The European region is at the forefront of many biodiversity conservation efforts – including its commitments to major multilateral environmental processes and its recognised network of protected areas. However, the overall conservation status of habitats and species is showing no sign of improvement, mainly due to landscape, ecosystem and habitat degradation, fragmentation and conversion (change in land use) across the region.

The present Implementation Plan of the IUCN Programme 2013-2016 in Europe reflects both the specific needs and work environment of the European region in terms of conservation (ie. the impact of Europe on its own territory), and the consequences of regional developments on the rest of the world (ie. the impact of European actions and policies outside its boundaries). The Plan is implemented through the combined activities undertaken either jointly or individually by IUCN Members, National Committees, Commission members and the Secretariat in Europe.

The Implementation Plan of the IUCN Programme 2013-2016 should also be seen as the regional framework encompassing the more detailed plans and strategies developed by each IUCN office in Europe and linking those, and Members’ and partners’ contributions, to the global IUCN Programme 2013-2016.