Context and Rationale

The Bern Convention case-file system is critical for democratic resilience, as it empowers NGOs and citizens to hold governments accountable for their biodiversity commitments. By enhancing transparency and the disclosure of information on potential biodiversity loss, the mechanism strengthens evidence-based public oversight and enables informed public participation. It also fosters constructive dialogue between citizens and institutions, both within the framework of the system and beyond, while providing guidance on compliance with Bern Convention standards. Overall, the case-file system aims at building trust in institutions at both national and international levels, thereby strengthening efforts to counter biodiversity loss across Europe.

Objectives

• Highlight the role of the Bern Convention case-file system in strengthening democratic accountability;
• Promote constructive dialogue and trust between citizens and institutions;
• Exchange and create synergies with other similar complaint mechanisms. 

Suggested Speakers:

• Bern Convention 
• Bulgaria (to be confirmed)
• Armenia (to be confirmed)
• RAMSAR monitoring procedure
• NGO
• Youth