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{{Short description|1979 environmental treaty}}
{{Other uses of|Berne Convention}}
{{Other uses of|Berne Convention}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox treaty
{{Infobox treaty
| name =Bern Convention or Berne Convention
| name =Bern Convention or Berne Convention
| long_name =Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
| long_name =Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
| image =Logo Bern Convention.jpg
| image = File:Berne_Convention_logo.png
| image_width =
| image_width =
| caption =
| caption =
| type =
| type =
| date_drafted =
| date_drafted =
| date_signed =19 September 1979
| date_signed =19 September 1979
| location_signed =Bern
| location_signed =[[Bern]]
| date_sealed =
| date_sealed =
| date_effective =1 June 1982
| date_effective =1 June 1982
Line 15: Line 17:
| date_expiration =
| date_expiration =
| signatories =
| signatories =
| parties = 51
| parties = 50 states + [[European Union|EU]]
| ratifiers =
| ratifiers =
| depositor =[[Council of Europe]]
| depositor =[[Council of Europe]]
| language =English, French, Italian, Russian and German
| language =English, French, Italian, Russian and German
| languages =
| languages =
| website ={{URL|http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/bern/default_en.asp}}
| footnotes={{URL|https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention}}
| wikisource =
| wikisource =
}}
}}


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 '''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 September 19, 1979 and came into force on June 1, 1982. It is particularly concerned about protecting natural habitats and [[endangered species]], including migratory species.
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==
==Aims and objectives==


The convention has three main aims, which are stated in Article 1:<ref>Council of Europe,1979.Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Heritage. Bern, Switzerland. Available at:http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Html/104.htm</ref>
The convention has three main aims, which are stated in Article 1:<ref name="auto">Council of Europe, 1979. Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Heritage. Bern, Switzerland. Available at: http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Html/104.htm</ref>


* to conserve wild [[flora]] and [[fauna]] and their natural habitats
* to conserve wild [[flora]] and [[fauna]] and their natural habitats
Line 39: Line 41:
The convention is divided into:
The convention is divided into:


* '''Preamble'''
;Preamble
Because this convention has a special nature, which is to include the maximum number of signatures possible, it is covered the eventual signature by non-members of the [[Council of Europe]]: “the member States of the Council of Europe and the other signatories hereto, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members,..”<ref>Council of Europe,1979.Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Heritage. Bern, Switzerland. Available at:http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Html/104.htm</ref>
:Because this convention has a special nature, which is to include the maximum number of signatures possible, it included the eventual signing by non-members of the [[Council of Europe]]: "the member States of the Council of Europe and the other signatories hereto, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members,...”<ref name="auto"/>
;Chapter I – General provisions

:This chapter contains three articles, where it is stated the three aims of the Convention and general obligations of the Contracting Parties.
* '''Chapter I – General provisions'''
;Chapter II – Protection of habitats
It contains three articles, where it is stated the three aims of the Convention and general obligations of the Contracting Parties.
:Here are set out the obligations of the Contracting Parties concerning the conservation of the habitats.

* '''Chapter II – Protection of habitats'''
;Chapter III – Protection of species
Here are set out the obligations of the Contracting Parties concerning the conservation of the habitats.
:This chapter contains the obligations of the Contracting Parties regarding the Appendices I, II, III and IV and the exceptions of these obligations.
;Chapter IV – Special provisions for migratory species

:This chapter contains the obligations of the Contracting Parties regarding migratory species.
* '''Chapter III – Protection of species'''
;Chapter V – Supplementary provisions
It contains the obligations of the Contracting Parties regarding the Appendices I, II, III and IV and the exceptions of these obligations.
:This chapter contains supplementary obligations of the Contracting Parties, concerning co-operation, research, reintroduction and introduction of species.

* '''Chapter IV – Special provisions for migratory species'''
;Chapter VI – Standing Committee
:This chapter settles the functioning procedure of the Standing Committee and their tasks.
It contains the obligations of the Contracting Parties regarding migratory species.
;Chapter VII – Amendments

:This chapter contains the procedure of amendments regarding articles and Appendices of the Convention.
* '''Chapter V – Supplementary provisions'''
;Chapter VIII – Settlement of disputes
It contains supplementary obligations of the Contracting Parties, concerning co-operation, research, reintroduction and introduction of species.
:This chapter contains the procedure of the arbitration of any disputes that could arise between Contracting Parties.

