In English, French & Spanish. On title page: Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Text drawn up in collaboration with the European Centre for Nature Conservation, Tilburg, the Netherlands, submitted by the Council of Europe at the Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe" (Sofia, Bulgaria, 23-25 October 1995), and approved by the ministers of the environment of the 55 states present at the conference

Invertebrate animals make up the greater part of the world's biological diversity and are present in all habitats, where they perform essential ecological functions. Their survival is fundamental to the maintenance of life as we know it. Large numbers of invertebrate species are under severe threat of extinction in Europe, or are already extinct due to the extreme transformations that European habitats have suffered due to human activities. The European Strategy for the conservation of invertebrates, adopted by the Council of Europe (Bern Convention) in 2006, addresses the loss of invertebrate biodiversity and promotes their conservation and the services they provide in terrestrial and non-marine aquatic environments. The Strategy offers appropriate guidance to European governments, other decision-makers, land managers, scientists and teachers that have potential influence on invertebrate conservation.

The action plan for the conservation of the wolverines (Gulo gulo) in Europe was prepared for the Large Carnivore Initiative in Europe, a voluntary organisation supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature. The plan was discussed and endorsed in the framework of the Council of Europe's Wildlife Convention (Bern Convention). It contains valuable information on the status of the species and useful recommendations and guidelines for its conservation and management

The action plan for the conservation of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Europe was prepared for the Large Carnivore Initiative in Europe, a voluntary organisation supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature. The plan was discussed and endorsed in the framework of the Council of Europe's Wildlife Convention (Bern Convention). It contains valuable information on the status of the species and useful recommendations and guidelines for its conservation and management

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.

This publication contains five studies on biological and landscape diversity in relation to road, rail and navigable waterway transport development, and on the approaches adopted at national and international level.

This publication results from a request by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention for action plans to be drawn up for the conservation of two bat species as a contribution to the Euro-Species Programme. (The second action plan concerns the Greater Horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus Ferrumquinum)). The pond bat is considered to be one of Europe's rarer and more threatened species. Both roosts and foraging habitats are threatened. The migratory behaviour of the species makes international collaboration an essential element of its conservation management. This action plan gives detailed background to the current knowledge of the status and ecology of the pond bat and how this relates to threats to the species. Country information is included in tables at the end of the text. The plan includes detailed objectives, points for further discussion and possible mechanisms for implementation of the action plan.

This publication results from a request by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention for action plans to be drawn up for the conservation of two bat species as a contribution to the Euro-Species Programme. (The second action plan concerns the Pond bat (Myotis Dasycneme)). The greater horseshoe bat is widespread in Europe with major declines in its population recorded this century. Both roosts and foraging habitats are threatened. Action has been taken in many of the countries that this bat inhabits and this has at least, stabilised populations. Further conservation plans may vary between the current centres of population and areas of depleted or extinct populations. This action plan gives detailed background to the current knowledge of the status and ecology of the pond bat and how this relates to threats to the species. The plan includes detailed objectives, points for further discussion and possible mechanisms for implementation of the action plan.