The treaty’s primary objective is to ensure the conservation of wild plants and animals, particularly those species that are rare, vulnerable, or endangered, as well as their ecosystems. It establishes three main appendices categorizing species based on their conservation status: Appendix I lists species requiring strict protection, Appendix II includes species needing special conservation measures, and Appendix III covers species protected in at least one contracting party’s territory. The convention also promotes the preservation of natural habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and mountain ecosystems, by encouraging sustainable land-use practices and restricting harmful activities like pollution and habitat destruction.
Bernesamningsins operates through a system of state parties, which include most European nations, as well as some non-European countries with significant European biodiversity. The convention is administered by the Council of Europe, with its Secretariat based in Strasbourg, France. Parties are obligated to implement national legislation to enforce the treaty’s provisions, monitor species populations, and cooperate on cross-border conservation efforts. Additionally, the convention encourages public awareness and education on wildlife protection, fostering a broader cultural shift toward sustainability.
While Bernesamningsins has contributed to the recovery of several species, such as the Eurasian lynx and the European bison, challenges remain, including illegal wildlife trade, climate change, and habitat fragmentation. The treaty continues to evolve through periodic reviews and amendments, reflecting new scientific findings and emerging conservation priorities. Its framework remains a cornerstone of European environmental policy, reinforcing collaboration among nations to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.