Given the ecological and economic benefits provided by North American bats, the North American Bat Conservation Partnership aims to promote and coordinate a cooperative, continent-wide strategy for the conservation of bats, research into bat biology, and education regarding bat biology and conservation. It is essential to have national and international priorities, but these also must reflect more local and regional priorities. It is recognized that priorities for research and conservation may differ geographically and at different levels. A free exchange of ideas and scientific information is essential for groups at all levels to reach consensus on appropriate priorities and activities for the conservation of bats and their habitats. All ideas and scientific information will be given consideration.
All parties are free to accept or reject information.
Differing values, ideas, concepts and interpretations will be respected and encouraged. At least once every two years this meeting will coincide with the North American Symposium on Bat Research. The ESC will establish national and international bat conservation priorities built on input from local and regional interest groups and the North American Steering Committee. The ESC consists of 12 voting members and a nonvoting coordinator. Research representatives will include two from the United States, one from Canada, and one from Mexico.