The Restoration of Sites and Ecological Corridors in the Framework of Building Up the Pan-European Ecological Network, with Examples of Best Practices from European Countries
The Restoration of Sites and Ecological Corridors in the Framework of Building Up the Pan-European Ecological Network, with Examples of Best Practices from European Countries

Author: Eckhart Kuijken

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2003-01-01

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13: 9789287152763

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"The problem of fragmentation and isolation of (semi-) natural habitats throughout Europe is generally recognised. Isolation, together with the shrinkage of the area of optimal habitat, are major threats to biodiversity. They are the triggers for many direct and indirect processes with a negative impact on the viability of natural populations. This study is compiled on the basis of extensive research as well as on the consultation of a large number of specialists in the field of restoration ecology."--Publisher's description

The 33 Threatened Fungi in Europe
The 33 Threatened Fungi in Europe

Author: Anders Dahlberg

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2006-01-01

Total Pages: 140

ISBN-13: 9789287159281

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Although Europe has a high diversity of fungi and many species are threatened, no fungal species are yet included in the appendices of the Bern Convention or the EU Habitats Directive. Conservation action has often neglected fungi due in part to past insufficient knowledge of their ecology, distribution and status. This report, which contains very detailed information on 33 species threatened in Europe, was originally prepared as a list of candidate species for protection at the European level. They certainly deserve the attention of conservation agencies

European Bison (Bison Bonasus)
European Bison (Bison Bonasus)

Author: Zdzsław Pucek

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2004-01-01

Total Pages: 88

ISBN-13: 9789287155498

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The European bison, the largest herbivore in Europe, was once widely distributed throughout western, central and south-eastern Europe. But by the end of the 19th century there were only two populations left in the the wild, this drastic decline caused by competition for food from deer, cattle grazing in forests, wars and heavy poaching. By 1945 there were only 54 animals with proven pedigrees in zoos, descended from 12 ancestor animals (of which a mere two are dominant genetically). Moves to restore the wild population began in the 1920s, and the restitution has successfully maintained the breed's purity. In 2000, there were nearly 2900 bison registered by the European Bison Pedigree Book, existing in 191 enclosed and 31 free-roaming herds. Despite this success, there remain concerns over the loss of genetic variability - the inbreeding affects life span, viability of young animals, and the interval between calving and skeletal growth - and the presence of, and susceptibility to, several diseases, including foot-and-mouth and TB. Management of the habitat and local populations of bison is necessary to maintain the optimum bison habitat. It remains an endangered species, and its full recovery and re-naturalisation in the wild cannot be guaranteed.

European Strategy for the Conservation of Invertebrates
European Strategy for the Conservation of Invertebrates

Author: John R. Haslett

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2007-01-01

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13: 9789287163592

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Invertebrate animals make up the greater part of the world's biological diversity and are present in all habitats, where they perform essential ecological functions. Their survival is fundamental to the maintenance of life as we know it. Large numbers of invertebrate species are under severe threat of extinction in Europe, or are already extinct due to the extreme transformations that European habitats have suffered due to human activities. The European Strategy for the conservation of invertebrates, adopted by the Council of Europe (Bern Convention) in 2006, addresses the loss of invertebrate biodiversity and promotes their conservation and the services they provide in terrestrial and non-marine aquatic environments. The Strategy offers appropriate guidance to European governments, other decision-makers, land managers, scientists and teachers that have potential influence on invertebrate conservation.

European Strategy on Invasive Alien Species
European Strategy on Invasive Alien Species

Author: Piero Genovesi

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2004-01-01

Total Pages: 68

ISBN-13: 9287154880

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The introduction of alien species can upset ecosystems and have been identified as the second main cause of species extinction at a global level after habitat loss or deterioration. This publication sets out a European strategy to address this issue, developed in the framework of the Bern Convention and in line with guidelines adopted in 2002 on biological diversity. This strategy seeks to encourage the implementation of co-ordinated measures in all European states which are designed to prevent or minimise adverse impacts of non-native species on native biological diversity.

Effects of Wind Farms on Birds
Effects of Wind Farms on Birds

Author: R. H. W. Langston

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2004-01-01

Total Pages: 94

ISBN-13: 9789287155481

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On title page: Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Habitats (Bern Convention)

Texts Adopted by the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, 19 September 1979)
Texts Adopted by the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, 19 September 1979)

Author: Council of Europe. Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2005-01-01

Total Pages: 124

ISBN-13: 9789287157362

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The Council of Europe's Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, or "Bern Convention", came into force on 1 June 1982. The aim of the Bern Convention is to conserve biodiversity through a regional pan-European framework extended to include the Mediterranean regions and Africa. This document contains the texts adopted between 2001 and 2004 by the Standing Committee, a body composed of representatives of the Contracting Parties, whose meetings are attended also by observers. The Standing Committee is responsible for following the application of the Convention and can make recommendations to the Contracting Parties concerning measures to be taken for its implementation.

Action Plan for the Conservation of Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) in the Danube River Basin
Action Plan for the Conservation of Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) in the Danube River Basin

Author: Jürg Bloesch

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2006-01-01

Total Pages: 126

ISBN-13: 9789287159922

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Six species of sturgeons are native to the Danube River Basin. The need for conservation action is urgent, given that recent observations in the Lower Danube indicate that all sturgeon populations are near extinction. Due to the high commercial value of sturgeon products, in particular caviar, the pressure from proaching and illegal trade remains intense. These species will not survive unless fishing practices are greatly addressed, and both migration routes and habitats for all life-cycle stages are protected. Through national action and international co-ordination, this action plan aims to secure viable populations of all Danube sturgeon species by sustainable management and restoration of their natural habitats and migratory corridors

Biodiversity and climate change
Biodiversity and climate change

Author: Brian Huntley

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2012-04-11

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 9287170606

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The effects of climate change on ecosystems are complex. The impact on the species and habitats protected by the Bern Convention may differ widely, depending on the species, their habitats and location. This publication includes seven expert reports presenting concrete measures for addressing the vulnerability of Europe's natural heritage in the face of climate change and its effects, and how this heritage must adapt in order to survive.With this publication, the Council of Europe aims to increase awareness about the links between biodiversity and climate, and emphasise the large potential for synergies when addressing biodiversity loss and climate change in an integrated manner.

Biodiversity and Climate Change
Biodiversity and Climate Change

Author: Council of Europe

Publisher: Council of Europe

Published: 2012-01-01

Total Pages: 434

ISBN-13: 9789287170590

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"The effects of climate change on ecosystems are complex. The impact on the species and habitats protected by the Bern Convention may differ widely, depending on the species, their habitats and location. This publication includes six expert reports presenting concrete measures for addressing the vulnerability of Europe's natural heritage in the face of climate change and its effects, and how this heritage must adapt in order to survive. This publication reproduces the full text of Recommendation 135 (2008) on addressing the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, adopted by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention in November 2008, which stresses the urgent need to tackle the impact of climate change on biological diversity and on its conservation. With this publication, the Council of Europe aims to increase awareness about the links between biodiversity and climate, and emphasise the large potential for synergies when addressing biodiversity loss and climate change in an integrated manner."--P. [4] of cover.