* '''Chapter VI – Standing Committee'''
;Chapter IX – Final provisions
:This chapter contains the final arrangements of the Convention.
It settles the functioning procedure of the Standing Committee and their tasks.
; Appendices

:Four appendices set out particular species for protection. They are regularly updated by the Standing Committee, who are advised by a number of Expert Groups:
* '''Chapter VII – Amendments'''
:* Appendix I – Strictly protected flora species
Contains the procedure of amendments regarding articles and Appendices of the Convention.
:* Appendix II – Strictly protected fauna species

:* Appendix III – Protected fauna species
* '''Chapter VIII – Settlement of disputes'''
:* Appendix IV – Prohibited means and methods of killing, capture and other exploitation
It contains the procedure of the arbitration of any disputes that could arise between Contracting Parties.
* '''Chapter IX – Final provisions'''
It contains the final arrangements of the Convention.

* '''Appendices:'''
Four appendices set out particular species for protection. They are regularly updated by the Standing Committee, who are advised by a number of Expert Groups:
* 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==
==Ratifying states==
[[File:Bern Convention.svg|thumb|States that have ratified the Bern Convention]]
[[File:Bern Convention.svg|thumb|600px|Participation in the Bern Convention:
{{legend|#00AA00|Signed and ratified}}
{{legend|#008000|Acceded or succeeded}}
{{legend|#EEEE00|Only signed}}
{{legend|#FF1111|Not signed (CoE member states)}}
{{legend|#C0C0C0|Not signed (non-CoE member states)}}]]


