As the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2024, its Standing Committee has adopted a new strategic plan to guide progress towards the nature conservation goals to be achieved by 2030. The plan is a practical tool for mobilising support, driving progress and assessing results, based around four objectives and 11 targets. It sets out the main lines of action and defines indicators to measure progress.
The strategic plan follows the adoption in 2021 by the Committee of the Vision for the Bern Convention for the period to 2030 and its goals:
- The area, connectivity, integrity and resilience of natural and semi-natural ecosystems is increased, including through protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures covering at least 30% of land and sea areas.
- The conservation status of threatened species is improved, the abundance of native species has increased, and human-induced extinctions have been halted.
- The contributions of wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment are valued, maintained and enhanced.
- Sufficient resources are available and are used efficiently to achieve all goals and targets in the Plan.
The strategic plan intends to facilitate cooperation between the 51 Contracting Parties to the Bern Convention (including four African states and the European Union) and contribute to better protection of biodiversity in Europe and beyond by 2030. A Recommendation was also adopted alongside with the strategic plan to guide its implementation, including through mid-term and end-term reviews. A working group will also be formed in 2024 made up of Contracting Parties and Observer organisations to oversee the plan's realisation.
Press release
