Bern Convention: Emerald Network of Special Conservation Areas to be completed by 2020
Bern, 26.11.2009 - The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention, the Council of Europe’s agreement on the conservation of European wild plant and animal species and their natural habitats, convened in Bern on 23-26 November 2009 to mark this year’s 30th anniversary of the Convention. The resolutions passed by the delegates included a declaration requiring that the Emerald Network of special conservation areas be completed by 2020.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, its Standing Committee was invited by Switzerland to convene in Bern for the first time from 23 to 26 November 2009.
The meeting was launched by Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger, Cantonal Councillor Andreas Rickenbacher and City Councillor Regula Rytz.
The Bern Convention was negotiated at the Council of Europe in 1979 and signed in Bern City Hall. The Convention Secretariat is operated by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
The delegates of the 50 Contracting Parties of the Bern Convention (including Montenegro and Georgia which recently ratified the Convention) debated topics as varied as the special conservation areas, exotic species that pose a threat to European flora and fauna and to human health, climate change, and many others.
The Bern Convention is currently developing its network of special conservation areas, known as the Emerald Network, throughout Europe and even in Africa. Switzerland has recently contributed to this development with the announcement of 37 Emerald Network sites across the country. Around 20 resolutions and recommendations were adopted at the Bern meeting, including the Bern Declaration.
In this declaration, the Contracting Parties undertake, to complete the Emerald Network of special conservation areas in Europe by 2020.
Switzerland took over as Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 18 November 2009. Through its invitation to the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention to convene in Bern, Switzerland sent a clear signal of its position that democracy and the rule of law should also be promoted on a cross-border basis in the area of the environment.
Address for enquiries
Olivier Biber, Species Management Division FOEN, Tel. + 41 (0) 31 323 06 63
Publisher
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en
