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Mission: the conservation of butterflies, moths and their habitats throughout Europe.
BCE aims to reverse the rapid decline of butterflies, moths and their habitats across Europe
BCE was formed in 2004 as an umbrella body with the aim of stemming and reversing the rapid decline of butterflies, moths and their habitats across Europe. It also aims to promote all activities and initiatives to conserve butterflies, moths and their habitats, including increasing the resilience of ecosystems across Europe through adaptation of land uses to sustain biodiversity in the face of climate change.
A clear focus of the organisation is to work with a wide range of partners in Europe, both governmental and non-governmental, to implement the Conservation on Biological Diversity with respect to butterflies and moths and their habitats, and to contribute to achieving the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 targets and its longer-term vision of ecosystem recovery
The geographical scope of BC Europe comprises all countries that are members of the Council of Europe and includes the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Russia to the Ural Mountains and the whole of Turkey.
BC Europe is a non-profit making organisation registered in the Netherlands and comprises a non-incorporated consortium (Network) of institutions and organisations working to achieve the mission of Butterfly Conservation Europe.
Any organisation for which the mission is a key objective is eligible to join the BC Europe Network and help deliver its objectives. The Network is open to non-governmental and governmental organisations working in Europe. Conservation NGOs, entomological societies, independent conservation agencies, museums and other relevant non-profit organisations are eligible to be BC Europe ‘Network Partners’. Government departments are eligible to be part of BCE as Network Associates.
The Board of BCE will approve organisations that apply to become Network Partners or Associates and any projects that are developed on its behalf. Partners and Associates are appointed initially for a provisional period of 3 years to allow a good working relationship to be developed before being confirmed by the Board. Each Network Partner/Associate will designate a contact person to be responsible for liaising with the Board and BC Europe Secretariat, and for contributing to Network decisions. Network Partners/Associates agree to having their details posted on the BC Europe website and to respond to inquiries concerning the work of BC Europe within their own countries.
Individual contributors
BCE greatly welcomes the involvement of individuals, both professional and amateur, to contribute to its projects and help achieve its goals. Individuals cannot join in their own right but will be expected to co-operate with the relevant Network Partners/Associates in their country or region or, where appropriate, work directly with the Board and Secretariat of BC Europe.
New Lepidoptera conservation organisations
BCE encourages the formation of new Lepidoptera conservation organisations at both the national and regional scale where they do not exist.