Gincana 5: from COP 9 to 2010

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Table of Contents

AHMED DJOGHLAF Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 2 BAN KI-MOON Secretary-General, United Nations ...... 3 ACHIM STEINER Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ...... 4 ANGELA MERKEL Chancellor, Germany ...... 5 YASUO FUKUDA Prime Minister, Japan ...... 6 DR. DANILO TÜRK President, Slovenia ...... 7 (iStockphoto) W. BALDWIN SPENCER Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda ...... 8 FELIPE CALDERON President, Mexico ...... 10 ANÍBAL CAVACO SILVA Berchtesgaden, Germany Berchtesgaden, President, Portugal ...... 11 MARC RAVALOMANANA LUC GNACADJA President, Madagascar ...... 12 Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention to Combat HELEN CLARK Desertiﬁ cation (UNCCD)...... 24 Prime Minister, New Zealand ...... 13 KOFI A. ANNAN JOSÉ MANUEL BARROSO Chair, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa ...... 26 President, European Commission ...... 14 JEFFREY SACHS SIGMAR GABRIEL Director, The Earth Institute at Columbia University ...... 28 Minister for the Environment, Germany ...... 15 SHAKEEL BHATTI GERDA VERBURG Secretary of the Governing Body, International Treaty on Plant Genetic Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Netherlands ...... 17 Resources for Food and Agriculture ...... 29 MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK GUENTER MITLACHER Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, South Africa ...... 18 NGO Focal Point for CBD MOP 4/COP 9, NGO Forum for the Environment and Development/German League for Nature and Environment (DNR) ...... 30 JACQUES DIOUF Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) .. 20 GÉRALD TREMBLAY Maire de Montréal, Canada ...... 31 KATHERINE SIERRA Vice President, Sustainable Development, The World Bank ...... 22 TAKEHISA MATSUBARA Mayor of Nagoya, Japan ...... 32 MONIQUE BARBUT CEO, Global Environment Facility (GEF) ...... 23 BÄRBEL DIECKMANN Mayor of Bonn, Germany ...... 32 YVO DE BOER Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention BETO RICHA on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ...... 24 Mayor of Curitiba, Brazil ...... 33

From COP 9 to 2010 1 Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity The Bonn Biodiversity Summit: Birthplace of a “Global Naturallianz” for Life on Earth

ifteen years after its entry into force, ment was key to the success of the Bali the Convention on Biological Di- road map. A special session of the Secu- F versity faces unprecedented chal- rity Council was convened in April 2007 to lenges. Biodiversity decline and loss of consider the security dimension of climate ecosystem services continue to be ma- change. For the second time, the envi- jor global threats to life on Earth. The un- ronmental dimension of peace and se- precedented loss of biodiversity is being curity was recognized by the Norwegian seriously compounded by the negative im- Nobel Committee in awarding the presti- of more than 5,200 delegates. Therefore, pacts of climate change. The Fourth IPCC gious Nobel Peace Prize to the Intergov- the Bonn biodiversity meeting offers a Assessment Report predicts that, as a re- ernmental Panel on Climate Change and unique opportunity to build on the mo- sult of climate change, up to 30 per cent to Al Gore, the former Vice-President of mentum achieved to date and be a pivot- of all known species are likely to be at in- the United States of America. al point in the history of the Convention. It creased risk of extinction before the end The call for action is also being heard to cannot be just another meeting but rath- of this century. Unprecedented and sus- address the challenges of the biodiversity er the beginning of a new chapter in the tained efforts are urgently required at all crisis. Under the able leadership of Marina life of the convention on life on Earth and levels, by all stakeholders to address the Silva, the Minister of Environment of Brazil, the start of new era of doing business dif- planetary challenges of climate change a new phase of enhanced implementation ferently when it comes to the relationship and loss of biodiversity. of the three objectives of the Convention between man and nature. It is for this reason that following her was born in Curitiba, Brazil, at the eighth As Friedrich Hoelderlin, the great Ger- appointment as Special Envoy of the Sec- meeting of the Conference of the Parties to man lyric poet, once said, “wherever there retary-General on Climate Change, Ms the Convention. The success of this new is a danger, so too grows the solution”. Gro Harlem Brundtland stated: “It is ir- phase calls for enhanced commitment by In offering to host the ninth meeting of responsible, reckless and deeply immor- all Parties, other Governments and stake- the Convention, Germany has decided al to question the seriousness of the sit- holders. The ninth meeting of the Confer- not only to offer the necessary confer- uation. The time for diagnosis is over and ence of the Parties will take place less than ence facilities but to lead by example. The the time for action is now”. She stressed two years before the deadline of substan- “Triple German Presidency” of the Euro- the importance of 2007 as a year in which tially reducing the loss of biodiversity ad- pean Union, the G8 and the ninth meeting the wheels have to be set in motion. The opted by 110 Heads of State and Govern- of the Conference of the Parties is unique. call for action on climate change has ment in Johannesburg at the 2002 World The preparation by the host country for been heard. Summit on Sustainable Development. It the Bonn biodiversity meetings is unique The year 2007, which was the twenti- will also take place less than two years be- in the history of multilateral environmental eth anniversary of the Brundtland report fore the end of the Curitiba commitment to agreements. Germany’s part in the “Tri- Our Common Future, will be remembered nalize the negotiation of an international ple Presidency of the European Union”, as the year of renewed commitement by regime on access and bene t. It will take together with Portugal and Slovenia, for the international community as a whole to place also in less than two years before the preparation of the Bonn meetings is address the challenges of climate change. the celebration, for the rst time, of the In- unique. The inclusion of biodiversity in the Immediately upon taking up his assign- ternational Year on Biodiversity. Heiligendamm Declaration on Growth and ment, the new Secretary-General of the It is for this reason that the Secretariat Responsibility in the World Economy ad- United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon, decided has redoubled its effort to rise to the chal- opted by the G8 Summit in June 2007 is to make climate change as one of his pri- lenges of enhancing its support to Parties unique. The Heiligendamm biodiversity orities. He appointed three special envoys and establishing a broad- based partner- commitment is a major breakthrough as and convened, for the rst time in the his- ship with all relevant partners and stake- was endorsed by the President of the tory of the United Nations, a Summit of holders. Between Curitiba and Bonn, the United States of America, a country that the United Nations General Assembly ex- Secretariat serviced 83 meetings, includ- I sincerely hope will be able to join soon clusively devoted to climate change. The ing 10 major open-ended intergovern- the CBD family as a full member. The Secretary-General’s personal engage- mental meetings, with the participation Potsdam Initiative of the G8+5, as well as

