Conservation Agreements

Local and international conservation agreements ensure species and habitats are preserved.The International Union for the Conservation of Nature is an intergovernmental organisation that publishes the Red List - the current conservation status of threatened species.IUCN established the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), protecting more than 35,000 species.The Rio Convention in 1992 involved 172 nations agreeing to develop national strategies for sustainable development, thus protecting biodiversity.The UNFCC - United Nations Framework for Climate Change agreed to stabilise greenhouse gases.The UN Convention to Combat Desertification convened to reduce the effects of drought and slow down or halt desertification.Countryside stewardship schemes set up at local levels have been replaced by the Environmental Stewardship Scheme which seeks to:- sustain beauty and diversity of the landscape- improve, extend or create wildlife habitats- improve opportunities for countryside enjoyment- restore neglected land and archaeological and historical features.