International Conventions and Directives

Convention/Directive

Description

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 1971 (the Ramsar Convention)

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 1971 (the Ramsar Convention) Contracting parties are required to designate qualifying wetland sites (Ramsar sites) with particular regard to their importance as wildfowl habitat and to promote the wise use of wetlands.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animal 1979 (the Bonn Convention)

Contracting parties are required to conserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection for endangered migratory species; concluding multilateral agreements for the conservation and management of migratory species which require or would benefit from international cooperation; and by undertaking cooperative research activities.

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats 1979 (the Bern Convention)

Contracting parties are required to protect all wild plant and animal species and their natural habitats; to increase cooperation with each other; and to afford special protection to the most vulnerable or threatened species (including migratory species). Applies to Europe only.

Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 (one of the 3 Rio Conventions arising from the 1992 Earth Summit)

Contracting parties are required to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Part of the UK response to the convention is the nationally and locally implemented Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) for habitats and species of conservation concern.