2 Gincana 5 Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations the establishment of the Sukhdev high- level panel on economic consequences Message on the of the loss of biodiversity, is also unique. The National Campaign for Biodiversity as well the establishment of the “Glob- International Day for al Naturallianz” is unique. The mobiliza- tion of all German stakeholders, including Biological Diversity, the scienti c community, the local authorities, the parliamentarians, the youth, the 22 May 2008 non-governmental organizations, and the business community is unique. The Wom- enLiveDiversity” (“FrauenLebenVielfalt”) his Day serves as a reminder of the competition, as well as the “Naturathlon importance of the Earth’s biodiver- 2008, are also unique events. The adop- T sity, and as a wake-up call about tion of the German biodiversity strategy the devastating loss we are experiencing and the involvement of the Länder is also as irreplaceable species become extinct unique. The Life Web Global Initiative on at an unprecedented rate. Protected Areas is also unique. The par- In any attempt to address this prob- ticipation of Heads of State and Govern- lem, agriculture should be viewed as a ment in the Bonn Biodiversity Summit is starting point. The crops and domesti- also unique. The personal engagement cated livestock of today are a re ection of the Chancellor of Germany, Ms. Ange- of human management. And the news is la Merkel is also unique, as evidenced by not good. About a fth of domestic ani- her contribution to this magazine. mal breeds are at risk of extinction, with I am very pleased to present this issue an average of one lost each month. Of the of Gincana, which also includes contribu- 7,000 species of plants that have been tions from seven other Heads of State and domesticated over the 10,000-year his- Government. Since the Curitiba meetings, tory of agriculture, only 30 account for Gincana has emerged as a major platform the vast majority of the food we eat every for Heads of State and Governments to day. Relying on so few species for suste- share their vision with the world. Twen- nance is a losing strategy. ty Heads of State and Government have Climate change is complicating the diversity is essential to development and done so, including two articles by the picture. Fluctuations in temperature security. Not just livestock and crops Prime Minister of Japan, the country that and precipitation are wreaking havoc on raised in agricultural landscapes, but al- has offered—three years in advance—to crops. Experts say these factors may cost so the many thousands of plants and an- host the tenth meeting of the Conference southern Africa up to 30 per cent of its imals in forests, oceans and other eco- of the Parties to the Convention in Nagoya maize crop by 2030. A diversity of crops systems need protection to maintain the in October 2010, thus opening the door and livestock is our best insurance in the planet’s basic environmental balance. for the establishment of the “Triple Presi- face of these changes. We must rally behind attempts at a so- dency of the Conference of the Parties”. Livestock production is itself a ma- lution, such as the Global Plan of Action As Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve jor culprit in climate change, responsible for Animal Genetic Resources adopted problems by using the same kind of think- for more greenhouse gas emissions than last September at a meeting supported ing we used when we created them.” In transport. Biodiversity is directly threat- by the United Nations. Parties to the Con- offering to host the ninth meeting of the ened by this industry; about a fifth of vention on Biological Diversity are meet- COP, Germany has moved ahead in pro- terrestrial animal biomass goes to live- ing in May to work, with all other partners, moting fresh thinking, and providing lead- stock—land that was once habitat for to redouble efforts to reduce biodiversity ership to the world. In my capacity as the wildlife, and that can provide an impor- loss as they seek to achieve the global Executive Secretary of the Convention on tant buffer against the impacts of climate target set for 2010. Biological Diversity, it is my sincere hope change. We all have a stake in supporting func- that the Bonn Biodiversity Summit, being In a world where the population is pro- tional ecosystems, diverse in species and held under the motto “One Nature-One jected to jump 50 per cent by the year genetic resources, to sustain life every- World: Our Future” will be remembered by 2050, these trends can spell widespread where. It is too late to undo the damage our children as the birthplace of a univer- hunger and malnutrition, creating condi- the planet has suffered, but it is never too sal “Global Naturallianz” for life on Earth tions where poverty, disease and even soon to start preserving all that we have with the full and active engagement of all con ict can metastasize. left. May this International Day for Biologi- stakeholders. Preserving our planet’s precious bio- cal Diversity unite us in this mission.

