The Strategy reinforces the implementation of existing measures and identifies additional actions that need to be taken between 1996 and 2016. Within this process the Strategy provides a framework to promote a consistent approach and common objectives for national and regional action to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Under the justification for developing the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity it is recognized in the European context that:

• conserving Europe's natural heritage is a basic necessity for securing sustainable development in Europe;
• conserving Europe's natural heritage is a shared responsibility of all European countries and regions and a task which can only be successfully undertaken in a Pan-European context;
• Pan-European cooperation would strengthen the effectiveness of national action under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Membership of the Strategy Council is open to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and is additionally represented by UNEP Regional Office for Europe which leads various CBD related activities including the Biodiversity Service for CEE/NIS..

In addition, under the decisions of the First Executive Bureau meeting, members decided to specifically name the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity as a key body to be routinely be informed about progress of the Pan-European Strategy along with other members of the 'Environment for Europe' ministerial process.

For further information see the Reports of the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy to the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

The following list is valid as of 29 December 2002. For latest lists of all countries of the world see http://www.biodiv.org/convention/partners-list.asp

Note: please consult the full text of the CBD for its separate articles.

Article 1 Objectives

The Strategy is implemented entirely within the spirit of the Convention

Article 2 Use of Terms

The Strategy is based on a series of terms and explicitly includes:
"Biological Diversity: the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems."

The other terms in Article 2 are implicitly included in the Strategy. However "landscape" is not a term listed in Article 2.

Article 3 Principle

Article 4 Jurisdictional scope

Article 5 Cooperation

The philosophy of the Strategy and the Strategy bodies, the Strategy Council, Bureau and joint Secretariat, entirely conform with Article 5, co-operating at the national governmental level directly, and through competent international organizations.

Article 6 General Measures for Conservation and Sustainable Use

The Pan European Strategy provides a framework to promote a consistent approach and common objectives for national and regional action to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity. As part of Article 6a the priority themes within the Action Plans addresses sustainable use of biodiversity and integration of biodiversity in economic and landuse sectors.

Article 7 Identification and Monitoring

The Strategy abides by the spirit of Article 7 and Annex I, such as through the Strategy Objective 5. Identification and monitoring forms a part in all of the current Action Plan themes 0.2-11. Under Chapter 2.3 on priorities for action, the Strategy specifically refers to the need for prioritising implementation of Convention Articles 6b, 7c and related Articles 10a, 10b and 14 concerning sectors and the natural environment.

Article 8 In-situ Conservation

The Strategy is focusing its in-situ conservation initiatives through Action Theme 0.2 on support to National Biodiversity Strategies, and through Action Theme 1 the Establishment of the Pan-European Ecological Network, a physical network through which ecosystems, habitats, species, landscapes and other natural features of European importance are conserved. Species and ecosystem focus are also implicitly referred to as well, namely Action Themes 5-11.

Article 8j has been recognised as bridging the link to landscapes as defined under the Pan-European Strategy.

Article 9 Ex-situ Conservation

The Strategy embodies the principle of ex-situ conservation, which forms a key component of Action Theme 11 on Action for Threatened Species, and is a key component under Action Theme 0.2 and 1.

Article 10 Sustainable Use of components of Biological Diversity

Under Chapter 2.3 on priorities for action, the Strategy specifically refers to the need for prioritising implementation of Convention Articles 6b, 7c and related Articles 10a, 10b and 14 concerning sectors and the natural environment. The Strategy principles and Action Plans directly support this Article.

Article 11 Incentives Measures

Incentive measures are a key to the Strategy objectives, and form a main focus for the work of the European Biodiversity Resourcing Initiative (EBRI) under PEBLDS.

Article 12 Research and Training

This article is key to the successful crosscutting implementation of the Strategy and the Action Programmes.

Article 13 Public Education and Awareness

Public Education and awareness form an important component of the Action Programmes.

Article 14 Impact Assessment and Minimising Adverse Impacts

In support of Article 14, the Strategy states in the Strategic Principle 2 the introduction of appropriate procedures requiring environmental impact assessment…..and in Principle 3 action to introduce appropriate procedures to avoid or minimise potentially adverse impact.

Article 15 Access to Genetic Resources

This topic is not directly addressed via the Strategy.

Article 16 Access to and Transfer of Technology

Biotechnology currently does not form a priority action under the Strategy.

Article 17 Exchange of Information

Exchange of Information is a key to Strategy Objective 4 on Improved information on and awareness of biological and landscape diversity issues. Forms a basis for the terms of reference of the Strategy Council and is integral to the implementation of the Action Programmes.

Article 18 Technical and Scientific Co-operation

This Article is explicitly implemented in the Strategy through the workings of the Strategy bodies, the Strategy Council, Bureau and Joint Secretariat for which technical and scientific co-operation form a fundamental framework of all work and activities.

The Strategy Guide Internet Web site is a contribution to information and clearing houses about biological and landscape diversity in Europe.

Article 19 Handling of Biotechnology and Distribution of its Benefits

Biotechnology currently does not form a priority action under the Strategy.

Article 20 Financial Resources

Strategy Objective 6 highlights Assurance of adequate financial means to implement the Strategy, in accordance with Article 20.1. Western European countries, along with UNEP and the Council of Europe, have taken on the responsibility to assist in providing new and additional financial resources, in particular to enable CEE country members to implement the Strategy. Recently more and more CEE/NIS countries contribute financially to the implementation of the Strategy.

Article 21 Financial Mechanism

There is no Strategy financial mechanism. Under 21.1 some of the European countries are eligible to the mechanism for the provision of financial resources to developing country parties of the convention on a grant or concessional basis.

Article 22 Relationship with other international conventions

The Strategy strives for close cooperation with all relevant conventions.

Article 23 Conference of the Parties

Many members of the Strategy bodies participate in the Conference of the Parties. Since the First Conference "Biodiversity in Europe", Riga, Latvia, 2000, the PEBLDS is a framework for Pan-European preperation of the Conferences of the Parties of the CBD.

Article 24 Secretariat

Article 25 Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice

A number of the members of the Strategy bodies participate in the SBSTTA.

Article 26 Reports

The European Reports are recognised as forming a useful basis for information about national implementation of the CBD and of the Pan-European Strategy in the region. UNEP and ECNC developed a European synthesis of European Reports and regards this as a contribution to Strategy programme elements on integration.

Article 27 Settlement of Disputes

Article 28 Adoption of Protocols

Article 29 Amendment of the Convention or Protocols

Article 30 Adoption and Amendment of Annexes

Article 31 Right to Vote

Article 32 Relationship between this Convention and its Protocols

Article 33 Signature

Article 34 Ratification, Acceptance or Approval

Article 35 Accession

Article 36 Entry into Force

Article 37 Reservations

Article 38 Withdrawals

Article 39 Financial Interim Arrangements

Article 40 Secretariat Interim Arrangements

Article 41 Depository

Article 42 Authentic texts