Member States of the Council of Europe, status as of 15 February 2022.<ref>Treaty Office (Reference ETS number 104), [[permalink]] on https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/104/signatures/</ref>
Member States of the Council of Europe
<ref>Treaty Office on http://conventions.coe.int</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 86: Line 82:
! State !! Signature !! Ratification !! Entry into force
! State !! Signature !! Ratification !! Entry into force
|-
|-
| Albania || 31/10/1995 || 13/1/1999 || 1/5/1999
| Albania || 31 October 1995 || 13 January 1999 || 1 May 1999
|-
|-
| Andorra || 11/5/2000 || 13/10/2000 || 1/2/2001
| Andorra || 11 May 2000 || 13 October 2000 || 1 February 2001
|-
|-
| Armenia || 13/3/2006 || 14/4/2008 || 1/8/2008
| Armenia || 13 March 2006 || 14 April 2008 || 1 August 2008
|-
|-
| Austria || 19/9/1979 || 2/5/1983 || 1/9/1983
| Austria || 19 September 1979 || 2 May 1983 || 1 September 1983
|-
|-
| Azerbaijan || || 28/3/2000 a || 1/7/2000
| Azerbaijan || || 28 March 2000 a || 1 July 2000
|-
|-
| Belgium || 19/9/1979 || 24/8/1990 || 1/12/1990
| Belgium || 19 September 1979 || 24 August 1990 || 1 December 1990
|-
|-
| Bosnia and Herzegovina || 17/11/2008 || 17/11/2008 || 1/3/2009
| Bosnia and Herzegovina || 17 November 2008 || 17 November 2008 || 1 March 2009
|-
|-
| Bulgaria || || 31/1/1991 a || 1/5/1991
| Bulgaria || || 31 January 1991 a || 1 May 1991
|-
|-
| Croatia || 3/11/1999 || 3/7/2000 || 1/11/2000
| Croatia || 3 November 1999 || 3 July 2000 || 1 November 2000
|-
|-
| Cyprus || 21/10/1981 || 16/5/1988 || 1/9/1988
| Cyprus || 21 October 1981 || 16 May 1988 || 1 September 1988
|-
|-
| Czech Republic || 8/10/1997 || 25/2/1998 || 1/6/1998
| Czech Republic || 8 October 1997 || 25 February 1998 || 1 June 1998
|-
|-
| Denmark || 19/9/1979 || 8/9/1982 || 1/1/1983
| Denmark || 19 September 1979 || 8 September 1982 || 1 January 1983
|-
|-
| Estonia || || 3/8/1992 a || 1/12/1992
| Estonia || || 3 August 1992 a || 1 December 1992
|-
|-
| Finland ||19/9/1979 || 9/12/1985 || 1/4/1986
| Finland ||19 September 1979 || 9 December 1985 || 1 April 1986
|-
|-
| France || 19/9/1979 || 26/4/1990 || 1/8/1990
| France || 19 September 1979 || 26 April 1990 || 1 August 1990
|-
|-
| Georgia || 18/5/2009 || 19/11/2009 || 1/3/2010
| Georgia || 18 May 2009 || 19 November 2009 || 1 March 2010
|-
|-
| Germany || 19/9/1979 || 13/12/1984 || 1/4/1985
| Germany || 19 September 1979 || 13 December 1984 || 1 April 1985
|-
|-
| Greece || 19/9/1979 || 13/6/1983 || 1/10/1983
| Greece || 19 September 1979 || 13 June 1983 || 1 October 1983
|-
|-
| Hungary || || 16/11/1989 a || 1/3/1990
| Hungary || || 16 November 1989 a || 1 March 1990
|-
|-
| Iceland || 17/6/1993 || 17/6/1993 || 1/10/1993
| Iceland || 17 June 1993 || 17 June 1993 || 1 October 1993
|-
|-
| Ireland || 19/9/1979 || 23/4/1982 || 1/8/1982
| Ireland || 19 September 1979 || 23 April 1982 || 1 August 1982
|-
|-
| Italy || 19/9/1979 || 11/2/1982 || 1/6/1982
| Italy || 19 September 1979 || 11 February 1982 || 1 June 1982
|-
|-
| Latvia || 23/1/1997 || 23/1/1997 || 1/5/1997
| Latvia || 23 January 1997 || 23 January 1997 || 1 May 1997
|-
|-
| Liechtenstein || 19/9/1979 || 30/10/1980 || 1/6/1982
| Liechtenstein || 19 September 1979 || 30 October 1980 || 1 June 1982
|-
|-
| Lithuania || 28/9/1994 || 5/9/1996 || 1/1/1997
| Lithuania || 28 September 1994 || 5 September 1996 || 1 January 1997
|-
|-
| Luxembourg || 19/9/1979 || 23/3/1982 || 1/7/1982
| Luxembourg || 19 September 1979 || 23 March 1982 || 1 July 1982
|-
|-
| Malta || 26/11/1993 || 26/11/1993 || 1/3/1994
| Malta || 26 November 1993 || 26 November 1993 || 1 March 1994
|-
|-
| Moldova || || 24/5/1994 a || 1/9/1994
| Moldova || || 24 May 1994 a || 1 September 1994
|-
|-
| Monaco || 7/2/1994 a || 1/6/1994
| Monaco || 7 February 1994 a || 1 June 1994
|-
|-
| Montenegro || 3/3/2009 || 1/10/2009 || 1/2/2010
| Montenegro || 3 March 2009 || 1 October 2009 || 1 February 2010
|-
|-
| Netherlands || 19/9/1979 || 28/10/1980 || 1/6/1982
| Netherlands || 19 September 1979 || 28 October 1980 || 1 June 1982
|-
|-
| Norway || 19/9/1979 || 27/5/1986 || 1/9/1986
| Norway || 19 September 1979 || 27 May 1986 || 1 September 1986
|-
|-
| Poland || 24/3/1995 || 13/9/1995 || 1/1/1996
| Poland || 24 March 1995 || 13 September 1995 || 1 January 1996
|-
|-
| Portugal || 19/9/1979 || 3/2/1982 || 1/6/1982
| Portugal || 19 September 1979 || 3 February 1982 || 1 June 1982
|-
|-
| Romania || || 18/5/1993 a || 1/9/1993
| Romania || || 18 May 1993 a || 1 September 1993
|-
|-
| Serbia || 9/1/2008 || 9/1/2008 || 1/5/2008
| Serbia || 9 January 2008 || 9 January 2008 || 1 May 2008
|-
|-
| Slovakia || 28/4/1994 || 23/9/1996 || 1/1/1997
| Slovakia || 28 April 1994 || 23 September 1996 || 1 January 1997
|-
|-
| Slovenia || 20/10/1998 || 29/9/1999 || 1/1/2000
| Slovenia || 20 October 1998 || 29 September 1999 || 1 January 2000
|-
|-
| Spain || 19/9/1979 || 27/5/1986 || 1/9/1986
| Spain || 19 September 1979 || 27 May 1986 || 1 September 1986
|-
|-
| Sweden || 19/9/1979 || 14/6/1983 || 1/10/1983
| Sweden || 19 September 1979 || 14 June 1983 || 1 October 1983
|-
|-
| Switzerland || 19/9/1979 || 12/3/1981 || 1/6/1982
| Switzerland || 19 September 1979 || 12 March 1981 || 1 June 1982
|-
|-
| The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia || 17/12/1998 || 17/12/1998 || 1/4/1999
| Republic of Macedonia || 17 December 1998 || 17 December 1998 || 1 April 1999
|-
|-
| Turkey || 19/9/1979 || 2/5/1984 || 1/9/1984
| Turkey || 19 September 1979 || 2 May 1984 || 1 September 1984
|-
|-
| Ukraine || 17/8/1998 || 5/1/1999 || 1/5/1999
| Ukraine || 17 August 1998 || 5 January 1999 || 1 May 1999
|-
|-
| United Kingdom || 19/9/1979 || 28/5/1982 || 1/9/1982
| United Kingdom || 19 September 1979 || 28 May 1982 || 1 September 1982
|}
|}