From COP 9 to 2010 3 Achim Steiner, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Biodiversity: Time for a Breakthrough in Bonn

n Kericho District of Kenya, where mundane part of day to day planning and the United Nations Environment Pro- management. Igramme (UNEP) is headquartered, a For while efforts are certainly being tems is a key part of the mitigation but community is beginning to be paid for made to reverse the rate of loss of biodi- also the adaptation agenda which in turn managing their forests. versity by 2010, the urgency and magni- hinges on maintaining, not destroying, the People in Lodiani are set to receive up tude of the response is failing to match planet’s biodiversity. to half a million Kenyan shillings to man- the scale and pace of the challenge. The climate agenda has put a focus age seedlings and trees. The project is This is outlined in UNEP’s Global Envi- on technology transfer—this must also funded by the power company KenGen. ronment Outlook-4 launched last year: include ‘soft’ technology including skills The scheme aims to protect hydro- and know-how on ecosystems manage- electric power facilities from water short- • Twenty years ago around a fth of sh ment, restoration and rehabilitation. ages and siltation. It underlines how in- stocks were deemed over-exploit- Meanwhile, the third pillar of the novative financial schemes are being ed—this has now risen to about 40 CBD—namely Access and Bene t-Shar- federated around the world delivering the per cent. ing (ABS)—remains weak, incapable of triple bene ts of conservation, economic • In Latin America and the Caribbean, providing the wide-ranging econom- bene ts and livelihood improvements. deserti cation—caused by deforesta- ic and social improvements in develop- Indeed, the world is rich with shining tion, over grazing and inadequate irriga- ing, but also developed countries prom- examples on how biodiversity and its ection—affects a quarter of the region. ised when the Convention was originally osystem services can be creatively and • Populations of freshwater vertebrates conceived. intelligently managed. have declined on average by nearly 50 There are some encouraging signs These range from no-take fishing per cent since 1987 as compared with here too and ones that can draw on les- zones in countries like Australia, Fiji and an around 30 per cent decline for ter- sons from the Bonn Guidelines up to the St. Lucia, to the establishment of vast restrial and marine species. International Treaty for Plant Genetic Re- marine protected areas in Kiribati, to the • About 40 per cent of big estuaries in sources for Food and Agriculture. United States. the United States, including those that Many governments have been working The decision to include Reduced link to the Gulf of Mexico and Ches- hard since the CBD’s meeting two years Emissions from Deforestation and Deg- apeake Bay suffer severe eutrophica- ago to carve out a path along which all radation in the Bali Road Map—the nego- tion—which can lead to deoxygenat- countries might pass supported by NGOs tiation document for a post 2012 climate ed ‘dead zones’—because of nitrogen and industry. regime—alongside support by Norway of enrichment. There remains a great deal to be done $2.7 billion are other positive signs. • In the Caribbean, over 60 per cent of on nally realizing a fair and equitable re- Meanwhile over 12 per cent of the coral reefs are threatened by sedi- gime that balances the interests of devel- world’s terrestrial surface is now held in ments, pollution and over- shing. oping and developed countries and spe- protected areas and UNEP’s World Con- cial interest groups. servation Monitoring Centre is cooperat- In Dead Water, a UNEP-led report re- Questions surrounding patenting and ing with others to better capture devel- leased at our Governing Council in Mo- the role of indigenous knowledge up to opments in marine reserves via the World naco in February highlighted how mul- the sharing of bene ts with all relevant Data Base on Protected Areas. tiple impacts, ranging from coastal groups are part of that debate. Sound and solid work is also com- pollution to alien invasive species and But this cannot be a reason for paral- ing from the G8 ‘Potsdam Initiative’ and now climate change may collectively im- ysis and inaction. Three pillars were iden- from grassroots initiatives such as Count- pact 10-15 per cent of the world’s seas ti ed under the CBD, the global policy down 2010 and the Alliance for Zero Ex- and oceans—an area coinciding with response to reverse the rate of loss of tinction. some of the best and most productive biodiversity agreed in 1992—conserva- The question before nations meeting shing grounds. tion, sustainable use and ABS. in Bonn for the Convention on Biologi- We needed a breakthrough in Bali, we It is high time that in Bonn we strength- cal Diversity (CBD) is how to accelerate got one. We now need a breakthrough in en this third pillar by empowering the CBD and mainstream all such developments Bonn—not least to ensure that a global to realize its laudable aims and objectives so they become less of a case for cel- response to climate change recognizes that remain as relevant and as urgent to- ebratory spotlighting and more of the that bolstering the resilience of ecosys- day as they did 15 years ago.

