Gincana 7: Biodiversity Is Our Life

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Table of Contents

AHMED DJOGHLAF Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ...... 2 BAN KI-MOON United Nations Secretary-General ...... 3 ACHIM STEINER United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ...... 4 ALI ABDUSSALAM TREKI President of the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly ...... 5

HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS TAKAMADO Island ecosystem & sea level rise, French Polynesia, Bora Bora Honorary President, BirdLife International ...... 6 (Photo courtesy of Truchet/UNEP) YUKIO HATOYAMA LUC GNACADJA Prime Minister of Japan ...... 7 Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention to Combat HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS MAHA Desertiﬁ cation (UNCCD) ...... 21 CHAKRI SIRINDHORN FRANCESCO BANDARIN Kingdom of Thailand ...... 8 Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre ...... 22 STEPHEN HARPER JULIA MARTON-LEFÈVRE Prime Minister of Canada ...... 9 Director General, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ...... 23 LEE MYUNG-BAK TOM ENDERS President of the Republic of Korea ...... 9 President and CEO, Airbus ...... 24 NORBERT RÖTTGEN ANADA TIÉGA Federal Environment Minister, Germany ...... 12 Secretary General, Ramsar Convention ...... 25 JOSÉ MANUEL BARROSO LIZ DOWDESWELL President, European Commission...... 13 Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme ...... 26 ERIK SOLHEIM ELIZABETH MARUMA MREMA Minister of Environment and International Development, Norway ...... 14 Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Secretariat ...... 27 Minister for Marine and Natural Environment at the Department for GERALD DICK Environment and Rural Affairs, United Kingdom ...... 15 Executive Director, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) ...... 28 MAH BOW TAN DOUGLAS AND KRISTINE TOMPKINS ...... 29 National Development Minister, Republic of Singapore ...... 16 RANDAL KEYNES TROELS LUND POULSEN The Charles Darwin Trust ...... 30 Minister for the Environment, Denmark ...... 17 CARLOS BETO RICHA HELEN CLARK Mayor of Curitiba, Brazil ...... 32 Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and Chair of the United Nations Development Group ...... 18 GÉRALD TREMBLAY Mayor of Montreal, Canada ...... 33 MONIQUE BARBUT Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer and Chairman, Global Environment Facility (GEF) ...... 19 TAKASHI KAWAMURA Mayor of Nagoya, Japan ...... 34 YVO DE BOER Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework 2010: INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)...... 20 BIODIVERSITY EVENTS...... 35

The International Year of Biodiversity 1 Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Renewing our Efforts to Preserve Biodiversity

he ght to stop biodiversity loss Moreover, the human costs of biodiver- is at a critical moment. Species sity loss will be exacerbated by climate T are currently going extinct at up change, which will potentially compound to 1,000 times the natural background the rate of loss. rate. Sixty per cent of examined ecosys- For this reason the United Nations tem services worldwide have been de- declared 2010 the International Year of graded. We should be alarmed because Biodiversity. The year 2010 offers an op- humans are not detached from the con- portunity to renew our efforts and create a sequences of this loss. Biodiversity is hu- global alliance of all stakeholders to pro- manity’s source for countless irreplaceable tect life on Earth. goods and services, including food, lum- In May, Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 ber, medicine, crop pollination and air and will provide an initial assessment of prog- water puri cation. ress so far and remaining challenges in This is why in 2002 the Parties to the achieving the 2010 Target. In September, and the 2020 and 2050 biodiversity tar- Convention on Biological Diversity es- the 65th session of the UN General gets. Overall, the International Year of tablished the 2010 Biodiversity Target, a Assembly will, for the rst time, convene Biodiversity promises to be a true water- commitment to signi cantly slow biodi- a high-level segment on biodiversity with shed period in our struggle to preserve versity loss worldwide by 2010. The inter- the participation of heads of State and biodiversity. national community quickly rallied around government. And in October in Nagoya, We are delighted to present the latest the 2010 Target and incorporated it into Japan, at the Nagoya Biodiversity Summit, issue of Gincana, where heads of State the Millennium Development Goals. the Convention’s tenth Conference of and important international organizations Nevertheless, preliminary indications the Parties, a broad range of stakehold- have contributed their thoughts and hopes are that the target will not be met. The im- ers — including cities and local authorities, for the International Year of Biodiversity. pacts of this will be primarily felt by the youth, indigenous communities, national Each of their pieces, in their own eloquent poor, as natural capital constitutes 26% of governments and the private sector — will way, help demonstrate why biodiversity is the total wealth of low-income countries. help nalize our 2011-2020 strategic plan life, biodiversity is our life.

Urban biodiversity, Central Park South, New York, USA (Photo courtesy of Ed Yourdon/ ickr.com) Harvest, South Africa (Photo courtesy of Gliberry/UNEP)

2 Gincana 7 Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General Message for the International Year of Biodiversity (2010)

ver the past half-century, human to unemployment and malnutrition. activities have caused an un- The failure to protect biodiversity O precedented decline in biological should be a wake-up call. Business as diversity. Species are going extinct a thou- usual is not an option. We need a new sand times faster than the natural rate — a biodiversity vision. We must manage our loss now being further compounded by forests sustainably so they can store car- climate change. A wide variety of environ- bon, protect watersheds and provide re- mental goods and services that we take sources and income. We must conserve for granted are under threat, with profound coral reefs so they can continue to pro- and damaging consequences for ecosys- tect coasts from storms and support live- new strategic plan for implementing the tems, economies and livelihoods. lihoods for hundreds of millions of people. United Nations Convention on Biological In 2002, world leaders agreed to sub- We must ensure the long-term viability of Diversity. stantially reduce the rate of biodiver- our seas and oceans. In this International Year, we must sity loss by 2010. The 2010 Biodiversity To raise awareness of the impend- counter the perception that people are Target was subsequently integrated in- ing crisis and to spur the world to act, disconnected from our natural environ- to the Millennium Development Goals. It the United Nations General Assembly ment. We must increase understanding will not be met. proclaimed 2010 the International Year of the implications of losing biodiver- Tropical forests continue be felled, de- of Biodiversity. In September 2010, the sity. In 2010, I call on every country and stroying valuable endemic species and General Assembly will hold a special each citizen of our planet to engage in disrupting local, regional and global cli- high-level meeting on the subject. It will a global alliance to protect life on Earth. mates. Climate change and ocean acidi - give the international community an op- We must generate a greater sense of ur- cation are destroying coral reefs. Fisheries portunity to demonstrate much-need- gency and establish clear and concrete are increasingly overexploited, condemn- ed leadership in advance of the Nagoya targets. Biodiversity is life. Biodiversity is ing millions of the world’s poorest people Biodiversity Summit, which will adopt a our life.

Rainforest near Piha, Auckland Region, North Island, New Zealand (Photo courtesy of Daniele Sartori/ ickr.com) Harvest, South Africa (Photo courtesy of Gliberry/UNEP)

The International Year of Biodiversity 3 Achim Steiner, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Developing Better Ways to Manage Ecosystems and Biodiversity

he year 2010 represents a real op- Environment Facility Carbon Benefits just $ 50 billion a year — a good cost portunity to boost the prospects for Project being undertaken with farmers benefit ratio of 100:1 T biodiversity and the health of nat- and landowners in Western Kenya, as well • Coral reefs, whose shery, tourism and ural systems. as in Niger, Nigeria, and China. ood protection services are estimated Over the past two years, fresh calcu- The project is to set standards cover- at between $100,000 and $600,000 per lations and more precise evaluations of ing the quantities of carbon ‘sequestered’ square km, could be conserved for an the value of nature to global and national in different landscapes and under different investment of close to $780 per square economies have been coming to the fore, management regimes. It may be that farm- km or 0.2% of the value of the ecosys- in part as a result of The Economics of ers can be paid for the carbon locked away tem protected Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). under sustainable agricultural systems, • Deforestation contributes close to 20% Meanwhile, governments have taken such as organic and agroforestry schemes. of global greenhouse gas emissions-$17 negotiations on access and bene t-shar- Payments for maintaining peatlands up to billion to over $30 billion annually could ing of genetic resources to new levels of carbon-storing coastal ‘infrastructure’, like halve this while securing livelihoods and determination, raising optimism that this mangroves and wetlands, are further tan- boosting conservation-related employ- third pillar of the Convention on Biological talising prospects emerging. ment in tropical countries Diversity (CBD) can be strengthened and • A global marine protected area net- lead to new revenue ows for conserva- TEEB work, involving the closure of 20% of to- tion and sustainable use. This visionary initiative, supported by tal shing grounds, could result in pro t It is equally possible that nations may the European Commission, Germany, losses of an estimated $270 million an- also make important strides on plug- Norway and the United Kingdom and nually. It could, however, sustain sher- ging the serious and signi cant knowl- whose secretariat is now hosted by ies worth $80-100 billion a year; assist in edge gaps on ecosystem and biodiver- UNEP, will produced its landmark, nal conserving an estimated 27 million jobs sity by supporting the establishment of report during the International Year of while generating one million new ones, an Intergovernmental Panel or Platform Biodiversity. and protect food supplies for over one on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services But TEEB, which dovetails with billion people, especially in developing in order to inform policy-makers on real UNEP’s Green Economy initiative, is al- countries whose main or sole source of choices based on the very latest scientif- ready sharpening international attention animal protein comes from sh. ic developments. on the economic losses resulting from The Copenhagen, UN climate meet- the loss, degradation and destruction The ground work has been paved ing in December 2009, may set the stage of the natural world and its goods and for a new response to the persistent for paying developing countries to main- services. and emerging challenges facing natu- tain forests and their carbon stocks with It is also focusing attention on the op- ral systems and their biodiversity. 2010 multiple bene ts for biodiversity as well portunities for action that exist if invest- is the opportunity to open a new chap- as water supplies, soil stabilization and ments are stepped up in ecosystem ren- ter where the myriad of intelligent policies opportunities for green jobs in areas like ovation and in more creative management and smart market mechanisms that have natural resource management and eco- of the Earth’s nature-based assets. been tried and tested over the past de- tourism. cades are rapidly evolved to become part A Reduced Emission from Defores- • The world's 100,000 national parks and of mainstream economic policy. tation and Forest Degradation (REDD) protected areas generate wealth via na- On a planet of six billion, rising to over agreement, as part of a new overall com- ture-based goods and services equal to nine billion by 2050, more creative ways mitment by countries on climate change, around $5 trillion but only employ 1.5 of managing ecosystems and biodiver- will also make a signi cant contribution to million people—indicating a potential- sity that re ect their central role in human the climate adaptation agenda while per- ly signi cant new area for employment well-being and their inordinate contribu- haps opening the door towards payments generation tion to life, livelihoods and economies will, for other carbon-storing initiatives. • TEEB estimates that securing these in large part, determine whether an ever- During 2010, some of the rst results $5 trillion-worth services might re- more populous humanity can survive and are likely to emerge from the UNEP-Global quire an additional investment of thrive in the 21st century.

4 Gincana 7 Ali Abdussalam Treki, President of the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Meeting the Biodiversity Crisis as a United Human Family

am pleased to convey a message on the occasion of the International “Biodiversity loss is not solely an environmental issue it is also I Year of Biodiversity. Today, there is in- an economic one” creased recognition of the impact of loss of biodiversity on life on earth. We have to collectively face the challenges arising from the crisis of biodiversity loss. Climate activities and high level events planned 2010, with the participation of Heads of change is further compounding this chal- by the Secretariat of the United Nations State and Government, offers a unique lenge as depicted in the recent food crisis Convention on Biological Diversity provide opportunity to fully engage world lead- and the natural disasters that now hit our a valuable platform to effect the necessary ers to respond collectively to the magni- planet with inexorable regularity. paradigm shift if the international commu- tude of the biodiversity crisis. Seventy per cent of the world’s poor nity were to live in harmony with nature. Postponing action to protect life on live in rural areas. They depend directly on The High-level event of United Na- Earth is not an option. The need to act is biological resources for as much as 90% tions General Assembly on Biodiversity, now to achieve the changes vital to the of their needs such as food, fuel, med- to be convened in New York in September well-being of all life on Earth. icine, shelter and transportation. Over three billion people depend on marine Tree frog of the “Agalychnis” genus (Photo courtesy of Kalovstian/UNEP) and coastal biodiversity, while more than 1.6 billion rely on forests and non-tim- ber forest products for their livelihoods. The degradation of habitat and the loss of biodiversity are threatening the livelihoods of more than one billion people living in dry and sub-humid lands, particularly in Africa, the continent most affected by drought and deserti cation. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the world leaders had pledged to reduce the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010 as a contribution to poverty eradication. However, biodiversity continues to be lost at unprecedented rate, thus threatening the capacity of the planet to provide the required goods and services. The current rate of extinction is estimated to be 1,000 times high- er than the natural rate. Halting and re- versing the current loss of biodiversity is therefore vital. Biodiversity loss is no longer solely an environmental issue. It is also an economic one. Biodiversity loss is also affecting the human health and the condition of the atmosphere. The General Assembly has proclaimed 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. In that regard, the range of

The International Year of Biodiversity 5 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, Honorary President, BirdLife International Beyond 2010: We must not Fail Again

n 2010, the International Year of to monitor. We must therefore establish that of the CBD: a partnership of over Biodiversity, two major summits will logistically and nancially achievable sys- 100 autonomous national NGOs (total I be held, in New York and Nagoya, tems for monitoring biodiversity trends in membership: 2.5 million) all subscribing to review and revise the CBD’s 2010 the post-2010 world. Two crucial steps to a single set of ideals and goals, work- Biodiversity Target, set in 2002 as the would be to involve NGOs far more fully, ing with local communities at one level date by when to achieve a signi cant re- and to use indicators that work at all lev- and with global conventions at another. duction in the current rate of biodiversity els from the local to the global. For this There is an opportunity here to grasp. loss. Alas, despite its universal endorse- reason I commend BirdLife International. Without broad constituencies of peo- ment, the world community has clearly Birds are easy to monitor, and make ex- ple to share responsibility for maintain- failed to meet this target. cellent indicators. And as the guardian of ing livelihoods and biodiversity, we can We are currently facing—or rather, fail- the largest biodiversity dataset current- never meet our targets, however mea- ing to face—the worst human-induced ly available, and in ful llment of its role surable. NGOs like BirdLife offer these extinction crisis in the planet’s history. as an international thematic focal point constituencies, and in partnership with Changes in the IUCN Red List for birds for birds for the CBD’s Clearing House bodies like the CBD we can go on to en- between 1988 and 2008 show that the Mechanism, BirdLife International is ful- gender and empower still larger partner- status of the world’s bird species con- ly committed to helping develop, imple- ships. The CBD must not fail: BirdLife tinues to deteriorate, with more spe- ment and monitor the post-2010 target. International stands ready to support it cies than ever slipping closer to extinc- Moreover, BirdLife’s structure mirrors every inch of the way. tion. Birds have gone extinct at 1,000 to 10,000 times the natural background rate. In Japan we have lost the Asian Crested Ibis and Oriental White Stork as breeding “Targets must be action-oriented, quantitative, time-bound and species, and the cost of bringing them back is proving hugely expensive. The measurable… We must establish logistically and ﬁ nancially achievable plight of Okinawa’s endemic birds, under great threat from alien species, is also systems for monitoring biodiversity trends in the post-2010 world” of particular concern to me. This hemor- rhaging of species and habitats is having profound ecological implications and causing serious cultural, social and economic impacts. Biodiversity is the foundation of ecosystems, and ecosystem services are the foundation of human wellbeing and economic prosperity. A simple equation. I say that we have failed to meet the 2010 target, but I cannot say by how much. This is because, for a target to be a target, it must be action-oriented, quantitative, time-bound and measurable. That way, we can measure performance to meet it. In the case of the 2010 Target, we only set up a monitoring framework in 2006, far too late to help. Moreover, biodiversity is very expensive

Kea, New Zealand (Photo courtesy of Ministry for the Environment New Zealand/John Edwards)

