Protected areas are a core element of the response to the biodiversity challenge. Although almost all contracting parties to the CBD have national systems of protected areas of varying degrees, there are only a few regional networks, of which the EU's Natura 2000 and the Emerald Network of the Bern Convention are good examples. The Program of Work on Protected Areas of the CBD provides a good framework for the design and management of protected areas systems.
This conference will consider ways and means to ensure that this key objective to further develop the European response and contribute positively to develop the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas.
