Official name: Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Citation: Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (ETS No. 104); opened for signature Bern, 19 September 1979; entered into force 1 June 1982
Year / status: Opened for signature in Bern, 19 September 1979. Entered into force 1 June 1982. Council of Europe treaty ETS No. 104.
What it does
Requires Parties to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats, with special attention to endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory ones). Appendices list strictly protected flora/fauna and protected fauna; Parties regulate exploitation of Appendix III species and protect habitats. A Standing Committee oversees implementation and can adopt recommendations and action plans (including Emerald Network work for non-EU Parties).
Where it applies / status
Council of Europe treaty ETS No. 104. Opened in Bern 19 September 1979; force from 1 June 1982. Party list and treaty text: CoE conventions portal. The EU and many European states are Parties; non-European accession follows treaty rules.
Documented benefits or intended effects
Intended effects: common European baseline for species and habitat protection outside (and alongside) EU directives; Emerald Network sites for non-EU Parties. Recommendations still need to be written into domestic law before they bind.
Caveats
Not CITES (trade). Not CMS (though migratory species overlap). The Birds and Habitats Directives bind EU Member States as EU law. The Emerald Network under the Bern Convention has goals related to Natura 2000, but a different legal basis.
Sources
Council of Europe Bern Convention hub, treaty No. 104, and the convention text PDF.