Non-member states of the Council of Europe
States not members of the Council of Europe
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! State !! Signature !! Ratification !! Entry into force
! State !! Signature !! Ratification !! Entry into force
|-
|-
| Belarus || || 19/2/2013 a || 1/6/2013
| Belarus || || 19 February 2013 a || 1 June 2013
|-
|-
| Burkina Faso || || 14/6/1990 a || 1/10/1990
| Burkina Faso || || 14 June 1990 a || 1 October 1990
|-
|-
| Morocco || || 25/4/2001 a || 1/8/2001
| Morocco || || 25 April 2001 a || 1 August 2001
|-
|-
| Senegal || || 13/4/1987 a || 1/8/1987
| Senegal || || 13 April 1987 a || 1 August 1987
|-
|-
| Tunisia || || 12/1/1996 a || 1/5/1996
| Tunisia || || 12 January 1996 a || 1 May 1996
|}
|}


Line 198: Line 194:
! Organisations !! Signature !! Ratification !! Entry into force
! Organisations !! Signature !! Ratification !! Entry into force
|-
|-
| European Union || 19/9/1979 || 7/5/1982 || 1/9/1982
| [[European Union]] || 19 September 1979 || 7 May 1982 || 1 September 1982
|}
|}


[[Algeria]], Belarus, [[Cape Verde]], the [[Holy See]], San Marino and Russia are among non-signatories that have observer status at meetings of the committee.
[[Algeria]], [[Cape Verde]], the [[Holy See]], [[San Marino]] and [[Russia]] are among non-signatories that have observer status at meetings of the committee.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}


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]]<ref>http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1364</ref> programme.
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]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1364|title=Bern|website=jncc.defra.gov.uk}}</ref> programme.


===Duties of Contracting Parties===
===Duties of contracting parties===
All countries that have signed the convention must:<ref>Council of Europe,1979.Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Heritage. Bern, Switzerland. Available at:http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Html/104.htm</ref>
All countries that have signed the convention must:<ref name="auto"/>


* promote national conservation policies
* promote national conservation policies
* promote measures against [[pollution]]
* promote measures against pollution
* promote educational and informative measures
* promote educational and informative measures
* co-ordinate efforts to protect migratory species
* co-ordinate efforts to protect migratory species
Line 223: Line 219:
* Legal reports (one country per year)
* Legal reports (one country per year)
* National reports
* National reports
* Follow-up of recommendations<ref name="auto1">Council of Europe. Nature Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. Available at: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/bern/default_en.asp</ref>
* Follow-up of recommendations
<ref>Council of Europe.Nature
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats
. Available at:http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/bern/default_en.asp</ref>


===Groups of experts===
===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.<ref>Council of Europe.Nature
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.<ref name="auto1"/>
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats
. Available at:http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/bern/default_en.asp</ref>


===Case-file System===
===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.<ref>Council of Europe.Nature
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.<ref>Council of Europe. Nature
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. Available at:http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/bern/default_en.asp</ref>
. Available at:http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/bern/default_en.asp</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Animal rights by country or territory]]
*[[Biogeographic regions of Europe]]
*[[Environmental agreements]]
*[[Environmental agreements]]
*[[International Convention on the Protection of Birds]]
*[[Red Data Book of the Russian Federation]]
*[[International Union for Conservation of Nature]]
*[[International Union for Conservation of Nature]]
*[[List of international animal welfare conventions]]