6 Gincana 7 Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister of Japan Uniting Our Wisdom for Living with Nature beyond 2010

t is a great pleasure for me to convey my message on the occasion of the “It is critically important that all countries take concrete actions I International Year of Biodiversity (IYB). Among a range of environmental issues, on the basis of post-2010 targets to be adopted at COP 10” biodiversity loss, together with climate change, is one of the most serious challenges for the international community. Our society has been making enormous efforts so far to “signi cantly reduce the current rate of biodiversity loss by 2010”. However, unfortunately we have to say that the unprecedented level of loss of biodiversity still continues at the global level. I believe that we bear a heavy responsibility to hand over a rich and diverse ecosystem to future generations. And it is a critical moment to start concrete actions, sharing the common understanding on the need to stop the loss of biodiversity and restore it. In this respect, if every country develops and effectively implements the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan under such an understanding, it would be an important step towards achieving this goal. Japan became a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1993. In 1995, the First National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan were established in accordance with the CBD. In accordance with the third Strategy with a long-term vision, over 600 measures of priority and some 30 numerical targets for the coming ve years, our government is Tortoise in the Galápagos Islands (Photo courtesy Randal Keynes) comprehensively taking various measures to address the biodiversity “crisis”. I would like to stress that the 10th Meeting effective implementation of the post-2010 I believe it is critically important that all of the Conference of the Parties to the targets, “access and benefit-sharing”, countries jointly take concrete actions on Convention on Biological Diversity (COP and “climate change and biodiversity”, the basis of post-2010 targets to be ad- 10) and the 5th Meeting of the Parties to in close collaboration with national and opted at COP 10, understanding the im- the Cartagena Protocol (MOP 5) organized international partners. I sincerely hope portance of biodiversity. in October will be the highlight among that our efforts will contribute to achiev- In the year of 2010, International Year them. And I believe that, taking this oping the three objectives of the Convention of Biodiversity, a series of high-level portunity, all stakeholders at all levels by uniting our wisdom and efforts further events are scheduled around the world, should take practical actions to achieve than ever before. such as the of cial launch of the IYB in conservation and sustainable use of bio- I am grateful if many of you partici- January, and special session on biodiver- diversity. Japan is willing to strengthen its pate in the meetings in Aichi-Nagoya, and sity during the 65th session of the United efforts to address the major issues toward jointly work with us to address biodiver- Nations General Assembly in September. the COP 10 such as the development and sity issues beyond 2010.

The International Year of Biodiversity 7 Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Kingdom of Thailand Natural Resources and Environment Conservation

er Royal Highness Princess Maha (Azadiracta indica) and use its seeds in- Thai people. In 2003, the Sirindhorn Chakri Sirindhorn was born on 2 stead of chemical pesticides, which does International Environmental Park was H April 1955, as the third child of His not harm the environment. launched, which aims to publicize HRH Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, So far, many other environmental ac- the Princess’s honorable deeds and inge- King Rama IX and Her Majesty the Queen tivities initiated by the Princess have been nuity in conservation of nature, environ- Sirikit of Thailand. established. For example, conservation ment, history, and culture, to both Thais Her Royal Highness has acquired rst- of forest resources based on community and foreigners. Its missions include pro- hand experiences in working for Their forestry, conservation of soil using vetiver viding knowledge about the recovery of Majesties the King and Queen’s devel- grass following His Majesty the King’s ini- mangrove, beach and mixed deciduous opment projects by regularly accompa- tiative and school botanical garden. The forests, and habitats of fauna. These in- nying their Majesties on visits to remote objectives of these activities are to en- tend to raise awareness of natural re- areas since the age of sixteen (in 1970s). courage the children, as well as teachers source and environment conservation Even before she completed her universi- and local people to work together in tak- among the general public. ty education, H.R.H has acted as Private ing care of and maintaining the natural For over three decades, Her Royal Secretary to His Majesty the King for resources and environment in their com- Highness Princess Maha Chakri most of the royal initiated development munities. Also, Her Royal Highness had Sirindhorn’s activities concerning natu- projects which have been the main con- launched the Plant Genetic Conservation ral resources and environment preserva- cern of His Majesty since his accession Project in 1992. The objective of the proj- tion have been signi cantly impressed by almost 50 years ago. The implementation ect is to collect plant genetic resources Thai people. Her Royal Highness has tire- of these projects has been crystallized for conservation throughout the country. lessly encouraged the children as the na- by the establishment of the Chaipattana The activities patronage of the envi- tion’s future to conserve and sustainably Foundation (the word “Chaipattana” ronment by Her Royal Highness Princess use natural resources for the bene t of all means “achieving victory in development Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, has impressed Thai people. work”) in June 1988 with His Majesty as Patron and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as the Chairman. The objective of the Foundation emphasizes projects on environmental quality development and improvement in parallel with those on economic and social development. During her visit to the remote areas, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn real- ized that Thailand has experienced rapid natural resources and environmental deterioration which one of the major causes of these problems arises from people’s carelessness and ignorance. As a result, in 1987 Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn initiated the Conservation of Natural Resources and Environment Project, the purpose of ABOVE: Opening ceremony of the third “Colorful Flora in which is to raise awareness and con- Celebration of HM the Queen” Fair, at Queen Sirikit Garden, sciousness of conservation in natural re- Bangkok, on 11 August, 2009. LEFT: HRH Princess Sirindhorn was planting Golden sources and environment among young Shower tree (Cassia stula) in the opening ceremony of the children as well as adults. The project “Planting 80 million Trees in Celebration of HM the King” Project, at Chitrlada Garden, Dusit Palace, in January, 2008. started by encouraging children attend- RIGHT: HRH Princess Sirindhorn planted vetiver grass during Border Patrol Police School in Chiang ing her upcountry visit. Mai province to cultivate the neem plant

8 Gincana 7 Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada Respecting and Protecting our Natural Beauty

anadians are rightfully proud of our jurisdiction. Our government recently en- jurisdiction. record as conservationists and re- larged Nahanni National Park Reserve of Canada is a northern nation, and many C sponsible stewards of nature. The Canada to 30,000 square kilometres, a of our country’s most ecologically sensi- challenge of balancing sustainable eco- six-fold expansion. Our government also tive areas exist in our remote arctic re- nomic growth with a sustainable environ- designated four new Canadian wilderness gions. Our government has made envi- ment requires cooperation from all levels areas to further protect Canada’s natu- ronmental protection a pillar of Canada’s of government, industry, community or- ral heritage. new Northern Strategy and, to that end, ganizations and all Canadians. Our government is actively engaged in we are actively working with other arctic As Prime Minister of Canada, I take protecting biodiversity offshore. Recent nations to conserve arctic ora and fau- seriously the responsibility of my govern- declines in commercially and ecolog- na in the face of increasing development ment to provide the leadership and action ically important sh stocks are an indi- and a changing climate. necessary to ensure that Canada contin- cation that something is amiss and that Canadians hold a deep appreciation ues to play a constructive role in conser- maritime countries must cooperate to do and respect for nature. Canada’s natu- vation efforts both at home and abroad. better. Canada recently hosted an expert ral beauty is a major part of our national One of the most important actions any workshop to review criteria and classi - inheritance. There is no better legacy for government can take in supporting con- cation systems for identifying ecological- any of us than respecting and protecting servation and biodiversity is to expand ly sensitive marine ecosystems in need our inheritance so it can be appreciated the protected lands and waters within its of protection in areas beyond national and enjoyed for generations to come.

Lee Myung-bak, President of the Republic of Korea Making the Earth Green Together: A Time for Us All to Act

“ person should live only off the in- perspectives on nature and human be- and growth are bound to be confronta- terest accruing to nature.” This ings. First, they have pursued progress tional. This is not simply an abstract, re- A was the lifelong philosophy of and success in life through stringent self- petitive rhetoric but a concrete and via- Park Kyung-ni (October 28, 1926 – May discipline and “doing” so as to become ble notion predicated on practical action. 5, 2008), a prominent Korean novelist who a person of character. Second, they have Through my address last year commemo- was regarded as one of the most likely tried to come closer to a frugal, simple rating the 60th anniversary of the founding Korean candidates for a Nobel Prize in lit- human nature through transcendentalism of the Republic, I declared “Low-carbon, erature. Her philosophical view is in line and “being,” which lead a person to be Green Growth” as a national vision and with the awakening of modern ecologists submissive to the providence of God so development strategy. to the fact that biodiversity is like the cap- as to become nature. Koreans have natu- The low-carbon, green growth strategy ital deposited in nature that people bor- rally accommodated con icting elements, is a historic challenge to formulate a vir- row for their use. How was it possible for a including “doing” and “being,” develop- tuous cycle where environmental conser- Korean writer of the 20th century to predict ment and conservation, and greening and vation will help revive the economy, and and practice what is being emphasized by growth, into a harmonious — rather than vice versa. It is intended to make inten- ecologists in the 21st century? adversarial — relationship. sive investments in green technologies In fact, such an idea is not new to Against this backdrop and with such and industries to address environmental Koreans. That is because in their long- an understanding, the Republic of Korea and energy problems, thereby achieving standing tradition and culture, Koreans is creating a new value of green growth sustainable economic development. have embraced two seemingly con icting going beyond the concept that greening To this end, by enacting a Framework

The International Year of Biodiversity 9 Act on Green Growth and establishing a Korea’s Efforts for the Conservation Biological Resources will be construct- of Biological Diversity and ve-year plan for Green Growth, Korea is Sustainable Use of Biological ed to revitalize research on biological re- striving to restructure economic and in- Resources sources and ensure improved manage- dustrial structures as well as people’s life- ment as well as to be utilized as centers styles to make them more future-oriented. In June 2009, Korea formulated the of effective public education. According to the plan, about two per cent second National Biodiversity Strategies Notably, the success of the 10th of the GDP will be injected into green in- and Action Plans (NBSAPs) as the top- Conference of the Parties to the dustries over the next ve years. It is almost plan for biodiversity conservation. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands held in most double the amount recommended With this, Korea has come up with strat- Changwon last year played a great role by the United Nations for green invest- egies to achieve the objectives of the in raising awareness of people across the ment. Such ongoing efforts are viewed in Convention on Biological Diversity, name- world on the importance of wetland eco- positive light around the world. A recent ly the conservation and the sustainable systems. The Changwon Declaration on report by the United Nations Environment use of biological diversity, and the fair and Human Well-being and Wetlands adopt- Programme (UNEP) hailed the country’s equitable sharing of the bene ts arising ed at the Ramsar COP 10 serves as a green growth initiative as a useful and ex- from the utilization of genetic resources. very useful tool for raising public aware- emplary model. The report also assessed Guided by these strategies, Korea ness and is being widely shared around that Korea has become a pace-setter in is carrying out field surveys on the in- the world. green growth for the international com- digenous species on the Korean Korea is fully committed to working munity to follow. Peninsula — approximately 100,000 spe- together with other countries, thereby I am convinced that low-carbon, cies — with a view to promoting biodiver- making contributions to the preserva- green growth will help us meet the chal- sity and restoring the health of the nation’s tion of biological diversity and sustain- lenge of climate change as well as the ecosystem. For their systematic manage- able use of biological resources. For in- need for growth on a whole new level. ment, we are currently preparing legisla- stance, we came to host the Secretariat It will also be the best gift we can give tive acts concerning biological resources. of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway

“Low-carbon, green growth will help us meet the challenge of climate change and the need for growth on a whole new level –the best gift we can give to future generations”

to future generations. This is, in partic- Among other things, various projects Partnership, which aims to protect ular, because green growth will make it are being carried out to restore and in- about 50 million migratory birds inhab- possible for all people to preserve biodi- crease the populations of endangered iting along the way. Taking a step fur- versity — including all the components of species including the Asiatic Black Bear ther, Korea took the lead in designating genetic, species, and ecosystem diver- and gorals. In October last year, a pair of Narębski Point, located in King George sity — and to maintain the balance of life Crested Ibis — a Natural Monument pre- Island and also known as “Penguin as well as enjoy the blessings of econom- sumed to be extinct in Korea — was do- Village,” as an Antarctic Specially ic prosperity. nated by the People’s Republic of China Protected Area (ASPA) as part of its ef- The year 2010 marks the International for restoration. forts to protect Antarctic ecosystems Year of Biodiversity designated by the Along with these endeavors, Korea and, in particular, penguins. United Nations. A variety of activities are established the National Institute of being planned and carried out to pro- Biological Resources in 2007, which Preservation and Restoration of the Nation’s Environment, a Foundation mote the understanding of the impor- serves as a center for the integrated for Biological Diversity tance of preserving biodiversity around management of the nation’s biological re- the world. Notably, the clock is ticking for sources and for preparing conservation Korea is now enhancing efforts to push the 2010 Biodiversity Target agreed up- measures. In addition, as part of the ef- ahead with policies aimed at preserving on at the World Summit on Sustainable forts to sustainably manage and conserve and restoring the nation’s environment, Development in 2002. A global effort will forest biological resources in response to which constitutes the foundation for bio- be needed to substantially reduce the global warming, additional Korea National logical diversity. For the sake of ef cient rate of biodiversity loss. For that reason, Arboretums are being set up by climat- preservation and management of habitats Korea is actively participating in the ef- ic and vegetation zone. In the years to and ecosystems, more than 10% of the forts to secure biodiversity in line with its come, the National Institute of Ecology nation’s land has been designated as pro- broader vision of green growth. and the National Institute of Marine tected areas. In addition, when it comes

10 Gincana 7 to areas whose values are internationally recognized, the nation took measures to register them as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance and World Natural Heritage sites. In 2003, the Act on the Protection of the Baekdu Daegan Mountain System was passed with a view to protecting the core national ecosystem, re ecting the opinions from a wide range of stakeholders. In September 2005, more than 260,000 hectares of the Baekdu Daegan Mountain System was designated as a protected area, connecting several iso- lated national mountain parks, which is a unique example internationally. In the future, we will continue to make efforts to expand protected areas through various programs including the designation of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North Bon Accord Wetlands, Tobago. (Photo courtesy the Tourism Development Company Limited of Trinidad and Tobago) and South Korea as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. reducing city’s heat island phenomenon have enhanced accountability toward We are to aggressively carry out the and raising the city’s prestige. the environment, cooperative gover- Four Major River Restoration Project to re- In addition, for wise use and smart nance between the government, busi- store the ecosystems around Korea’s four conservation of areas rich in biological nesses and civil society, and support of major rivers. The project aims to eliminate resources and biodiversity as well as related businesses, which all contributed environmental contamination caused dur- for revitalization of local economies, the toward the rapid restoration of the coun- ing the country’s industrialization in the Korean Government is implementing proj- try’s ecosystem. second half of the 20th century. The riv- ects to promote eco-tourism. To this end, In the face of rapid climate change erbeds will be dredged and cleaned up. we have formulated the Framework Plan which endangers nature and even human- Unlike a dam project that submerges a for Eco-tourism Promotion and are devel- ity, global collaboration is urgently needed large area of adjacent land or forest un- oping various model projects and public to conserve biodiversity and to address der a reservoir, the project takes an inno- relations domestically and international- climate change. The Republic of Korea, vative approach which will enable the four ly so that Korea’s well-preserved biolog- which will chair the G20 summit next year, rivers to constantly hold 1.3 billion tons ical resources such as the Demilitarized is determined to do all it can to help re- of water, which is enough to resolve the Zone and wetlands can emerge as glob- solve issues common to all humanity in- nation’s water shortage. al tourist attractions. cluding biodiversity conservation. When the ecosystem is revived, wa- For example, although the Republic of ter quality will be improved substantial- A Green Earth through Global Korea belongs to the Non-Annex I coun- Collaboration ly, the biological diversity preserved, and tries of the UNFCCC, we are taking vol- the quality of life enhanced remarkably. Global attention toward biodiversity untary actions to set our own 2020 green- What is more, the river areas will turn in- does not necessarily imply a desire to house gas emissions reduction target by to the bases for green growth, as tour- enjoy rich natural resources and beauti- the end of the year 2009. The task at hand ism, leisure and industrial activities will ful environment. People have come to re- will not be easy since the country saw its contribute to local livelihoods. We have a alize that links lost between genes, spe- GHG emissions increase two-fold dur- track record of successfully reviving pol- cies, and ecosystem diversity cannot be ing the 1990-2005 period. Nevertheless, luted urban waterways, including Seoul’s restored again, and that ultimately it is a the Korean Government will certainly set Cheonggye Stream. The award-winning matter of survival for humankind. and comply with the target in an exem- Cheonggye Stream project is acclaimed Korea suffered serious environmen- plary manner. internationally for its tremendous con- tal destruction during the Korean War in A Green Earth can only be achieved tribution to the urban environment. The the 1950s. Throughout the ensuing de- when the global village works together stream owing right through the middle of cades of rapid industrialization, air and and starts acting now. We cannot afford the sprawling capital provides its 10 mil- water were polluted and trees were cut to delay any longer. It is a great practice lion plus citizens and tourists with green down for roads and houses, causing for us and a new and forceful power to- space and walking paths. This success- even more damage to the country’s bi- ward a better future for our generations ful eco-friendly project has contributed to ological diversity. Fortunately, now we to come.

