EBCD's statutes embrace the principles set out in the World Conservation Strategy (IUCN, UNEP, WWF, 1981), Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration.

EBCD recognises that the existence of mankind is inseparably linked to the use of natural renewable resources and it therefore supports science based solutions to conservation, full stakeholder participation, due consideration for socio-economic aspects and due respect for cultural diversity.

An active member of IUCN since its establishment, EBCD works closely with its network of experts, Commissions and Programmes as well as with other organizations and institutions actively involved in the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of natural renewable resources. Furthermore, EBCD provides the Secretariat of the IUCN European Sustainable Use Specialist Group (ESUG) and the coordination of the Fisheries Working Group (FWG).

EBCD monitors and collaborates with the EU institutions, particularly the European Parliament where it provides since 1994 the Secretariat of the Intergroup on Sustainable Development, which has been renamed the Intergroup on Climate Change & Biodiversity on February 11th 2009.

EBCD aims at:

EBCD receives funding from governments, NGOs, associations, foundations, public development assistance funds and other independent, non-commercial sources.

© EBCD, European Bureau for Conservation and Development