*[[Migratory Bird Treaty]]
==External links==
*[[Red Data Book of the Russian Federation]]
*[http://conventions.coe.int/treaty/en/Treaties/Html/104.htm Text of treaty and appendices]
*[[List of Council of Europe treaties]]
*[http://www.coe.int/T/E/Cultural_Co-operation/Environment/ Council of Europe environment and sustainable development]
*[http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/calendar2012_EN.asp Meetings for Nature 2012]
*[http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm Natura 2000 network]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=treaty-detail&treatynum=104 Text of treaty and appendices]
*[https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm Natura 2000 network]


[[Category:Environment treaties]]
[[Category:Environmental treaties]]
[[Category:Treaties concluded in 1979]]
[[Category:Treaties concluded in 1979]]
[[Category:Treaties entered into force in 1982]]
[[Category:Treaties entered into force in 1982]]
[[Category:Environment of Europe]]
[[Category:Environment of Europe]]
[[Category:1982 in the environment]]
[[Category:1982 in the environment]]
[[Category:Wildlife conservation]]
[[Category:Wildlife law]]
[[Category:1979 in Switzerland]]
[[Category:1979 in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Council of Europe conventions and covenants]]
[[Category:Council of Europe treaties]]
[[Category:Treaties of Albania]]
[[Category:Treaties of Albania]]
[[Category:Treaties of Andorra]]
[[Category:Treaties of Andorra]]
Line 298: Line 292:
[[Category:Treaties of Romania]]
[[Category:Treaties of Romania]]
[[Category:Treaties of Serbia]]
[[Category:Treaties of Serbia]]
[[Category:Treaties of Slovakia]]
[[Category:Treaties of Slovenia]]
[[Category:Treaties of Spain]]
[[Category:Treaties of Sweden]]
[[Category:Treaties of Switzerland]]
[[Category:Treaties of North Macedonia]]
[[Category:Treaties of Turkey]]
[[Category:Treaties of Ukraine]]
[[Category:Treaties of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Treaties of Belarus]]
[[Category:Treaties of Burkina Faso]]
[[Category:Treaties of Morocco]]
[[Category:Treaties of Senegal]]
[[Category:Treaties of Tunisia]]
[[Category:Treaties entered into by the European Union]]
[[Category:Animal treaties]]
[[Category:Treaties extended to Jersey]]

Latest revision as of 01:44, 18 December 2023

For other uses of "Berne Convention", see Berne Convention (disambiguation).

Bern Convention or Berne Convention
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Signed19 September 1979
StandortBern
Effective1 June 1982
Condition5 ratifications
Parties50 states + EU
DepositaryCouncil of Europe
SpracheEnglish, French, Italian, Russian and German
www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention

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

[edit]

The convention has three main aims, which are stated in Article 1:[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

[edit]

The convention is divided into:

Preamble
Because this convention has a special nature, which is to include the maximum number of signatures possible, it included the eventual signing by non-members of the Council of Europe: "the member States of the Council of Europe and the other signatories hereto, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members,...”[1]
Chapter I – General provisions
This chapter contains three articles, where it is stated the three aims of the Convention and general obligations of the Contracting Parties.
Chapter II – Protection of habitats
Here are set out the obligations of the Contracting Parties concerning the conservation of the habitats.
Chapter III – Protection of species
This chapter contains the obligations of the Contracting Parties regarding the Appendices I, II, III and IV and the exceptions of these obligations.
Chapter IV – Special provisions for migratory species
This chapter contains the obligations of the Contracting Parties regarding migratory species.
Chapter V – Supplementary provisions
This chapter contains supplementary obligations of the Contracting Parties, concerning co-operation, research, reintroduction and introduction of species.
Chapter VI – Standing Committee
This chapter settles the functioning procedure of the Standing Committee and their tasks.
Chapter VII – Amendments
This chapter contains the procedure of amendments regarding articles and Appendices of the Convention.
Chapter VIII – Settlement of disputes
This chapter contains the procedure of the arbitration of any disputes that could arise between Contracting Parties.
Chapter IX – Final provisions
This chapter contains the final arrangements of the Convention.
Appendices
Four appendices set out particular species for protection. They are regularly updated by the Standing Committee, who are advised by a number of Expert Groups:
  • 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

[edit]
Participation in the Bern Convention:
  Signed and ratified
  Acceded or succeeded
  Only signed
  Not signed (CoE member states)
  Not signed (non-CoE member states)

Member States of the Council of Europe, status as of 15 February 2022.[2]

