Our Key Principles

Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity in the European Union. It was established by Directive 92/43/EEC "Habitats" and includes sites characterized by the presence of habitats and species of flora and fauna of community interest. The target of the directive is to ensure the long-term survival of natural habitats and threatened or rare species.

1. The five freedoms as currently expressed are:

2. · Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition by providing ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour

3. ·     Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area

4. ·     Freedom from pain, injury, and disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment

5. ·     Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind

6. ·     Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF ANIMAL RIGHTS (15 October 1978)

Solemnly proclaimed in Paris on 15 October 1978 at the UNESCO headquarters

Preamble:

•Whereas all animals have rights;

•Whereas disregard and contempt for the rights of animals have resulted and continue to result in crimes by man against nature and against animals;

•Whereas recognition by the human species of the right to existence of other animal species is the foundation of the co-existence of species throughout the animal world;

•Whereas genocide has been perpetrated by man on animals and the threat of genocide continues; •Whereas respect for animals is linked to the respect of man for men;

•Whereas from childhood man should be taught to observe, understand, respect and love animals;

It is hereby proclaimed:

Article 1

All animals are born with an equal claim on life and the same rights to existence.

Article 2

a) All animals are entitled to respect.

b) Man as an animal species shall not arrogate to himself the right to exterminate or inhumanely exploit other animals. It is his duty to use his knowledge for the welfare of animals.

c) All animals have the right to the attention, care and protection of man.

Article 3

a) No animal shall be ill-treated or shall be subject to cruel acts.

b)If an animal has to be killed, this must be instantaneous and without distress.

Article 4

a) All wild animals have the right to liberty in their natural environment, whether land, air or water, and should be allowed to procreate.

b) Deprivation of freedom, even for educational purposes, is an infringement of this right.

Article 5

a) Animals of species living traditionally in a human environment have the right to live and grow at the rhythm and under the conditions of life and freedom peculiar to their species.

b) Any interference by man with this rhythm or these conditions for purposes of gain is an infringement of this right.

Article 6

a) All companion animals have the right to complete their natural life span.

b) Abandonment of an animal is a cruel and degrading act.

Article 7

All working animals are entitled to a reasonable limitation of the duration and intensity of their work, to the necessary nourishment, and to rest.

Article 8

a) Animal experimentation involving physical or psychological suffering is incompatible with the rights of animals whether it be for scientific, medical, commercial, or any other form of research. 

b) Replacement methods must be used and developed.

Article 9

Where animals are used in the food industry, they shall be reared, transported, lairaged and killed without the infliction of suffering.

Article 10

a) No animal shall be exploited for the amusement of man.

b)Exhibitions and spectacles involving animals are incompatible with their dignity.

Article 11

Any act involving the wanton killing of an animal is biocide, that is, a crime against life.

Article 12

a) Any act involving mass killing of wild animals is genocide, that is, a crime against the species. b) Pollution or destruction of the natural environment leads to genocide.

Article 13

a) Dead animals shall be treated with respect. b)

Scenes of violence involving animals shall be banned from cinema and television, except for humane education.

Article 14

a) Representatives of movements that defend animal rights should have an effective voice at all levels of government.

b) The rights of animals, like human rights, should enjoy the protection of law.

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was presented in Brussels on 26 January 1978 and subscribed by personalities of the philosophical, juridical and scientific world; it was then solemnly proclaimed in Paris on 15 October 1978 at the UNESCO headquarters. Dr. Laura Girardello, Dr. Giovanni Peroncini, Prof. Mario Girolami and Prof. Clara Genèro formed the Italian delegation.