What have we achieved so far...
Published the first edition of the Red Data Book of European Bryophytes
During 1990-1995, ECCB mainly worked with the first edition of the Red Data Book of European Bryophytes. As soon as this book was published, the work of collecting more information on threatened species started. From about 1997 the committee has worked to update the Red Data Book.
Published the first list of hot spots in Europe
ECCB has published one of the first lists of hot spots (especially rich localities) of any plant group in Europe. It identifies 272 sites of importance around Europe. These were also included as a Bryophyte Site Register for Europe including Macronesia, with site accounts by country, in the Red Data Book of European Bryophytes published in 1995.
Established a network of bryologists around Europe
ECCB has established and maintained an important link between bryologists involved in conservation around Europe through the contact net. This network has 54 members of the 49 countries of Europe.
Cooperation with other organisation
ECCB has been active in encouraging conservation organisations and authorities to consider the needs of bryophytes (and other cryptogams) and are now an accepted part of most conservation forums. ECCB is represented on the steering committee of Planta Europa, is a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Bryophyte Specialist Group, and is represented at the Council of Europe’s Bern Convention Plant Specialists’ meetings. ECCB was also represented at a meeting at Kew Garden (Wakehurst) where a strategy for ex situ conservation of British (and European) bryophytes was discussed. In addition, ECCB has played an important role when the North American counterpart was established and we are represented on their board as observers.