The International Year of Biodiversity 11 Norbert Röttgen, Federal Environment Minister, Germany Opportunities and challenges in the International Year of Biodiversity 2010

longside climate change, the loss shortly after this Japan will host the 10th the key elements of post-2010 global bio- of biological diversity is one of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties diversity policy. This debate must be con- A most pressing areas of global pol- to the Convention on Biological Diversity, ducted with great care and include all the icy and thus one of the key challenges of when the post-2010 targets for global bio- relevant players, in order to generate the our time. However, although we are aware diversity policy will be adopted. broadest possible ownership of the new of this and are committed to combating Taking stock at the start of this target and establish it as an overarching this loss at national, regional and interna- eventful year, I am pleased that we target for other conventions as well. tional level, biodiversity - the wealth of our have achieved positive results during Irrespective of the actual key elements planet — is still disappearing worldwide at Germany’s CBD Presidency. At COP 9 and targets we agree on, for me it is vital an alarming rate. in Bonn in May 2008, more than 6000 that they encompass the three objectives The United Nations’ designation delegates from 191 countries jointly took of the CBD: the conservation and sustain- of 2010 as the International Year of a global step forward in nature conserva- able use of biological diversity, access to Biodiversity can and will help us to raise tion. The momentum then achieved has and the fair and equitable sharing of the global awareness of the many facets of been sustained. Even 18 months after bene ts arising from the use of genetic

“Political decision-makers are beginning to grasp that the conservation of biodiversity and its services are important for human well-being, global economic development and poverty alleviation”

biodiversity and integrate this issue into the meeting, biodiversity remains high resources. Future global objectives must key political and social processes. The on the agenda of global environmental equally re ect both the key importance coming year offers us a unique oppor- policy. of nature and its ecosystem services for tunity. In 2010 we must do everything This shows that political decision-mak- human well-being and the close relation- in our power to anchor biological diver- ers throughout the world have begun to ship and great potential for synergies be- sity even more rmly in the global po- grasp that the conservation of biodiversity tween climate protection and biodiversity litical agenda and steer a new course and its services is immensely important conservation. towards effective international biodi- for human well-being, global econom- In my view, this means it is impera- versity conservation, in order to bring ic development and poverty alleviation. tive that an internationally binding regime about the urgently needed halt to bio- For the German Presidency the increased on access and bene t-sharing (ABS) is diversity loss. A range of events taking importance attached to biodiversity is vi- adopted at COP 10 in Japan in 2010. I place in 2010 will offer excellent oppor- tal for the comprehensive and timely im- also believe that compiling the interna- tunities for this. plementation of the decisions taken in tional study The Economics of Ecosystem In addition to the expert talks with- Bonn and the preparations for COP 10 Services and Biodiversity (TEEB), dissem- in the CBD, at the special session of the in Japan. inating and implementing its results and UNEP Governing Council in February en- creating an intergovernmental science- vironment ministers will discuss biodiver- What are the main international policy platform on biodiversity, similar to debates and processes of 2010? sity, the status of the 2010 biodiversity the IPCC, are inseparably linked to the target and the structure of a new political What do we envisage for the years debate on the future global targets and to follow? framework for global biodiversity conser- objectives of biodiversity policy. vation post-2010. These issues will be ad- How can we successfully tackle the The LifeWeb Initiative, which in major challenges? dressed again later in the year by heads Germany receives funding from the of State and government in the special Without doubt, the coming year will International Climate Initiative and the session of the UN General Assembly, and primarily focus on the debate concerning development cooperation budget, can

12 Gincana 7 José Manuel Barroso, President, European Commission link the two major global challenges climate protection and biodiversity conservation in a relatively simple and very inno- Moving Beyond Business vative way. Projects to conserve habitats which are important carbon stores help as Usual both to conserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Moreover, they also present useful ways for humans and Commission have concentrated on our habitats to adapt to the impacts of cli- target to stop the loss of biodiversity in mate change. Europe by 2010. We have worked to ef- Since 2008, 32 LifeWeb projects have fectively implement existing legislation, been supported with a total volume of 74 to complete the network of protected ar- million euros. A further 11.5 million euros eas in Europe and to design new pol- have been pledged for LifeWeb projects. icies to address deforestation and re- For me, the main task here is to gain as duce the EU’s ecological footprint. As a many partners as possible for this suc- result of this work the EU is much clos- cessful initiative. er to meeting its biodiversity target than it would otherwise have been. But we al- Outlook iodiversity is an issue to which I so need to be honest and to recognise In the months to come, the road to and the European Commission at- that, despite our efforts, all the evidence Nagoya, with its many events, will require B tach the greatest importance. We is that the destruction of biodiversity is great commitment from everyone in order have a clear moral obligation to protect continuing. for us to achieve our ambitious goals. The nature. But it is also very much in our own Nature’s destruction reduces the qual- upcoming conferences and expert meet- interest to do so. ity of our lives, and stands in the way of ings must be used to prepare the adop- The services provided by ecosystems sustainable, long-term economic devel- tion of the decisions we are striving for at are the life support system upon which opment. And extinction is irreversible. the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD in Japan. In 2009, we have come a lot closer to reaching an important objective of the “To successfully tackle climate change we must stop the destruction German CBD Presidency — to convince the few countries that have not yet joined of the world’s forests. Healthy and resilient biodiversity is essential to become Parties to the Convention. I am delighted that Iraq and Somalia have for reliable long-term food production” taken this step, thus playing their part in further strengthening this most comprehensive global agreement to protect nature and secure the natural foundations our wellbeing depends. Nature provides Reaching the point of no return when of human existence. The International us with goods such as food, fuel and it comes to the ecosystems means just Year of Biodiversity would be the per- medicines. Ecosystems regulate the air that: there is no return. fect opportunity to complete the CBD that we breathe, the quality of our wa- It is clear that with a “business as usu- family! ters and the fertility of our soils. It will not al” approach we will not achieve our ob- Safeguarding the biological diversity be possible to successfully tackle climate jective. For this reason I am convinced we of our Earth for future generations is a change without stopping the destruction should raise the pro le of biodiversity and key concern for me, so that our children of the world’s forests. Healthy and resil- ecosystems in tackling issues such as cli- and grandchildren can also experience ient biodiversity is essential for reliable mate change and food insecurity. nature’s wealth, beauty and many bene- long-term food production. We need to devote more high lev- ts. Only if we think beyond our own ex- In short, our prosperity is underpinned el attention to biodiversity and we will istence can we preserve the planet for by healthy ecosystems and the loss of need to develop new thinking if we are the sake of our children. This is a ques- biodiversity is a global threat of the same to move beyond business as usual. I look tion of maintaining the very basis of our magnitude as global warming. And yet forward to real progress during 2010, lives - as an end in itself, because it is an we take these goods and services so the International Year of Biodiversity, to asset for mankind - but also to prevent much for granted that often we can on- develop the measures that will protect an ecological crisis of a magnitude that ly see how important they are when they our natural heritage in Europe and also would put all economic and nancial cri- are gone. give a decisive contribution to the glob- ses in the shade. Efforts made by the European al challenge.

The International Year of Biodiversity 13 Erik Solheim, Minister of Environment and International Development, Norway Earth’s Natural Capital —Recognizing the Value Delivered by Nature (Photo courtesy Bjørn H. Stuedal)

n 2003 we set ourselves an ambitious, development agendas. Efforts to reduce natural ecosystems. The new report, pre- but important global target, namely to emissions from deforestation and forest pared by The Economics of Ecosystems I signi cantly reduce the loss of biodiver- degradation in developing countries, the and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative hosted sity by 2010. The European countries have REDD initiative, will support such syner- by the UN Environment Programme, of- committed to halt the loss of biodiversity gies. Norway contributes about USD 500 ten compared with the Stern report on cli- by 2010. Even though important progress million annually to this initiative. The emis- mate change, underlines the fact that there has been made, the implementation has sions from deforestation and degradation are very large values being lost today. so far been insuf cient to meet the 2010 of forests are close to 20% of the global According to estimates in this report the target. Recent research on biodiversity emissions of greenhouse gases. Reducing measurable cost of the loss of biodiver- has concluded that we are living through the emissions by ghting deforestation and sity is somewhere between 1.5 and 5 tril- a period in which ecosystems are being degradation of forests represents one of the lion euro’s a year. In comparison: the total degraded and biodiversity is being lost at fastest, most signi cant and cost-effective sum of all the nancial packages approved rates not seen in human history. The 2005 options for slowing down climate change. by governments worldwide to mitigate Millennium Ecosystem Assessment shows Other ecosystems such as peatlands, wet- the worst nancial crisis of the last cen- that nearly two-thirds of the world’s eco- lands, soil and oceans also play a crucial tury was three trillion per year. Moreover, systems are now under threat. We have role in absorbing and storing carbon. the report shows that economics can be a to change course, and we cannot escape As Darwin once said, “It is not the stron- powerful instrument in biodiversity policy in the fact that we have a moral responsibili- gest of the species that survives, nor the supporting decision processes and by in- ty for conserving biodiversity, and that na- most intelligent, but the one most respon- clusion in national budgeting. Recognizing ture has its own intrinsic value. sive to change”. Failing to combat and the value delivered to society by nature A significant reduction of the loss of adapt to climate change will have serious must become a policy priority. biodiversity matters for many reasons. impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems We also need to strengthen and im- Natural ecosystems provide a wide range services. One particularly vulnerable eco- prove the scienti c input into policymak- of ecosystem services from which people system includes coral reefs which are reaching processes in the biodiversity eld as bene t, and upon which all life depends. ing the stage of ecological tipping points. a parallel to the Intergovernmental Panel These include food, fuel, building mate- Coral reefs are an integral part of an exten- on Climate Change (IPCC). The establish- rials, freshwater, climate regulation, ood sive and vital landscape of coastal ecosys- ment of an Intergovernmental platform control, nutrient and waste management, tems which are highly productive. They are on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services recreation and outdoor activities, and cul- home to an estimated 1-3 million species (IPBES) in 2010 is therefore important and tural services. Conservation of biodiversity and it is estimated that around 30 million a priority to Norway. is often misinterpreted as only the protec- of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable Halting the loss of biodiversity is no lon- tion of endangered species, and the cru- people in coastal communities are totally re- ger just an environmental issue, but a social role of nature for combating climate liant on reef-based resources as their prima- cial development and equity issue and a change is often forgotten. The linkages ry means of food production. More focus on question of human survival. Degradation of between climate change and biodiver- ecosystem resilience and the fact that na- ecosystem services presents a signi cant sity management have to be improved. ture is part of the solution is needed. threat to achieving the UN’s Millennium We cannot tackle biodiversity loss with- Human well-being is dependent up- Development Goals, worsening poverty and out tackling climate change, and we can- on ecosystem services provided by na- causing social con icts. Biodiversity is a key not tackle climate change without address- ture for free. These are predominant- factor to sustainable development. Goals set ing biodiversity and ecosystems. In other ly public goods with no markets and no to alleviate extreme poverty will not be met words, protecting biodiversity is a win-win prices, so their loss often is not detect- unless we address the accelerating rate of situation: the many vital ecosystem servic- ed by our current economic incentive sys- biodiversity loss. Let us join efforts during es it provides are central in tackling climate tem and can thus continue unabated. We the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity change at the same time as they absorb need to understand the real costs of us- to tackle these challenges and to set new green house gases in the atmosphere. ing the Earth’s natural capital and the con- ambitious global targets on biodiversity at We therefore need to create synergies sequences that policies and actions have the 10th Conference of the Parties to the between biodiversity, climate change and on the resilience and the sustainability of Convention on Biological Diversity!

14 Gincana 7 Huw Irranca-Davies, Minister for Marine and Natural Environment at the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs, United Kingdom Facing up to the Challenge of Safeguarding Biodiversity

iodiversity matters. We know just how important it is, not just for its “We need people to better understand what biodiversity does for B own sake but also to all of us because it underpins the vital bene ts we them and just how serious the consequences are of failing to halt get from the natural environment, because biodiversity loss and degradation of ecosystems” of its contribution to our economy, our health and wellbeing, and because it en- riches our lives. But we also know that globally we’re public to volunteer for conservation work losing species and habitats at an unprec- through our Muck in4life campaign. edented rate as a result of human activi- Volunteering is critical to the success- ties. It is urgent that we turn this around. ful delivery of many of the objectives of Part of the challenge we face is to our national biodiversity strategy. Muck spread the word to people on just how im- in4life is an exciting, innovative campaign portant biodiversity loss is to all of us. We which aims to enthuse the public about need people to better understand what biodiversity by increasing the number and biodiversity does for them and just how diversity of citizens involved in conser- serious the consequences are of failing to vation volunteering, while also increas- halt the loss of biodiversity and degrada- ing awareness that being active outdoors, tion of ecosystems. Greater understand- whether in urban green spaces or the nat- ing of this will help us all place greater ural environment, has physical and men- value on the world’s natural capital. tal health bene ts. That is why the International Year of Through the campaign, we are en- Biodiversity is so important. As well as couraging families and community-based the focus on the Convention on Biological groups to undertake a range of outdoor Diversity conference in the autumn of A waterfall at the Asa Wright Nature Centre volunteering activities to protect precious (Photo courtesy the Tourism Development Company 2010, the designation of 2010 as the Limited of Trinidad and Tobago) wildlife (ranging from monitoring species International Year of Biodiversity gives to scrub and path clearing and creating us a real opportunity to leave a legacy get involved and make a difference. new habitats), encouraging people to en- of a greater public understanding of the The partnership will include many or- joy the outdoors while at the same time profound importance of our natural world. ganizations that focus on biodiversity helping their local community. We are The Convention has called on national conservation as a part of their core busi- working with over 40 national and local governments to take action to mark the ness. But it will also include other orga- partner organizations that provide volun- year, to communicate to different target nizations keen to be involved because of teering opportunities. audiences the value of biodiversity and to the International Year and because they The main message is about having motivate them to conserve it, and to pro- see the importance of preserving our nat- fun, being healthy, and taking part in free mote sustainable use practices. ural heritage for future generations. For environmental activities for all the families In the UK, we are establishing a wide example, museums, universities, art and that help conserve and enhance our wild- partnership for 2010 to promote the im- cultural organizations are all engaged. life. The campaign is using a multi-media portance of biodiversity to the British pub- This will help give us a wider reach and approach and innovative, engaging com- lic, explaining why it is so important that have a greater public impact. We hope munications to provide accessible infor- we halt biodiversity loss and encouraging to be able to achieve much more work- mation for our target audience about how them to get involved to make a contribu- ing together than separately. they can get involved in a local level. tion. So far over 200 organisations — and For us in government, we are looking 2010 will be a crucial year for biodi- rising — are involved. We will be working to play our part, too. We have already versity. Let us make sure we face up to with the Convention’s excellent branding provided funds to support his UK part- this challenge, and take the opportunity materials under the slogan, ‘Biodiversity nership, ‘Biodiversity is life’, and we are to spread the message of just how im- is life’, to celebrate successes and point underway on a whole range of initiatives. portant safeguarding the world’s biodi- the way forward, including how we can all For example, we are encouraging the versity is.

