects many areas in which the beaver lives, and this is helping recover its populations! The Bern Convention fosters the protection of habitats and also individual species, as they are all important for a whole ecosystem to function. Related stories: Sturgeons rivers and people

Beavering away!

This is Marie-Antoinette , she lives in the Alps, but this hasn't always been her home. She was the first female bearded vulture introduced in the region in 1989. This species is one of the most threatened in Europe and thus it's strictly protected under Appendix II of the Bern Convention. Vultures have a crucial role within their ecosystem: as scavengers, they feed on the bones of dead animals and fulfil the function of Nature's cleaners. Marie-Antoinette is a living example of successful conservation. She was part of a breeding programme in the Parc national de la Vanoise (France) that is now starting to see good results. Between 2002 and 2015, 28 bearded vultures were born there, and 4 breeding pairs set up their residence in the area! As with the vulture, the Convention always encourages the protection of threatened species by facilitating the collective efforts of countries and organisations. Related stories: A plan for the osprey

Returning home

You may think this rose-ringed parakeet makes a lovely pet. But did you know that in Europe it’s an invasive species that competes for resources with local species and can carry deadly diseases? Yes, beautiful exotic species like the parakeet were originally brought to Europe as pets, but they are now invading our ecosystems and causing an unprecedented environmental crisis. To raise awareness about this issue, the Bern Convention launched the Invasive Crafted Species campaign. Under the claim “If you like it, craft it!”, this action aimed to send out a clear message: the only responsible way to have an invasive species at home is to make it yourself! The campaign engaged four popular YouTube artists who shared DIY tutorials showing how to make different crafts of iconic invasive species. It also encouraged the audience to create their own, and this is how this felt-made rose-ringed parakeet was born. It is as beautiful as the original, but without harming biodiversity! Environmental threats must be made visible to the wider public. Creative campaigns like “Invasive Crafted Species” seek to draw attention to an important problem and have people do something about it. Related stories: How can we stop invasive alien species?

If you like it, craft it!

There is an invisible enemy that is devastating the European populations of salamanders and reptiles. We are talking about Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans; a fungus which causes a deadly infectious disease for these animals. Asian amphibians carried this disease when they were brought here as pets. But even if the fungus has settled in Europe, it is still possible to prevent local species from catching it. The Bern Convention has encouraged its Contracting Parties to improve their biosafety practices following a set of Recommendations. Tips such as those shown in the picture will enable amphibian researchers to avoid spreading the disease. While invasive alien species are one of the most serious environmental threats, in the case of Asian amphibians, it isn’t enough to only control the species itself. Containing their hidden associated hazards is also vital in order to protect the local fauna! Related stories: Think Outside the Box!

Safety first

Every year, as summer fades away, many European bird species leave their nests in pursuit of warmer spots. Wouldn’t it be nice to follow their journey across Europe? We would get to experience our European landscapes from a birdseye perspective, but we would also learn an uncomfortable truth: millions of migratory birds are illegally killed on their journey. Sadly, this has remained largely unnoticed by the wider public, which led the Bern Convention to raise awareness through The Last Tweet. In this dedicated campaign, four different migratory species narrated their journey on Twitter but for all of them, the last tweet tragically arrived. Their trip ended abruptly before their intended destination due to human actions. Hundreds of thousands of people followed the campaign which reached a high social impact. Stopping illegal bird killing involves all of us. By spreading the word through campaigns like The Last Tweet, the Bern Convention aims to call people to action. Related stories: Joining forces for the sake of the birds

The Last Tweet

For the last 40 years, the Bern Convention has faced several environmental challenges that were threatening our natural heritage in Europe. The Convention is often the first to raise the alarm. It was a pioneer in alerting about the fungus Batrachochytrium, a pathogen that was decimating local amphibian populations. Also, its leading role against invasive alien species was recognised by NGOs such as Birdlife International for the recovery of the white-headed duck. Also, the Convention was the first international organisation to put forward an action plan to fight illegal bird killing, applicable to 50 countries in Europe and Africa! While old environmental challenges still persist and new ones appear, the Bern Convention will always stay at the forefront of Europe’s conservation efforts: cooperation and anticipation for a safer, healthier and more sustainable planet! Related stories: Think Outside the Box!

The leading voice

How can we stop invasive alien species?

