Within the framework of the Reykjavík Process and the Environment, Council of Europe conventions play a crucial role in promoting environmental protection and sustainability across Europe. Explore key conventions here, including:
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention)
The Bern Convention aims to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats, as well as to promote European co-operation in this field. The treaty also takes account of the impact that other policies may have on natural heritage and recognises the intrinsic value of wild flora and fauna, which needs to be preserved and passed to future generations.
The aim of the Council of Europe Landscape Convention, ratified to date by 41 member States, is the protection, management and planning of the landscape, with reference to the entire territory of the States parties, promoting public awareness and participation.
Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law
The purpose of the Convention is to prevent and combat environmental crime, promote national and international cooperation, and establish minimum legal standards to guide States in their national legislations. The main goal is the promotion and enhancement of the protection of the environment.
The Conventions on the protection of animals elaborated at the Council of Europe were the first international legal instruments laying down ethical principles for the transport, the farming, the slaughtering of animals as well as for their use for experimental purposes and as pet.
