This brochure highlights a few examples of how the EU has implemented the CBD. It shows that concerted international action can be highly effective. A lot has been achieved, and this is something that we should be proud of. However, despite current efforts, biodiversity is continuing to be lost in Europe and in the world at large. This is therefore a time not only to take stock but to re-double our efforts.

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.

The Pan-European Ecological Network aims to secure the favourable conservation status of the ecosystems, habitats, species and landscapes of importance across Europe. This report reviews the provisions of existing international instruments and proposes priority co-operation action which could support both the development of the network and the implementation of these instruments.

In the 1990s, the international community placed both biodiversity protection and trade liberalization high on its agenda, resulting in the formation of global agreements and institutions, such as the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Distinct in character, they are increasingly linked through the many ways that trade rules affect biodiversity. Developing separately and involving very different communities, there is a risk that the rules and policies of one regime could hinder the effectiveness of the other. This publication seeks to encourage sustainable development by examining and building upon the complementary aspects of these two international regimes. It describes specific proposals fo resolving or avoiding conflicts and for promoting synergies, including opportunities to support effective implementation of the trade-related aspects of the CBD. Intended as background for both trade and environment experts and officials, as well as for environment and development non-governmental organizations.

Economic forces underlie and explain much biodiversity degradation and loss, and economic instruments provide a useful set of tools for strengthening biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing. If National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans are to be effective they must be justifiable in economic terms. This document reports on a project reviewing the use of economic measures in NBSAPs, It brings together the component activities of the economics review, and summarizes and synthesizes this information to provide guidance on experiences, lessons learned and ways forward in the use of economic measures.

The effects of climate change on ecosystems are complex. The impact on the species and habitats protected by the Bern Convention may differ widely, depending on the species, their habitats and location. This publication includes seven expert reports presenting concrete measures for addressing the vulnerability of Europe's natural heritage in the face of climate change and its effects, and how this heritage must adapt in order to survive.With this publication, the Council of Europe aims to increase awareness about the links between biodiversity and climate, and emphasise the large potential for synergies when addressing biodiversity loss and climate change in an integrated manner.