Belarus joins Bern Convention

MINSK, 11 February (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No.70 “Concerning Belarus’ Accession to the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats” on 7 February, BelTA learnt from presidential press service.

The convention keeps its states signatories committed to necessary measures to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats; lists of endangered plants and animals as well as concrete measures to conserve these species. The document allows its contracting parties to place exceptions, in particular, in specifying the territory which falls within the range of the convention as well as making reservations in regard to animals and plants.

The goals and tasks of the convention fully meet the priorities of the Republic of Belarus in biological and landscape diversity.

At the same time joining the convention the country makes a reservation taking into account the requirements of the national legislation in conservation of certain animal species.

The reservation establishes in particular an exception from some measures regarding conserving such wildlife species as wolf and otter; exceptions regarding the ways and tools used to capture some wild animals, which are prohibited by the convention.