Guidelines for the Constitution of Ecological River Networks

Guidelines for the Constitution of Ecological River Networks
Author: Edit Wenger
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 44
Release: 2002-01-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9789287149930

The Pan-European Biological Network is intended to ensure that ecosystems, habitats, populations of species and landscapes of European importance are maintained in a good state of conservation. It aims to restore the biodiversity which is seriously endangered in Europe. Water-courses and the environments associated with them are natural corridors used by both animal species and humans. With their great natural wealth, connecting numerous elements within the corridor, both longitudinally and laterally, they are essential elements in the constitution of the Pan-European Ecological Network.

The Pan-European Ecological Network--taking Stock

The Pan-European Ecological Network--taking Stock
Author: Marie Bonnin
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2007-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789287161192

The pace of biodiversity decline is quickening worldwide. Habitat break-up, pollution, over-use of natural areas and the creation of artificial landscapes increase the rate of erosion, while reducing species' opportunity for migration, dispersion and exchange. In 1995, when the European Ministers of the Environment met in Sofia, they launched the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy, so as to strengthen environment and biodiversity conservation policies. The setting up of the Pan-European Ecological Network covering Eurasia was one of the key steps taken under the Strategy. Work has continued on this project, and it is now based on the numerous national, regional and transregional ecological networks being set up throughout Europe.In Kiev, in 2003, the Ministers and heads of delegation noted these positive developments, expressed firm support for the creation of the Pan-European Ecological Network and asked for its constituent parts to be identified and mapped on a pan-European scale.This book looks at the implementation of this Network in the 55 states concerned. It has been written by a team comprising, under the aegis of the Council of Europe, numerous government experts and specialists dealing with the issue of ecological networks. It is intended to reassure Ministers, policy-makers and scientists that they made the right decision in supporting the creation of the Pan-European Ecological Network with a view to (re-)creating a true green infrastructure for Europe.

Code of Practice for the Introduction of Biological and Landscape Diversity Considerations Into the Transport Sector

Code of Practice for the Introduction of Biological and Landscape Diversity Considerations Into the Transport Sector
Author: Catherine J. Bickmore
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 65
Release: 2003-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9287151156

The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Strategy (1996) aims to halt the degradation of landscape and biological diversity across the European region. Action Theme 2 of the Strategy relates to the integration of landscape and biological diversity into other sectors including transport. This Code of Practice contributes to this progress. The Code relates to linear transport systems, comprising roads, railways and inland navigation along waterways, such as canals and rivers. It aims to assist elected representatives, decision makers, and practitioners as well as nature conservation bodies in the understanding of the main issues and solutions associated with the planning, design and use of linear transportation networks i.e. roads, railways and inland navigation channels, in relation to the landscape and biological diversity. Other modes of transport are outside the scope of this CodeThe Code sets a political and social framework and proposes policy options for the development of new, and the maintenance of existing linear transport systems in relation to biological and landscape diversity. By building on examples, the Code has developed a series of Practice Pointers.

The Restoration of Sites and Ecological Corridors in the Framework of Building Up the Pan-European Ecological Network, with Examples of Best Practices from European Countries

The Restoration of Sites and Ecological Corridors in the Framework of Building Up the Pan-European Ecological Network, with Examples of Best Practices from European Countries
Author: Eckhart Kuijken
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 74
Release: 2003-01-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9789287152763

"The problem of fragmentation and isolation of (semi-) natural habitats throughout Europe is generally recognised. Isolation, together with the shrinkage of the area of optimal habitat, are major threats to biodiversity. They are the triggers for many direct and indirect processes with a negative impact on the viability of natural populations. This study is compiled on the basis of extensive research as well as on the consultation of a large number of specialists in the field of restoration ecology."--Publisher's description

Texts Adopted by the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, 19 September 1979)

Texts Adopted by the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, 19 September 1979)
Author: Council of Europe. Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 124
Release: 2005-01-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9789287157362

The Council of Europe's Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, or "Bern Convention", came into force on 1 June 1982. The aim of the Bern Convention is to conserve biodiversity through a regional pan-European framework extended to include the Mediterranean regions and Africa. This document contains the texts adopted between 2001 and 2004 by the Standing Committee, a body composed of representatives of the Contracting Parties, whose meetings are attended also by observers. The Standing Committee is responsible for following the application of the Convention and can make recommendations to the Contracting Parties concerning measures to be taken for its implementation.

Code of Conduct on Horticulture and Invasive Alien Plants

Code of Conduct on Horticulture and Invasive Alien Plants
Author: Vernon Hilton Heywood
Publisher: Bernan Press(PA)
Total Pages: 80
Release: 2009
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

Many of the plants used in agriculture, horticulture and forestry in Europe are not native To The continent. A small percentage of these plants, introduced on purpose, escape the framework of cultivation, become naturalised and invade natural, semi-natural or artificial ecosystems. Others are introduced accidentally and may also end up in nature. These invasive alien plants may have significant ecological and economic consequences or become harmful to human health. This code of conduct, a result of the collaboration between the Council of Europe And The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization, Is aimed at increasing co-operation among all the actors involved in horticulture, In both the public and private sectors, For the prevention of new invasions of alien plants in Europe.

Action Plan for the Conservation of Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) in the Danube River Basin

Action Plan for the Conservation of Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) in the Danube River Basin
Author: Jürg Bloesch
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 126
Release: 2006-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789287159922

Six species of sturgeons are native to the Danube River Basin. The need for conservation action is urgent, given that recent observations in the Lower Danube indicate that all sturgeon populations are near extinction. Due to the high commercial value of sturgeon products, in particular caviar, the pressure from proaching and illegal trade remains intense. These species will not survive unless fishing practices are greatly addressed, and both migration routes and habitats for all life-cycle stages are protected. Through national action and international co-ordination, this action plan aims to secure viable populations of all Danube sturgeon species by sustainable management and restoration of their natural habitats and migratory corridors

Identification of the Most Important Transboundary Protected Areas in Central and Eastern Europe

Identification of the Most Important Transboundary Protected Areas in Central and Eastern Europe
Author: Robert Brunner
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 36
Release: 2002-01-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9789287149916

The protection of transborder areas in an ecological network system which take account of clusters of conservation areas represents an important step towards protecting natural heritage in Europe. Cross-border co-operation can help provide larger protected areas with uniform management and thus make a considerable contribution to the conservation of biodiversity. This report reflects the transborder co-operation in countries of central and eastern Europe, including Russia, the Baltic countries, Belarus and Ukraine.

Conserving European Biodiversity in the Context of Climate Change

Conserving European Biodiversity in the Context of Climate Change
Author: Michael B. Usher
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 66
Release: 2007-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789287162632

Climate change is likely to have major environmental effects on natural habitats in the next fifty years. Conservation of biological diversity will have to be modified drastically to avoid massive extinctions of species of threatened habitat types. Precise recommendations are made to governments and conservation agencies that collaborate in the framework of the Bern Convention. This publication provides a starting point for discussion about possible adaptation strategies if Europe's biodiversity is to be conserved.