The International Drivers of Nature Conservation, Their Objectives and Impacts on Nature Conservation Policies and Actions in Europe

Abstract

The chapter summarises the main international drivers (other than the EU) of nature conservation in Europe, and their effects on policies and actions, especially within the EU. It starts with a list of key international events that most influenced the evolution of nature conservation, and then provides a tabular summary of the main objectives, obligations and effects of the multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and other initiatives that have had a significant impact on nature conservation. Further brief descriptions (with more detail in online Annex I) are given of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention), Convention on Migratory Species (Bonn Convention), Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a number of Regional Sea Conventions (particularly the OSPAR Convention) and the North Sea Ministerial Conference declarations. The CBD Strategic Plans for 2010 and 2020 are summarised, with a simplified list of targets for 2020 (Aichi targets). A summary is provided of the proposed post-2020 CBD Global Biodiversity Framework (according to plans published as of May 2022).