4 Gincana 5 Angela Merkel, Chancellor, Germany Safeguarding the Global Web of Life—Germany in the Spotlight

he richness of our planet, the trea- us to protect the climate. For example, sures of Creation, the wonders of natural, semi-natural and species-rich for- T nature—these are three variations ests and moors have an enormous poten- on one certainty: biodiversity is crucial tial for storing carbon. Around 25 per cent to humanity’s future. Nevertheless, bio- of global emissions are due to the de- diversity is disappearing around the world struction of such natural ecosystems. on a dramatic scale despite numerous na- What should we do? We need to take tached to the adoption of criteria on se- tional and international measures aimed a new direction if we want to conserve lecting marine areas requiring protection. at stemming the tide. This loss in diversi- biodiversity. Key decisions on this have to The large gaps in the global “security net- ty is alarming. After all, nature is not just a be made at the Conference of the Parties work” at sea cannot be closed unless value in itself. The diversity of nature also in Bonn. For instance, the countries of or- progress is made. Another focus of at- provides us with food, drinking water, fer- igin of genetic resources must be grant- tention is conservation of the genetic di- tile soil and medicines. It protects us from ed a fair share of the pro ts from their versity of plants and animals in agriculture natural disasters and regulates the global use. I consider this to be one of the cen- and forestry, as well as in horticulture. climate. Not least, it provides many peo- tral points to be negotiated at the Confer- If we are to have any real chance of ple with jobs and an income. ence. The desire of developing countries halting the further decline in biodiversity, There are therefore more than enough to agree on binding rules on this issue political acceptance of this issue must rst reasons to protect the world’s biodiversity is completely under standable. I hope we of all be enhanced. It is therefore absolute- and to use it sustainably. By tackling this can come to a unanimous decision with a ly vital that knowledge about the impact challenge with commitment we are also concrete mandate for negotia tions. of the loss of biodiversity be increased making a valuable con tribution towards Furthermore, it is crucial that addition- and disseminated. This will require an ef- climate protection. This will be the focus al innovative nancing instruments for the cient interface between science and pol- of the 9th Conference of the Par ties to the protection and sustainable use of biodi- itics. With regard to climate change, this Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) whose versity be launched. For a lack of fund- interface was created with the establish-

“The 9th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity not only offers us an excellent opportunity but also places us under an obligation to do everything in our power to greatly advance protection of biodiversity throughout the world.”

participants I look forward to welcoming ing remains one of the main reasons why ment of the International Panel on Climate to Germany. the CBD has not been adequately imple- Change (IPCC). Similar measures should Why is biodiversity at risk? The main mented to date. be taken in the sphere of biodiversity. For causes are pollution, intensive commer- Moreover, the global network of pro- here, too, we are faced with far-reaching cial utilization and the overexploitation of tected areas on land and at sea must be issues which can only be resolved through species and habitats as a result of pover- further developed. We want to invite all close international coop eration. ty. Climate change is also contributing to states to make their contribution towards Against this background, the Europe- the rapid global loss of biodiversity. Glob- completing this network. Financial sup- an Commission and Germany initiated a al warming is already having a negative port is to be offered in return for cooper- study on the social costs of environmen- impact on sensitive ecosystems such as ation. In particular, this mechanism can tal destruction and the global loss of the coral reefs, mountains and the poles. The help protect forests, which are at threat bene ts of ecosystems. It is intended to Brazilian Amazon rain forest is in danger throughout the world. help bring about the necessary change in of drying out. After all, biodiversity helps Special importance should be at- attitude in society as a whole.

From COP 9 to 2010 5 Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister, Japan

I hope the Conference in Bonn and the High Level Segment will produce target- Building a Society in ed new approaches to global biodiversity policy. The ministerial meeting will take place during the crucial nal stage of the Harmony with Nature Conference. That will enable the ministers to set their own priorities. It will give me great pleasure to wel- n the occasion of the Ninth meet- encouraged that a wide range of activ- come the ministers at the opening of the ing of the Conference of the ities involving collaboration among var- High Level Seg ment. Not only as former O Parties to the Convention on Bi- ious players has been initiated in many Federal Environment Minister but also as ological Diversity (CBD COP 9), I express different elds around the world. Japan Federal Chancellor, I have a special inter- my sincere appreciation to the federal is determined, in Asia and in the interest in the protection of biodiversity. I am government of Germany, the provincial national community, to actively contrib- a passionate champion of this cause at government and the people of Bonn, and ute to such activities and make further both the national and international level. express my respects to the Parties and efforts toward the conservation and sus- And I am very much aware that the CBD the Secretariat of the CBD for their efforts. tainable use of biodiversity as a potential has more than an environmental dimen- I earnestly hope that this meeting will be host of COP 10. sion. It is also crucially important to co- fruitful towards achieving the 2010 Bio- This year Japan has succeeded Ger- operation between indus trialized and de- diversity Target. many to the G8 presidency. Global en- veloping countries. Japan became a Party to the Conven- vironment issues, including biodiversity In October 2007 I visited the BIOTA tion on Biological Diversity in 1993. Since which was taken up at the G8 Heili- project in South Africa. BIOTA is an inter- then, we have been making every effort to gendamm Summitt in Germany, will be disciplinary research project established achieve the objectives of the Convention. among the main issues for the G8 Hok- jointly by African and German scientists. Japan, being an archipelago that stretch- kaido Toyako Summit. The researchers are working on concepts es from north to south, surrounded by the Japan, as well as other Asian coun- aimed at stemming the loss of biodiver- sea, and also blessed with four clearly tries, has a long history of harmonious co- sity. They are investigating the impact of distinguished seasons, enjoys a rich bio- existence between man and nature. We changes in climate and use on the diver- diversity which we bene t from. would like to communicate to, and share sity in species and habitats and how the In recent years, however, biodiversity with the world, information on building a population is affected by this dynamic in Japan is facing threats such as human “Society in Harmony with Nature”, into process. Based on the results, they rec- activities and development, deserted ru- which modern knowledge and technolo- ommend meas ures to protect and regen- ral areas including SATOYAMA1 and alien gies are integrated by taking advantage erate biodiversity. species. Addressing the biodiversity “cri- of our attitude toward nature represent- In my view, a project like BIOTA has sis” caused by climate change is also a ed by “SATOYAMA” in Japan and knowl- a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it critical issue. Another issue is that Japan makes a practi cal and instantly effective largely depends on imports from foreign contribution towards protecting and en- countries for most natural resources in- suring the sustainable use of biodiversity. cluding foods. On the other, it fosters responsibility and To address these challenges, we twice rural development on the ground. Such reviewed our National Strategy, which was projects deserve our support and we formulated in accordance with the CBD, should encourage others to follow suit. and the Third National Biodiversity Strate- The international community has only gy and Action Plan of Japan was decided two years left to reach the 2010 Target of at the cabinet meeting in November 2007. a signi cant reduction in the loss of biodi- We will further strengthen our efforts to- versity. The 9th Conference of the Parties wards conservation and the sustainable to the Convention on Biological Diversity use of biodiversity at home and abroad not only offers us an excellent opportunity by effectively implementing policies and but also places us under an obligation to measures decided in the Strategy. do everything in our power to greatly ad- It is important for each country to advance protection of biodiversity through- dress sincerely what they are able to out the world. This, no more and no less, do and what they should do toward the is about safeguarding the natural resourc- achievement of the Biodiversity 2010 Tar- es we need for our own survival and en- get and additional Targets, by collaborat- suring that future generations, too, have ing with other countries, international or- an opportunity to develop. ganizations, NGOs and so forth. I am