The International Year of Biodiversity 15 Mah Bow Tan, National Development Minister, Republic of Singapore Balancing Economic Development and Biodiversity Conservation: The Singapore Story

forest, freshwater swamps, mangroves, conservation need not contradict. In fact, rocky shores, grasslands, and freshwa- the two can reinforce each other. Our ter streams. These reserves play impor- green environment has a direct and pos- tant conservation roles, even beyond itive effect on our high quality of life and he mission of the Convention of Singapore. The Sungei Buloh Wetland is a key factor that helps attract foreign Biological Diversity (CBD) is to re- Reserve, for instance, is on the East investors to Singapore. Economic growth T duce the global rate of biodiver- Asian-Australasian Flyway and is an im- also provides us with the wherewithal to sity loss. This becomes more critical every portant stopover point for migratory birds embark on important biodiversity conser- year as the losses mount and develop- from as far as Siberia. vation projects. ment pressures become more acute. Complementing our biodiversity assets is an island-wide network of parks, park Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity Balancing Economic Development connectors, streetscape and waterfront and Biodiversity greenery, resulting in a green cover over The year 2008 was a signi cant land- At the heart of the CBD’s mission is almost 50% of our island-state. We are mark year in human history. For the rst the perennial question: how do we bal- now transforming Singapore into a City time, we have more people living in cities ance economic development with biodi- of Gardens and Water, where our water than people in the rural areas. When CBD versity conservation? As a small island bodies and greenery are integrated to be- Executive Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, city-state with ve million people on 700 come havens for urban biodiversity. visited Singapore that year, he was pre- sq km, Singapore is acutely aware of the occupied with the question of how to get challenges underlying the need to achieve What we learnt cities more involved in his mission to re- this delicate balance. Since we gained Our experience has given us hope that duce the global rate of biodiversity loss. independence almost 50 years ago, our through careful planning, it is possible to We discussed the need for cities to share philosophy has been to plan for econom- strike a balance between economic de- and pool our knowledge, and to develop ic growth and to create the highest qual- velopment and biodiversity conservation. new approaches, methods and tools. He ity living environment for our people and Today, Singapore has established itself also called on Singapore to lend our re- our children. Land is a precious resource. as a vibrant economy and a choice des- sources and share our experience. We treasure it and nurture it. We adopt tination for global investors. At the same At the 9th Meeting of the Conference a long-term and integrated approach in time, we have recorded over 2000 native of the Parties to the CBD, I proposed that planning its use. We pay attention to the plant species, 98 reptile species, over Singapore work with the CBD to devel- natural environment and protect our nat- 350 bird species, more than 280 but- op a self-assessment tool to assist cities ural heritage. ter y species, and nearly 120 dragon y in benchmarking their biodiversity con- Despite being land-scarce and fac- species. Despite being one of the bus- servation efforts over time. I am pleased ing competing needs for econom- iest ports in the world, our waters har- that Singapore’s proposal was well-ac- ic growth, we have set aside close to bour around 250 species of hard coral cepted. Such a tool has now been devel- 10% of our land for parks and nature re- (over 30% of the global total of 800 hard oped with the help of several internation- serves. To ensure that our native biodiver- coral species), and more than half of the al technical experts in diverse elds. The sity is conserved in a lush urban setting, sea-grass species that are found in the Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity, we have put in place a hierarchy of na- Indo-Paci c Region. More surprisingly, as it is now called, comprises 25 indica- ture conservation areas. The four Nature we are still discovering new species in tors that benchmark three areas: a) Native Reserves, namely Bukit Timah, Central Singapore. In 2007, Patrick Grooetaert, Biodiversity in the City; b) the Ecosystem Catchment, Sungei Buloh Wetland and a Belgian entomologist, discovered over Services Provided by Native Biodiversity Labrador Nature Reserves, are protect- 150 new species of the long-legged ies, in the City; and c) Governance and ed by law. They cover more than 4.5% Dolichopodidae, in Singapore. Management of Native Biodiversity in the of Singapore’s land area and represent Our experience has taught us that City. The index is currently being tested in the key ecosystems like primary lowland economic development and biodiversity several cities. I hope it will be endorsed at

16 Gincana 7 Troels Lund Poulsen, Minister for the Environment, Denmark the 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD in Nagoya in October Biodiversity and 2010. It is my hope that the Index will help like-minded cities collaborate and share best practices on conserving biodiversity Ecosystems are Vital in the urban environment. for Climate Change Future Challenges For a small country like Singapore, Mitigation juggling competing needs for resources is a constant challenge. There is always the temptation to succumb to short-term iodiversity and ecosystems play a This is worrying as biodiversity and needs and expedient solutions at the ex- key role in climate regulation and in ecosystems are the foundations of agri- pense of our natural heritage. But for our B the efforts for mitigating the nega- culture, forestry and sheries and provide long-term viability, a deep commitment to tive consequences of climate change. In the raw materials for industry, medicine, sustainable development is not a choice fact, healthy ecosystems and a rich bio- trade and tourism. Furthermore, natural but a necessity. Last year, as part of this diversity is vital for sustaining global civili- ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, commitment, we formulated our National sation as we know it today, and healthy grasslands and marine areas, provide vi- Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out to a) conserve and enhance biodiversity at the genetic, species and ecosystems levels; b) ensure sus- “Reaching mutual beneﬁ ts and mitigating the negative tainable use of Singapore biodiversity re- affects of climate change require international sources; and c) ensure fair and equitable sharing of bene ts that result from the cooperation, knowledge and political will” use of our genetic resources. I will conclude by sharing a story about the Oriental Pied Hornbill. This big bird is a native species of Singapore ecosystems and a rich biodiversity are tal ecosystem services for our economies and the region, and had been extinct from therefore important to protect. and societies, e.g. water flows, water Singapore for many decades. Breeding For this reason, Denmark is committed quality, pollination, carbon sequestering, had not been recorded since 1855. But to halting the loss of biodiversity and to nutrient cycling, ood and wind control, in 1995, bird watchers began spotting the work focused, and through diverse chan- decontamination and soil formation. Oriental Pied Hornbill, which had own in- nels, to achieve the international goals on However, reaching the mutual bene- to Singapore from neighbouring forested biodiversity and on climate regulation. For ts and mitigating the negative effects of countries. The Oriental Pied Hornbill has this reason Denmark intends to strongly climate change require international co- bred in Singapore every year since 1997. support the coming negotiations on am- operation, knowledge and political will. By providing nest boxes set up in the wild bitious, realistic and measurable interna- The Danish government will work hard to to overcome a shortage of natural nesting tional goals on biodiversity and ecosys- achieve the common international goals. cavities, we have now helped to build up tem conservation. To that end, the Danish Government will, the resident population of Oriental Pied The decision to include measures to inter alia, in collaboration with a broad Hornbill to more than 50. This bird can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from range of intergovernmental organisa- now be seen at a wide spread of locali- deforestation and forest degradation, in tions on forest, biodiversity and the en- ties around the city. Whenever we need the negotiations for a post-2012 climate vironment in general, provide for a scien- a reason to explain why we need biodi- agreement under UNFCCC, offers new ti c update and international dialogue on versity in our city, we just need to look at and promising opportunities for climate relevant challenges and opportunities at how the hornbill stirs excitement among change mitigation and adaptation, as well task at Forest Day 3 in Copenhagen 13th our city folks whenever it makes an ap- as for improving a range of other valu- December 2009. This will take place along- pearance. There is in all of us, young and able ecosystem services and protecting side the 15th Conference of the Parties of old, a primordial appreciation of the won- biodiversity. the UN Framework Convention on Climate der and mystery of nature that this large Global changes in the climate are Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen. beautiful bird embodies. Success sto- taking place, and consequent impacts Denmark has a long tradition of nature ries like this encourage and reward us for on natural ecosystems, biodiversity and restoration, afforestation and sustainable making the effort to ensure the continued the services they provide for our econo- forest management and we would like to diversity of species in our living environ- mies and livelihoods have already been share our expertise and experience to the ment for our future generations. observed. bene t of all.

The International Year of Biodiversity 17 Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and Chair of the United Nations Development Group Sustainable Management Essential to Mitigate Biodiversity Loss

he sustainable management of bio- Second, UNDP works to strengthen diversity and ecosystem services is the management and economic bene ts T critical to achieving the Millennium derived from the World’s Protected Areas Development Goals and to combating and indigenous and community conser- poverty. Poor rural communities depend vation areas, which together cover an es- on biodiversity and ecosystem services timated 22% of the Earth’s surface. for health and nutrition, for crop and stock UNDP’s activities under these two pro- development, and as a safety net when grammes mesh upstream policy dialogue faced with climate variability and natural and support for institutional strength- disasters. Healthy ecosystems like for- ening, and efforts to raise environmen- ests and bogs contain massive carbon tal nance, with demonstration activities reservoirs and are vital to regulating the on-the-ground to showcase sound biodi- global climate. versity management approaches. In this Biodiversity loss threatens to increase way, policy dialogue is fertilised by ex- poverty and undermine development. As periences dealing with the real econom- the two main causes of biodiversity loss ic and social issues facing communities. are weak governance systems and market UNDP’s work seeks to ensure that de- failures, support to government authorities to address the governance and market failure requires the broad experience, ability to leverage, and trusted credibility “The UNDP seeks to ensure that developing countries have the of a neutral partner. The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) en- capacity to manage their biodiversity on a sustainable footing gagement in the business of biodiversity management is thus essential if biodiver- — and eventually without development assistance” sity loss is to be mitigated. UNDP’s biodiversity management work supports the four key results of mainstreaming environment into devel- veloping countries have the capacity to US$ 2 million in additional yearly nanc- opment, assisting developing countries to manage their biodiversity on a sustaining. The initiative has also led to new do- access nance to meet their environmen- able footing—and eventually without de- nor funding for parks, already amounting tal nance needs, assisting countries to velopment assistance. to over US$ 80 million and is expected adapt to the impacts of climate change, For example, in Namibia, a US$ 8.5 to create over 6,000 new jobs. It is worth and supporting local environmental action million GEF funded UNDP programme noting that local communities have a di- to buttress national policy reforms and is helping the Government optimise the rect stake in this through bene t sharing ensure their sustainability. economic bene t from its protected areas arrangements, and the overall capacity of These key results are implemented and ensure that they contribute to pov- the Government to manage the protected through two programmes financed by erty alleviation. An economic assessment areas has been strengthened. the Global Environment Facility, UNDP of the programme showed that protect- The extinction of a species or the resources, and programmes such as the ed areas contributed 6% of GDP in tour- degradation of an ecosystem leaves Dryland Development Centre and Equator ism alone, with a signi cant potential for the world a poorer place. As the Year Initiative. growth. Namibia’s Ministry of Environment of International Biodiversity approach- First, UNDP works to ensure that the and Tourism has used these ndings to es, we must redouble our efforts to cre- production practices employed by large, negotiate an increase in the State budget ate an environment which prevents this small and medium enterprises in major for Park Management by 310% in the last from happening. economic sectors such as forestry, agri- four years. Twenty ve per cent of the en- culture, sheries, mining and tourism are trance revenue has been earmarked for For additional information on UNDP’s work compatible with biodiversity conservation reinvestment in the protected area sys- on biodiversity, go to www.undp.org/gef/05/ objectives. tem through a trust fund, providing up to portfolio/biodiversity.html

18 Gincana 7 Monique Barbut, Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer and Chairman, Global Environment Facility (GEF) A New Opportunity for the Planet

hen it comes to global environ- intertwined in the global commons. conserving forests, peatlands and soils is mental policy breakthroughs, First, under the UN framework, sever- central to keeping the planet’s fever under W great opportunities are few and al institutions have already joined forces control — the so-called REDD+ agenda. far between. The most recent one was the to highlight 2010 as the International Year Aggressively pushing the REDD+ agenda Copenhagen climate change conference, of Biodiversity. The Global Environment will translate into multiple bene ts: among but it is still too soon to predict what will Facility, for example, is working closely these are biodiversity conservation, emis- be unfolding from that process, which was with the CBD, UNESCO and others to ed- sions mitigation and job generation. attended by 119 heads of State. Yet one ucate and inspire opinion shapers about If emissions from deforestation and important lesson learned already is that the vital contribution biodiversity makes degradation are responsible for 15% of citizens of the world, be they rich or poor, to human health, economic development the total climate change problem, on the are demanding action on the part of pol- and local livelihoods. Such a concerted other side of the equation oceans capture icy makers to ensure a healthy planet for effort is unprecedented since the CBD 25% of our emissions every year. When future generations. was enacted in Rio in 1992, and with this you protect the oceans you also protect How do we move from words to ac- momentum much can be accomplished the planet: healthy seas and rivers mean tion? While many are not sanguine about over the next few months. secure food sources, safer water sup- short-term advances, there could be Second, climate change is a mere plies, and healthier living for the world’s some progress over the course of 2010, symptom of much larger problems for most vulnerable people. with the next real opportunity presenting our planet. A key reason we face rapidly Third, while adaptation measures to itself with the upcoming CBD COP10 in changing temperatures across hundreds climate change are starting to be put in Nagoya, Japan this October. of ecosystems is the poor, unsustain- place, people cannot readily adjust to There are several reasons why decision able management of biological diversity lack of shelter, water, food and produc- makers should look to Nagoya for building and natural resources. Recognizing this tive habitats. If and when we are able to greater consensus on global environmen- fact, if Copenhagen was successful on sustainably manage biodiversity and nat- tal challenges; Copenhagen reinforced any front, it was the consensus achieved ural resources, we will also have come a that biodiversity and climate change are between rich and poor countries that long way in turning the tide for climate change.

Tobago’s coral reefs are home to more than 300 species of South Atlantic coral and a variety of spectacular multicoloured sh. For these basic reasons I believe that (Photo courtesy the Tourism Development Company Limited of Trinidad and Tobago) the International Year of Biodiversity and the CBD COP 10 represent landmark opportunities to catalyze change. And as the world’s largest public environment fund the GEF is poised to deliver ef cient and targeted resources to help meet these growing environmental and economic challenges. As the financial mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the GEF has a strong comparative advantage because of its track record helping developing countries and countries with economies in transition meet Convention commitments while generating global environmental bene ts. The GEF’s biodiversity portfolio is the largest GEF focal area portfolio in terms of grant amounts provided, and accounts for about one-third of total GEF investment to developing countries and to those with economies in transition.

