Protocol on nature protection and landscape preservation in implementation of the Alpine Convention of 1991.

The present Protocol, which consists of five Chapters and two Annexes, has been concluded by the Parties in implementation of the Alpine Convention of 1991, with particular regard to the protection of nature and of the landscape. The aim hereby pursued is the conservation of the natural environment and of the landscape, with a view to guaranteeing the preservation of animal and plant species and their natural habitats and to ensuring the reproduction of natural resources (art. 1). The Parties undertake to enhance the international cooperation to attain such objectives (art. 3). Chapter II of the Convention lays down specific measures to be applied for the above-mentioned purposes. In particular, the signatories undertake to submit, within three years from the entry into force of this Protocol, a report relating to the status of the protection of the landscape and the natural environment, as regards the matters listed out in Annex I (which covers, among others, conditions of wild animals and wild plants, hunting, fisheries, agriculture and grazing, protected areas and nature parks). Articles 7 and 8 concern planning. In accordance with article 15, the Parties shall prohibit hunting and marketing of certain animal species as well as the gathering of certain plants. On the other hand, they shall promote the reintroduction of autochthonous species (art. 16). Article 18 deals with the release of genetically modified organisms. Chapter III regards research, education and information.