Bern Convention

The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats of 19. September 1979. The convention was effected in Denmark on 1. January 1983.

The aim of the Convention is to ensure conservation of the wild flora and fauna species and their habitats. Special attention is given to endangered and vulnerable species, including endangered and vulnerable migratory species specified in appendices. The contracting Parties of the Convention are committed to work for this aim.

There are 45 European and African countries, who have ratified the Convention, which also are ratified by the European Union. Furthermore there is a number of states, which have observer status.

The Standing Committee meets once a year with the contracting Parties of the Convention and the parties with observer status. The Committee monitors that the rules and the appendixes are correctly applied and is also competent to make recommendations in order to improve the implementation   of the Convention. Furthermore does a number of non governmental organisations (NGO’s) participate in the work on the Convention on a particular agreement of partnership. These organisations are often first to respond with regards to protection and monitoring.