European Code of Conduct on Zoological Gardens and Aquaria and Invasive Alien Species (2016)

Invasive alien species (IAS) have been identified as one of the most important direct drivers of biodiversity loss and change in ecosystem services. Many international policy instruments, legislation, guidelines and technical tools have been developed to address this threat. However, European policies require supplementary voluntary measures to address key pathways of IAS introduction into the region. This is why the Council of Europe, basing its work on the Bern Convention and with the technical support of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Invasive Species Specialist Group, has drafted a series of voluntary instruments (codes of conduct and guidelines) covering a number of industries and activities potentially responsible for the introduction of alien species. The development of these instruments can play an important role in building awareness among the relevant sectors of society.

Wild flora and fauna play an essential role in maintaining biological balance and providing ecosystem services which contribute to human welfare. Loss of biodiversity, however, is already undermining efforts to improve economic, social and environmental well-being in Europe and worldwide, with visible consequences on people’s quality of life.

The Bern Convention, Europe’s treaty on nature conservation, works for the preservation of most of our natural heritage and promotes participation and representation in the environmental debate. More information is available at www.coe.int/bernconvention.