ecopa

ecopa (European Consensus-Platform on Alternatives) aims to bring together all four stakeholders involved in animal research: government and regulatory authorities, academia, industry, and animal protection and welfare organisations. It supports the establishment of National Consensus Platforms (NCPs) which involve all these 4 stakeholders (statutes). It is an international not-for-profit organisation.
The name ecopa is to be spelled with small letters and italics, according to the statutes. ecopa was officially founded on 2 April 2004.

The primary aim of ecopa is to promote "the three Rs" (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in the use of animals in research, testing, education and training in Europe. ecopa shall therefore contribute to increased knowledge in the areas of:

1. Replacement of animals
2. Reduction of the number of animals used
3. Refinement to reduce suffering and increase animal welfare.

ecopa strives for consensus between the stakeholders in attempting to achieve its goals. ecopa may participate in or become a member of other institutions, organisations or networks, whose aims are in accordance with ecopa's aim.

• 3RCC (Switzerland)
• Fincopa (Finland)
• Francopa (INERIS) (France)
• IPAM (Italy)
• Norecopa (Norway)
• REMA (Spain)
• The SET Foundation (Germany)