6 Gincana 5 Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister, Japan Dr. Danilo Türk, President, Slovenia Challenges and Ways to Achieving the 2010 Target

rreversible damage to ecosystems and accelerated extinction of species are I affecting the functioning of nature. To- day, escalating impacts of human activities on forests, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems imperil biodiversity. The consequences of biodiversity loss also affect human well-being; decline of ecosystem supporting, provisioning and regulating services are causing loss of drinking water and climate disruption. The human economy depends upon the services performed “for free” by ecosystems. Economic development that destroys biodiversity and edge and traditions for coexistence be- impairs services can create costs to hu- the other, are essential to safeguard our tween man and nature including social manity over the long term that may greatly biodiversity. Given the current state of and administrative systems. exceed the short-term economic bene ts technology and the scale of the human I cordially invite every one of you to of development. enterprise, we should as soon as possi- visit Japan in 2010. We will think togeth- The year 2010 became a milestone of ble carefully decide what proportion and er about biodiversity—the gift of nature— committed actions for biodiversity. The spatial pattern of land must remain rela- and work together so that we could con- 2010 EU biodiversity target to stop the tively undisturbed, locally, regionally, and tinue to bene t from biodiversity in the loss of biodiversity by 2010, agreed by globally, to sustain the delivery of essen- future. the EU summit in Goteborg in 2001, is tial ecosystem services. much more ambitious then the global Slovenia, one of the new EU countries, 1. SATOYAMA: A rural landscape being maintained through traditional and sustainable land use in Japan. It one, to signi cantly reduce the current has an important task during the rst six consists of a mixed mosaic of paddy, community forest, rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, agreed months of 2008 in leading the European grassland, and is also a home for about a half of the endangered species in the country. at WSSD in Johannesburg in 2002. In Council. Being situated at a juncture of May 2008, the Ninth Conference of Par- different biogeographical regions and cli- ties to the Convention on Biological Di- matic zones, it has an exceptionally high versity is an important milestone to review diversity of landscapes, ecosystems and the progress made and to show very clear species. Thus, biodiversity is high on our and explicit commitments towards halt- agenda and among the environmental pri- ing the loss of biodiversity. orities along with climate change. In this The most irreversible of human im- implementation phase of the Convention pacts on ecosystems is the loss of na- local to regional levels are most critical. tive biodiversity. The EU is increasingly Based on the national experience we recognising the importance of biodiversity believe that Parties to the Convention on and the serious problem we are facing Biological Diversity have to be proactive in with biodiversity loss. Thus, it is crucial its implementation. Biodiversity, particular- to raise public awareness on the protec- ly forest biodiversity, and climate change tion of endangered plant and animal spe- are among priorities during the Slovenian cies and the preservation of healthy and Presidency of the EU. Biodiversity and cli- stable ecosystems delivering critical eco- mate change considerations are closely system services important for achieving linked and therefore there is an increasing sustainable development. Informed deci- need for stronger mutual support between sions, improved science policy interface biodiversity and climate change policies, and enhanced scienti c cooperation on building on their great potential for syn- the one hand, and improved education, ergies. Biodiversity supplies the genetic communication and public awareness on and biochemical resources that under-

