Bern Convention

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

The complaint was submitted by the France Nature Environnement Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (FNE-PACA) association concerning inadequate protection by the French authorities of the Hermann tortoise, which is protected under Appendix II of the Bern Convention on strictly protected species of fauna.

According to the complainant, the alleged breach of the Convention follows several problems: unauthorised agricultural work that is said to have led to the death of dozens of turtles; damage caused to the conservation of the species or its natural habitats by summer fires; and the illegal collection, possession, and trade in Hermann's turtles. There is therefore a risk of alteration, destruction, and fragmentation of habitats, as well as a risk of a decline in pollution and difficulties in repopulating the turtle population if more effective and efficient measures are not taken.

It must be noted that the complaint follows a previous closed case-file that was addressed by Recommendation No. 151 in 2010. However, despite the adoption of a National Action Plan for the conservation of the turtle (PNA-2009-2014) and the creation of the Plaine des Maures Nature Reserve, the species remains in decline. A new PNA for 2018-2027 was therefore adopted, but the plaintiff association believes that these measures are insufficient to ensure that the species and its habitat are maintained in a favourable state of conservation. 

Compared to Recommendation n°151 (2010) the present complaint is broader in terms of damages covered and geographical areas concerned. Indeed, it now includes both the Var and Corsica French departments while the Recommendation only concerned the former.

 Key Timeline

• 2024 - Case registration

 Other countries possibly concerned

• N/A

 Other international organisations involved

• N/A

 Documents

Complaint form

Regular reports to the Bureau and/or Standing Committee

Please note that all reports received by a Party during one calendar year are included in one single report for that year. Some older reports are not available in digital form.

Other information / documents