This has become a recurrent question among experts since the time invasive alien species (IAS) became an issue. The Bern Convention was a pioneer institution to act upon this environmental threat. Since 1992, a Group of Experts has been working hard to find and promote measures to fight IAS and, in 2003, the European Strategy on Invasive Alien Species was established. This plan includes prevention measures such as an international blacklist for threatening species and actions to raise awareness about IAS such as fostering education programmes for different audiences. The Group of Experts has also launched voluntary Codes of Conduct about IAS-related topics like horticulture or hunting. Europe is a continent with significant trade activity, tourism and transport, making invasive alien species a constant threat. Through different means, the Bern Convention aims to protect our natural heritage against IAS. Related stories: If you like it craft it, The leading voice

Picture by Diego Delso

In 2015, the Guardian published an article about a controversial dam construction in North Macedonia. For the Bern Convention though, this was a well-known issue since 2013, when the NGO Eco-svest submitted a complaint alerting about the building of many hydropower plants inside the Mavrovo National Park, a natural area candidate to join the Emerald Network and a haven for biodiversity. The area hosts forty-five bird species protected under the EU Birds Directive and also the Balkan lynx, listed as “critically endangered” by the IUCN . After this complaint, the Bern Convention launched a Recommendation encouraging suspension of the project until an exhaustive risk assessment was made. To date, most of the plants haven’t been built but it’s still an open case that the Bern Convention monitors closely. The Mavrovo National Park case made it to mass media and reached worldwide attention two years after the Bern Convention started working on the case. This shows how important it is to have instruments that continuously monitor and safeguard our natural heritage.

The hydropower plant menace

Social media allows us to reach millions of people, no matter how far away they are. And the Bern Convention is very aware of that. For the last 4 years, the Bern Convention Facebook page has been a tool to raise awareness on the importance of protecting biodiversity. The page regularly features engaging environmental stories with a strong visual component and important awareness campaigns on contentious topics such as illegal bird killing, invasive species and many more. The profile has now more than 3,600 followers and counting! The same year, the Bern Convention created a YouTube account to host educational videos and animations, and today it has more than 10,000 views! Through its online activity, the Bern Convention aims to reach the general public and spread the word about nature protection. Awareness is the first step to engage everybody in this task! Related stories: Planting seeds for the future

Spreading the word online

Across the European continent, we can find hundreds of different species and habitats, each with different conservation needs. To understand these, the Bern Convention sets up Groups of Experts in different environmental topics. The conclusions of their studies and discussions are issued as recommendations that the Bern Convention provides to the different signatory countries. There are many successful conservation actions that have arisen from the hard work of these experts across Europe. Currently, there are nine active Groups of Experts that gather to discuss around different topics such as invasive alien species, conservation of large carnivores, or the protection of amphibians, to name a few. Since its foundation, the Bern Convention has developed many Codes of Conduct and Recommendations to take care of nature. The Groups of Experts are a guarantee that every decision taken is supported by a rigorous scientific and technical background. Related stories: How can we stop invasive alien species?

The minds behind the nature preservation

It’s summer camp time!

Environmental threats are always changing.; and so conservation measures need to be constantly adapted to every new scenario. Life-long learning is the solution.The habitat and nest destruction of the Loggerhead turtle over the past decades has been of particular concern in Europe. For this reason, every summer the Convention, together with the Cyprus Wildlife Society, organises a Marine turtle nesting monitoring training in Akamas (Cyprus). This summer camp allows conservationists to acquire the skills needed and be equipped with the tools for protecting turtles. Thanks to this training and to the improved monitoring, turtle nests have greatly increased in the area reaching more than 1,300 per year! Education is one of the Bern Convention’s pillars. With these annual training courses and workshops, it aims to empower conservationists for a more efficient protection of the environment. Related stories: A safe shelter for loggerhead sea turtles

The European continent stretches across ten million square kilometres, and a significant part of this territory has a natural value worth protecting. Taking care of this vast extension is an overwhelming task but, fortunately, the Bern Convention isn’t alone! Many NGOs and other environmental organisations have teamed up with the Convention in this effort. In addition to the case-file system, the Bern Convention has carried out joint actions with other organisations in topics like the protection of endangered birds (BirdLife International) or the fight against invasive alien species (Convention on Biological Diversity). Many of the success stories that we celebrate during our 40th Anniversary wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of these organisations! The Bern Convention is an example of a multilateral agreement between many different parties across Europe. This form of cooperation is a powerful tool to ensure the preservation of the nature. Together we are stronger! Related stories: Joining forces for the sake of the birds

