The Bureau to the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention held its first annual meeting of 2021 on 14-15 April by video-conference.

The Bureau assessed progress in the implementation of the Convention’s Programme of Activities for 2021 and the state of preparation of the thematic expert group meetings.

It also reviewed the state of play of the possible new financial mechanism for the Convention as well as updates of the Working Group on a Vision and Strategic Plan for the Convention for the next decade.

The Bureau assessed a number of case-files concerning alleged violations of the Convention, including new complaints received in recent months by the Secretariat. It also reviewed the state of play of several on-the-spot appraisal visits which are planned for this year in the framework of the case-file system.

Finally, the Bureau was briefed on the ongoing communication campaign related to the environment, human rights and democracy, including involvement with the World Forum for Democracy.

More information can be found on the webpage of the meeting.