From COP 9 to 2010 7 pin our current agricultural and pharma- Convention. The former is providing a with globally important biodiversity, and ceutical enterprises and may allow us to good framework for transboundary co- bridging the Danube River Basin and the adapt these activities to climate change. operation within the Danube River Basin, Adriatic Sea (the Mediterranean ecore- We, therefore, aim at better linking activ- the latter on the Mediterranean Sea. Slo- gion) into an interacting whole. ities of and encouraging cooperation be- venia’s active involvement in the imple- Although we are committed to contin- tween various relevant sectors. mentation of the Barcelona Convention ue our activities at the national and Euro- The “close to nature” (sustainable) for- and its protocols, particularly the biodi- pean levels towards achieving the 2010 est management practiced in our country versity of the coastal and marine areas, target and beyond, decision adopted at for decades is re ected in almost 60 per manifested itself inter alia in a protocol the COP9 in Bonn will importantly shape cent of the territory being covered by on Integrated Coastal Zone Management our future activities. Importantly, the min- mainly natural forests. Forest ecosys- being nalized during Slovenia’s presi- isters at the High Level Meeting need tems also form a large part of the 36 per dency of the Convention in 2007. Based to clearly state their country’s commit- cent of the territory assigned to Natura on an ecosystem approach this new in- ments. I strongly believe that these con- 2000 network. They are both important strument provides a useful tool for sus- crete commitments can make a difference for biodiversity conservation, providing tainable management of the coastal and for biodiversity if timely and properly im- also a framework for applying the eco- marine environment. plemented. system approach and a good basis for A recently signed cooperation on a I would like to conclude my thoughts formulating and implementing holistic cli- transboundary project among the six with a slogan developed in Park mate change policies. countries in the South-East Europe, in Škocjanske jame, a karst protected ar- At the regional level, the Europe- the Dinaric karst area (“The Dinaric Arc ea in Slovenia, a World Heritage Property an Community provides the main le- Initiative”) is a good example of the im- and a Ramsar Site, to manage their nat- gal framework for nature conservation. plementation of the Programme of work ural and cultural heritage: “Learn to Live, At the sub-regional level, working with on Protected Areas at a sub-regional lev- Learn to Love and Learn to Last”. I believe non-EU countries in addition to the Bern el. Slovenia is a key link with the non- it is a promising saying for biodiversity Convention, two conventions provide a EU countries in the South-East European conservation and its sustainable use for useful implementation framework: The (SEE) sub-region to share the EU experi- present and future generations for a more Danube Convention and the Barcelona ence. This is a very particular karst region sustainable use of natural resources.

W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda The 2010 Biodiversity Target and Challenges Faced by SIDS in Addressing Biodiversity Loss

he proverbial clock is ticking and in the CBD agreed in The Hague (2002): “to target is to be achieved. There are criti- less than 24 months the year 2010 achieve by 2010 a signi cant reduction cal gaps in nancing and capacity at the T will be upon us. Other than signi- of the current rate of biodiversity loss at global, regional, national and local level fying the fact that we would be a decade the global, regional and national level as a that thwart efforts for comprehensively into the 21st century, 2010 will be remark- contribution to poverty alleviation and to assessing and responding to the threat able for a far more important reason: 2010 the bene t of all life on Earth.” Moreover, of biodiversity loss. If these gaps remain is the benchmark year during which the this target was reaf rmed by Heads of unaddressed, then the target will simply global community will be judged about its State and Government at the World Sum- be unachievable, but this will not be be- abilities in meeting the 2010 Biodiversity mit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) cause the target was unclear but instead Target agreed to by all Parties to the Con- in Johannesburg in 2002. it will be the result of the lack of commit- vention on Biodiversity (CBD) in 2002. Sadly though, with our collective date ment and the shirking of responsibility by The international community cannot with destiny fast approaching, the inter- the global community as a whole. claim that the 2010 Biodiversity Target national community is only now begin- As the elected leader of a twin small was unachievable because it was unclear- ning to come to grips with the challeng- island state, I am particularly con- ly or ambiguously worded. All Parties to es that must be surmounted if this 2010 cerned about the need to ensure time-

