NGO concerns regarding the financing of the Bern Convention
Open Letter to the Delegates of the Contracting Parties to the Bern Convention
Position paper | November 26, 2021
Related area of expertise: Biodiversity Policies
The financial situation of the Convention is dire. Traditionally, the Bern Convention is financed a) by the Council of Europe’s Ordinary Budget, and b) by voluntary contributions of Contracting Parties.
With the focus of the Council of Europe (CoE) turning increasingly towards human rights issues, cuts to the Ordinary Budget of the CoE and voluntary contributions decreasing, the financing of the Bern Convention and its ability to operate are increasingly at stake. Staff is reduced, and there is only a limited budget for undertaking on-the-spot appraisals and other important tasks.