State Signature Ratification Entry into force
Albanien 31 October 1995 13 January 1999 1 May 1999
Andorra 11 May 2000 13 October 2000 1 February 2001
Armenien 13 March 2006 14 April 2008 1 August 2008
Österreich 19 September 1979 2 May 1983 1 September 1983
Aserbaidschan 28 March 2000 a 1 July 2000
Belgien 19 September 1979 24 August 1990 1 December 1990
Bosnien und Herzegowina 17 November 2008 17 November 2008 1 March 2009
Bulgarien 31 January 1991 a 1 May 1991
Kroatien 3 November 1999 3 July 2000 1 November 2000
Zypern 21 October 1981 16 May 1988 1 September 1988
Tschechische Republik 8 October 1997 25 February 1998 1 June 1998
Dänemark 19 September 1979 8 September 1982 1 January 1983
Estland 3 August 1992 a 1 December 1992
Finnland 19 September 1979 9 December 1985 1 April 1986
Frankreich 19 September 1979 26 April 1990 1 August 1990
Georgien 18 May 2009 19 November 2009 1 March 2010
Deutschland 19 September 1979 13 December 1984 1 April 1985
Griechenland 19 September 1979 13 June 1983 1 October 1983
Ungarn 16 November 1989 a 1 March 1990
Island 17 June 1993 17 June 1993 1 October 1993
Irland 19 September 1979 23 April 1982 1 August 1982
Italien 19 September 1979 11 February 1982 1 June 1982
Lettland 23 January 1997 23 January 1997 1 May 1997
Liechtenstein 19 September 1979 30 October 1980 1 June 1982
Litauen 28 September 1994 5 September 1996 1 January 1997
Luxemburg 19 September 1979 23 March 1982 1 July 1982
Malta 26 November 1993 26 November 1993 1 March 1994
Moldawien 24 May 1994 a 1 September 1994
Monaco 7 February 1994 a 1 June 1994
Montenegro 3 March 2009 1 October 2009 1 February 2010
Niederlande 19 September 1979 28 October 1980 1 June 1982
Norwegen 19 September 1979 27 May 1986 1 September 1986
Polen 24 March 1995 13 September 1995 1 January 1996
Portugal 19 September 1979 3 February 1982 1 June 1982
Rumänien 18 May 1993 a 1 September 1993
Serbien 9 January 2008 9 January 2008 1 May 2008
Slowakei 28 April 1994 23 September 1996 1 January 1997
Slowenien 20 October 1998 29 September 1999 1 January 2000
Spanien 19 September 1979 27 May 1986 1 September 1986
Schweden 19 September 1979 14 June 1983 1 October 1983
Schweiz 19 September 1979 12 March 1981 1 June 1982
Republic of Macedonia 17 December 1998 17 December 1998 1 April 1999
Türkei 19 September 1979 2 May 1984 1 September 1984
Ukraine 17 August 1998 5 January 1999 1 May 1999
Vereinigtes Königreich 19 September 1979 28 May 1982 1 September 1982

States not members of the Council of Europe

State Signature Ratification Entry into force
Weißrussland 19 February 2013 a 1 June 2013
Burkina Faso 14 June 1990 a 1 October 1990
Marokko 25 April 2001 a 1 August 2001
Senegal 13 April 1987 a 1 August 1987
Tunesien 12 January 1996 a 1 May 1996

International Organisations

Organisations Signature Ratification Entry into force
European Union 19 September 1979 7 May 1982 1 September 1982

Algeria, Cape Verde, the Holy See, San Marino and Russia are among non-signatories that have observer status at meetings of the committee.[citation needed]

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[3] programme.

Duties of contracting parties

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All countries that have signed the convention must:[1]

  • 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

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To achieve successfully the aims of this Convention, a number of monitoring devices were implemented.

Reporting system

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  • Compulsory biannual reports
  • Voluntary general reports (every four years)
  • Legal reports (one country per year)
  • National reports
  • Follow-up of recommendations[4]

Groups of experts

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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.[4]

Case-file system

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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.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Council of Europe, 1979. Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Heritage. Bern, Switzerland. Available at: http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Html/104.htm
  2. ^ Treaty Office (Reference ETS number 104), permalink on https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/104/signatures/
  3. ^ "Bern". jncc.defra.gov.uk.
  4. ^ a b Council of Europe. Nature Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. Available at: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/bern/default_en.asp
  5. ^ Council of Europe. Nature Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. Available at:http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/bern/default_en.asp
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