bulletin of the european information centre for nature NATURE IN FOCUS conservation council of europe

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u [Ï information min c e n tre L h J V. J for Urniü. n atu re number 11 winter 1971 -72 conservation NATURE IN FOCUS Everywhere the ancient cities and acter; the building of roads to divert picturesque villages, which we love traffic away from areas of architec­ Editorial The Rt Hon Duncan Sandys, MP 1 and which tourists come from afar to tural interest or to by-pass charming admire, are being progressively de­ villages; the elimination of car parking molished or mutilated for commercial in fine squares and streets; the crea­ Transfrontier natural parks Dr Hertha Firnberg 2 gain or the convenience of motor tion of pedestrian precincts; the re­ traffic. If this process is allowed to moval of unsightly outdoor advertising, Nature and history: a common heritage for continue unchecked, Europe's distinc­ overhead wires and other ugliness; tive character will soon be totally de­ the careful planning of new develop­ Conservation Bernard Champigneulle 5 stroyed. All that will be left will be a ment in areas of scenic beauty on the few isolated monuments retained as coast, in the countryside or in the Controlling traffic in wild animals Moira a g wariand 7 lifeless museums in the midst of a mountains; the introduction of more jungle of ferro concrete and tarmac. trees and grass in towns and villages; Whether it be the historic centre of a the elimination of dirt, decay and un­ The evolution of our mountain landscapes famous town — such as Chartres, tidiness of all kinds; the construction Professor V Giacomini 11 York, Bruges, Sienna or Copenhagen of new buildings, the design of which — or a charming old village whose shows respect for their older neigh­ name is little known, it forms part of bours; and, most important of all, News from Strasbourg 18 our common European heritage, which measures to encourage our follow- we have a common interest and re­ citizens of all ages to take pride and Short Notes 23 sponsibility to defend. interest in the quality of their sur­ We must sound the alarm and call for roundings. action before it is too late. In preparation for the European Urban Nature in Focus Looks at Books 27 The campaign initiated in the European Conservation Year, governments, local THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Nature Conservation Year of 1970, suc­ authorities, industry and commerce DUNCAN SANDYS M.P. cessfully awakened the peoples of all should be urged to initiate action of Zusammenfassungen (German summaries) 28 President of «EUROPA NOSTRA», an our countries to the dangers which this and other kinds — both for its international federation of associations menace their natural environment. The own intrinsic value and as an example for the protection of Europe’s cultural battle against the pollution of air, wa­ to stimulate similar action by others. Nature In Focus Is published in English and natural heritage. and French by the European Information ter and countryside is of the highest There are those who regard the pres­ Centre for Nature Conservation of the importance. But it is only one half of ervation of treasures inherited from Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France. the problem of Conservation. The the past as old-fashioned and back­ Editeur responsable: Jean-Pierre Rlbaut grave threats to our urban environ­ ward-looking. But that shows a com­ Editor: Martin Jones ment are equally serious and demand plete misunderstanding of the trend Printed by: Artl Grafiche già Veladlni & C. equally urgent action. of present-day thinking. As the level Lugano, Switzerland. We therefore confidently look to the of general education rises, the peoples Articles may be reprinted providing a re­ governments to declare 1975 as a of all our countries are showing in­ ference is made to the source and a copy European Urban Conservation Year, creasing appreciation of their historic sent to the Editor. The copyright of all as requested by the Consultative As­ and cultural heritage and recognise photographs is reserved. sembly of the Council of Europe. the importance of protecting it for Nature In Focus may be obtained on ap­ In the interval between now and then, their own enjoyment and that of future plication to the appropriate National intensive preparations will have to be generations. Agency. See addresses inside back cover. made at the European, national and Growing popular interest in conserva­ The opinions expressed in this publication local levels. For it is not enough tion is, in fact, a marked feature of are those of the authors and do not nec­ merely to draw attention to the dan­ our modern educated society. If there­ essarily reflect the views of the Council fore a clear lead is given, wide public of Europe. gers. If the campaign is to produce concrete results, we must, by the be­ support is assured. ginning of 1975, be in a position to Cover and colour pages were realised with the collaboration of: present in all our countries numerous Arthur Christiansen - Sven Gillstater - Brian practical examples of successful ac­ Hawkes - Magnar Norderhaug - Leonard tion. These might, among other meas­ Lee Rue - Teuvo Suominen. ures, include: the restoration of old buildings and their adaptation when Design and layout: Jean Percet, Strasbourg necessary to modern uses; the strict control of new construction in ancient cities to preserve their special char­ < The alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) and the ibex (Capra ibex) are just two of the many animals which thrive in the mountainous frontier region between Italy and France, protected by laws in the Gran Paradiso and the Vanoise NATURAL HKS National Parks, respectively.

DR HERTHA FIRNBERG Minister of Science and Research, Austria

Projects for European bilateral or mul­ tional Park was opened on the border tilateral natural parks have been under with Spain and on the Spanish side discussion for years: certain projects of the border a hunting reserve has have reached the practical planning been established. stage and some progress has been Portugal's first National Park, Peneda- made with the preliminary work. Eu­ Geres, which was inaugurated on 11 rope Park No. 1, the Luxembourg- October 1970, consists of some 60 000 German Natural Park, is already a hectares of mountainous area on her reality. The State Treaty providing for northern border with Spain. the setting up of a joint natural park The creation of bilateral and multina­ by the Rhineland-Palatinate and Lux­ tional parks has been discussed in the embourg was concluded on 14 October Nordic Council. There are several pos­ 1965 and the park constitutes the first sibilities: the region of Femundmarka- example of a West European bilateral Rogen between Norway and Sweden, natural park: it is therefore an ex­ given the extension of the Rogen Na­ ample of particular significance for tional Park to the Swedish side of the the Council of Europe’s endeavours. border: the Borgefjell Sanctuary, which A number of natural parks are situated was enlarged to 1065 sq km in October in the frontier area between two coun­ 1971 and made into a National Park tries, and in some cases parks adjoin which now touches the Swedish bor­ one another directly at the frontier, as der; the region of the Anarjokka river do the Italian Gran Paradiso and the if the Finnish National Park of ‘Lem- French La Vanoise parks. There are menjoki’ is extended to the Norwegian opportunities in Europe for setting up frontier. Most important is to realise bilateral or multilateral natural parks the great project for the ‘Rago’ Na­ astride national frontiers and thus for tional Park in Norway (created in Jan­ preserving landscapes of unusual uary 1971), linking it with the giant beauty integrally on both sides of the Parco Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso nature conservation complex of frontier and making them accessible Swedish Lapland, which is made of to the inhabitants of both or of several three National Parks: Padjalenta, Sa- countries as areas of rest and relax­ velopment, will make a further contri­ safeguarding the territory along the a ‘European climate’ was expressed 230000 hectares. Efforts are now being rek and Sjöfallets, the largest parks ation. In addition to promoting nature bution to planned European collabora­ two frontier rivers, the Sauer and Our, in war-torn areas of adjacent Western made by the Netherlands and West in Europe. conservation and to their recreational tion. according to principles which are as countries. This led to the setting-up Germany to create a German-Dutch In Finland, Eastern Lapland is to be value, these parks are an important The setting-up of a bilateral natural uniform as possible, and of maintaining of the ‘Groupement Européen des Ar­ natural park of 'Maas-Schwalm-Nette'. managed as a national park whose factor in the unification of Europe and park calls for extensive preliminary it as a recreational area, a joint natural dennes et de l’Eifel’ whose objective A national park will eventually be surface area will be 380 000 hectares a means of direct contact and mutual work, on both sides and harmonious park shall be set up. The Contracting is to establish transfrontier natural created in the region of Berchtesga­ and the ‘Lemmenjoki’ National Park understanding between peoples. They joint action. This is shown clearly by Parties shall ensure that such parts of parks. In 1957, the President of the den. This will extend into the region will cover, after extensions, 190 000 give, as was said in the speeches the example of the Luxembourg-Ger­ their territory as are included in the Verein Naturschutzpark, Dr Toepfer, of Königssee and will assure a con­ hectares. It should be added that at­ made on the occasion of the ratifica­ man Natural Park. First the areas arenatural park preserve their character proposed that such international parks tinuation with Austrian national parks. tempts are being made by Finland, tion of the Luxembourg-German state chosen on both sides of the frontier. of protected landscapes and shall be set up on Germany’s Western and There are also possibilities for an Norway and Sweden to transform Treaty on the joint natural park, a A joint committee agrees on the park’s promote their adaptation, as a rest and Eastern frontiers. Italian-Swiss transfrontier park, as the these two parks into transfrontier further, human impetus by the people lay-out, equipment and finances. Com­ relaxation area for large sections of In the Northern Vosges it is planned Swiss National Park is already estab­ parks. towards the political extension of the mon protective measures are laid the population. to create a French Regional Nature lished at the border. It is worth noting that in the Czech- European unification movement. It is down but are implemented by each The protected area measures 725 km2, Park which will be joined up with the The meeting of the French National Polish frontier area there are already therefore unquestionably in Europe’s country in its respective section of the situated in roughly equal halves on already existing Pfälzerwald Natural Park of La Vanoise with the Italian three joint natural parks (Upper Ta­ special interest to promote projects park. Then the legal aspects of fron­ either side of the German - Luxem­ Park. Gran Paradiso Park affords an op­ tra, Pieniy, Riesengebirge) covering for transfrontier natural parks, nor tier crossing and customs formalities bourg frontier and the two States are On 3 February 1971 an agreement was portunity for joint settlement of frontier in all about 592 000 hectares. must the fact be overlooked that the are settled to facilitate the visiting of continuing to work on plans to ex­ signed between Belgium and the Fed­ questions. Another example is the ‘Kremenece’ joint planning and preparation of the the whole of the park, that is, a park tend it. eral Republic of Germany on the joint The French are also planning a na­ reserve which encompasses frontier complex work entailed in setting up encompassing two state frontiers. In Western Europe, a series of bi­ ‘Nord eifel-Hohes Venn’ Natural Park, tional park of ‘Mercantour’ in the Ma­ areas of Poland, Czechoslovakia and a joint natural park, and at a laterThe most important provisions of the lateral parks is projected. Already in the second European Park. This ‘bi- ritime Alps on the border with Italy. the Soviet Union. The overall surface stage its joint administration and de­ State Treaty stipulate: Desirous of 1955 the wish for the development of national’ park covers an area of some On 9 October the East Pyrenees Na- measures 1282 hectares. stored or an outstanding site protected without much thought being given to their surroundings. But what would the Mont Saint-Michel be without the surrounding sea, which and history: also needs protection? What would be the value of keeping an ancient castle on a hill with its bizarre sil­ common houette outlined against the sky, if the slopes around it were covered with sheds, factories or ten-storied ritage blocks of flats? We are daily becoming more aware that nature is the indis­ r conservation pensable setting for man’s works. BERNARD CHAMPIGNEULLE describing, listing and dating, without Versailles led the way worrying about the fact that the very Vice-president ‘Ligue Urbaine et Rurale’, What appears today as a new realisa­ Paris object'of their studies was deterio­ rating. A few writers tried to alert tion of the natural order of things has Most conservation societies nowadays public opinion in the face of a more in reality a long-standing tradition. take an interest in protecting not only or less general lack of interest. Some Town-dwellers who could afford it and monuments but also nature and na­ people even felt a sort of romantic had the necessary space possessed tural sites. This is a fairly recent de­ attraction for decaying ancient mo­ a garden at least equal in area to that velopment. At the end of the last cen­ numents and displayed a pronounced occupied by their house. Castles were tury the few voluntary societies in­ preference for ruins. surrounded by parks and game for­ terested in protecting the national he­ ests. When Louis XIV decided to ritage were preoccupied with historic erect the Palace of Versailles in one monuments and archaeological sites. Venice in decay of the most unpromising spots in the The authorities were mainly concerned neighbourhood of Paris, the first thing The advent of industrial civilisation with classifying Gothic churches that was done, before any building forced people to take stock of the and a few important