International Convention for the Protection of Birds Document type Multilateral Field of application Regional/restricted Date Oct 18, 1950 Source IUCN (ID: TRE-000066) Title (French) Convention internationale pour la protection des oiseaux Title (Other) Internationale Übereinkunft zum Schutz der Vögel Place of adoption Paris Depository France Language French Entry into force Jan 17, 1963 Subject Waste & hazardous substances, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Wildlife products Birds Protection of habitats Stock enhancement/repopulation Protected area Endangered species Hunting gear/hunting methods Protected animal species Hunting/capture Management/conservation Migratory species Geographical area Europe, Arctic Abstract Objectives: To protect birds in their wild state, considering that in the interests of science, the protection of nature and the economy of each nation, all birds should as a matter of principle be protected. Summary of provisions: In general, protection is to be given to all birds during the breeding season, to migrants during their flight to their breeding grounds, and to endangered species throughout the year (art. 2). In general, the taking of eggs, shells and young birds is to be prohibited (art. 4). Certain methods of hunting birds are to be prohibited or restricted, e.g. snares, nets, poisoned bait, blinded decoy birds, motor boats and motor vehicles (art. 5). A species found to be a pest in a region may be excepted from protection (art. 6). Exceptions may also be made in the interests of science and education (art. 7). Each party undertakes to draw up lists of birds that may be lawfully taken or killed in compliance with this Convention (art. 8). Parties agree to take measures to prevent destruction of birds by water pollution, electric cables, insecticides and poisons, and to educate children and the public in the need for protection of birds (art. 10). Parties are to establish reserves for breeding birds (art. 11). (Source: IUCN ELC, 08.2005, based on UNEP Register of International Treaties and Other Agreements in the Field of the Environment, 1996) Comment Not confined to migratory species of birds, although these are the subject of special mention in the preamble and substantive part. Provides for the protection of migratory birds during their return flight to their nesting grounds, particularly between months of March and July. Birds in danger of extinction or of scientific interest protected throughout the year. Provides in general for prohibition of export, import, trade in or possession of birds (dead or alive); of destruction of nests; of export, import, trade in or possession of eggs and nestlings (with some exceptions). Prohibits some methods of taking (where this is permitted). Provides for exceptions in order to protect agriculture or species whose 'conservation is desirable', but such taking to be by individual permits and complete extirpation of species not permitted. Further exceptions for purposes of science and education, game and falconery. Provides that States parties may prepare lists of birds which may be lawfully killed or kept in captivity in that State. Refers to measures to protect destruction of birds by hydrocarbons, water pollution, pesticides and poisons, lighthouses, electrical cables, etc. Refers to the need to educate children and others about the need to protect birds. Requires the creation of reserves of sufficient size and location to enable migratory species to rest and feed. Full text English Website www.admin.ch treatydatabase.overheid.nl Country/Territory/Participant See Expanded View Show Map Countries Entry into force Ratification * Simple signature Austria Jan 17, 1963 Feb 15, 1953 [1] Dec 15, 1953 Belgium Jan 17, 1963 Jan 17, 1955 [1] Nov 28, 1953 Bulgaria Jan 17, 1963 Jan 15, 1957 [1] Jan 15, 1957 France Jan 17, 1963 Nov 28, 1953 [1] Nov 28, 1953 Greece Jan 17, 1963 Nov 28, 1953 [1] Nov 28, 1953 Iceland Jan 17, 1963 Oct 29, 1955 [2] - Luxembourg Jan 17, 1963 Oct 19, 1962 [2] - Monaco Jan 17, 1963 Sep 23, 1953 [1] Sep 23, 1953 Netherlands Jan 17, 1963 Jun 30, 1955 [1] May 31, 1954 Portugal Jan 17, 1963 Feb 15, 1953 [1] Feb 15, 1953 Serbia Sep 26, 1973 Jun 28, 1973 [2] - Spain Jan 17, 1963 Aug 24, 1955 [1] Jan 9, 1954 Sweden Jul 23, 1963 Apr 24, 1963 [1] Dec 14, 1953 Switzerland Jan 17, 1963 Oct 26, 1955 [1] Apr 17, 1954 Turkey Sep 12, 1967 Jun 14, 1967 [1] May 30, 1956 * [1] Ratification [2] Accession/approbation [3] Acceptance/approval [4] Succession [5] Consent to be bound [6] Definite signature reset zoom out zoom in Other references Literature 4 records related to this treaty. View literature