8 Gincana 5 ly, effective and concerted action be- also about creating new economic oppor- of climate change directly contribute to cause the grave impacts of biodiversity tunities that do not undermine the health the loss of valuable and fragile biodiver- loss are most acutely felt in Small Island of marine ecosystems. It is clear that food sity resources in SIDS and taken together Developing States (SIDS) like Antigua and security, economic development and nat- these two global challenges pose a grave Barbuda. ural resource management of SIDS must and imminent danger for the future sur- There are over 100,000 islands on the be addressed in the overall context of vival of SIDS and an immediate and sig- planet and 150 of the largest have a land- sustainable development. ni cant barrier for the achievement of the mass equal to the size of Europe. Some Given all of these challenges, and Millennium Development Goals in SIDS of these islands support the most rare, faced with the 2010 deadline for the im- by 2015. endangered and threatened plant and plementation of policies and measures If SIDS are to meet the challenges that animal species on the planet. Taken as to reduce the current rate of loss of bi- are inherent in ful lling the globally agreed a whole, despite their small size, small ological diversity, SIDS can provide suit- 2010 Biodiversity Target, then the follow- islands are rich and teeming in biologi- able framework—as “living laboratories” ing representative set of priorities should cal diversity and provide habitats for over for assessing biodiversity loss, de ning be considered for all SIDS—in close part- 4000 endemic species of plants and an- baseline(s) against which the rate of na- nership with all stakeholders and the in- imals. However, over the years, environ- tional biodiversity loss could be mea- ternational community: mental degradation has led to the extinc- sured and putting into place effective re- tion of many animal and plants species, sponses that mitigate against biodiversity • Enhance the collection of baseline da- with the concomitant irreversible loss of loss. The role of SIDS as repositories of ta and information on national biodiver- genetic resources and ecosystems, which unique and endemic biodiversity resourc- sity stock in turn has affected the dynamic interac- es allows for SIDS to be seen as “living • Improve national systems for monitor- tions of ocean, coral reefs, land forma- laboratories” for addressing biodiversity ing and evaluation of biodiversity tions and island vegetation. loss and showcasing the efforts of nation- • Improve linkages with existing commit- For all SIDS, marine and coastal areas al, regional and global actors in address- ments with other MEAs are critical to the health and well-being of ing biodiversity loss is critical given the • Strengthen national capacity and par- communities and ecosystems. Un-pollut- short timeframe to meet the 2010 Biodi- ticipatory processes, including consul- ed marine and coastal ecosystems and versity Target. tation and management skills habitats not only support a rich diversity If one accepts the maxim that biodi- • Improve management effectiveness of marine life but also provide valuable re- versity contributes directly and indirect- through the combination of scienti c sources, support jobs and income for lo- ly to human well-being; that it is essen- and traditional knowledge cal communities. Beautiful beaches and tial for the functioning of ecosystems and • Develop sustainable nancing mech- spectacular dive sites lure tourist dollars the sustained ow of bene ts from eco- anisms at the national and communi- and provide employment in many SIDS. systems to individuals and societies; and ty levels Bountiful waters support sustainable sh- that the loss of biodiversity contributes • Improve the integration of environmen- eries which in a number of SIDS are the to worsening health, lower food securi- tal priorities into poverty reduction strat- mainstay for national incomes, coastal ty, increasing vulnerability, lower materi- egies livelihoods and traditional cultures. al wealth and worsening social relations, • Improve communication and network- Unfortunately, biological diversity in then it is equally easy to see that SIDS ing, including through identifying and SIDS is eroding rapidly and the rate of can and do provide a suitable framework highlighting the bene ts, sharing les- extinction of unique island species is in- for immediate action. sons learned, developing local techni- creasing exponentially. The marine envi- While we acknowledge that the Par- cal expertise, and providing education ronment of SIDS, for example, is serious- ties to the Convention have created a and awareness for local communities to ly threatened by over- shing, the loss of comprehensive body of policies, tools improve management and enforcement habitats due to destructive shing tech- and guidelines that address the threats of environment protection laws. niques, inappropriate coastal develop- to biodiversity at all levels, and that these ment, pollution and run-off from a range policies provide a suf cient framework to Unprecedented efforts will be need- of sources, as well as invasions of alien deal with the biodiversity crisis, we must ed to achieve the 2010 target. However, and exotic species all of which upset the also acknowledge that more work needs with appropriate scaled-up responses, it is natural yet fragile ecological balance. to be done—and urgently so. possible to achieve the 2010 target at na- Overriding this all is the impending and Put in the starkest of terms, the loss tional, regional and global levels. Utilizing very real threat of climate change, whose of biological diversity destabilizes human the policies of the Convention and some in uence we already see in coral bleach- and ecosystem well being in SIDS, which of the ideas identi ed here, I believe that ing, changing ocean currents and increas- in turn make communities and ecosys- SIDS can strive towards meeting the 2010 ingly violent and destructive storms. tems particularly vulnerable to external Biodiversity Target, but this is predicated Conserving these resources is not sim- shocks and disturbances such as hurri- upon a close, effective and timely partner- ply about protecting the environment, but canes and oods. The adverse impacts ship with the global community.

Partnerships 9 Felipe Calderon, President, Mexico Facing Biodiversity Conservation Challenges in Mexico