The International Year of Biodiversity 19 Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Since 1991, the GEF has invested about $2.8 billion in direct nancing and leveraged about $8 billion in co nancing Time to Decisively Deal for 964 projects that address the loss of globally signi cant biodiversity in more with Climate Change than 155 countries. Behind these numbers much has been accomplished — for example, GEF has been the driving force here is overwhelming scientif- to ensure 10% of the world’s terrestri- ic evidence, as shown in the al areas are conserved through support T Fourth Assessment Report of to the improved management and en- the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate hanced nancial sustainability of 2,302 Change (IPCC), that climate change Protected Areas spanning 634 million threatens economic growth and long-term hectares with at least 700 globally threat- prosperity as well as the very survival of ened species. the most vulnerable populations not least Yet, we and others need to do through a dramatic, and in many instanc- much more — and do it in a costeffec- es irreversible, loss of biodiversity. tive and ef cient way that re ects how IPCC projections indicate that if emis- climate change and biodiversity are sions continue to rise at their current pace interconnected. and are allowed to double from their pre- Contemplating the nancial needs of industrial level, the world will face an av- biodiversity, we are looking forward to a erage temperature rise of around 3°C robust GEF-5 replenishment necessary to this century. Up to 30% of plant and an- nance the way forward. imal species assessed so far are likely In many ways, the GEF-5 strategy is to be at increased risk of extinction if in- also already working towards building on creases in global average temperature the synergies between biodiversity, natu- exceed 2°C. If global average tempera- ral resources management and respons- ture increase exceeds about 3.5°C, modes to climate change, drawing on our role el projections suggest major extinctions as the nancial mechanism of the three around the globe. to enter into force before January 2013. Rio Conventions. The UN climate change process has The UN Climate Change Conference in Consistent with these goals, the GEF long since recognized the importance of Copenhagen this year will be the moment established a program in sustainable for- biodiversity and its services, its intrinsic in history when humanity has the oppor- est management in GEF-4 that will con- value and its value for mitigation and ad- tunity to rise to the challenge and deci- tinue in GEF-5. As part of this process the aptation-related action. In this context, a sively deal with climate change. GEF is also launching the Blue Forests number of organisations, including CBD, In the ongoing negotiations, issues re- Initiative bringing together resources from have made important contributions to related to biodiversity are being considered biodiversity and international waters to- ports, fora and meetings. Relevant work under agenda items relating to adaptation wards much more ambitious goals in the has been carried out under the Ad Hoc and forests under various bodies. protection and sustainable management Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on bio- The concept of CBD’s ecosystem ap- of the oceans. diversity and climate change. Information proach and related issues are also cur- COP 10 and the International Year of brochures on forestry and adaptation-re- rently being taken into account under Biodiversity provide the next opportuni- lated issues have been produced on the negotiations on the issue of adaptation, ty for the global community to express initiative of the Joint Liaison Group of the based on submissions by Parties and in- its political will to do more to reverse the Rio Conventions, and information and tergovernmental organisations for the loss of ecosystem services, including a experience exchanged in the context of Convention negotiating text. stable climate. The GEF is committed to UNFCCC’s REDD (Reducing Emissions At the UN Climate Change Conference, do its part during GEF-5 and build on the from Deforestation in Developing in December, in Copenhagen, Parties results we have achieved thus far. We Countries) web platform. will have before them the nal report of look forward to working with our country In 2007, in Bali, the 192 Parties of the AHTEG on biodiversity and climate partners and other stakeholders to ad- the UN Framework Convention on change. In the light of the ndings of the vance the collective cause of biodiver- Climate Change launched negotiations IPCC and of the AHTEG, an ambitious sity during this celebration that commem- on strengthened action against climate and effective Copenhagen deal could play orates that “biodiversity is our life”. This change. This negotiating process is to a signi cant role in protecting biodiversity is our time; we cannot afford a lost op- culminate in an ambitious agreed out- and preventing the worst projections of portunity. come at the end of 2009, which needs the IPCC from coming true.

20 Gincana 7 Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertiﬁ cation (UNCCD) On the Occasion of the International Year of Biodiversity: Enhancing Soils Anywhere Enhances Life Everywhere

aving emerged together from the Earth Summit in 1992, the Rio “Soil and biodiversity are part and parcel of the life sustaining cycle. H Conventions share common values, concerns and challenges toward sus- Therefore, enhancing soil anywhere, enhances soil everywhere” tainable and environmental development. We have demonstrated the strength of synergetic approaches to meet the broad Convention’s primary focus in observing regimes, which enhance the amount and objectives of our Conventions on various the International Year of Biodiversity. ef ciency of nutrient acquisition by the occasions. Biological diversity provides valu- vegetation and plant health. Thus, eco- At the same time, I cannot stress able services to dryland ecosystems. system diversity is critically linked to soil enough about the importance of syner- Conversely, biological diversity may be diversity. In this regard, soil conserva- getic approaches at the local and nation- adversely affected by deserti cation. For tion preserves the root for the diversity al levels. By bringing all stakeholders to- instance, soil cannot be conserved with- of life. gether for the implementation of these out vegetation, but vegetation growth al- The 10-Year Strategic Plan and Conventions in communities and coun- so depends on healthy soil. Framework for the implementation of the tries, we can generate signi cant local Soils contribute essential services for United Nations Convention to Combat and global bene ts including on pover- the sustainable functioning of all ecosys- Deserti cation (UNCCD) recognizes this ty alleviation, food security, water availa- tems, as habitats of micro-organisms that interdependence between biodiversity bility, energy conservation and deter war serves as the primary driving agents of and soil. By promoting sustainable land and con ict, to name a few. nutrient cycling, regulators of the dynam- management and combating deserti ca- The interdependence between biodi- ics of soil organic matter and converters tion/land degradation, the Strategy also versity and soil is one such aspect that of atmospheric carbon into soil organ- promotes the conservation and sustain- can yield multiple bene ts through syn- ic carbon. Micro-organisms also modi- able use of biodiversity, and the adapta- ergetic approaches, and serves as our fy the soils’ physical structure and water tion to and mitigation of climate change by land users. Ichkeul National Park, Tunisia (Photo courtesy World Heritage Centre) I am convinced that by promoting better soil and land management throughout the observance of the International Year of Biodiversity, we can enhance a relationship that achieves the main goals and objectives under each Rio Convention. The International Year of Biodiversity offers a unique opportunity to convey a strong message that soil and biodiversity are part and parcel of the life sustaining cycle. Therefore, enhancing soil anywhere enhances life everywhere. I congratulate the secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity for its tireless efforts towards such a noble cause. I am delighted to join you in celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity.

The International Year of Biodiversity 21 Francesco Bandarin, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre A Powerful Ally in the Protection of Biodiversity

he World Heritage Convention pro- Complex (Brazil) and the Belovezhskaya vides a framework within which the Pushcha / Białowieża Forest (Belarus and T world’s most outstanding natural Poland). and cultural heritage is systematically Taken as a whole, these biodiversity identi ed with the support of technical ex- sites represent the most rigorous global perts, and then formally recognized by the level in-situ conservation of vast assem- international community through the inter- blages of the planet’s biodiversity, cover- governmental World Heritage Committee. ing a total area of nearly 100 million hect- Once inscribed on the World Heritage List, ares—nearly twice the area of France. a rigorous monitoring process and an ac- Coordination with other biodiversity tive dialogue between the Convention’s conventions provides further value added Secretariat, national authorities and other to this network of World Heritage sites. partners ensures that conservation stan- In fact, noting the excellent cooperation dards are maintained. of these conventions through the mech- World Commission on Protected Area’s The Convention recognizes ten distinct anism of the Biodiversity Liaison Group, work plan for marine consevation, recent criteria under which a site may be inscri- the World Heritage Committee at its 33rd participation from the Ramsar Convention bed on the World Heritage List. Two of session recommended adopting a simi- Secretariat resulted in strengthened coo- these criteria focus on ecosystems and lar model for cooperation among conven- peration between these two site-based biodiversity (criteria ix and x), while a tions and programmes in the eld of cul- instruments. third focuses on natural phenomena (cri- tural heritage. The scienti c rigor and intergovern- teria vii), such as the Monarch Butter y The World Heritage Centre, which acts mental nature of the Convention’s pro- Biosphere Reserve (Mexico), which helps as the Secretariat to the Convention, has cesses has made it a favoured Corporate conserve the wintering grounds of the been providing input to CBD-led initia- Social Responsibility reference point with unique migratory population of monarch tives such as the Post-2010 Biodiversity the private sector. Shell International, butter ies. Indicator Development Process, the writ- the International Council on Mines and As of its 33rd session, held in Seville, ing of the Guide to Integrating Protected Metals, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Spain, in June 2009, the World Heritage Areas within Wider Landscapes and HSBC, TripAdvisor and the luxury watch Committee had inscribed 173 sites from Seascapes, and is actively contributing maker Jaeger LeCoultre, are examples of 66 countries on the list under criteria to various activities and events for the large private sector corporations that have supporting the conservation of biodiver- International Year on Biological Diversity. formally acknowledged the credibility of sity. Of these, ve are transboundary si- The CBD’s programme of work on pro- the World Heritage instrument through tes and 14 have also been added to the tected areas also serves as a guiding prin- various commitments and initiatives. List of World Heritage in Danger — a tool ciple for the work of the World Heritage As recognized in the Convention on of the World Heritage Convention desi- Centre, where focus on capacity-build- Biological Diversity’s Article 8, the fun- gned to elicit increased political, nancial, ing and management effectiveness as- damental requirement for the conserva- and international support for the conser- sessment is particularly noted. tion of biological diversity is the in-situ vation of a site facing particularly intrac- World Heritage sites provide a rea- conservation of ecosystems and natural table conservation challenges. dy-made network of intergovernmen- habitats. In this regard, the World Heritage World Heritage biodiversity sites range tally monitored sites in which such si- Convention is a powerful ally, not only in from the iconic, such as the Galápagos te-based CBD initiatives can be piloted. helping ensure the conservation of inter- Islands (Ecuador) and Komodo National The recent inscription of the Wadden Sea nationally recognized in-situ biodiversity Park (Indonesia) — both of which in- (Germany, Netherlands) also highlights a hot spots, but also in helping develop clude important marine components, complementary role with the Convention regional and national capacities in pro- Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and on Migratory Species, as this site, along tected area management overall. As the Yellowstone National Park (USA), to the with many such sites, was recognized as Secretariats from the various biodiversity equally rich, yet lesser known sites, such a critical breeding and wintering area for conventions continue to increase coordi- as the Rainforests of the Antsinanana up to 12 million birds per year, while sup- nation of their work, opportunities for fur- (Madagascar), the Uvs Nuur Basin porting more than 10% of the population ther consolidation of objectives and ac- (Mongolia and Russia), the over ve-mil- of 29 bird species. Similarly, in developing tivities are certain to result in more robust lion-hectare Central Amazon Conservation the World Heritage component of the and effective results on the ground.

22 Gincana 7 Julia Marton-Lefèvre, Director General, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) IUCN: Unconditional Support for Biodiversity Conservation

e are losing biodiversity at an alarming rate. The IUCN Red “As we celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity and prepare W List of Threatened Species™ and the Millennium Ecosystem Assess- to gather in Nagoya to give new and urgent impetus to conserving ment have documented declines in all biodiversity, IUCN is committed to achieving true traction in the ﬁ ght biomes and across all species. The 2008 IUCN Red List shows that nearly one against biodiversity loss” quarter of all mammals, one-eighth of birds and more than one-third of amphibi- ans worldwide are threatened with extinc- traditional knowledge, inno- tion. The gures are daunting. vations and practices. IUCN’s goals, addressing the extinc- IUCN’s Water and Nature tion crisis and maintaining ecosystem in- Initiative is undertaking tegrity, are the foundation of our work. ecosystem-based Water Through its extensive networks, IUCN Resource Management proj- disseminates knowledge on the status ects in river basins across of biodiversity and promotes conserva- the world, to help reduce tion action, empowering people to make poverty, through sustaining effective decisions and contribute to ecosystems and conserving change at all governance levels. freshwater biodiversity. IUCN contributes towards the The Gender Advisor and

CBD goals through the delivery of its Yellowhead, Makarora Valley, Otago Conservancy, New Zealand (Photo courtesy the Global Policy Unit are Programme, though the work of ex- Ministry for the Environment New Zealand/Ian Southy) leading pioneering work on pert Commissions, Members and Access and Bene t-Sharing Secretariat working together. For exam- IUCN’s Global Marine Programme is and gender — making visible women’s ple, the Species Programme and Species facilitating a global scienti c process with knowledge of biodiversity and calling for Survival Commission (SSC), together the CBD to reduce the rate of marine bio- participation of women in CBD decision- with some Members, produce the IUCN diversity loss in the remote open-ocean making processes. These efforts have Red List, which measures the status and and deep sea. The project will bring to- led to a Gender Plan of Action within the extinction risk of species. It is used to gether scienti c data, methods and tools Convention. identify site-scale conservation priorities to identify ecologically or biologically sig- Finally, IUCN is engaging the pri- such as protected areas and also mea- ni cant areas needing protection. vate sector in activities to improve their sures trends in biodiversity through the Our Ecosystem Management Pro- performance on biodiversity conserva- IUCN Red List Index. This shows that gramme and Commission are working tion through developing tools to inte- most species groups are declining. The with the CBD to support implementation grate biodiversity considerations in var- Index has been adopted as a key indi- of the Ecosystem Approach, providing ious sectors and by providing advice to cator for measuring progress towards guidance to Parties to help achieve the international companies on the most the CBD’s 2010 Target and Millennium 2010 Target. effective approaches for biodiversity Development Goal 7. IUCN’s Forest Conservation Pro- management. With human livelihoods dependent on gramme focuses on conserving biodi- As we celebrate the International Year species and biodiversity, IUCN is working versity in multi-use forests such as those of Biodiversity and prepare to gather in on sustainable use of wild living resourc- with industrial logging; it recently co-pub- Nagoya to give new and urgent impe- es. The SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist lished guidelines on this. It also works to tus to conserving biodiversity, IUCN is Group and TRAFFIC have developed the improve local peoples’ livelihoods while committed to achieving true traction in FairWild Standard to help ensure that promoting ecological management. the ght against biodiversity loss. We will wild medicinal plant products are pro- IUCN’s Social Policy Programme is continue to work on developing and syn- duced sustainably and ethically, con- contributing to the development of indi- thesizing knowledge and disseminating it tributing to the Global Strategy for Plant cators for assessing progress towards through our expanding networks for the Conservation. the 2010 Target relating to the status of bene t of both nature and people.

The International Year of Biodiversity 23 Tom Enders, President and CEO, Airbus The Biggest Thing we’ve helped Get off the Ground — Why Airbus Supports The Green Wave

n addition to pioneering greener ight, to slow biodiversity loss. Our job, then, is aircraft manufacturer Airbus is working to educate this new generation of cham- I in partnership with the United Nations pions. To encourage an informed, idealis- Environment Programme’s Convention on tic youth empowered to act, whose ener- Biological Diversity (CBD) to build aware- gy and commitment can keep the planet ness of the complexity of biodiversity and we know intact for future generations. its importance in developing a sustain- Here, the aviation industry can use its able future. global networks to help. And it has plen- If biodiversity is a good measure of the ty in common with the CBD. planet’s health, the latest prognosis does The CBD aims to conserve biodiver- not make comfortable reading. Science sity; encourage the sustainable use of its tells us that the alarming rate of biodi- components; and promote fair trade and versity loss — with species extinctions at the equitable sharing of the bene ts from 100–1000 times the natural rate — qual- the use of resources. While the aviation i es as the sixth extinction level event in industry is fully committed to tackling its the planet’s history. Only this time, man- two percent contribution to man-made kind is to blame. That it is our generation’s responsibility to do something about it is not for debate. In the shrinking tropical rainfor- “The younger generation — those whose future is directly at stake ests — a planetary lifebelt home to more than 50% of known species of all living — is crucial in any effort to slow biodiversity loss” organisms — another 137 species have today run out of time, taking with them a potential treasure trove of life-saving medicines. carbon emissions; contributes to trade, minimum environmental impact! Thirty per cent of species globally are investment, productivity and tourism; and So, for all of these reasons, Airbus is currently under threat because of human gives increasing numbers of people from backing The Green Wave — and we’re activities and climate change. More than developing nations access to opportuni- asking others in our industry to join us. a million of land-dwelling plants and ani- ties for sustainable social and economic Because in the International Year of mals could become extinct by 2050. And development. Biodiversity we want The Green Wave to as the balance of the global ecosystem is As the rst aeronautics company in the be as far reaching as possible. Because altered, the probability of environmental world to have earned ISO 14001 certi - growth in air travel need not be incon- refugees, uncertain food production, lack cation for its aircraft and its sites, Airbus sistent with creating a better environ- of water, increasing spread of disease and believes that the application of technol- ment. Because preserving diversity is growing social instability increase. ogy and a lifecycle approach will enable the key to preserving life on Earth. And Painting by numbers, it’s a very dif- us to both reduce the environmental im- because raising awareness among the ferent picture for our grandchildren. And pact of air transport and to widen the pool world’s children and youth today is an far from the blank canvas we would want of people who can enjoy the bene ts it investment in the educated citizens of them to inherit. brings. What’s more, as Airbus biomim- tomorrow. And so it is the younger genera- icry engineers will tell you, there is still a Between us, this could be the big- tion — those whose future is directly at lot more we can learn from nature about gest thing we’ve ever helped get off the stake — who will be crucial in any effort how to y with maximum ef ciency and ground.

