History

The European Pond Conservation Network (EPCN) was launched in Geneva on October 30, 2004, as an issue of the 1st European Pond Workshop. The EPCN’s objective is to promote conservation of ponds and their biodiversity in a changing European landscape.

  • 2006–2012: A series of international workshops were organised to develop and strengthen the European Pond Conservation Network (EPCN):
    • 2006 – Toulouse, France
    • 2008 – Valencia, Spain
    • 2010 – Berlin, Germany
    • 2012 – Luxembourg
  • 14 May 2009: The EPCN was formally registered as a non-profit association in Switzerland following the first General Assembly held in Paris, France.
  • 1 June 2010: The second General Assembly took place in Berlin, Germany.
  • 4 June 2012: The third General Assembly was held in Luxembourg.
  • 2010: Members unanimously agreed at the Berlin General Assembly to introduce an annual membership fee from 2011 onwards. The income was intended to support the network’s growing administrative needs, website maintenance, newsletter production, and secretarial support.
  • 2010s: The EPCN operated as a Swiss non-profit association under Swiss Civil Law (Articles 60 and following) and the present statutes: EPCN statutes (in French and English), with General Meetings held every two years.
  • Committee Structure: The EPCN Committee served as the executive body of the Association, consisting of 5–10 members, including the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
  • Recent Years: The network experienced a period of reduced activity due to the loss of member contact information and declining connections within the community.
  • 14 August 2025: A new EPCN Committee was elected to revitalise and rebuild the network.
  • 2025–Present: The renewed EPCN focuses on:
    • Re-establishing contact with former members.
    • Welcoming new participants to the network.
    • Strengthening collaboration among pond conservation practitioners and researchers across Europe.
    • Promoting knowledge exchange and partnerships.
    • Supporting the conservation, restoration, and multifunctionality of ponds throughout Europe.