castles. With took place, was to design the gardens, realities of the situation. Were the be­ negligible resources at their disposal, artificial lakes and tree-planted ave­ loved urban or natural landscapes not amateurs tried to make up for official nues, which were skilfully grouped falling prey to mechanisation? And shortcomings. It should be added, and organised so as to converge upon did not the evolution of society itself however, that the majority of archae­ the centre of the future edifice. and the diverse technical innovations This intimate contact between man NJ NJ Norenlind/Tiofoto ologists contented themselves with which it set in motion pave the way for the constant ravages wrought on A similar project is planned by Yugo­ way of life. There must be room for our inheritance from the past? Venice slavia and Rumania (Djerdap Danubeboth technology and nature in the Eu­ This raging mountain torrent, one is a typical example. The town has gorge). rope of tomorrow. In this sense the attracted greater and greater crowds question of natural Europe is a prob­ of the last untamed rivers in Europe, of admirers. But it required the flood Conclusion lem of concern to all European people. adds grandeur to the Swedish . National Park of Rogen. disaster of 1966 to make people re­ One of our tasks will be not only to The significance of natural parks will alise the dangers and become con­ promote the setting-up of transfron­ grow as man’s leisure time gains in cerned at the ecological imbalance tier natural parks in general but also importance and length. The establish­ of the lagoon, the eroded stonework to devise techniques to facilitate this ment of long-term plans for the pro­ of churches and palaces, the air pol­ complex scheme. vision of recreation areas for the fu­ lution caused by the industries of the ture is an important present-day task. Political frontiers cut up natural land­ nearby coast, in fact all the evidence Individual European countries have scapes of particular beauty in an inor­ that a wonderful and fragile city was not only recognised this but have also ganic way not only between the coun­ being threatened by the damage that tackled the task by preparing plans tries of the West but also between men had inflicted on nature. The in­ for extensive natural parks and rec­ East and West. It is wholly feasible to ternational institutions and voluntary reation areas. Many industrialised Eu­ plan, natural parks at the intersection associations of Europe and the United ropean countries no longer possess of the political frontiers between the States, which are contributing to the much free land of scenic beauty suit­ countries of Eastern Europe and West­ restoration of Venice, constitute ample able as recreation areas. Industrialisa­ern Europe, all the more so as the proof of the capital importance of the tion, the traffic network, the popula­ Eastern countries have always shown psychological evolution that has taken tion’s growing desire for weekend great interest and understanding for place in almost every country in the dwellings and the constant building- all nature conservation questions as field of conservation. over of land have made recreational they have proved at many conferences Until recently, operations were iso­ space scarce. Natural parks must and in writings. The planning of na­ lated: a beautiful monument was re- therefore be regarded as an essential tural parks between Eastern and West­ component of the social, health and ern Europe could play a highly im­ cultural infrastructure. In national and portant role: as a means of contact, European development plans this coordination and cooperation and question must be given equal space therefore also as a means of Euro­ A delapidated mill, fallen into disuse... with production sources, housing and pean détente precisely because these but much appreciated when restored traffic networks. Work and recreation questions are concerned with people as a monument to man’s past life are both integral components of our and nature. in the countryside. ► Crime against nature Improving the quality of life by Aesthetic considerations and nature simply cleaning up the immediate conservation cover essentially the urban surroundings. same ground. When hedgerows and copses are destroyed in order to create one vast farming wilderness, not only is the picturesque character and vegetation, which has allowed so of the land impaired but it is also many admirable works to find such deprived of useful biological life, it is dignified expression, surely symbol­ exposed to the winds, etc. Felling ises the necessity of combining the trees, destroying a copse or a wood, protection of works of art with the setting up some industry in the midst of a pleasant landscape, building CONTROLLING preservation of nature. The latter cause, in view of the accumulation of swarms of multi-storey blocks along the destructive consequences of tech­ the coasts, all this not only sullies the beauty of the places concerned, it TRAFFIC nology, demands that all human re­ sources should be mustered in its amounts to a crime against nature, favour. No longer for mere decorative which, sooner or later, will take re­ venge for the destruction of the na­ IN or aesthetic reasons, but for physi­ ological reasons: today, it is the sur­ tural balance. vival of species that is at stake — our It is for this reason that the European own species. associations belonging to Europa No­ W ILD ANIMALS The appeals of those who deal with stra **, even if their basic objective is such problems are becoming more the protection and restoration of na­ and more anguished in tone. When, tional monuments or the promotion about ten years ago, Roger Heim gave of town-planning which is better adapt­ the exhibition he had organised in the ed to human life, feel obliged to take Paris Natural History Museum the title: the environment into consideration as Man Against Nature (‘L’homme contre well. The limits of this environment la nature), people were surprised. are being pushed back more and No-one would be surprised today. more as the demographic and tech­ Man long believed that nature could nological pressures of the modern supply an inexhaustible fund of treas­ world make themselves more keen­ ures. Population forecasts have com­ ly felt. This is why an alliance of pelled him to think again. cultural preservation societies with Nature conservation has now become nature conservation societies is so a major preoccupation. The very prin­ vital. Only in this way can a united MISS MOIRA AG WARLAND ciples on which it was established front be presented to safeguard Eu­ Staff Executive Officer, IUCN Survival have evolved. Whereas it used to be rope’s heritage as a viable whole. The Service Commission, Morges, Switzerland thought sufficient to repair a classified same unified action is now being tak­ monument, it is now felt that such a en at intergovernmental level. In 1971 monument can only maintain a healthy the Council of Europe included in its Modern societies make exorbitant de­ orang-utan and chimpanzee, the giant and dignified existence if restored in Directorate of Environment and Local mands on the world's fast-dwindling otter, tiger and vicuna, and several its appropriate setting; the surround­ Authorities a special Committee on populations of wild animals and plants. crocodiles. ings must also be maintained in order Monuments and Sites with the specific objective of promoting close coopera­ Reflect for a moment on the popu­ to be fully appreciated. In France, for larity of alligator leather, for example, example, legislation has therefore tion at European and national levels Convention deposited between the public authorities respon­ which is much sought after for shoes, been passed to safeguard views, clas­ handbags, belts and other expensive in Switzerland sified groups of buildings and finally sible for monuments and sites and public authorities responsible for re­ and fashionable products. Tons of The problem is not new. At the IUCN the old quarters of towns. At the same hides are needed to supply this mar­ time, a stricter definition of what was gional planning. 8th General Assembly in Nairobi in ket even in a single country. Without 1963 control was suggested through implied by the term ‘site’ was worked controls, alligators and all crocodilians out and was linked to the conserva­ an international convention to regulate * Available Irom the Council ol Europe, Stras­ would soon be extinct. traffic in species of wild animals and tion of natural resources; the en­ bourg. Report to the Consultative Assembly, 18 deavour was made to give whole re­ Sept 1970 (Docum ent 2819). Consider the varied demands on ani­ plants threatened with extinction, or gions a special status (regional parks, "* 86 Vincent Square, London, S.W.1. mal for furs, for zoo display, for pets approaching that condition. national parks). Similar legislation, of all kinds, for wool, leather, bone, A first formal draft was prepared, and although perhaps more fragmented, ivory, teeth, oil, meat, trophies, sou­ in September 1967 it was sent to 90 has been passed in Britain and some venirs, for medical experimentation countries for comment. A second for­ other European States, although sev­ and testing of drugs and cures, and mal draft, modified in the light of the eral countries still lack adequate le­ even for satisfying superstitious rites. comments received, was sent to gov­ gislative protection for their none­ With exploding populations of people, ernments in August 1969. A third for­ theless important historic and natural and expanding demands all over the mal draft has been developed in the heritages. The situation is very well world, it is no wonder that a number light of further comments received summarised in a comparative analysis of species of wild animals and plants and after discussions with FAC, the of legislation for the protection of are threatened with extinction as a Customs Cooperation Council, the immovable cultural property of mem­ result of international traffic in these Scientific Committee on Antarctic Re­ ber States of the Council of Europe species or their products. A few ex­ search, and the Secretariat of the Gen­ by Mr Cravatte.* amples from the long list are the eral Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. This included revised appendices of ened or declining because of over­ latory mechanism will presumably be 4. When claims are made that ma­ ___ threatened and declining species pre­ exploitation, particularly those that the concern of the authority respon­ terial is not covered by the Convention pared by the IUCN Secretariat in col­ enter international commerce. Two sible for conservation in the country because it is an animal bred in cap­ laboration with consultants and en­ categories are distinguished: those in question. tivity, or is of a species not listed or dorsed by its Survival Service Com­ species that are already threatened that it was imported or acquired be­ mission. with world-wide extinction; and those fore the Convention came into force The Swiss Government has formally which are approaching this condition. National measures (this may relate to an animal in a agreed to act as depositary for the Regulation is primarily at the point of travelling exhibition, for example) the origin through the institution of export Convention and it is proposed that The Convention requires Contracting onus of proof is on the person so permits for both categories, with con­ IUCN provide the Secretariat for the States to take certain measures to claiming. States may, if they wish, trol exercised by the competent au­ Advisory Committee to be established make the Convention effective, as fol­ issue certificates of origin or other thority designated in the exporting documents, or institute a registration under the Convention. lows: The third draft has been sent to Gov­ country, which will limit the number system to provide such proof. (Some ernments for Consideration with a of permits granted so as to avoid 1. Contracting States are to prohibit States are apparently already con­ view to concluding the Convention. It over-exploitation. In the case of threat­ and penalize trade in specimens and templating some form of registration now seems likely that an intergovern­ ened species, a further control is in­ their products in violation of the Con­ of certain animals). mental meeting may be convened early cluded by the prerequisite of an im­ vention. Exhibition and offering for in 1972 to settle the text and open the port permit, issue of which is controll­ sale of material illegally imported are 5. Scientific Authorities are charged Convention for signature. ed by a scientific authority in the to be prevented, and provision made with the return of confiscated living Discussions at the second meeting of importing country and authorized only for confiscation of such material. specimens to their place of origin or the Preparatory Committee of the UN when adequately justified and then (These measures are of special im­ to a rescue centre. Conference on the Human Environ­ only for a scientific purpose. By the portance if the Convention is to have 6. The advice of an Advisory Com­ ment (Stockholm 1972) culminated in very nature of this category, it is not any meaning. It is expected that a mittee is available in connection with the decision that the Convention should expected that a large number of per­ suitable system of inspection and ad­ the matters covered in paragraph 3. be available at Stockholm for further mits will be issued and it is here that ministration will be created to give signatures. European States can play a very sig­ effect to the legislative measures). nificant role in safeguarding the threat­ Implementation ened wildlife of Africa, Asia, South 2. Appropriately, qualified persons are If the Advisory Committee considers America and the polar regions. to be involved in implementing the Effect on European countries that the Convention is not being re­ Overall supervision is undertaken by measures called for under the Con­ spected by a Contracting State or that an International Advisory Committee vention. European countries, in particular Bel­ too many Export Permits have been gium, France, the Federal Republic of appointed by representatives of the 3. Clearance of specimens through issued for a species, it can reach Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, UK, Contracting States. border formalities is to be carried out agreement with the State concerned and USSR, are the main importers and Although border checks on permits with the minimum of delay. For this and/or undertake an enquiry on the exporters of wildlife and their prod­ at exit and entry are important ele­ purpose, States may designate ports spot. ucts, together with Hong Kong, Japan ments in the regulatory mechanism, it of exit and ports of entry (at which and the USA. Once these countries is implicit that internal checks at var­ If the State does not agree to an en­ there will be adequate staff and fa­ have signed the Convention, it will be ious points in the marketing chain will quiry, or does not reply within four incumbent upon them to introduce also be involved. Much of the regu­ cilities if they so desire. months, the Advisory Committee will appropriate regulatory mechanisms to inform the Contracting States. They ensure that the terms of the Conven­ These tigers were found dead at London Airport. An international convention will also be informed if the enquiry tion are respected. could prevent such events. On 20th February 1970, the Council of Europe’s shows that the Convention is not being observed or that restrictions should