24 Gincana 7 Anada Tiéga, Secretary General, Ramsar Convention Collaboration Essential for Addressing Biodiversity Loss

s the Convention on Biological Parties, Secretariats and Scientific & World Wetland Day, on 2 February each Diversity’s (CBD) lead imple- Technical Review Panel (STRP) speak year, celebrates the 1971 signing of the A mentation partner on wetlands strongly to CBD issues for implementa- Ramsar Convention. World Wetland Day’s since COP 3, the Ramsar Convention on tion. Some recent examples include: 2010 slogan of “Caring for Wetlands: Wetlands continues to play a major role an answer to climate change”, and its in supporting the world’s governments in • Designation of further Ramsar sites theme of “wetland, biodiversity, and cli- their implementation of the objectives of (Wetlands of International Importance): mate change,” speak not only to the vi- both our Conventions, providing a wide With the Ramsar List now totalling 1871 tal issues of managing wetlands for cli- range of policy advice, guidance, and sites covering over 84 million hectares, mate mitigation and adaptation, but also support for on-the-ground implemen- it is a major contribution to implement- make a Ramsar contribution to celebrat- tation activities — work which is deliv- ing the CBD programme of work on ing the International Year of Biodiversity ered under the CBD/Ramsar Joint Work protected areas during 2010, with advice on maintaining Plan. The many achievements from the • Climate change,: Joint work by CBD wetland ecosystem services if we are to Conventions’ close collaboration provide and the Ramsar STRP on addressing have any chance of success in reducing a model for how such multilateral environ- water, wetlands, biodiversity and cli- rates of biodiversity loss. mental agreement synergies can be de- mate change, and recent work through Addressing biodiversity loss cannot livered effectively. The key to achieving both CBD and Ramsar’s objectives lies in the usage of “The key to achieving both the CBD and Ramsar’s objectives lies in water, and in improving the world’s management of water through maintaining the usage of water, and in improving the world’s management of and restoring the natural infrastructure of the network of wetlands interlacing all water through maintaining and restoring the natural infrastructure our ecosystems. The Intergovernmental of the network of wetlands interlacing all our ecosystems” Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tells us that we will feel the impacts of climate change through water — changes in where, when and how frequently it the Danone Fund for Nature, involving be done only by those directly respon- occurs, how much or little of it there is, the Danone Group, Ramsar and IUCN sible for national CBD and Ramsar im- and increased unpredictability of water in increasing understanding of the ma- plementation — much better cross-sec- for ecosystems and people — so water is jor importance of some coastal and in- toral understanding and collaboration is a key to ecosystem-based adaptation to land wetlands (notably mangroves, salt essential. To that end, the “Changwon the changing climate. Wetlands are em- marshes and forested peatlands) in car- Declaration on wetlands and human bedded in all ecosystems, whether they bon sequestration and storage well-being” adopted at Ramsar COP10 are mountain, island, forest, marine and • The STRP’s work on ecological indica- provides a powerful message from the coastal, agricultural or inland waters — tors for assessing the effectiveness of governments of the world to other sec- and hence implementation of the Ramsar Ramsar implementation, which is in- tors — that the sustainability and suc- Convention speaks to the delivery of all forming the assessment of achieve- cess of their businesses in the future CBD’s ecosystem programmes of work ments towards the 2010 biodiversity will critically depend on maintaining as well as other CBD programmes and target, has also made a contribution the natural infrastructure which delivers issues such as protected areas and cli- to the in-depth review of the CBD pro- their water and other ecosystem servic- mate change. Yet the cross-cutting role of gramme of work on inland water’s bi- es. Ramsar is committed to continuing water for ecosystems has so far received ological diversity to be considered by and strengthening its partnership with scant attention in CBD debates and pro- SBSTTA14 and COP10. This work al- CBD, and we also need a future of much grammes — this urgently needs redress- so demonstrates that CBD and Ramsar strengthened multilateral collaboration ing at the CBD’s SBSTTA-14 and COP national reporting processes are already amongst all MEAs, particularly to help 10 meetings. complementary and can be utilised to countries respond to the outcomes of Practically, a considerable number of inform implementation assessment for the December 2009 Copenhagen climate implementation activities by Ramsar’s both our Conventions. negotiations.

The International Year of Biodiversity 25 Liz Dowdeswell, Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme In a State of Becoming

he designation of 2010 as the systems is a dangerous game. Yet we International Year of Biodiversity do not seem to understand how to avoid T is an opportunity we should not a collision between growing ecological squander. Our celebrations of progress pressures, signi cant challenges to social and re ections about the past must be cohesion and economic expansion the impetus for discipline and urgen- But we are starting to connect the cy in fully implementing the Convention dots. Biodiversity is very much a mat- on Biological Diversity and its Biosafety ter of interest for sectors as diverse as process worthy of the importance of Protocol. agriculture, health and industry. The im- these issues. In the late 80s we faced mounting ev- pacts of climate change are already being Gradually a rm foundation has been idence that the environmental web that observed — coral bleaching, inability of built, an agenda set, and shared respon- sustains all life was unraveling — species certain species to adapt, shifts in habitat, sibility is becoming the norm. But — pa- and their habitats were disappearing at melting of glaciers and a changing Arctic ralysis in implementation remains a wor- an alarming pace. landscape. And we are being reminded of ry. How do we move from the conceptual, The international community mobi- the other side of the picture -that biodi- from the domination of procedural and lized to negotiate a legally binding trea- versity resources can reduce impacts of political considerations to real action? ty to help reverse this loss. It was noth- climate change, reducing the amount of There continue to be some unresolved ing less than a Convention about life on CO2 from deforestation, by strengthening thorny questions: Is there a real commit- Earth. the resilience of ecosystems. ment on the part of the developed world? This treaty signed by an overwhelm- In parallel, scienti c and technologi- How do we guarantee access to genetic ing majority of countries at the United cal developments are bringing new chal- resources and bene t sharing? How does Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 asked all countries to make an investment in our collective futures. Recognizing multiple threats, it “Raising awareness and linking the work of our scientists to placed the conservation of biodiversity within the context of sustainable devel- citizens and decision-makers is crucial” opment, recognizing simultaneously wise management of global biodiversity and development objectives. It articulated an ethical imperative of the fair and equal lenges. How do we acknowledge the pre- a global partnership actually accommo- sharing of bene ts — a search for mutual cautionary principle while we seek the date the view that biotic wealth is the sov- reliance and solidarity. bene ts of fast-paced biotechnology dis- ereign property of nations? How do we Today the threats are ever more obvi- coveries for improving health and stimu- place an economic value on biodiversity? ous. All signs point to a future of instability lating the economy? How do we achieve What do we mean by sustainable use? By and surprise. The widening gap between the aspirations of developing countries what means can a static legal instrument rich and poor, overcrowded cities, the infor genuine sustainable development? respond to the complexity and dynamic creasing frequency of extreme weather How do we ensure that the interest of pace of biotechnology? events, a rise in fundamentalism, resur- the global commons is front and centre If we want to maintain momentum and gence of infectious diseases, pressures of in a messy, volatile, complex and inter- give real vitality and practical expression human migration and cultural, social and connected world? to the Convention on Biological Diversity, political upheavals form a short list. With its capacity to re-create na- there are several issues that require our Notwithstanding the farsighted work of ture and even change what it means to attention. scientists to address gaps in our knowl- be human, science is now confronting They all relate to governance — how edge, the persistence and dedication of us with moral dilemmas and profound we make decisions (the processes, poli- non-governmental organizations and the choices that will require even deep- cies and institutions). passionate leadership of certain countries er global dialogue and greater system- First, we have built a system of institu- and individuals, it is clear that our work ic thinking than we have ever achieved. tions and governance that is rigid. It does is in its infancy. At the same time, we have an oppor- not allow us to deal effectively with the We know now more than ever that tunity to put the politics of polarization pace of change. We are coming to realize tampering with the earth’s life-support aside and be architects of a participatory that our challenges will not be met with

26 Gincana 7 Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Secretariat traditional entrenched modes of thinking. Fresh and innovative perceptions need to be brought to bear. Preventing a genom- CBD — Strength in ics divide or responding to profound in- equities and questions of ethics call up- (Bio-) Diversity on different skills and approaches. Agility and responsiveness need to be designed into our institutional structures just at the t was evident almost from the start that The Executive Secretaries of CMS time when so many of them are going the Conventions on biodiversity (CBD) and CBD signed a Memorandum of through a mid-life crisis. I and migratory species (CMS), since they Cooperation in 1996, committing their or- Our governance systems must pro- both belong to the same UNEP biodiver- ganisations to institutional collaboration, mote greater mutual understanding and sity stable, would develop a modus ope- according each other observer status at tolerance in recognition of an interdepen- randi in their dealings with each other. Conferences of the Parties and subsidiary dence that has been empowered by new In the complex spectrum of interna- bodies; the exchange of experience and information technologies. As we better tional environmental law, there are al- information; co-ordination of Programmes understand concepts of ecological resil- most inevitably overlaps and danger of of Work; and joint conservation action. ience and adaptive management we will duplication, frustration and waste. These The Memorandum bore fruit with the con- need the social exibility to cope, inno- dangers have nonetheless created op- clusion of the rst joint work programme vate and adapt. portunities for joining forces and adopt- (2002-2005) covering areas such as the Secondly, biodiversity is a term not yet ing multifaceted approaches to solving marine and coastal environment, forests, well understood by our citizens. Yes, we problems. CBD and CMS were provided agriculture, dry and sub-humid lands, can conjure up examples of endangered with the opportunity to embark on con- alien species and information exchange and exotic species or safaris and vaca- tions in tropical forests. But there is in- complete recognition of our total dependence on the critical interactions between “The tasks we are assigned — to secure a sustainable future for the genes, species and habitats. And as the planet — can be daunting, but challenges are there to be overcome” world becomes increasingly urban, recognition of new stakeholders in cities will have an important role to play in healthy ecosystems. structive dialogue on how to collaborate between Secretariats, subsidiary bodies One of the real threats to implementa- on issues of mutual interest, which they and National Focal Points. tion of the Convention is the lack of ev- seized eagerly, without any sense of jeal- In May 2000, CMS commissioned a ident public support and consequently ousy, envy or rivalry. report to examine the complementarities no sense of urgency that demands con- CMS, negotiated in 1979, had a head between the Convention on Migratory certed political attention. The biodiversity start over CBD. However, CBD, despite Species and the Convention on Biological convention is dependent upon national being CMS’s junior by over ten years, had Diversity. The report was in part a re- implementation and all governments will the advantage of being born of the Rio sponse to Decision III/21 and aimed to need to reinforce a culture of responsibil- Earth Summit. Rio is an iconic event in the explain the importance of migratory spe- ity among their citizenry. annals of the history of international envi- cies in biodiversity conservation and ef- Raising awareness and linking the ronmental governance and has eclipsed forts to promote and encourage sustain- work of our scientists to citizens and de- its precursor, the UN Conference on the able use. It demonstrated how CMS (and cision-makers is crucial. Human Environment held in Stockholm in its instruments — the Agreements and And so as this year of recognition be- 1972. But it should not be forgotten that Memoranda of Understanding) support- gins, we are in a state of becoming. The Stockholm sowed the seeds from which ed CBD’s implementation, and highlight- impact of the trends we observe can be CMS and indeed its parent organisation, ed the potential for synergies between the moderated with a shared vision and pur- UNEP, both sprang. two Conventions. poseful and sustained action. Surely our While CBD may be the flagship of Fears that CMS would wither and be mutual vulnerability is becoming more UNEP’s biodiversity eet, CMS has prov- considered super uous following the en- poignant, more politically irresistible. The en its tactical worth. As early as COP 3, try into force of CBD in December 1993 avoidance of a diminished future must fu- held in November 1996, CBD Parties were unfounded as membership of CMS el our dynamism. adopted Decision III/21, calling on their has trebled since then. CBD’s 193 Parties What issue could be more fundamen- Secretariat to evaluate how the imple- include the vast majority of CMS’s 112 tal than to preserve the integrity of the mentation of CMS could complement countries (but one should also not for- complex web upon which we depend for the implementation of the Convention get the thirty-two countries, which al- survival? on Biological Diversity. though not Parties to the Convention

The International Year of Biodiversity 27 Gerald Dick, Executive Director, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

itself, participate in CMS’s regional sev- en Agreements and seventeen MOUs.) Zoos and Aquariums Decision VI/20 adopted by the CBD COP6 in 2002 further cemented the relationship between the two Conventions, and CBD: A Novel with formal recognition of CMS as CBD’s lead partner in the conservation and sus- Partnership? tainable use of migratory species over their entire range. It also recognized that CMS provides an international legal he international community of zo- eld projects is unique and places zoos framework through which Range States ological gardens and aquariums, and aquariums amongst the leading and can cooperate on issues relating to mi- T which numbers about 1300 insti- biggest conservation organisations. The gratory species. tutions, hosts a minimum of 600 million recent publication ‘Building a Future for Bilateral ties are underpinned further visitors annually and focuses on conser- Wildlife’ highlights 25 of the most suc- through both Conventions being mem- vation and education. By conveying the cessful conservation projects in which bers of the multilateral structure of the conservation message, and via education zoos and aquariums take a leading role. Liaison Group of Biodiversity-related programmes and public awareness work, These projects range from South America Conventions or Biodiversity Liaison Group zoos and aquariums serve as biodiver- to Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania and (BLG), which also includes CITES, the sity embassies and conservation centres. deal with creatures from snails to gorillas. Ramsar Convention, the World Heritage Being located on all conti- They range from the rein- Convention and the International Treaty nents and united by WAZA, troduction of threatened on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and the World Association of species to local commu- Agriculture. Zoos and Aquariums, our nity work. All projects are The UN General Assembly has de- members are best placed carried out in partnerships, cided that 2010 should be declared to explain what biodiver- with other zoos and aquar- “International Year of Biodiversity” (IYB). sity is and to get people directly involved iums, other conservation NGOs, govern- The year 2010 is singularly appropriate in conservation action. ments or local communities. The common because in 2002 the Parties to the CBD During 2009, the UN Year of the focus is to improve the status of threat- set the ambitious target of achieving by Gorilla, zoos not only promoted the con- ened species and habitats and support 2010 a signi cant reduction in the current servation of these human relatives and people in their endeavour to achieve sus- rate of biodiversity loss at the global, re- their habitats in various ways, but also tainable living. The increasingly precar- gional and national level as a contribution collected used mobile phones in order ious situation of nature and the human to poverty alleviation and to the bene t to reduce the demand for coltan, which dependence on natural resources make it of all life on Earth. CMS, having declared is mined in gorilla habitats. The combi- imperative to engage in partnerships and 2006 to be “Year of the Turtle”, 2007 and nation of the WAZA member institutions, work together. There is no one organisa-

2008 both “Years of the Dolphin” and 2009 linking direct contact with people, and the tion which can turn the steering wheel in (Photo courtesy of Gerald Dick/WAZA) “Year of the Gorilla”, will be supporting CBD in celebrating 2010 as International Year of Biodiversity, and will contribute its accumulated experience of running a sustained campaign with awareness raising and conservation elements. Working for the UN can be demanding and even dangerous; sometimes hectic, rarely dull; often challenging but usually ultimately rewarding. We have the opportunity to experience other cul- tures in a cosmopolitan milieu; and the privilege of working with dedicated and learned colleagues. The tasks we are assigned — in the biodiversity eld to secure a sustainable future for the planet — can be daunting, but after all challenges are there to be overcome. Together, we should succeed in our conservation ambitions.

