Invertebrate animals make up the greater part of the world's biological diversity and are present in all habitats, where they perform essential ecological functions. Their survival is fundamental to the maintenance of life as we know it. Large numbers of invertebrate species are under severe threat of extinction in Europe, or are already extinct due to the extreme transformations that European habitats have suffered due to human activities.
The European Strategy for the conservation of invertebrates, adopted by the Council of Europe (Bern Convention) in 2006, addresses the loss of invertebrate biodiversity and promotes their conservation and the services they provide in terrestrial and non-marine aquatic environments. The Strategy offers appropriate guidance to European governments, other decision-makers, land managers, scientists and teachers that have potential influence on invertebrate conservation.
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Message from the Council of Europe
Guest essay by Robert M. May
'Conservation biology and the European Invertebrate Strategy'
The Strategy
Vision, goal and objectives
1. Introduction
2. Inventorying, mapping and understanding invertebrate diversity
3. Preventing habitat destruction and ensuring appropriate management
4. Indicators and monitoring
5. Invasive alien species
6. Reversing the effects of intensive agriculture and forestry, and of industry and urbanisation
7. Sustainable use
8. Scientific capacity building
9. Education and public awareness
10. Co-operation and implementation
References
Executive summary
Appendix 1 - Policy and legislative frameworks for invertebrate conservation
Appendix 2 - List of acronyms