Together we are stronger

Sturgeons, rivers and people

Sturgeons used to be the kings of almost every river and sea in Europe. But human activity has changed this. For decades, their habitat has been altered and they have been poached for their eggs to get a precious product: caviar. To recover this situation, conservation measures had to be taken by almost all the Bern Convention Contracting Parties; a plan beyond borders was needed! This happened in 2018, when the Bern Convention, along with WWF and the World Sturgeon Conservation Society, launched the Pan-European Action Plan for Surgeons to bring these species back to our waters. This plan included awareness actions targeted to different audiences and the development of long-term breeding plans. Some endangered species like the sturgeon have a broad habitat distribution and they need the commitment of all relevant actors across Europe to ensure their survival. To reach this goal, cooperation is the cornerstone. Related stories: Saving rare fish in the Doubs river

Meet the red-breasted goose, an endangered bird species listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. This migratory bird breeds in Arctic Siberia and mostly winters in the Bulgarian town of Balchik, along the north-western shores of the Black Sea. In 2004, several NGOs complained about the plans to build a wind farm in this location which would harm this wintering spot. Since then, the Bern Convention has issued several Recommendations and has sent experts to evaluate the situation on site. Today, this is still an open case and it has even reached the European Court of Justice. Among all the European natural habitats, there are some that are tightly related to a species survival. Here, saving the habitat means saving the geese, and that makes it a priority for the Bern Convention. Related stories: Protecting homes

The geese and the windfarm

A new aspirant

In the southern region of Basilicata (Italy) you can find one of the highlights of our European natural heritage: the Regional Park of Gallipoli Cognato. This park includes many different environments, from meadows to sandstone rocks, and it also hosts four Natura 2000 sites with more than 300 flora species and protected fauna like the European wildcat or the Eurasian otter. A natural wealth of such scale calls for additional protection measures. Thus, the Italian government recently applied for the European Diploma for Protected Areas, which will be soon assessed. The European Diploma acknowledges the value of natural areas and their management. This recent application proves that 50 years down the line, the Diploma is more alive than ever before! Related stories: Nature protected nature awarded

Andorra is a small country nestled in the middle of the Pyrenees. There we can find some of the tallest mountains in Europe and very rich valleys, with proximity to both the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. As it has natural heritage worth protecting, this country joined the Bern Convention in 2000. Since then, Andorra and the Convention have collaborated to improve the conservation of the habitats and species of this country. Finally, after almost two decades of hard work, Andorra managed to propose two Emerald Network sites. Together, they represent more than 8% of its national territory! One of the pillars of the Bern Convention is the cooperation between States for the conservation of the environment. Without the long-term commitment of countries like Andorra, this would not be possible. Related stories: Emerald-Viewer: nature just one click away, The birth of the Emerald Network

A new ally joins the Emerald Network

Saving trees to protect birds in Iceland

In 2002, the Bern Convention noted that some afforestation projects may have a negative effect on nesting areas of protected bird species. To avoid this, the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention adopted Recommendation No. 96 to encourage afforestation of worsening areas while trying to avoid impact on bird habitats. Fourteen years later, the Bern Convention teamed up with AEWA (Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds) in a mission to review the progress of the Icelandic government in the redesign of its afforestation plan. Although they confirmed some improvement, there still was some work to do, so Recommendation No. 190 was adopted to ask the Icelandic government to speed up the implementation of a responsible forestry strategy. On-the-spot missions are vital to check if Recommendations are being followed and to ensure the conservation of natural areas over time. If necessary, follow-ups can continue over many years. Related stories: The geese and the windfarm

The European Diploma for Protected Areas (EDPA) is granted by the Council of Europe to protected areas that are both vital and of exceptional value for the conservation of our natural and cultural heritage in Europe. It is the most long-standing certification in Europe, and it is meant as an incentive for European countries to protect these significant places. It is also a responsibility, as it can be withdrawn if there is not enough engagement from the authorities in charge. After fifty years of protecting nature spots, the 29 European countries that host awarded areas signed the Pisa Declaration in 2015 to reaffirm their commitment to the development of this Diploma. Recognising the value of natural areas is the first step to enhance its conservation. As this is one of the Bern Convention pillars, the Council of Europe European Diploma is a tool worth keeping for another fifty years! Related stories: Nature protected nature awarded