28 Gincana 7 Douglas and Kristine Tompkins

terms of biodiversity loss; if there is to be a real chance of sustained improvement, forces have to be joined. Putting Through its strategic guidance, WAZA has established partnerships with the in- Nature First ternational conservation community. WAZA members are committed to a code of ethics and animal welfare and also to t is painfully clear that the current glob- us into the current mess. international strategies such as the world al extinction crisis is deepening. Every For us, it is impossible to imagine the zoo and aquarium conservation strate- Ireader of this publication will be famil- needed societal changes without a deep gy, the global aquarium strategy for con- iar with the litany of grim statistics about systemic critique of globalized industrial servation and sustainability (‘turning the biodiversity loss, deforestation, unraveling growth capitalism, and a signi cant re- tide’) and the WAZA vision and corpo- ecosystems on land and in the oceans, duction in human population numbers— rate strategy. In implementing these strat- and the prospect for climate change to achieved humanely and voluntarily, but egies, WAZA has established working re- amplify these trends caused by a bur- quickly. Simply too much of the planet is lationships with IZE (International Zoo geoning humanity’s destruction of nat- dominated by destructive economic ac- Educators), IUCN, CMS, Ramsar and ural habitat and overexploitation of wild tivity, and population growth is continu- CBD. As we share a common goal, the creatures. ing at a ferocious pace. Is this desirable? conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, the partnership with CBD may be a novel one, but a consequential step “If we limit our conservation arguments to human-centred concerns, forward in using synergies and improving impact. Now in its seventy- fth year of we reinforce the same anthropocentric worldview that has gotten existence, it is the most appropriate and rewarding way in which WAZA can visibly us into the current mess” support the UN Year of Biodiversity 2010 as an of cial partner by amplifying conservation and education work, accompa- The extinction crisis is arguably the What pressing problems, ecological or nied by public awareness-raising. biggest story of the last 65 million years, social, will be easier to solve by adding Increasingly, the WAZA communi- but you wouldn’t know it from watching 80 million additional human beings on the ty is also being confronted with the cli- the news. No mass movement of citizens planet this year? mate change and sustainability agenda, has risen up to demand action, and na- Human-caused extinctions are the ulti- not only in terms of the institutions them- tional governments have demonstrated mate marker, the measure of whether our selves, but as part of international pol- little capacity to implement sustained, ef- cultural, economic, and religious frame- icy. The directors and the senior man- fective policies to restore and protect bio- works are correct. The current trends to-

(Photo courtesy of Gerald Dick/WAZA) agement of the world’s leading zoos and diversity. Conservation groups around the ward social and ecological collapse are aquariums therefore sent an urgent mes- globe are doing heroic work to preserve stark re ections of a failed philosophical sage to world leaders at the Copenhagen wildlife and wild habitats, but nongov- and economic paradigm. To save the full COP 15 UN climate change conference, ernmental organizations are underfund- diversity of life, it will take more than small stressing the extreme gravity of the cli- ed and inadequately powerful relative to changes, more than tinkering around the mate change threat to wildlife and nat- the magnitude of the problem. edge of a fundamentally broken system. ural systems. They called for an agree- Moreover, it is frustrating to see how It will take all the current tools in the con- ment to reduce atmospheric CO to the biodiversity-related communications, servation toolbox but also a dramatically safe level of <350 ppm, which is the on- both from public agencies and advocacy different worldview, a shift from the mod- ly way to give the international conserva- groups, almost always emphasizes the ern, western point of view that sees our tion community a real chance to manage needs of people, not the intrinsic right species as the Lord over creation, and to- the negative effects of climate change on of wild places and creatures to exist for ward our rightful place as a “plain mem- the natural world. their own sake. Yes, human welfare is in- ber and citizen” of the land community, to WAZA will continue to work with part- extricably tied to the health of the natu- borrow Aldo Leopold’s phrase. ners and other stakeholders in their ef- ral world. Yes, protecting biodiversity is Since leaving the business world and forts to meet biodiversity targets, focus- crucial to sustainable human economies. moving to South America two decades ing in 2010 on encouraging conservation Yes, it is useful to communicate the val- ago, we have devoted all of our energies, implementation by telling success stories ue of ecosystem services, but if we lim- and the bulk of our personal wealth, to and providing best practice examples. it our conservation arguments to human- vigorous advocacy for wild nature, and centered concerns, we reinforce the same helping create new protected areas. For details see www.waza.org anthropocentric worldview that has gotten Thus far, through foundations and public

The International Year of Biodiversity 29 charities that we endowed and manage, imperative and also a social responsi- world. If the ten thousand richest families we’ve purchased more than two million bility. Buying land for conservation, and on Earth devoted the lion’s share of their acres and created national parks in Chile with the objective to own that land for a personal wealth to buy land and create and Argentina. These natural areas offer relatively short period of time, restore it protected areas for biodiversity to our- beauty, recreation, and associated eco- if necessary, and then repatriate it from ish, it would change the world overnight. nomic development, but our primary goal the private sector to the public sector is, A wildlands philanthropy movement on is restoring and protecting biodiversity. in our minds, one of the most noble ef- that scale wouldn’t eliminate the need for Because of their value to national pride forts anyone can make. It has brought tre- effective governmental action and an eth- and unsurpassed endurance as a con- mendous personal satisfaction to us to ical revolution in humanity’s relation to- servation tool, we generally favor nation- have conserved so much land already, ward the living Earth, but it would go a al parks as the ultimate type of protect- and we are working hard to create the fu- long way toward slowing the current ex- ed area. ture Patagonia National Park in the Aysen tinction crisis. The tradition of private individuals Region of Chile, as well as other new pro- Above all we believe that nature comes and land trusts buying private proper- tected areas. rst, that we are bound ethically to share ty and setting it aside for parks and re- The nominal holding of land titles ei- the planet with other creatures. In all of serves stretches back more than a cen- ther personally or through our foundations our land conservation work—both park- tury, and we are proud to continue it. We is for such a short period in geologic time land and agricultural properties, we strive have complemented our parkland cre- as to be nothing more than a wink of an to embody ecocentric, not anthropcentric ation efforts with agricultural restoration eye. If these lands can be preserved as values. Paraphrasing the great conserva- projects, creating organic farms that mod- wild sanctuaries where evolution is al- tionist David Brower, and endorsing his el innovative practices. lowed to continue or to resume, then that sentiment, we believe that there will be We believe that every landowner, and eeting moment in time will have been no social justice, no “development” (sus- especially individuals who hold large seen in historical perspective as having tainable or otherwise), no arts and enter- amounts of private property, should have been very important. tainment, no democracy or gender equal- a personal land ethic. Protecting addi- We are but one couple of conserva- ity, and no society or culture on a dead tional conservation land is an ecological tion-minded citizens who love the wild planet.

Randal Keynes, The Charles Darwin Trust Biodiversity — The Origin of Species and the Crisis We Now Face

ne hundred and fty years ago diversity of life, on ecological relations, on to biodiversity. He had suggested earlier Darwin gave us The Origin of the critical importance of ecosystem ser- how the differences were developed by O Species. He explained how all vices and on the need for public under- a natural process, his ‘principle of diver- living organisms struggle, thrive and fail standing, we’re working on from the start gence’, to create the extraordinary mesh- in their unceasing interactions with each Darwin made. ing together. We now see how the power other, and how they generate new species Darwin ended The Origin of Species and resilience of the web of life depends through the process of natural selection. with his vision of an entangled bank teem- on its diversity. Through this last year people around the ing with plants, insects, animals and birds Since the discussion on biodiversity world have been re ecting on his ideas. that make it their home. He suggested we started after Rio, it has evolved. One ma- We’ve seen how his theory has grown could re ect on how ‘these elaborately turing theme is the emphasis on ecolog- stronger and stronger as science has de- constructed forms, so different from each ical relations. Darwin was thinking about veloped since his time. The discussion other and dependent on each other in so them carefully from the outset. He wrote the Convention on Biological Diversity is complex a manner, have all been pro- about their ‘in nite complexity causing an now leading about the biodiversity cri- duced by laws acting around us’. In writ- in nite diversity in structure, constitution sis echoes The Origin of Species again ing about ‘these forms, so different from and habits’. He stressed again and again and again. In focusing as we are on the each other’, Darwin was pointing straight our deep ignorance of the mutual relations

30 Gincana 7 turf-covered) expanse has passed, and will again pass, every few years through the bodies of worms. The plough is one of the most ancient and most valuable of man’s inventions; but long before he existed the land was in fact regularly ploughed, and still continues to be thus ploughed by earth-worms. It may be doubted whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world, as have these lowly organised creatures.’ An imaginative insight, and an example for us all today of how to understand and value apparently insigni cant elements Six-spot Burnet moth, Zygaena lipendulae, with orchid pollen-masses on its proboscis pollinating a Common Spotted-orchid, in natural life. Dactylorhiza fuchsii, on Darwin’s ‘Orchis Bank’, Downe Bank in Kent, Britain (Grant Hazlehurst), (Photo courtesy Randal Keynes) One group of problems that we face Darwin studied Common Spotted-orchids in an area of chalk grassland near his home in Kent which he called Orchis Bank. He found out how the orchids were cross-fertilised by moths that fed on them. Darwin almost certainly had the plants and insects now is linked with some weaknesses in of Orchis Bank in mind when he described an entangled bank and its wildlife in the last paragraph of The Origin of Species, his great tribute to biodiversity and one of the most famous and inspiring passages in all science writing. Orchis Bank is now our overall understanding of human de- part of Kent Wildlife Trust’s Downe Bank Nature Reserve and the Common Spotted-orchids still thrive there today together with eight other orchid species, their pollinators like the Burnet moth and the many other plants and insects that depend on them in pendence on natural life. Scientists are the ways Darwin had in mind. uncertain about some key factors because the processes are so complex and of all the beings which live around us in Darwin spotted a link between the cold the investigation is so dif cult. The gener- what he called ‘the great and complex forests of seaweed and the land forests al public do not understand because the battle of life’. And yet, he wrote in one he had explored ‘in the most teeming part factors have not been explained clear- key passage, ‘these relations are of the of the tropics’. ‘On shaking the great en- ly to them, and governments and other highest importance, for they determine tangled roots (of kelp) it is curious to see bodies do not act because they aren’t the present welfare, and, as I believe, the the heap of sh, shells, crabs, sea-eggs, pressed to. future success and modi cation of every cuttle sh, star sh, Planariae, Nereidae Darwin pioneered eld research into

“Darwin would have been shocked that humans have destroyed so much so quickly but he wouldn’t yield to despair. He’d urge us to press on with the most penetrating investigations we can undertake to throw light on the workings of resilient and failing ecosystems, and to work out effective solutions to each major problem” inhabitant of this world.’ (The Origin of which fall out.’ One single plant form is ecosystem functions with a series of ex- Species, Introduction.) an immense and most interesting me- periments to examine interactions be- Darwin had rst sensed the richness nagerie’ for marine life of all kinds. If this tween different organisms in the wild. He of a complex ecosystem in the Brazilian Fucus was to cease living, with it would emphasized how dif cult it is to recogn- forests he was able to explore on the go many’, eventually possibly the indig- ise and appreciate some aspects of the rst leg of the Beagle voyage. He quick- enous Fuegians who then lived on what struggle for existence, and he made rely recognised the value that single spe- they could catch from the rocks and their peated efforts in The Origin of Species cies could sometimes have for a whole boats. to make them clear to the widest possi- system, and later in the Southern Seas Later in his life Darwin drew attention ble audience. Scientists today have made he anticipated the idea of an ecosystem to another ecosystem service provided huge advances in eld investigation, but service in his grasp of the importance of by a single organism, this time a land we have not yet persuaded policy-mak- kelp, Fucus, for an ‘immense quantity creature hardly noticed by most peo- ers and action-takers to factor biodiver- and number of kinds’ of organic beings ple. He concluded his book about the sity concerns and needs into their de- that lived in the kelp forests in the inter- role of earthworms in soil formation, ‘It cisions as they should. We must follow tidal zone on the rocky coast of Tierra del is a marvellous re ection that the whole Darwin’s example by working hard to Fuego and islands in the South Atlantic. of the super cial mould over any (wide, convey the key points effectively to the

The International Year of Biodiversity 31 Carlos Beto Richa, Mayor of Curitiba, Brazil

widest audience we can reach with non- technical language, clear arguments and examples from common experience. Biodiversity and Alongside all his great insights, Darwin got one critical point bad- Sustainability ly wrong. When he was writing in the 1850s, no-one imagined that humanity might soon face a global crisis of hab- henever we set objectives to replaces a former federal highway) inte- itat destruction and species loss. He’d be reached, regardless of how grates regions of the city formerly sepa- seen human destruction of vegetation W tough they might be, they will rated by the highway and opens a new on islands in the Atlantic leading to ut- always be easier to accomplish if we de- economic development hub in an exten- ter sterility. He also noted in The Origin ploy the tools we are most familiar with, sive region previously doomed to stag- of Species how Cynara cardunculus, a without ever ignoring the ashes of cre- nation. The rst stage (10 km out of a to- thistle brought from Europe, had spread ativity driven by the forces of adversity. tal of 22 km) was concluded in late 2008 over whole tracts of Argentina, Chile and Conjugating expertise and inventive- and in March of this year, the Green Line Uruguay and made them quite impene- ness was Curitiba’s option to reach 2010, received the city’s sixth transportation ax- trable. But he believed that nature’s fer- the International Year of Biodiversity, with is, on which bio-fuel powered buses are tility was hugely powerful, natural se- consistent progress in the battle for the running (reducing the emissions of pol- lection was far more effective than any preservation of urban biodiversity, with a luting gases by 60%), on lanes with lin- human breeding could be, and evolution view to meeting the commitments taken ear parks on which 2,500 native trees are by natural selection could be expected to on by the city in the latest editions of the being planted. continue unaffected. As he wrote in the Convention of the Parties (COP). Perhaps the most important of these last sentence of The Origin of Species, This is a challenge of epic proportions, actions is the closure of the Greater ‘Endless forms, most beautiful and most since it requires socio-economic inclusion Curitiba sanitary land ll, being replaced wonderful… are being evolved.’ for the new generations of citizens, thirst- by the Integrated Waste Processing But we’ve triggered a global crisis in ing for jobs, education, health, culture and and Use System (SIPAR). Comprised of the 150 years we’ve had The Origin of leisure, without compromising the surviv- Curitiba and 15 neighboring cities, the Species. al needs of future generations. SIPAR will allow the waste generated ev- What would Darwin say now? Reading In facing this, we resorted to the skills ery day by the population of the metro- what he wrote and sensing how he val- for which Curitiba has already become a politan region to be recycled and trans- ued natural life, I’m certain he’d be deep- reference — public transportation, urban formed into fertilizer and energy. Just the ly shocked that humans have destroyed planning and environmental preserva- water and electric energy saved through so much so quickly, that we’ve managed tion — and added to these competencies this new system will be enough to supply to disrupt the natural process he was so a new agenda that places social equality 600 thousand people a year. con dent would sustain life, and that by at the top of budget hierarchies. In the social dimension, the furthest our sel shness and carelessness we are Another challenge is to run these pro- reaching project associates low- income now precipitating the sixth great extinc- grams in integration, coordinating their housing and revitalization of environ- tion event in the history of our planet. He policies in such a way that their very ex- mental preservation areas, the banks of wouldn’t yield to despair. He’d urge us ecution potentializes their purpose. the city’s rivers and streams. As a high- to press on with the most penetrating in- Curitiba, in the quest for the sustain- light in the issue of water resources, the vestigations we can undertake to throw able city, launched in 2007 a program Strategic Plan for revitalizing the Barigui light on the workings of resilient and fail- called Biocity, which links development river basin — targeted at de-polluting and ing ecosystems, and to work out effec- and environmental preservation. The revitalizing Curitiba’s largest river basin, tive solutions to each major problem. And Program’s actions are organized into proj- and foreseeing immediate medium and then, critically, we must make a compel- ects that deal with, simultaneously, issues long term measures for the preservation ling case for action. We must explain to like the replacement of exotic invasive of headwaters, conservation of natural ar- and then persuade the public and the de- species with native plants, environmental eas and ownership regularization for fam- cision-takers. education, incentives for preservation of ilies that are now living on the river banks, privately owned green areas, revitalization which will move to new areas. Randal Keynes is a writer and conservationist of the rivers, ownership regularization and In partnership with the federal admin- living in London. He is a great-great grandson waste destination. The Biocity’s environ- istration, Curitiba City Government is relo- of Darwin. He writes about Darwin’s heritage mental management concepts are prac- cating families that live in irregular areas, and its use for conservation and science ticed by all areas of the City Government subject to ooding and whose occupa- education. He is a Trustee of The Charles and by the population of Curitiba, by way tion collaborates directly to the degrada- Darwin Trust and a Board Member of the Charles Darwin Foundation for Galapagos. of simple and practical actions. tion of rivers, transferring them to areas The Green Line (an urban avenue that equipped with social infra-structure, with

32 Gincana 7 schools, day care centers and health ser- tune our public policies targeted at the to preserve their private properties by way vices units, in addition to urban and com- preservation of urban biodiversity, show- of tax and building incentives, already es- munity equipment indispensable in im- ing to the population that the function of tablished in municipal legislation. proving human development indicators. green areas in urban environments is di- I am convinced that this set of mea- The city has also established a coop- rectly linked to health, well-being and sures sustainably conciliates the needs eration with conservation entities with a quality of life for citizens. for social inclusion and economic de- view to evaluating and quantifying the The range of partnerships also en- velopment, in strict compliance with the carbon sequestration potential of the na- compasses society, more speci cally the Millennium Development Goals set by the tive forests of Curitiba, in order to ne owners of natural reserves, encouraged United Nations.

Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montreal, Canada Protecting Biodiversity Involves Volition and Local Action

s Mayor of the host city of the and Enhancement of Natural Habitats, ad- Plan for Sustainable Development al- international Secretariat of the opted in 2004, which aims to protect bio- so reflect our commitment to protect A Convention on Biological Diversity diversity and meet citizens’ desire for im- biodiversity and promote sustainable and on the occasion of the International proved access to nature in the city. One development. Year of Biodiversity, I would like to em- of the highlights of the policy was the cre- The many conservation efforts car- phasize the critical role played by cities in ation of 10 ecoterritories* on the Island ried out since 2002 were made possible protecting their ecosystems and biodiver- of Montréal. It is also a solid example of through major land acquisitions within the sity as well as the work already achieved sustainable development, which is ac- ecoterritories, as well as via several inno- in this area. With most of the world’s population now living in cities the responsibility faced by municipalities represents a major chal- “Conservation efforts carried out since 2002 were made possible lenge. Following the Conference of the Parties held in Curitiba in 2006, a new through major land acquisitions within the ecoterritories and via body called the “Cities and Biodiversity” several innovative projects that integrated biodiversity protection network was created to embody this re- ality. This network unites large cities from into urban development plans” around the world with the goal of sharing their best practices and integrating their actions as well as those initiated by Convention member countries. The net- knowledged in the Urban Plan. The ac- vative projects that integrated biodiver- work is also actively involved in develop- tions stemming from the policy helped in- sity protection into urban development ing tools speci c to urban biodiversity. crease the area of protected habitats from plans. These types of projects promote Montréal is a leader in the eld of bio- 3% in 2004 to close to 6% in 2009, repre- both ecosystem sustainability and spe- diversity as it plays a prominent role in senting approximately 2,600 hectares. In cies diversity in cities. such areas as protection, conservation effect, we will succeed in doubling the ar- For several years, exotic species and implementation of sound practices. ea of protected natural habitats through- have been the focus of preventive ac- A concerted effort is central to our actions out the city by increasing protected nat- tions in our parks and protected natural in the eld of biodiversity. ural habitats by more than 200 hectares habitats. A variety of learning experienc- Montréal can rely on innovative ap- on an annual basis. es led by the city’s Nature Museums, for proaches and tools to reconcile urban de- Other initiatives such as our Plan to example, also serve to inform the public. velopment and biodiversity conservation. Protect and Enhance Mount Royal our At the same time research and conser- These include the Policy on the Protection Tree Policy and Montréal’s First Strategic vation in the eld of genetic diversity are

The International Year of Biodiversity 33 overseen by the experts at the Nature the world dedicated to humankind and Montréal, thereby promoting the vision of Museum while the Biodiversity Centre nature. a protected mountain in the heart of the is scheduled to be built in 2010 on the A major conservation project on biodi- city. These initiatives mark considerable site of Montréal’s Botanical Garden. versity is also underway on Mount Royal. progress in the way cities are developed. This centre is one of the projects in- It involves the creation, by the spring of Although it has a structuring effect, this cluded in the Nature Museums’ 2009- 2010, of a new park that will house the evolution will only be matched on a world 2017 Business Plan/Life Plan. The Plan, most impressive biodiversity reserve on scale if it is encouraged, shared and im- valued at $189 million, aims to change Mount Royal, with its 23 hectares. The plemented on a local basis. the way people look at nature by en- Third Summit Park project will be devel- hancing Montréal scienti c institutions oped in partnership with the Notre-Dame- * Ecoterritories represent protected areas and natural and thereby creating the rst place in des-Neiges cemetery and Université de spaces with high ecological value.

Takashi Kawamura, Mayor of Nagoya, Japan Nagoya: Coexisting Sustainably with Nature

he year 2010 will be a very impor- was created to promote the preservation tant year for international biodi- and revitalization of the surrounding na- T versity, and the City of Nagoya is ture as well as lifestyle changes to facil- truly pleased and proud to be involved itate the sustainable use of biodiversity in supporting the organization and be- resources. We would like to strive for a ing the host city of the Tenth Meeting sustainable city coexisting with nature by of the Conference of the Parties to the implementing the following strategies: Convention on Biological Diversity. As the new Mayor of Nagoya since April, • Educating people to be aware of how 2009, I will continue to support COP 10 life is connected throughout the region to the best of my • Creating a lifestyle suitable to the local ability so that the meeting will be con- environment ducted smoothly and will produce ben- • Adapting the city’s development to e cial results. nature It was resolved at COP 9 that cities and local governments have an indis- 2010 will also be a memorable year for pensable role in achieving the goals of Nagoya because it is the city’s 400th an- the CBD, and as a result, we will hold niversary. We would be delighted for you the Nagoya Biodiversity City Summit to experience the charm of Nagoya’s his- concurrently with COP 10 from 24 to 26 tory and culture by participating in the ex- October, 2010. Local governments and cursions and other events to be held con- international organizations from around currently during your visit to Nagoya. the world will convene at the summit to aim for an exchange of information and experiences related to the conservation of local biodiversity. Preparations are underway to strengthen collaboration with related organizations so that the conference will lead to the expansion of local actions for the conservation of biological diversity. We are currently developing the Nagoya Strategies for Biodiversity which

34 Gincana 7 International Year of 2010 Biodiversity Events

Celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity 4 JANUARY Ministry of Environment and Forests, India India http://moef.nic.in/index.php

8 JANUARY Celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity Curitiba, Brazil City of Curitiba

Launch of the International Year of Biodiversity 11 JANUARY Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany Berlin, Germany www.bmu.de/naturschutz_biologische_vielfalt/downloads/doc/45484.php Integrating ecosystem services into biodiversity management 13–14 JANUARY The Royal Society London, UK http://royalsociety.org/Integrating-ecosystem-services-into-biodiversity-management/ Événement ÉCO-Conseil 2010: « La biodiversité sens dessus dessous » 18–22 JANUARY Université du Québec à Chicoutimi Chicoutimi, Canada http://evenementecoconseil.uqac.ca/ The Aichi-Nagoya Celebration: The Opening of the International Year of Biodiversity 16 JANUARY, NAGOYA Aichi-Nagoya COP10 CBD Promotion Committee Aichi, Japan www.cop10.jp/aichi-nagoya/english/index.html

20 JANUARY Children’s Photo Exhibition Paris, France National Geographic Society

Redeﬁ ning Sustainability in the International Agenda: Inspiring Greater 20–21 JANUARY Engagement in Biodiversity Issues Geneva, Switzerland United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

20 JANUARY French Nature Congress Paris, France Comité français de l’UICN

High-Level Event for the IYB: Launch of the UNESCO Biodiversity Exhibition 21–22 JANUARY United Nations Educational, Scientiﬁ c and Cultural Organization Paris, France http://portal.unesco.org/science/en/ev.php-URL_ID=7998&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html The Ark 21–22 JANUARY Western Canada Wilderness Committee Montreal, Canada www.arsenal.ca/en/performances/general-audience/the-ark/ The Ark: Presented by L’Arsenal à Musique. Organized in collaboration 21–22 JANUARY with the Programme de soutien à l’école montréalaise Montreal, Canada Secretariat of the CBD & L’Arsenal à Musique UNESCO IYB Science-Policy Conference 25–29 JANUARY United Nations Educational, Scientiﬁ c and Cultural Organization Paris, France http://events.unesco.org/ Delivering Biodiversity Targets: 2010 and Beyond / Protected Areas and 25–27 JANUARY Ecological Networks in Europe Madrid, Spain Spanish Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs

25 JANUARY Kick-off event in Tokyo Tokyo, Japan Ministry of the Environment, Japan

28 JANUARY Launch of the IYB in The Netherlands The Netherlands NCB Naturalis and the Dutch National Committee IYB2010

26 JANUARY–6 FEBRUARY Launch of Multimedia Show Paradis Perdu Montreal, Canada Dominic Champagne, Jean Lemire and Daniel Bélanger

Sixth Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity 1–5 FEBRUARY Ministry of the Environment, Norway Trondheim, Norway www.trondheimconference.org/

4-7 FEBRUARY 10th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit Delhi, India The Energy and Resources Institute

The International Year of Biodiversity 35 10 FEBRUARY North American Launch of the International Year of Biodiversity New York, USA United Nations Development Programme

15–17 FEBRUARY Biodiversity in Relation to Food and Human Security in a Warming Planet Chennai, India M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation

11th Special Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum 24–26 FEBRUARY United Nations Environment Programme Bali, Indonesia http://www.unep.org/GC/GCSS-IX/

27 FEBRUARY IR3S Symposium to Commemorate the International Year of Biodiversity Tokyo, Japan Secretariat of the CBD

15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES–Convention on International 13–15 MARCH Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (COP 15 CITES) Doha, Qatar Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

15–16 MARCH National Conference on Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity of Coimbatore, India Insects and Environment

22–28 MARCH International Year of Biodiversity Event at the ABS talks Cali, Colombia Secretariat of the CBD

1–7 APRIL Semaine sur l’environnement et le développement durable — Biodiversité Saint-Chamond, France Ville de Saint-Chamond, France

Auckland Seabirds: Conservation, Restoration and Research 16 APRIL www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa Auckland, New Zealand University of Auckland in New Zealand The NatureServe Conservation Conference 2010 and The Sout east Natural 26–30 APRIL Heritage Conference “A Network Connecting Science with Conservation” Austin, USA Secretariat of the CBD www.natureserve.org Shanghai World Exposition 1–31 MAY Bureau of the Shanghai World Expo 2010 Coordination, China Shanghai, China http://en.expo2010.cn/ Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands 3–7 MAY United Nations Educational, Scientiﬁ c and Cultural Organization Paris, France www.globaloceans.org/ High-Level Segment of CSD-18 13–15 MAY Secretariat of the CBD New York, USA www.un.org/esa/dsd/csd/csd_csd18.shtml IYB Celebrations at SBSTTA 14 13–28 MAY Secretariat of the CBD Nairobi, Kenya www.cbd.int/meetings/ IYB Celebrations at WGRI 3 13–28 MAY Secretariat of the CBD Nairobi, Kenya www.cbd.int/meetings/

18–22 MAY 2nd International Conference of Urban Biodiversity & Design (URBIO2010) Nagoya, Japan Organizing Committee for URBIO2010

Ecological Conference : Climate Change and Natural Resource Use 19–21 MAY in Eastern Africa: Impacts, adaptations and mitigation Nairobi, Kenya Ecological Society for Eastern Africa Celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity at the Permanent 21–22 MAY Forum for Indigenous Issues New York, USA Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues International Day for Biological Diversity 22 MAY Secretariat of the CBD Montreal, Canada www.cbd.int/idb Fourth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 24–28 MAY Global Environment Facility Montevideo, Uruguay www.gefweb.org/

27–28 MAY Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

European Consortium for the Barcode of Life (ECBOL2) 2–4 JUNE Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal Braga, Portugal www.barcoding.si.edu/

36 Gincana 7 Libreville International Conference, “Bolstering Biodiversity in Africa: 2–3 JUNE Everyone’s Problem and Heritage” Libreville, Gabon Gabonese Republic World Environment Day 5 JUNE United Nations Environment Programme Nairobi, Kenya www.unep.org/wed UNESCO International Congress on Biological and Cultural Diversity 9-11 JUNE United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization Montreal, Canada www.crcecb.umontreal.ca/evenement.html 5th International Symposium-Workshop on Frugivores and Seed Dispersal (1985–2010) 13–18 JUNE Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle Montpellier, France www.fsd2010.org World Day to Combat Desertifi cation 17 JUNE United Nations Convention to Combat Desertifi cation Bonn, Germany www.unccd.int/publicinfo/june17/2009/menu.php

24 JUNE IYB Celebrations at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre Brasilia, Brazil

G8 Summit 25–27 JUNE Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Huntsville, Canada www.town.huntsville.on.ca/residents/G8_Summit2010.htm

1 JULY IYB Celebrations at High-Level Segment of ECOSOC New York, USA Secretariat of the CBD

19–23 JULY UNESCO International Congress on Biological and Cultural Diversity Montreal, Canada UNESCO

24 JULY Montreal, Canada Montreal, Canada Launch of Two-Year Expedition on Biodiversity by Jean Lemire, Secretariat of the CBD

United Nations General Assembly —High Level Segment 20–22 SEPTEMBER United Nations Educational, Scientiﬁ c and Cultural Organization New York, USA www.un.org Census of Marine Life 10-Year Finale 4–6 OCTOBER Census of Marine Life, Consortium for Ocean Leadership and Ofﬁ ce of Marine Programs, University of Rhode Island, USA London,UK www.coml.org

8–9 OCTOBER Joint CBD-Aarhus Convention Workshop Nagoya, Japan Secretariat of the CBD

Fifth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties Serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the 11–29 OCTOBER Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (COP-MOP 5) and Conference of the Parties (COP 10) Nagoya, Japan Secretariat of the CBD 65th Annual WAZA Conference: Biodiversity is life: The Role of Zoos and 17–21 OCTOBER Aquariums in Biodiversity Conservation Cologne, Germany World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

27–29 OCTOBER IYB Celebrations at High-Level Segment of COP 10 Nagoya, Japan Secretariat of the CBD

Non-Native Plants Conference 4 NOVEMBER Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust / New Forest Non-Native Plants Project Hampshire, UK www.hwt.org.uk

11–12 DECEMBER Closing of IYB: Launch of the International Year of Forests Kanazawa, Japan Secretariat of the CBD

21–22 DECEMBER Media Meeting: Keeping the 2010 IYB Momentum Alive Montreal, Canada Secretariat of the CBD

Important links for the International Year of Biodiversity IYB Implementation Plan: www.cbd.int/2010/prints/ IYB Logo: www.cbd.int/2010/logo/

The International Year of Biodiversity 37 Nagoya Castle, situated in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Photo courtesy Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau)