The objective of this research is to studythe evolution and the actual European biological diversity legislation and compare this legislation and its extensive case law with the biological diversity legislation and case law in two South American countries: Colombia and Peru. Focus is on: 1. a "healthy environment" and the duty of nature conservation 2. "protected areas" legislation and in particular their relationship with environmental assessment of plans (strategic environmental assessment: SEA) and projects (environmental impact assessment: EIS) 3. forest conservation and 4. adaptation to climate change.