The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) promotes harmonised national policies and guidance for the conservation and the sustainable management of wild species and their habitats. It facilitates regional cooperation on conservation issues in Europe, through the wide-ranging participation of national, regional and local authorities, stakeholders, NGOs and civil society.

The Bern Convention is considered to be a privileged regional platform at European level for supporting the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which is also strongly contributing to the achievement of Goal 15.

The Bern Convention has its own monitoring and standard-setting systems, including a complaint system, and is also recognised for its role in helping align nature conservation standards at the level of the European continent.

The European Landscape Convention states that “landscape planning” means strong forward-looking action to enhance, restore or create landscapes. It involves framing proper planning projects, more particularly in those most affected by change and badly damaged areas (for example suburbs, peri-urban and industrial areas, coastal areas). Presentation of national and regional reports on the implementation of the European Landscape Convention by the States Parties to the Convention within the framework of the Council of Europe Information System on the Convention, set up under Recommendation CM / Rec (2013) 4 of the Committee of Ministers to member States.