Recommendation Number R (85) 15 (1985) of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers to Member States on the reintroduction of species – lays down criteria for responsible reintroduction.

 Convention of Biological Diversity (1992) – all parties should restore damaged ecosystems and they may look into restoring populations.

 The EU Habitat and Species Directive (1992) – indicates that governments within the EU must study the desirability of reintroducing species which have previously become extinct. There is no mention in the Directive of any specific obligations to reintroduce.

 The Council of the World Convention Union (IUCN) (1995) – approved the IUCN/SSC Guidelines for Re-Introduction.

 The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity (1995) – adopted by the Council of Europe, which stresses the importance of joint efforts for reintroduction programmes across Europe.

 The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) – no specific regulations for the obligation of reintroductions, but does strictly control releases to the wild.

 The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) – imposes a duty on the government of England and Wales to restore and enhance as far as reasonably possible, these priority species listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

 UK laws must interpret national laws in the light of the international obligations undertaken by governments in order to at least investigate the possibility of reintroduction’s of native species.

 Agencies are responsible for implementation of reintroduction programmes should co-operate with the legislators who produce the legal frameworks.

Link to Report