Recognising the wealth of nature

Major environmental challenges such as climate change or habitat degradation are threatening the viability of our planet. To tackle these and other world-wide challenges, the United Nations established seventeen goals, known as the Sustainable Development Goals , to be reached by 2030. The 15th goal is to protect the life on land, and the Bern Convention fully adheres to it. To fulfil this objective, the Convention is working closely with the European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA) to assist research programs on arid regions and other locations threatened by disasters like drought or floods. Also, the Convention collaborates with the European landscape Convention to restore badly damaged areas, like coastal or industrial spots. The seventeen Sustainable Development Goals and the pillars of the Bern Convention share the aim to ensure a sustainable future for our planet. Thus, the Convention, together with several organisations, will keep fighting to achieve them all. Related stories: Linking climate change and biodiversity

The 15th goal

Some European natural areas are home to many flora and fauna species, while others are also exceptional for their cultural value. The Peak District National Park in the United Kingdom combines both! Its wide pasture lands teem with many bird and bat species, and it holds a rich archaeological heritage. This natural area was one of the first awarded with the European Diploma for Protected Areas in 1966, recognising its irreplaceable value. Also, a large part of the Peak District Park is included in the Natura 2000 network to further ensure the preservation of its natural wealth. European habitats have countless features worth protecting. The Bern Convention ensures that our natural areas remain the way they are for the next generations. Related stories: A new aspirant

Nature protected; nature awarded

Protecting homes

The ecological importance of this landscape may pass unnoticed at first sight, but this is far from reality. It is the Tarutynskij steppe, in Ukraine, and it’s one of the largest ecosystems of this type, home to many endangered species, including one of the last populations of the Birch Mouse. However, for decades this natural area was severely affected by its use for military and agricultural purposes. Fortunately, in 2012 the steppe received the protected status as part of the Bern Convention actions. Now, the complaint service of the Convention allows for constant monitoring and also, the area is now included in the Emerald Network! This example shows how the instruments provided by the Bern Convention are essential for protecting habitats and the species they hold. Related stories: All voices matter

Picture by Максим Яковлєв. CC BY-SA 4.0

Environmental challenges

Defending human rights through nature conservation Click on the letters to read the stories!

BERN CONVENTION

A safe shelter for loggerhead sea turtles

In the Thines Kiparissias Bay (Greece) we can find one of the main nesting beaches of the threatened turtle Caretta caretta. The area has high ecological interest and is part of Natura 2000, which guarantees its protection. However, conservation measures in the region have not been adequate and, in the last few years, the mating of this turtle has been affected. This issue came to light through a complaint addressed to the Secretariat of the Bern Convention, which led to the issuing of specific Recommendations for the country authorities. Overall, the collective work of the Convention, the complainant NGO and the action taken by the European Union resulted in the recognition of this concerning situation by the Greek Government and to the adoption of measures. By monitoring the case, the Convention will ensure that the pressure on this species reduces. Protected areas evolve, pressures change, and new challenges appear. The Bern Convention monitors these areas and ensures the update of conservation measures when necessary to help halt biodiversity loss. Related stories: All voices matter, It's summer camp time!

NATURAL HABITATS

A plan for the osprey

Linking climate change and biodiversity

Emerald Viewer: nature just one click away

Recognising the wealth of nature

.Environmental. .Challenges.

.Natural. Habitats.

.Raising Awareness.

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A new dawn for dragonflies

Dragonflies are an important component of wetland ecosystems, as they feed on other insects and are a food source for birds. Unfortunately, wetlands are nowadays compromised by decreasing water levels and pollution caused by human activities, thus threatening dragonflies that rely on water for larvae development. But there is more: invasive alien species such as the American crayfish eat the dragonflies’ larvae and their population is declining. Since its foundation, the Bern Convention protects sixteen dragonfly species, as listed under its Appendix II. The two main hazards for dragonflies in Europe are habitat loss and invasive alien species. Fighting against these threats has always been a priority of the Bern Convention. Related stories: How can we stop invasive alien species?