The Standing Committee meets once a year to monitor the implementation and the review of the Convention. The meeting is attended by delegations from 51 Contracting Parties, including the European Union, observer States, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations, international biodiversity conventions, agreements and programmes, as well as by independent experts. Over 100 participants are expected at this year’s meeting to discuss issues such as as invasive alien species, protected areas, illegal killing of birds, among others. The Committee will also assess the complaints submitted by citizens and NGOs for presumed breaches of the Convention by Contracting Parties.

For more information please visit: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/Bern/Institutions/StandingCommittee_122014_en.asp