Especially important from the Euro­ Convention on the Protection of Animals in International Transport came into Norman Myers/Photo Res pean point of view will be the controls force in Europe. be made on the export of certain spe­ on imports and on transit conditions cies from the State concerned, and the of a vast traffic in wild animals passing State does not remedy the matter through European international air­ when asked to do so. In such cases, ports every year. At London airport the next meeting of representatives Conclusion A cheetah family — there are at (Heathrow) for example, a private body, may decide to recommend that all present about one thousand the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Pre­ Contracting States cease trade in The Convention is not regarded as threatened species of vertebrate. vention of Cruelty to Animals) has a specimens and their products with the panacea for controlling the trade High on this red list figure the spotted hostel which handles a million animals the State concerned until the matter in wildlife and its products. Nor is it cats, mercilessly killed off until a a year. is remedied. in any way aimed at the most crucial short time ago but now the target What does the Convention hope to of decimating factors — the destruc­ of fur traders — an industry that achieve? The Convention is designed tion of habitats. It will, however, pro­ threatens to exterminate jaguars, Effect on legislation to regulate traffic in threatened and vide a tool for checking over-exploita- ocelots, leopards, tigers, etc. declining species of wild animals and The Convention does not prevent tion of threatened species of wildlife plants. Information gathered by var­ Contracting States from imposing, which, in some cases, can be more ious bodies throughout the world and under their own legislation, stricter serious than modification of the habi­ correlated by the Survival Service measures affecting trade in specimens tat. The traffic in wild animals, hitherto Commission of IUCN shows that a or their products than under the Con­ totally unregulated and chaotic, brings considerable number of species of vention, or from applying the Conven­ little economic benefit to most nations. wild animals and plants will become tion provisions to additional species. But every nation involved would bene­ extinct unless urgent conservation ac­ The Convention does not affect na­ fit if trade moved through open and tion is taken. The principal reasons tional legislation or international con­ legitimate channels and effective man­ for this situation are over-exploitation ventions covering other aspects of agement were achieved. The Conven­ of these populations and modification trade in specimens and their products, tion can be considered as a first step of their habitats. or related matters including customs, towards regulating the trade in threat­ The Convention is concerned with public health, veterinary or quarantine ened species of wild animals and

species of animals and plants threat­ WR Price/Cotswolds NFC/C for N aspects. plants. Speeles threatened with world-wide extinction, the export, Import and transit ol which must be subject to particularly strict regulation In order to ensure their survival and only authorized in exceptional circumstances. The Anim als Birds Mammals Pithecophaga jelferyi Monkey-eating eagle All species of Indriidae and Oreophasis derbianus Horned guan of our mountain Daubentoniidae Sifakas and Aye-aye Rhynochetos jubatus Kagu All species of Cacajao Uakaris All species of Picathartes Rock fowl PROFESSOR V GIACOMINI Chiropotes albinasus White-nosed saki Institute of Botany, University of Rome Brachyteles arachnoides Woolly spider monkey Reptiles Callimico goeldii Goeldi's tamarin Testudo elephantopus Galapagos giant tortoise All species of Leontideus Golden tamarins Testudo ra d iata Madagascar radiated tortoise Pongo pygmaeus Orang utan Crocodylus cataphractus African slender-snouted crocodile All species of Pan Chimpanzees Crocodylus intermedius Orinoco crocodile Gorilla gorilla G o rilla Crocodylus morleleii Morelet’s crocodile Giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis Crocodylus niloticus Nile crocodile Paraonyx microdon Cameroon clawless otter Crocodylus rhombifer Cuban crocodile Panthera tigris Tiger Osteolaemus tetraspis Dwarf crocodile Panthera uncia Snow leopard Gavialis gangeticus Indian gavial All species of Sirenia Sirenians Varanus komodoensis Komodo Island monitor Tapir us pinchaque Mountain tapir Central American tapir Tapir us bairdii Plants Rhinoceros unicornis Great Indian rhinoceros Nil Rhinocerus sondaicus Javan rhinoceros Didermocerus sumatrensis Sumatran rhinoceros Vicugna vicugna Vicuna All species of Bovini except All wild cattle except the Bos banteng, Syncerus caller Banteng, the African buffalo and Bison bison and the American bison Oryx leucoryx Arabian oryx

Species not yet threatened with world-wide extinction, but the export, import and transit of which must be subject to control in order to avoid undue ex­ ploitation incompatible with their survival.

A nim als. Reptiles Mammals All species of Testudinidae * Tortoises All species of Primates * Prim ates All species of Cheloniidae Sea turtles Thalarctos maritimus Polar bear Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback or leathery turtle Lutra platensis La Plata otter Podocnemis expansa South American river turtle Lutra provocax Southern river otter Podocnemis unitilis Terecay turtle Enhydra lutris Sea otter All species of Crocodylia * Alligators, caymans, crocodiles and gavials Felis nigripes Black-footed cat Cyclura baelopha Andros Island ground iguana Felis serval Serval Felis pardalis O celot Plants Felis wiedi Margay Felis tigrina T iger-cat All species of Bromeliaceae Brom eliads Neolelis nebulosa Clouded leopard All species of Orchidaceae O rchids Panthera pardus Leopard All succulent species of Acinonyx jubatus Cheetah Aizoaceae (Ficoidaceae) — Arctocephalus philippii Guadelupe fur seal All succulent species of Cacti except prickly pears Odobenus rosmarus W alrus Cactaceae exceptO puntia species Choeropsis liberiensis Pygmy hippopotamus All succulent species of Crassulaceae — Llama guanicoe Guanaco Moschus moschiterus M usk-deer Excluding species In first list. Bos banteng Banteng Kobus leche Lechwe

Kobus megaceros Nile lechwe C iganovic Hippotragus niger Sable antelope Oryx tao Scimitar-horned oryx Addax nasomaculatus Addax Mountains have long been the place managed to escape modern tourist it does of an accumulation of human where men meet with nature, forest, development, we turn to our European activities and the irresistible growth Birds meadow and wildlife in its purest mountains, so close at hand and easy of population and technology, and of All species of Falconiformes * New World vultures, Secretary form. We go off to the mountains in to reach. the demand for space, materials and birds, hawks, eagles, harriers, Old World vultures, ospreys, search of all that is lost to us in the But do our European mountains still power. There is one burning question. falcons and caracaras plains, trying to get far away from the retain their pristine beauty and can How much have mountain landscapes Gallus sonneratii Grey jungle fowl artificial, mechanical life of our towns they still provide us with sources of changed since the time of our fore­ All species of Grus except All species of crane except the and, more and more frequently, of our health and repose? There is alarming fathers — or even of our grandfathers? Grus grus common crane villages and countryside too. We evidence that mountains are not im­ Can we still check the galloping dis­ All species of Amazona Amazonian parrots ease caused by a multitude of chan­ All species of Strigiformes Owls thirst for natural landscape or at least mune to the changes that are affecting Pharomachrus mocinno Quetzal fragments of natural landscape. Un­ the earth’s surface at such frightening ges? All species of Rupicola Cocks-of-the-rock less we are lucky enough to go to speed. The process might well be This twofold question takes us to the Leucopsar rothschildi Rothschild’s starling some exotic land or island that has termed «anthropogenic» consisting as heart of the problem of the new rela- Zonal factors, in conjunction with ► tions between man and nature in the layering have been decisive in the particularly critical environment of the A slashing scar in the Snowdonia history of mountain landscapes. Scan­ mountains. Clearly, the fate of the mountains of North Wales, Great dinavian-type mountains have no plains and hillregions was decided Britain, where for over a century, a meadow layer which is extensive in long ago or if not it is reasonably vast slate quarry has been worked. the Alpine type (the equivalent in the foreseeable; changes taking place mountains of northern Russia are the there depend on the amount of de­ tundras). Mediterranean and all dry velopment to which the land, urban or regions have forests only at a very rural, is subjected. But mountains are low level between the foothills and exposed to an explosion of change the meadows which are few and far whose consequences cannot be easily between and have an arid appearance. foreseen; all too often decisions, func­ It is obvious that grazing and defor­ tions and development are incoherent estation have done irreparable harm to and improvised. such areas. The mountains of Greece, the Italian islands and Spain are dra­ The old and the new teg rated context that is proper to a matic examples. modern ecological approach. The life A gripping drama is going on in the of the landscape must, however, be mountains. No other European envi­ seen in relation to man. It may there­ Artificial factors ronment is affected by such a sharp fore be assessed in terms of ‘hab­ The age-old factor in mountain land­ contrast between past and present, itability’ for the men who live there conservatism and progress. This strug­ permanently and for the men who go scape changes is certainly grazing gle will not last very long, however; there occasionally in search of rec­ which has done extensive damage to vegetation especially in the Mediter­ there is little doubt that modernisation reation. Harmonious fulfilment of the ranean basin. Heathland, moor, thorny will win the day. We have on the one requirements of these two different or poisonous scrub (sometimes, it is hand the time-honoured way of life groups of people would be a near­ true, producing splendid blooms) these of the people who live permanently perfect situation. in the mountains and whose livelihood dominate the rocky slopes of islands The mountain problem is this. How springs from the mountain's natural re­ and peninsulas and are the dramatic can we maintain human life in moun­ sources; and on the other we have the result of thousands of years of despo­ tains, that is not divorced from plant periodic rush to the mountains by the liation. Referring to Corsica, Tricart and animal life? How can we preserve people of the plains, frenzied, unable speaks of a ‘gradual smothering of the essential physical, biological and to accept the age-old patterns, avid the countryside with gravel’ (ennoyage human balance? for leisure and comfort, demanding progressif du pays sous la pierraille). amenities, space and manpower. In the mountains of central Europe The conflict between the two should Natural factors grazing has had a far less destructive not be treated lightly. It would be too effect; it has led to the creation of a easy to condemn or uphold either. The changes in European landscapes widespread type of forest landscape Both have their pros and cons. Both have been different from region to — the forest park, thinly-wooded and constitute the frightening problem region depending on the basic phys­ interspersed with meadow. Such for­ which nowadays preoccupies states­ ical characteristics. We do not intend ests are not very productive and are men, sociologists and economists in to uphold the deterministic view of not well-suited to protect slopes from every land — it is the problem of the geography which validates any kind erosion. mountain regions. of landscape, including man made ones, in terms of geographical or Fire has become fairly common in The conflict between the society geomorphological necessity; but there sheep-grazing areas in the inter-trop­ whose roots are in the mountains and is no doubt that physical necessity ical regions and is an extremely im­ the uprooted men of the plain may cannot simply be set aside. The Med­ portant geomorphogenic factor. All well affect the whole future of moun­ iterranean mountains have undergone 1 the various European regions, not only tain landscapes. Mountain landscapes a profound transformation since their I the Mediterranean ones, are far from are the product of the struggles be­ origin — and the process is not yet | immune, and fires which are not al­ tween the physical, biological and hu­ over — because they are subject ways accidental are becoming more man patterns of mountain life and the to unfavourable climatic conditions and more frequent in temperate for­ forces to which they were exposed. • Alpine (including pre-Alpine) way as any other ‘consumer’. It was ty; in the south both quantity and quali­ which have aggravated the effects of ests. Landscapes comprising ericacea We need to study landscapes there­ in the Bronze Age that man began to ty suffered. thousands of years of destructive hu­ • Central European are encouraged by fire and grazing. fore with a multi-disciplinary approach clear forests in central Europe for the But regional differences are also due man action. • Scandinavian Vast expanses of the large fern called and inter-authority cooperation; ge­ sake of agriculture. The seriousness to altitude. We can thus point to a Pteridium aquilinum are characteristic Regional conditions also may be the ology, climatology, geormorphology, The natural history of these types is, of the effects depended on the original number of critical areas in mountains. of a good many southern and Atlantic product of present or past factors, biology, anthropology and history must above all, the history of climatic events wealth of vegetation which in turn Climatic layers, which are most readi­ mountain landscapes, giving them a which may be natural or artificial. It all play a role. A detailed comprehen­ resulting from the advance or withdraw­ depended on latitude. The forests of ly revealed by the different belts of colour that varies from green to russet. is not easy to draw clear distinctions sive, geographical survey needs to be al of glaciers during successive ice- central Europe were far more scanty vegetation imply the existence of areas This in another result of deforesta­ between the two. There are certain done of clearly defined territories to­ ages, and continued post-glacial fluc­ than the Mediterranean forests; the of transition from one layer to another: tion and fire. gether with an ecological analysis. natural factors which would not play tuations. Pollen analysis of peat bogs forest of the Breton Massif for instance such areas of transition are places of In chronological order, agriculture Geographically speaking, a landscape a very great role without the interfer­ gives a picture of vegetation changes originally contained at most fifty spe­ competition or fluctuation where hu­ follows grazing. At the present mo­ is a unit of space; from the ecological ence of man. in prehistoric times and makes it pos­ cies of tree and the only havoc man intervention can result in con­ ment it is declining; but there were point of view it is a constellation of Regional differences are first and sible to draw a time-chart of forest wrought by humans was the removal siderable change. The most critical ecosystems. foremost differences of zone depend­ ages and other prehistoric periods. of the yew which was harmful to transition area is doubtless the upper times when it expanded enormously as a result of economic demand in A careful, coordinated survey of a ing on latitude. European mountains Human activity entered the scene flocks. We might say that the changes limit of the forest, which has practical­ post-war periods. Agriculture first ex- mountain landscape should help to thus fall into fairly clear groups: gradually. There is no doubt that Neo­ that took place throughout past ages ly everywhere been lowered as a • Mediterranean (peninsular and in­ lithic man formed part of forest eco­ in the countries of the north were result of tree-felling; the damage is identify all the factors in the life of continued on page 16 the mountain, in the overall and in- sular) systems quite naturally in the same changes of quantity rather than quali­ irreparable. Nature’s seemingly inexhaustible variety has never ceased to fascinate man. In Europe’s last vast wilderness, the high North, this richness reveals itself in all its splendour, when, after a long and dark winter, the lakes, m tundras and hills explode in a brilliant feast of life. UD UD

Man exploits this earth’s wealth and in so doing often leaves deep and lasting scars. Because of its unique character, the North deserves our particular care. hausts the store of fertility built up by The present liation of natural beauty and economic Immense labour and countless frustrations are the price of thoughtless the forests, then impoverishes the soil decline. The most reasonable thing to deforestation — not to mention the change in climate and eroded topsoil. (chemical erosion) and finally aban­ The changes that are of vital interest do is to combine the development of tourism with improved living condi­ dons it to swift and severe deteriora­ to us today are the ones that are Terracing and reafforestation to prevent soil erosion in Turkey. tions for the local inhabitants. tion (physical erosion). The stage going on now with irresistable mo­ Photos of the same slope in 1962,1963 and 1966. after erosion is the formation of ra­ mentum, in answer to a series of new Naturalists and ecologists hold tour­ vines, which can produce truly lunar human requirements. ism responsible for the destruction Where man has not scarred the landscape... but managed to blend with nature. landscapes, as may been seen in of flora, vegetation, wildlife, soil and Progressive depopulation of moun­ certain mountains in the south (for biological patterns that have existed tain regions is a process that is lead­ example, in Sicily and Calabria). Such for thousands of years. Forests are ing to the destruction of the age-old processes come to an end only when under a special threat; it is vital to balance between man and mountain. erosion has destroyed the last ves­ adopt a new planning and administra­ The abandonment of an environment tiges of soil and laid bare the rock tive policy on forests. The various which for a long time allowed of har­ which is then exposed to the relent­ monious coexistence means the de­ uses have to be properly allocated less grinding erosion of the elements. and cannot be allowed to overlap. cline of permanent, natural patterns The resultant gravel and scree land­ Special recreation areas have to be of life connected with the regular use scapes are very numerous and are provided in forests if they are not to of meadows, water systems etc., not a familiar sight in the Mediterranean to speak of the traditions, customs be completely submerged. regions. The process also occurs in and crafts, which are among the rich­ Winter sports pose the problem not humid mountain areas, for example es of human life in the mountains. only of roads and hotels but also of the Jura and the Alps, but in marly ski-lifts which are a source of concern areas in particular the vegetation has A counter-process has built up as a in all the snow-capped mountains of great powers of recolonisation and result of tourism which is invading Europe. Close cooperation is required can put back the covering within four the. mountains and increasing from between ecologists, urbanists and or five years. one year to the next, assuming the geomorphologists to produce eco­ New landscapes have been formed dimensions of a seasonal internal mi­ nomically and aesthetically acceptable through efforts to combat erosion; gration. The mountain thus takes on plans in accordance with conserva­ we need only think of the familiar new and very sizeable economic tion requirements. functions that were not even suspect­ terraced slopes in Mediterranean One final very important question is countries, particularly frequent in the ed before; it becomes a target for ment of forests that have vanished, by altitudes. This can be particularly builders of roads, houses, holiday vil­ that of hydro-electric dams. It has hills of Tuscany together with the often been discussed and was given other forests (for example, with co­ easily achieved in national and re­ characteristic lines of Cyprus trees. lages, hotels and other amenities. A nifers) can have very serious biologi­ gional parks but also in less well number of economists think that the special attention at the Caracas Con­ The dangers of clearance, fire and gress in 1952. A great many scientific cal consequences, whereas the con­ protected areas and even in reforested over-intensive use are all too well mountains may revive and depopula­ cealment of buildings, roads and areas. We must go back to the only tion be remedied, but a good many and aesthetic natural resources have known. We should give particular been sacrificed on behalf of hydro­ slopes with trees makes a valuable genuine school — the school of na­ others doubt whether the remedy will emphasis to the clearance of whole electric dams and there is a risk of contribution. ture. The uses to which mountains be effective and warn against hap­ regions and to the lowering of the more to come. The best remedy is reconstruction on are put will thus endure, because the upper limits of forests, forming un­ hazard development, the destruction the basis of the natural laws, using conservation of nature is the con­ protected pseudo-alpine meadows at of the physical and biological balance There are remedies to all these things the spontaneous impulses that arise servation of nature’s productivity. the summit. of the natural landscape, the despo­ but they vary in efficacy. The replace­ in the various zones in the various EUROPEAN AGREEMENT remaining free to fix the exact degree of biodegradability required, 80%, or . NEWS... NEWS... NEWS.. .NEWS.. .NEWS.. ON DETERGENTS over, to suit their own conditions. The Agreement entered into force in Feb­ Notable improvements in washing and ruary 1971, having been signed by the cleaning resulted from the introduc­ United Kingdom and Denmark, not tion of synthetic detergents, and subject to ratification, signed and about fifteen years ago their use be­ ratified by Belgium, France and the gan to grow. This caused difficulties Netherlands and signed (although still in sewage treatment, and led to a new subject to ratification) by the Federal form of water pollution, the main visi­ Republic of Germany and Luxembourg. Chemistry ble effect of which was the formation A CURRICULUM the duties of young people and parti­ Various methods have been proposed of objectionable quantities of foam on cularly their behaviour towards nature. C, 0 2, H2 cycles of synthesis and de­ for ascertaining, by the determina­ FOR THE ENVIRONMENT rivers. In agreement with public au­ Much time should be devoted to field composition (see also biology) espe­ tion of the percentage biodegrad­ thorities, manufacturers fairly quickly The principles of nature conservation study, nature observation and prac­ cially in the photo-chemical process ability, if the surface active agents in tical conservation work. introduced products of a different and ecology should be introduced into of synthesis with chlorophyl. The role detergent products on the market type. The surface active agents in educational programmes at all levels of C02, C03, HCO 3 , etc comply with these requirements. The these new products are biodegrad­ and in all appropriate disciplines. This Secondary schools study of pollution and the damage it OECD has recently recommended test­ able (so called ‘soft’ in contrast with recommendation, with the educational does ing methods for international adoption. those formerly used which were principles set out below, was ad­ Biology • air: sprays, smokes, CO, S02, H2S, These involve a screening test, and ‘hard’). They are to a great extent dressed to the governments of mem­ basic principles of ecology a more complicated confirmatory 0 3, NO, N 0 2, etc eliminated by normal sewage treat­ ber States by the Committee of Min­ • interdependence of living crea­ test based on the simulation of the • fresh water: phenols, detergents ment, and the self-purification occur­ tures and the physical environment, conditions in biological sewage treat­ isters on 30 June 1971. • sea water: oil ring in water courses also helps. plant and animal communities ment works. In many countries measures have It would be presumptuous to set out to • soil The introduction of biodegradable • notions of the biosphere been, or are about to be, taken by make fundamental changes in educa­ products has not solved all the prob­ Physics public authorities to restrict the use tional structures and curricula in the • food chains lems connected with synthetic deter­ of ‘hard’ detergents. near future, but it is essential to study • energy flows the water cycle (see biology, geogra­ gents, (for instance sludge digestion, In 1968 the Council of Europe (Par­ now how ideas of nature conservation phy and chemistry) toxicity, and interference with oxygen • C02, N2, H20 cycles (see geogra­ tial Agreement) established a ‘Euro­ and ecology may be inserted into the air pollution: sprays (see chemistry) transfer) but it has made a significant phy) pean Agreement on the restriction of traditional disciplines concerned, that fresh water pollution: phenols and de­ improvement, and work in these fields the use of certain detergents in wash­ is, arts, natural sciences and applied • ecological pyramids, population tergents (see chemistry) is still being pursued. sciences. surges, natural selection, overpopula­ sea pollution: oil (see chemistry) ing and cleaning products’. This aims As the child grows, it must become tion effect of radiation: radio-activity and to reduce water pollution and so pro­ tect fresh water supplies for the pop­ aware that man implants himself in na­ • natural balances and their dynam­ radioactive wastes. ulation, agriculture and industry, be­ ture (of which in fact he is a part) and ics, disturbances of the balance, for The river Lee in Hertfordshire, sides contributing to the conservation that he transforms and exploits nature. example, by introducing unsuitable History England, before the limitation of nature. The problems created by these activi­ species the main steps of man’s history and his on the use of non-biodegradable This Agreement indicates a degree ties can be dealt with only by using a increasing mastery of nature — from industrial detergents. • sequences, climax, ecosystems of biodegradability of 80% as the multidisciplinary approach. the prehistoric tool to modern techni­ man’s effect on the distribution of minimum acceptable, each country It will thus be valuable to deal with cal methods these problems by themes, in the light species importance of protecting genetic as­ examples of wrong use of natural re­ of the various disciplines concerned, sources contributing to the decline of and adapted to the level of education sets significance and importance of nature civilisations. involved. reserves and other protected areas Economics Nursery schools the effects of pesticides on the natural balance. (if there is no economics course, the Respect for all forms of life. following items might be included in Care for animals (food, drink, shelter, Geography the geography curriculum): nesting boxes, etc) and plants notions of the biosphere (see biology) wise and unwise management of na­ tural resources Primary schools the water cycle (see also physics) land formation and evolution world famine: origins, evolution of the Study of the environment man’s influence on the countryside: situation, remedies, new sources of protein, etc Awakening a general interest in na­ possibilities, limits, dangers, balance- economic consequences of destruc­ ture and study of the environment; sheet tion of national balance, for example introduction to: • study of some interesting develop­ by introducing unsuitable species. • the interdependence of living crea­ ment techniques (irrigation, drainage, tures through study of natural com­ afforestation, dryland farming, game Man in society: politics,,civics, ethics, munities (pond, beach, copse, forest, cropping, sea farming, etc) morals, religion mountain, etc) and also artificial com­ • study of various types of pheno­ resoect for life munities (park, field, towns, etc) mena such as erosion, eutrophication, civic duties and responsibilities to­ • the influence of man on nature and formation of deserts, over-grazing and wards the environment vice-versa salination obligations of each man to his fellows • the vital natural resources: water, distribution of natural resources and to future generations, international air, soil, flora and fauna. throughout the world (see also eco­ cooperation Civic education nomics) demography and the consequences of (ethics and religion) • requirements and assets a population explosion, responsibilities respect for the life of other living crea­ renewable and non-renewable re­ in this field tures sources; their rational management. behaviour in the contryside. coi DIPLOMA ► Although in the five years since the Diplomas were first awarded the pres­ FOR THE SIEBENGEBIRGE... sures on these three famous sites have considerably increased, the Eu­ The ancient series of volcanic hills, ropean Committee found that appro­ which lie to the east of the Rhine just priate measures were being taken to south of Cologne, forming the Sieben- keep these pressures under control gebirge nature reserve, one of the and was able to recommend the re­ most famous in Germany, was award­ newal of the Diplomas, subject to the ed the Council of Europe’s Diploma regular receipt of satisfactory annual for nature conservation at a special reports. ceremony on 15 October 1971. Despite its proximity to the densely populated areas of the Rhine valley ENVIRONMENT the German authorities have succeeded in maintaining the essentially wooded AND HUMAN RIGHTS character of this fine landscape. It ‘What rights should be taken into attracts not only tourists from the consideration in a society character­ Rhine pleasure boats but also excur­ ised by demographic expansion and sions of geographers, geologists, bo­ possessing techniques which give tanists and zoologists. The Universi­ man almost boundless power over mat­ ties of Bonn and Cologne have had ter...?' ‘Should new human rights be this marvellous site for field work, Dr H Offner instituted in those fields where man’s carefully protected and almost on their protection has become vital: the right doorstep, since its establishment as Panorama of the Siebengebirge from the Rhine with five of the «Seven Mountains» in the background. to an environment fit and safe to live ... , . a nature reserve in 1922. in ?■ Drystone walls in the Peak District reveal the pattern of medieval fields. After exhaustive investigations, the These were among the subjects dis­ Council of Europe’s study group on cussed by parliamentarians and legal Flora Fauna and Landscapes felt con­ experts who met in Vienna from 18 to fident that the German authorities’ 20 October in a Parliamentary Con­ present controls and future plans for ference on Human Rights organised the area justified the award of the by the Consultative Assembly of the Diploma for a five year period. To Council of Europe. The Conference ensure that management standards showed that progress in this field will are maintained the park authorities be difficult, especially in view of the have to submit an annual report to dilemma that proposals to institute a the Council of Europe. right of individuals to an environment fit and safe to live in involve at the same time obligations on the society of which the same individuals form a ...AND THE ABRUZZI ► part. Nevertheless, following a referendum The same award has also been made earlier this year, a clause has been this autumn to the authorities respon­ inserted in the Swiss Constitution to sible for the Abruzzi National Park in the effect that the Confederation The ancient bogs of the Hautes Fagnes, site of pollen analysis studies the Central Appenines of Italy where should enact laws ‘on the protection by many European scientists. bears, wolves, wild cats, otters, cha­ of man and his natural environment mois and roe deer are among the against noxious or inconvenient in­ wild animals protected. Many of the fluences’. II seems that, despite legal smaller mammals have developed difficulties, progress will be made in races characteristic of the area, for this field. example, a local variety of hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus meridionalis) and a mole (Talpa romana major) A view in the famous Abruzzi National Park, with a group of chamois CONSERVING HISTORIC which is bigger than the common perched on a rock in the middle-distance. mole. SITES Even the bear has developed a char­ The Council of Europe’s campaign for acteristic variety (Ursus arctos mar- pine buttercup (Ranunculus alpestris), FIVE YEARS OF THE the preservation and rehabilitation of sicanus) and the local wolf (Canis which grow in the meadows; the sweet EUROPEAN DIPLOMA ancient buildings and sites of his­ lupus italicus) is larger than the Eu­ william catchfly (Silene armeria) and toric or artistic interest was the centre ropean wolf (Canis lupus lupus) and the saxifrage (Saxifraga cuneifolia) in The Peak District National Park in of attention at a recent Symposium of a different colour. the woods; and, growing among the Britain, the Haut Fagnes Nature Re­ organised by the European Confer­ Certain parts of the forest have never rocks, the soapwort (Saponaria bellidi- serve in Belgium and the Camargue ence of Local Authorities in Split, been exploited in living memory and folia). Nature Reserve in France all had Yugoslavia. In view of Yugoslavia’s there are thick oak forests which re­ That the area is open to tourists and their European Diplomas for nature special experience and achievement tain a rich ground flora. Among the yet can still serve as a refuge for such conservation renewed this year for a in this field, it was most appropriate many interesting flowers of the Abruz­ a wide variety of characteristic plants further five year term placing them that this should be the. first Council zi are the lady’s slipper orchid (Cy- and animals speaks well for the park’s under the sponsorship of the Council of Europe meeting to take place in The Camargue, “last stronghold of wild horses and cattle” but most of all prepedium calceolus) and the al­ management. of Europe until 1976. that country. a still largely unspoiled river delta where many rare birds thrive. Some 150 representatives from Eu­ The Committee will thus promote co­ During the debates, with their essen­ international trade. Mr Olivier Long, use of the w orld’s resources; rope’s outstanding historic towns and operation at European and national tially practical tone, it soon became Director-General of GATT, notes in social cost of economic growth; cities took part in the Symposium. levels between the public authorities clear that the science of demography SHORT the preface to this study that: ‘if suit­ responsibilities of government and They heard reports on the Council responsible for monuments and sites which is a comparatively new disci­ able common principles can be business; of Europe’s previous work in this field and those responsible for regional pline, has developed considerably un­ evolved for pollution control measures technology and developing countries; at parliamentary, intergovernmental planning. der the impetus of the first European HOTES taking account of the special situa­ and international cooperation in en­ and local authority level. This has Among the tasks the Committee has Population Conference in 1966. More­ tion of the developing countries, it vironment control. been aimed at providing for an ex­ set itself is the establishment of a over, one of the main aims of the sec­ should be possible for governments The conclusions of the Congress system for information exchange, the ond Conference has clearly been change of local and national expe­ Air pollution kills to act to protect and improve the en­ showed that the ICC accepts the chal­ rience and defining an internationally elaboration of a charter for the con­ achieved: the public authorities are vironment while continuing to foster lenge to industry arising out of the now much more acutely aware of the agreed approach to the basic eco­ servation of monuments and sites, and An estimated 10 000 deaths a year in the growth of world trade. If this op­ impact of technology on society. More­ far reaching consequences of the nomic, social and technical problems the launching of a European cultural New York City may be attributed to portunity is let slip, there is, on the over it is examining the possibility demographic revolution. now facing Europe’s rich and diverse heritage year. air pollution according to a report contrary, a real danger that in at­ of establishing a body, including sci­ heritage of buildings. In addition, with from the Albert Einstein College of tempting to combat pollution, govern­ entists as well as businessmen, ca­ the aid of specialist speakers, the Medicine. Over 500 000 death certifi­ ments may unwittingly introduce new pable of guiding its future work on en­ participants considered some of the HUMAN HEALTH AND THE MEDITERRANEAN MONK cates, daily SO2 concentrations and barriers to trade’. vironmental problems. All the principal detailed planning and financial prob­ ENVIRONMENT SEAL IN TURKEY smoke shade estimates, and daily The study makes it clear that indus­ recommendations and conclusions of lems arising from urban renewal and weather variations were studied for a trial pollution control might raise the Congress will thus be subject of the revitalisation of historic centres, Unclean food, bad housing, unman­ Following the note on the Mediterra­ six-year period. These showed that prices by as much as ten per cent, further study. They are published to­ many of which can, indeed must, be ageable waste and pollution were nean monk seal (Monachus monachus) every year about 10 000 people died depending on the products and the gether with the Congress statements resolved by local authorities on their the subjects of a detailed and strongly in Nature in Focus n° 8, Spring 1971, who would not have died at the time countries concerned. The developing of eminent politicians and business­ own initiative. worded resolution aimed at European the Centre’s National Agency in Tur­ they did if there had been no pollu­ countries in particular may have good men, in English and in French and The Symposium concluded that an governments by 150 politicians, tech­ key has sent the following informa­ tion on the day of death or on the reasons for refusing to accept unduly are available from the International organised system for the exchange of nicians and administrators who at­ tion on the status of this rare and en­ immediately preceding days. exacting norms, in the expectation Chamber of Commerce, 38 Cours ideas, experience and information tended a Council of Europe sym­ dangered mammal in their country. A ir/w ater p o llu tio n report 1971 9 (27) 271. that in the longer run technological Albert 1er, 75 Paris 8e. The full pro­ amongst the historic towns and cities posium earlier this year. The sym­ Monk seals are found on the coasts progress will reduce industrial pol­ ceedings are also available in the ICC of Europe would go a long way to­ posium called for a legally enforceable of the Black, Marmara, Aegean and lution control costs and that continued Monthly Bullettin vol. XXXVII - 5-6. wards safeguarding the unique value minimum standard of housing, and for Mediterranean Seas of Turkey. Scien­ Wetlands conservation group growth of national income will make of our common heritage. Its proposals these costs easier to bear. international harmonisation of food tific inventories have not been com­ A Working Group, consisting of rep­ to this end are now receiving urgent pleted but fishermen report that their The GATT experts have noted three Gymnogyps beats the oil men hygiene regulations, particularly those resentatives nominated by FAC, IBP, consideration by the Council of Eu­ concerning tolerable residues found numbers are decreasing, possibly be­ basic alternatives on who is to pay ICBP, IUCN, IWRB, SIL and UNESCO, To protect the nesting sites of the rope through its newly created Com­ in food. It also sought international cause of shooting and disturbance at the cost: either the polluting industry has been set up to provide for consul­ last Californian condors, oil prospec­ mittee on Monuments and Sites and collaboration in establishing environ­ their breeding sites (caves with sub­ is made to bear the full cost, or these through the European Conference of tation between the various interested ting rights have been refused by the mental quality criteria and monitoring marine entrances). costs are passed on to the consumers, organisations and to define action US Department of the Interior. Three- Local Authorities. systems and in preventing coastal At present there is no protection for or again provision is made in the na­ needed in relation to various aspects quarters of the 60 to 80 surviving pollution and dumping of wastes at this mammal in Turkey, but the pro­ tional budget. of wetlands conservation. members of this species (Gymnogyps sea. posed plan to establish the Bodrum The GATT study concludes that, over The terms of reference of the Working catifornianus) the largest flying bird FIVE YEAR PLAN FOR Peninsula as a National Park would the long term, the economic conse­ Group are: in the world, breed in the sanctuary EUROPE'S MONUMENTS protect seals in that area. Further quences of more effective industrial to provide a mechanism for consulta­ of Sespe which is included in the na­ studies will be made which it is hoped pollution control will be inextricably DEMOGRAPHIC REVOLUTION tion between various organisations in­ tional forest of Los Padres, about 80 The first stage of a five year program­ will lead to complete protection of bound with as yet unpredictable tech­ terested in wetlands; km to the west of Los Angeles. This me to develop cooperation in the con­ The demographic revolution, which monk seals throughout Turkey. nological developments, both in the to provide IUCN and other organisa­ servation of Europe’s historic sites and has been going on in the human race area of pollution control technology tions concerned with general advice monuments was put into effect when for two centuries and which is unique and in that of production proper. It in connection with the coordination of the newly established Council of Eu­ in the history of life on earth is with­ is therefore important for governments activities affecting Projects AQUA, rope Committee on Monuments and out a doubt one of the major factors which will be called upon to assist in Sites had its inaugural meeting in affecting the future of our environ­ MAR and TELMA; certain pollution control financing dif­ Strasbourg from 29 November to 3 ment. For hundreds of thousands of and to provide IUCN and other organi­ ficulties, to resist being rushed into December 1971. years mankind has survived with a sations concerned with general advice short-term expedients the effects of Since as long ago as 1963 the Coun­ very high uncontrolled fertility, bal­ in matters relating to wetlands and, in which could disturb the flow of inter­ cil of Europe, and in particular its ancing an equally high mortality rate. particular, in matters relating to the national trade and thus, in the long Consultative Assembly, has been A fall in mortality rate, leading to sub­ proposed Wetlands Convention and run, hamper the advance of a more campaigning for the conservation and stantial and permanent increases in any other action necessary for the effective, environment-oriented tech­ rehabilitation of groups and areas of population, was the first phase of the implementation of wetlands conserva­ nology. buildings of historic or artistic interest. revolution. The second has been a tion measures. The European Conference of Local decline in fertility, gradually reducing IUCN Secretariat is providing an Ex­ Authorities has carried this work into the population increases of the pre­ ecutive Officer to service and to fol­ Technology and society: local level and a conference of Minis­ vious phase. In a third and final phase, low-up specific action decided on. A challenge to private FC FC Sibley/WWF ters responsible for the cultural herit­ which we are now approaching, con­ enterprise age of monuments and sites was held trolled fertility and mortality could be Industrial pollution control is exactly the area in which the Roy­ in Brussels in 1969. Now representa­ achieved. and international trade This was the principal theme of the alty Oil Corporation wished to pros­ tives of Ministerial Departments re­ The detailed implications of this de­ 23rd Congress of the International pect for oil and natural gas. The Sec­ sponsible for the cultural heritage on mographic revolution were considered A study with this title has recently Chamber of Commerce held in Vienna retary of the Department of the Inte­ the one side and of Departments re­ in depth by some 200 population been published by the secretariat of in April 1971. rior, Mr Rogers CB Morton, justified sponsible for regional planning on the scientists, parliamentarians and rep­ the GATT (The General Agreement The Congress, which was addressed his refusal of prospecting rights on other, will meet regularly in the new resentatives of international organisa­ on Tariffs and Trade). by Sir Solly Zuckerman and M Edmond the grounds of this bird’s extreme Committee on Monuments and Sites tions at the second European Popula­ It gives a broad analysis of the im­ Giscard d’Estaing and leading indus­ sensitivity to noise. This great bird of which forms part of the Council’s tion Conference organised by the plications which the widespread in­ trialists from the United States, Brazil, prey, one of the most menaced in the Directorate of Environment and Local Council of Europe in Strasbourg last troduction of measures for the control Africa and Japan, dealt with the fol­ world, could be frightened for ever Authorities. September. of industrial pollution might have for lowing main themes: from one of its last refuges. Golden eagles breed the planned National Park is situated has thus responded to the recom­ in England mendations of the International Con­ ference on the Conservation of Wet­ Probably for the first time since the lands and Waterfowl in Ramsar (Iran) 18th century golden eagles (Aquila this year and the WWF-Conference in chrysaetos) have bred in England. London last year. The hope has been Last year a young one flew safely expressed that Denmark will also take from an eyrie in the lake district. The " t steps to protect the Wadden Sea area nest had been guarded day and night adjacent to the Park. by the Nature Conservancy and local A naturalists. The Frisian Islands: Hunting ban in Russia ► a unique area

Hunting was completely banned in the The Frisian Islands have their own spring this year over the whole of the special place among the still unspoilt territory of the Russian Federation natural regions of Europe. They extend (the largest of the Soviet Republics). from the northernmost tip of the prov­ A similiar ban was enforced last year. ince of North Holland in the Nether­ The aim is to restore wildfowl popu­ lands along the North Sea coast of lations which have not yet recovered Germany as far as Denmark. They from being decimated during partic­ form a fascinating, dynamic land­ ularly hard winters. scape; an amphibious world where (IUCN B u lle tin 2 (19) 164) the ebb and flow of the tides carve Jan Jan van de Kam See also ‘Nature in Focus’ No 10. Autumn 1971, out capricious patterns with timeless p 10. regularity. places in northern Greece are frozen. German National Park The islands lie along the boundary The Olympia site has also been pro­ for Wadden Sea Fruit trees doomed posed as the location of an Interna­ between the North Sea and the Wad­ tional Olympic Academy with a large den Sea, with which sea and with the An area of about 1400 square kms One million fruit trees will be cut complex of modern buildings, gardens coastal region of Friesland they form south of the Danish-German border in down over the next five years in and athletic facilities. an inseparable whole. They have al­ the Wadden Sea is to be established Switzerland under a government sup­ The conservation of an historic mon­ ready partly been declared a nature as a National Park. It will be the ported campaign. In France 10 510 ument integrated with its natural set­ reserve and together with their sur­ second National Park of the Federal hectares of fruit trees have already ting is more in line with the most re­ roundings, they constitute one great Republic of Germany. A large part of been cleared and 10 358 grants have cent planning thought. It is to be hop­ natural area of unusual beauty and the Bavarian Forest was declared as been requested for the clearance of ed that Mount Olympus, of all places, irreplaceable scientific value. The Fri­ the first National Park in October trees over a further 23 528 hectares. will be conserved in a national park sian Islands with their villages, which 1970 (see Nature in Focus Autumn In many areas these trees are an im­ rather than be built over. This will ob­ are an integral part of the landscape, 1970 p. 21). portant feature of the landscape and viously have advantages in the long represent a cultural and historic he­ make a significant contribution to the term over the out-of-date short-term The planned «North Frisian Wadden ritage which has succeeded in pre­ total agricultural ecosystem. It may view promoted by developers. Sea National Park» will contain ten serving its own distinctive character. be asked whether the ecological ef­ of the finest nature reserves in West­ The value of the Wadden Sea region fects of encouraging such a sudden ern Germany with big dune areas, two lies in its richness and variety. The and drastic change in an established Wildlife across sand cliffs of geomorphological in­ plant and animal life on the islands agricultural policy have been thor­ Czech/Austrian frontier terest and very important colonies of is largely determined by their isolated oughly thought out, especially in the sea birds, besides having sites of cul­ situation and much of what lives and hilly regions where tree clearence is Development plans affecting an im­ tural interest such as stone graves grows on the Frisian Islands could most intense. portant wetland area in Czechoslo­ from the stone age and areas of once not thrive there but for the Wadden vakia adjoining the new Marchauen/ inhabited land drowned by floods in Sea. Marchegg reserve in Austria (see Na­ the 14th and 17th centuries. Here hundreds of thousands of mi­ An Olympia National Park ture in Focus’ Autumn 1970 p 19) will Professor Bernhard Grzimek, the Fed­ grating birds find a stopping place take into account the need to con­ eral Government’s Commissioner for which offers them much-needed rest, The site of ancient Olympia, of inesti­ serve the region’s value as a sanctu­ Nature Conservation, has suggested and food in abundance. The continued mable historic value, and the sur­ ary for breeding and migrating birds that an Information Centre, a Field existence of the Wadden Sea will rounding region which includes the in central Europe. The WWF is to help Study Centre and a Research Labora­ play a decisive part in determining the oak forest of Capillis and the lagoon the State Institute for protection of tory be established on the islands. bird population in large areas of of Augoulinitsa, is being proposed as historic monuments and nature con­ The centre of the National Park will northern Europe, northern Asia and a national park. This is one of several servation preserve the wetlands be­ be the isle of Hooge with 180 inhabi­ even in the north of North America. conservation projects being studied tween the confluence of the Dyie and tants, which will not come under full No less important is the fact that the by experts from IUCN, FAO and the Morava rivers south of Brno. A re­ protection but will be declared a Wadden Sea is of essential signifi­ US National Park Service at the re­ search station, dykes, pumping sta­ landscape reserve. cance to fish in the North Sea. The quest of the Greek government. tions, channel dredging and island Giving this part of the Wadden Sea shallow water with its strong currents The lagoon, which has been partly construction are among the measures the status of a National Park will and great wealth of food is the nurs­ drained within the last two years, still to control floods and the hydrological prevent the area from being used as ery for many species of fish. The fish­ holds the largest concentration of red- system in general which will maintain a military firing range and from severe ing industry earns millions of pounds crested pochard (Netta rufina) in east­ the area’s value for wildlife. This is impacts to be expected from growing every year. The Wadden Sea is the ern Europe and is an important escape the first time the WWF has grant- tourism at the coast. The State gov­ only region in the Netherlands where, station for wintering ducks when other aided a project in Czechoslovakia. ernment of Schleswig-Holstein, where until recently, seals were found in considerable numbers and they could gins with end plate illustrations of THE ENDANGERED WOLÉ start breeding there again. NATURE IN FOCUS characteristic butterflies within each FAN®' Here is a most thorough account of Their very isolation makes the Frisian family. These lead to the appropriate the biology of the wolf, one of the islands a place where thousands of LOOKS AT BOOKS group of plates on which the species most persecuted of all mammals. The people can find real rest and relaxa­ found will be illustrated. Opposite each book is based on years of field re­ tion year after year. The opportunity plate is a page of captions giving search and the rich scientific litera­ for angling, walking over the mud-flats notes for identification and a page ture of North America and Europe. It and sailing in the Wadden Sea are reference to the text description. This is of genuine value to the biologist attracting visitors in increasing num­ book will thus serve the butterfly spe­ and yet is comprehensible to the lay­ bers. cialist and the general public who may simply want to know the name of the man interested in the wolf. The author beautiful insect he spots while on shows that «...there is no basis for A threatened link THE LIFE OF THE FOREST holiday. The introduction, glossary, the belief that healthy wild wolves checklist, selective bibliography and in North America are of any danger Unfortunately the irreplaceable value People like trees and the forest has to human beings ... wolves in Eurasia, of the Wadden Sea region is far index make it a most valuable work always inspired a certain fascination of European status. however, may on rare occasions be from being recognised everywhere. It but few books on the forest are at the harmful to humans, although even seems so tempting and obvious to same time so readable, interesting and A field guide to the butterflies of there the danger from this species make use of this area for the benefit Britain and Europe. informative as this one. The role of the L.G. Higgins, N.D. Riley and B. Hargreaves seems to have been greatly exag­ of the densely populated land of Hol­ forest in the history of the earth and gerated». land. This is already happening to an Collins, London, 1970 its place today are clearly explained. Guide de papillons d’Europe This quotation is taken from the end increasing degree and more radical S C H A R H Û R N ^ The wildlife and ecology of the forest Delachaux et Niestlé, Neuchâtel, Suisse, of the book by which time the reader plans lie ready on the desks of tech­ NEUWERK# is excitingly described with simple 1971 is thoroughly convinced, by the nocrats and administrators. Losing yet accurate drawings, charts and (German, Danish, Finnish, Swedish, Nor­wealth of behavioural and ecological sight of the scientific and natural his­ diagrams. There is a chapter on the wegian, Spanish and Italian editions are ininformation provided, that the wolf is tory importance of the area, they exploitation of forests and another on preparation). by no means the wicked animal that also forget that the unspoilt Wadden the influence of the forest on climate our folklore implies and is well worthy Sea region can offer people a place soil and water resources. of our study and our protection. of refuge, contrasting as it does with The processes of colonisation by for­ ITALIAN VEGETATION An extensive bibliography and com­ the cramped, industrialised urban en­ ests are also described and the great AT A GLANCE prehensive index complete this fasci­ vironment. enemy of the forest — fire — is not nating work.

Vereiniging Waddenzee Two vegetation maps have been pub­ Decisions of far-reaching importance forgotten. A short chapter at the end The Wolf: The Ecology and Behavior of an which may be taken now — decisions describes briefly the finest forests of lished recently in Italy under the aus­ pices of the Ministry of Agriculture Endangered Species which could involve irrevocable inter­ France and if these few pages were by L. DAVID MECH and the state of the fish stocks. And and Forestry, the one of actual, the ference in the existing natural balance International link delayed appropriately altered, this excellent The Natural History Press, New York — may be regretted in the very near the most repellent of all: the sewage book could easily be translated and other of potential vegetation. pipes, both existing and planned, Construction of the long-awaited road- future. It is impossible to over-empha- published in almost all European lan­ The scale of both maps is 1 :1 000 000 which are to discharge into the Wad­ rail tunnel under the Ögresund which size the warnings against the disas­ guages. The design and illustrations and each is accompanied by a book­ A GUIDE TO WATER den Sea and the arms of the sea would link Elsinore in Denmark with let giving detailed and well-docu­ trous consequences which the im­ are quite magnificent. In fact the book Hälsingborg in Sweden may be de­ plementation of short-sighted plans flowing into it, quantities of unpurified seems to lend itself to multi-lingual mented explanatory notes and an ex­ Although aimed at the French market sewage equal to those from cities layed because of warnings from ma­ tensive bibliography. would entail. publication. The only drawback is that this substantial volume has a signifi­ rine biologists. They claim that the such as New York, London or Tokyo. in a book so full of useful information, The map of potential vegetation, pre­ cant amount of information useful to The threats are manifold. There are water balance of the Öresund may be there is no index. pared as part of Italy’s contribution to other European administrators con­ small-scale plans which apparently Wisdom before technology totally upset if the engineers carry European Conservation Year 1970, is cerned with water resources. do not interfere unduly with the envi­ La Vie de la Forêt Finally there is the threat to dam up out their present plans, which would based on ecological areas and shows The 32 main water treatment proces­ ronment: the reclamation of mud-flats, Bernard Fischesser and reclaim the whole Wadden Sea probably affect water circulation dras­ the vegetation which may be expected ses are described with diagrams and resulting in the loss of feeding places Horizons de France, Paris region. This is the last great challenge tically. This would reduce marine life to develop in each without human there is a table of 150 principle pol­ for countless birds; disturbance of the to the technical skill and reputation and increase the effects of the con­ interference given the existing state lutants with their effects, acceptable prevailing peace; the establishment of of the Dutch as land reclaimers. But stant heavy pollution in this narrow of flora and fauna. The map will be a limits in outflows and the appropriate industry and ports in the event of BUTTERFLIES OF EUROPE common sense tells us that sometime sea passage. valuable aid in the preparation of treatment of effluents. The glossary in partial reclamation, with the inevitable we must call a halt to building dykes, EFT A bulletin 12 (5) 13. All the 380 species of butterfly to be land use and management plans. French German and English contains water pollution this entails; high struc­ reclaiming land and pumping polders found in Europe, and every important The map of actual vegetation, because over 4000 technical terms. tures on the islands which would inter­ dry. No plan which involves interfering subspecies, sex and brood form, are of its small scale, shows only the main rupt the magnificent views and consti­ Guide de l’eau 1971/72 with the whole Wadden Sea region illustrated (in colour) in this handy, species, concentrating on the ones Pierre Johanet, Paris tute a mortal hazard for the birds; can.even remotely be justified on eco­ pocket-sized 380-page book. It follows which are typical of the various eco­ drilling for oil, natural gas and salt nomic grounds. A natural region of the same wellproven format as Pe­ logical areas and grouping them ac­ which, with their artificial islands and irreplaceable worth, and a cultural and tersen, Mountfort and Hollom’s «Field cording to the level at which they are off-shore drilling rigs, not only repre­ historic heritage of the Dutch nation Guide to the Birds of Britain and Eu­ found (lowland, upland or alpine). sents a visual invasion of the flat must not be sacrificed for all time to rope», already known to thousands Each booklet contains a translation landscape but brings an unacceptable the urge to perform a first-class feat of naturalists. (English, French, German) of the main risk of calamities which could be fatal of engineering. Each entry includes common names data shown on the map — which will to the highly vulnerable life in the Slowly the realisation is growing that (in English and usually also in French, help make this excellent peice of Wadden Sea. the planners are on the wrong track German, Swedish and Spanish as ap­ work understandable all over Europe. And there are even larger-scale proj­ with schemes such a these. It is time propriate); details of size, markings Rome, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, ects whose consequences have by no — high time — that we put human and characters important for identi­ 1970. means been thoroughly investigated. values and human wisdom above fication; flight months, habitat, food- R. TOMASELLI: Carta della vegetazione For example, one or two traffic-car­ mere technical skill. It is high time plants, altitude, range, distribution and naturale potenziale d'ltalia, Note illustra­ rying dams to Ameland which would that biological and ecological laws rarity; other species with which it tive, Collana verde N° 27. cut the Wadden Sea in two — with were given more weight than technical might be confused; and references to L. FENAROLI: Carta della vegetazione rea­ still unforeseeable consequences on and economic laws; even if only in the its illustration and map. le d’ltalia, Note illustrative, Collana verde the course of the water, the bird life interest of human self-preservation. The simple identification system be­ N° 28. NATIONAL AGENCIES ZUSAMMENFASSUNGEN OF THE CENTRE

AUSTRIA ITALY H ofrat Dr. C. FOSSEL Bureau des Relations internationales Bundesgeschäftsstelle des Ministère de l’Agriculture österreichischen Naturschutzbundes ROME A 8010 GRAZ H am erlinggasse 8/1 sondern auch auf den Zustand des natürlichen DIE ENTWICKLUNG GRENZÜBERSCHREITENDE Ungleichgewichts in den Lagunen hingewiesen. LUXEMBOURG NATURPARKE — S 2 Bis vor kurzer Zeit wurde die Restaurierung histo­ DER BERGLANDSCHAFTEN — S 11 Conseil supérieur de la Nature BELGIUM Dr. Hertha Firnberg rischer Bauwerke ohne Rücksicht auf ihre Um­ Direction des Eaux et Forêts gebung vorgenommen. Die meisten dieser Bau­ Professor V. Giacomini Ministerin für Wissenschaft und Forschung, Service des Réserves werke sind jedoch Teil des natürlichen Raumes, Botanisches Institut, Universität Rom. à l’attention d’Ing. Ch. Müller Ö sterreich in dem sie entstanden sind und der mit ihnen naturelles domaniales et 26 rue Philippe II erhalten werden muss. Die Wichtigkeit dieser Be­ Berge sind traditionsgemäss die Erholungsbereiche de la Conservation de la Nature Der erste grenzüberschreitende Naturpark in Eu­ LUXEMBOURG dingung ist lange Zeit hindurch nur von wenigen der Stadtmenschen, wenn sie den Lasten und ropa war der durch Staatsvertrag zwischen Rhein­ auprès de l’Administration erkannt worden. Der Baumeister von Versailles Zwängen des städtischen Lebens entfliehen wol­ land-Pfalz und Luxemburg im Jahre 1965 geschaf­ hatte, zum Beispiel, einen guten Landschaftsplan len. Aber auch die Berglandschaften verändern des Eaux et Forêts fene deutsch-luxemburgische Naturpark. Verschie­ vorbereitet, bevor die eigentlichen Bauarbeiten sich jetzt unter dem Einfluss des Fortschritts. Es dene Parks sind an Grenzen gelegen, und einige M.M. Segers begannen. Gegenwärtig wird das Bedürfnis zur besteht ein Widerspruch zwischen dem Leben je­ von ihnen, wie der italienische Gran Paradiso Ministère de l’Agriculture MALTA Erhaltung der Natur immer ausgeprägter, und die ner Menschen, die hier in der Bergwelt wohnen und der französische La Vanoise Naturpark, stos- Director of Agriculture Erhaltung der Umgebung bei der Restaurierung und dem der Menschen aus der Ebene, die nur 32 Boulevard Bishoffsheim sen aneinander. Das gibt die Möglichkeit zur eines anerkannten Baudenkmals wird mehr und zeitweilig hierher kommen, ständig neue Annehm­ Department of Agriculture Schaffung grenzüberschreitender Parks, die den BRUXELLES 1 mehr üblich. In der Tat wird dies in den gesetz­ lichkeiten fordern und die Jahrhunderte alten ge­ Menschen zweier oder mehrerer Länder grosse Na­ 14 S cots Street lichen Verordnungen einiger, doch nicht aller wachsenen Lebensformen nicht hinnehmen. Dieser turschutzgebiete zugänglich machen und damit europäischer Staaten vorgesehen. Konflikt wird die gesamte Zukunft der Bergland­ VALLETTA zur europäischen Einigung beitragen. Allein die Aus diesem Grund wird eine gemeinsame Haltung schaften beeinflussen. Diese Landschaften sind Verwaltungsarbeit zur Einrichtung und Führung CYPRUS aller Organisationen gefordert, die sich mit der das Ergebnis eines ständigen Ringens zwischen solcher gemeinsamer Gebiete trägt schon zur an­ Erhaltung der natürlichen Umgebung befassen. Im physikalischen Kräften, biologischen Gesetzmäs­ Ministry of Foreign Affairs gestrebten europäischen Zusammenarbeit bei. privaten Bereich bereitet «Europa Nostra» diese sigkeiten und den menschlichen Lebensformen der Im Februar 1971 wurde der zweite europäische For the attention of the NETHERLANDS Bemühung vor; auf überstaatlicher Ebene hat der Bergwelt mit den Gewalten, denen diese hier aus­ Naturpark, das Nordeifel — Hohes Venn — Europarat kürzlich ein Komitee von Fachleuten gesetzt waren. Nur nach interdisziplinären Unter­ Director of the Mr. J. J. ZWEERES Schutzgebiet zwischen der Bundesrepublik und für Baudenkmäler und historische Stätten im Rah­ suchungen unter Berücksichtigung der ökologi­ Department of Forests Voorlichtingscentrum Belgien eingerichtet. Eine Reihe von weiteren bi­ men seiner «Direction de l'Environnement et des schen Fragen können die gegenwärtigen, sich wi­ lateralen Parks in Westeuropa sind geplant. Der Ministry of Agriculture voor Natuurbescherming Pouvoirs Locaux» einberufen. (RB) dersprechenden Anforderungen miteinander in Ver­ zukünftige französische Nordvogesen-Park könnte einbarung gebracht werden. and Natural Resources 39 Warmoesstraat mit dem schon bestehenden deutschen Pfälzer­ Ursprüngliche Unterschiede zwischen Bergland­ NICOSIA AMSTERDAM wald-Naturpark verbunden werden. Darüber hinaus schaften sind durch die verschiedenen Höhen­ besteht ein deutsch-niederländisches Projekt für LENKUNG DES HANDELS lagen bedingt. So gibt es unterschiedliche For­ ein gemeinsames Maas-Schwalm-Nette-Schutzge- men im Mittelmeerraum, in den Alpen, in Zentral­ biet, und der geplante Naturpark zwischen Berch­ MIT WILDEN TIEREN — S 7 europa und in Skandinavien. Das nacheiszeitliche DENMARK tesgaden und dem Königssee könnte bis nach NORWAY Miss Moira AG Warland Ökosystem der Wälder, welches die europäischen Statens naturfrednings-og Österreich hin ausgedehnt werden. Berge bedeckte, umgab sowohl den altsteinzeitli­ The Administration for Outdoor Der schweizerische Nationalpark grenzt an Italien, Geschäftsführendes Kommissionsmitglied in der Landskabskonsulent UICN — Abteilung zur Erhaltung des Lebens chen Menschen als auch andere «Konsumenten». Life and Nature Conservation ebenso wie der geplante französische Mercantour- Erst in der Bronzezeit begann der Mensch den N yropsgade 22 Nationalpark in den Seealpen, während der neue Wald zu roden. Im Norden waren die sich daraus Ministry of Labour and französische Ostpyrenäen-Nationalpark sich an Die steigende Nachfrage nach wilden Tieren für DK-1602 COPENHAGEN V die medizinische Forschung, für Zoos, zur Abrich­ ergebenden Veränderungen relativ unbedeutend, Municipal Affairs Jagdschutzgebiete auf spanischer Seite anschliesst. aber im Süden waren sie drastisch. Portugals erster Nationalpark von Peneda Geres tung als Haustiere, zur Verwertung ihrer Felle und Kommunaldepartmente für viele andere Zwecke birgt für zahlreiche Tier­ Von der Höhenlage der verschiedenen Landschaf­ bildet in seinem nördlichen Teil die Grenze mit ten sind die wechselnden Vegetationsschichten OSLO DEP Spanien. arten die unmittelbare Gefahr des Aussterbens. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY Bekannte Beispiele dafür sind der Orang-Utan, abhängig. Die Transmission zwischen den Schich­ Der Nordische Rat hat über grenzüberschreitende ten ist besonders empfindlich. Wo die obere Bundesanstalt für Vegetationskunde Naturparks beraten; es gibt verschiedene Möglich­ der Schimpanse, der Tiger, die Vikunja, verschie­ dene Krokodilarten, sowie Kakteen und Orchi­ Waldgrenze durch Bäumefällen gesenkt worden Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege keiten zu ihrer Verwirklichung, besonders in Lapp­ ist, ist der Schaden irreparabel. In skandinavischen land innerhalb des nördlichen Polarkreises zwi­ deen. Heerstrasse 110 SWEDEN Zur Überwachung dieses Handels hat die UICN Bergregionen fehlt die in den Alpen weitver­ schen Finnland und Norwegen, Norwegen und breitete Wiesenschicht völlig. In den Bergregionen For the attention of Mr. H. Henke Mr. S. LUNDSTROM Schweden, und selbst zwischen allen drei Staaten. einen Abkommensentwurf ausgearbeitet, der eine Liste derjenigen Arten enthält, die auf der gan­ des Mittelmeerraumes gibt es nur wenige und D53 BONN-BAD GODESBERG 1 The National Swedish Environment In Osteuropa bestehen bereits drei durchgehende trockene Wiesen. Wälder gibt es nur in den un­ Naturparks an der tschechisch-polnischen Grenze. zen Erde vom Aussterben bedroht sind und deren Protection Board Handel streng geregelt werden muss, um ihr teren Bereichen. Abweiden und Abholzung waren Das Kremenece Reservat erstreckt sich über pol­ völlig zerstörend für jene Gebiete (z. B. Griechen­ Smidesvägen 5 nische, tschechische und sowjetische Grenzge­ Überleben zu gewährleisten. In einer zweiten Liste sind die Arten aufgeführt, deren Handel zur Ver­ land, Italien und Spanien) gewesen. Im Mittel­ FRANCE Pack biete. Zwischen Jugoslawien und Rumänien wur­ meerbecken hat Raubbau Jahrtausende hindurch de ein gemeinsames Projekt für die Djerdap-Do- hinderung von Missbrauch kontrolliert werden M. M. COUTROT S -171 20 SOLNA 1 sollte. Heide-, Moor- und Buschlandschaften auf den fel­ nau-Schlucht ausgearbeitet. sigen Hängen verursacht. In Zentraleuropa war Ing Chef Fénie Rural des Eaux et Forêts Grenzüberschreitende Naturparks zwischen west- Die in der Konvention vorgeschlagene Kontrolle wird dadurch ermöglicht, dass für jeden Fall eine das Abweiden weniger verheerend und hat park­ Chef du Département de la und osteuropäischen Ländern sind durchaus mög­ ähnliche Wälder geschaffen. liche, vor allem, da die osteuropäischen Länder Ausfuhrerlaubnis eingeholt werden muss; daneben Protection de la Nature SWITZERLAND können ausserdem Stichproben auf verschiedenen Feuer ist die andere Ursache für Landschaften sich besonders für den Naturschutz einsetzen. Die mit Heidekraut und in vielen südlichen und atlan­ Ligue Suisse pour la Protection Planung solcher grenzüberschreitender Naturparks Stufen der Handelskette durchgeführt werden. Es CERAFER wird hauptsächlich in europäischen Ländern, den tischen Bergen für die Ausbreitung des Farn­ Ministère de l'Agriculture de la Nature könnte eine entscheidende Rolle für die Entspan­ krauts Pteridium aquilinum. nung in Europa spielen. USA und Japan Handel mit wilden Tieren und B.P. 114 Wartenbergstrasse 22 Pflanzen betrieben. Man hofft deshalb, dass diese Die Landwirtschaft hat oft die Böden erschöpft, Länder als erste das Abkommen unterzeichnen die dann der Erosion preisgegeben wurden. Schluch­ SAINT-MARTIN-D'HÈRES - 38 CH-4052 BALE werden, für dessen Einhaltung ein von Vertretern ten bilden sich und eine Mondlandschaft wie in NATUR UND GESCHICHTE — der Unterzeichnerstaaten benannte Gutachter-Kom­ Sizilien und Kalabrien ist die Folge. Ein ähnlicher mission, die mit Unterstützung des UICN-Sekreta- Prozess läuft in den feuchten Bergen des Jura EIN GEMEINSAMES ERBE ERHALTEN und der Alpen ab, wo Geröllandschaften wohlbe­ ICELAND riats arbeitet, zu sorgen hat. TURKEY Diese Konvention kann natürlich weder als Allheil­ kannt sind. Mr. B. KJARAN S 5 mittel zur Lenkung des Handels mit wilden Tieren In mergeligen Gebieten hat die Vegetation bes­ Orman Bakanligi Chairman of the Icelandic Bernard Champigneulle, Vize-Präsident, und aus deren Verarbeitung gewonnenen Produk­ sere Bedingungen für erneutes Wachstum und Er­ Dis lliskiler Müdürlügü holung. Auf der ändern Seite wurden neue Land­ National Council for the «Ligue Urbaine et Rurale», Paris ten betrachtet, noch kann damit letztlich der Haupt Ministry of Forests faktor für ihre Dezimierung beseitigt werden: die schaften durch Anlage von Terrassen gegen Ero­ Protection of Nature Zerstörung ihrer natürlichen Umwelt. Sie liefert sionsschäden geschaffen. Directorate of Foreign Relations Ebenso wie die Naturforscher des 19. Jahrhun­ H afnarstraeti 5 derts den grössten Teil ihrer Zeit damit verbrach­ jedoch ein Werkzeug zur Kontrolle und Verhinde­ Neue Veränderungen ergeben sich durch die Ent­ ANKARA ten, Tier- und Pflanzengattungen zu erfassen und rung einer missbräuchlichen Ausbeutung bedrohter völkerung und durch die gegenläufige Entwicklung REYKJAVIK zu beschreiben, ohne sich um ihre Erhaltung zu Arten, die schwerwiegendere Folgen haben kann des Tourismus. Auf der einen Seite werden ganze sorgen, so haben Archäologen ebenfalls unter­ als Veränderungen des Habitat. Landstriche verlassen, auf der anderen Seite drin­ sucht, beschrieben und Daten erfasst, ohne sich Der bisher völlig unkontrolliert durchgeführte gen Strassenbauer und Entwicklungsplaner in sie darum zu kümmern, dass ihr kulturelles Erbe zer­ Handel mit wilden Tieren bringt den meisten Län­ ein. Hinzu kommt, dass mehr und mehr Talsper­ IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM ren und Staudämme den Wasserhaushalt verän­ fiel. Beide Gruppen arbeiteten völlig getrennt dern nur geringen wirtschaftlichen Nutzen, woge­ Department of Lands The Director voneinander. gen sie aus einem durch offene und legitime Ka­ dern und Naturschönheiten vernichten. Zugleich greift jedoch die industrielle Zivilisation näle wirksam gelenkten Handel profitieren könn­ All diese Versuche, die natürlichen Reichtümer Forest and Wildlife Service The Countryside Commission das städtische und ländliche Gebiet an. Die Über­ ten. der Berge zu nutzen, müssen den Gesetzen der Mr. E. O ’CONNOR 1 Cambridge Gate Natur Rechnung tragen. Wenn die Produktivität schwemmungskatastrophe 1966 in Venedig hat bei­ Die Konvention kann als erster Schritt zu einer 22 Upper Merrion St. Regent's Park spielsweise das Interesse nicht nur auf die Ge­ Lenkung des Handels mit gefährdeten Tier- und aufrecht erhalten werden soll, muss dem Natur­ fahren für die Kunstschätze Venedigs gelenkt Pflanzenarten betrachtet werden. schutz Priorität eingeräumt werden. (LH) DUBLIN 2 LONDON NW1 4JY -