he biodiversity of the Mexican threatened by different factors, including Mexican primary and representative eco- territory is exceptional. Mexico is land use change and ecosystem frag- systems. Only in 2007, 1, 066,300 addi- T one of the countries with the rich- mentation, illegal wildlife trade, invasive tional hectares of Natural Protected Areas est biodiversity and natural wealth in the species, over-exploitation and pollution. were decreed, reaching a total of 23 mil- world. Thus we are well aware of our du- Moreover, in the long-term, the impact lion hectares. By 2012, we intend to sur- ty to protect this patrimony in order to in- of climate change represents the biggest pass 25 million hectares of protected ar- herit a better future for our children and threat for wildlife and biological diversity eas –which is equivalent to nearly 13 per for mankind. both in Mexico and the rest of the world. cent of our territory. In this article we address the problems Protecting our ecological diversity im- We are also determined to give special faced by Mexico related to biodiversity plies challenges, as well as opportunities, attention to Mexican endangered spe- and endangered species conservation, to develop our communities. cies through speci c programs orient- as well as some of the main public pol- That is why in Mexico, we are deter- ed to their recovery, protection and sus- icies launched during my administration mined to turn conservation and sustain- tainable management. When a species to curb environmental degradation, pro- able use of natural capital initiatives into is lost, the rest are at risk. Therefore, we tect our biodiversity and combat the ef- development tools, especially for the rural have launched the Conservation of En- fects of climate change. communities living in poverty. We want to dangered Species Program. We will allo- guarantee the well-being and progress of cate approximately ve million dollars for Mexico’s natural capital Mexicans, without compromising the wel- the protection of the vaquita marina, the With only 1.5 per cent of the planet’s fare of generations to come. leatherback turtle, the jaguar, the Mexi- land surface, Mexico holds almost 12 per can wolf and the royal eagle, all of which cent of the known species of the world. What we are doing are species in risk of extinction. Likewise, Mexico is considered one of the My government is committed to pro- We have developed information sys- ve countries with the widest variety of mote economic and social valuation of tems with reliable data, based on solid ecosystems, along with China, India, Pe- biodiversity, including market diversi - scienti c and technical knowledge, which ru and Colombia. cation to encourage economic develop- are constantly improved and equipped Mexico is also exceptional for its ma- ment in rural communities, based on the with forefront technology in order to make rine surface. It is the only country with an sustainable use of their natural resourc- them accessible to all kind of users. The exclusive sea, the Gulf of California, and it es. Rural and indigenous communities of most complete of these systems is the shares with Belize, Guatemala and Hondu- the state of Oaxaca, for instance, gener- National Information System on Biodiver- ras the second most import reef system in ate almost 40 million dollars annually and sity, developed by the National Commis- the world, located in the Caribbean. at least 30, 000 jobs through sustainable sion for the Knowledge and Use of Bio- A key element of Mexico’s biodiversity management of their certi ed forests. diversity (CONABIO). This system is vital is the great number of endemic species Our landmark forest program, Proar- for decision-making on conservation and (e.g. half of its ora species). This repre- bol, is a payment for environmental ser- sustainable use of natural resources. sents a special challenge since a failure in vices scheme, intended to launch the We are rmly ghting the illegal clear- our conservation efforts would mean that development of communities located in ing of our forests, through the implementa- they will disappear from the planet That is forests and protected areas, as well as in tion of a Zero Tolerance policy. Thanks to the reason why their protection is a prior- other conservation priority regions. With the collaboration among the federal gov- ity for the government of Mexico. Proarbol we have expanded the surface ernment, local authorities and forest com- under sustainable forest management munities, in 2007, 19,000 metric cubes of Challenges and opportunities and fostered alternative productive proj- round wood were secured and 62 sawmills These biological resources are part of ects. This program was essential to meet- were closed down. We know that punish- our fundamental heritage and are central ing Mexico’s goal of planting 250 million ing those who undermine our forests is to our economic, social and cultural de- trees in 2007. not enough. Therefore, we are also pro- velopment. We consider them necessary Along with our conservation efforts moting education for sustainable develop- to drive a competitive economy and raise and the sustainable use of our natural rement. During my administration, the envi- living standards for Mexicans. sources, we are expanding, gradually and ronmental agenda has been incorporated However, this biological wealth is consistently, the protected extension of into the free textbooks distributed in ele-

10 Gincana 5 Aníbal Cavaco Silva, President, Portugal mentary schools, as well as in the curricula of middle schools in order to raise aware- Stopping ness among children of the importance of preserving our natural resources. Biodiversity To face the main environmental challenge affecting mankind, we presented the Decline: National Strategy on Climate Change. With this strategy we are making progress on A Matter of Urgency two fronts: on one hand, in what we call the “Green Agenda”, which includes programs to protect and reforest our wood- istinguished Participants of the tion of biological diversity, the sustainable lands, and on the other hand, the “Gray 9th Conference of Parties to the use of its components and the fair equi- Agenda”, which focuses on the implemen- D United Nations Convention on table sharing of bene ts arising out of the tation of measures to reduce air pollution Biological Diversity. utilization of genetic resources. In fact all and to promote renewable energies im- Stopping biodiversity decline businesses ultimately depend on biodi- pelled by water, wind and sunlight. is a matter of urgency. versity and how companies manage bio- In these ways, Mexicans are resolved The Millennium Ecosystem Assess- diversity is increasingly seen as relevant to transit from the mere diagnosis of prob- ment launched in 2001 by the UN Sec- to their bottom line performance. lems to the design and implementation of retary-General reported that changes in Companies can and should manage solutions, always acting with responsibil- biodiversity have been more rapid in the biodiversity risks and capture biodiver- ity and a strong commitment to preserv- past 50 years than at any time in human sity opportunities initiatives undertaken ing our natural capital and guaranteeing history and are expected to continue at by the business community to conserve a better quality of life for present and fu- the same pace or even to accelerate. As a biodiversity will not only safeguard cur- ture generations. result some two-thirds of ecosystem ser- rent and future operation but can also im- vices worldwide are in decline. prove the competitiveness and pro tabil- Final comment The recent Global Environment Outlook ity of business. Mexico’s biological wealth is a key which assesses the current state of the I welcome all efforts currently being component of the world’s biological rich- global environment stated that species are developed by the Convention on Biolog- ness. With the measures described above becoming extinct at rates which are a 100 ical Diversity and by the European Union and other complementary actions we join times faster than the rate shown in the fos- (EU) to foster the “business case” for bio- the international community in its efforts sil record because of land-use changes, diversity. to signi cantly reduce the rate of biodi- habitat loss, overexploitation of resources, Partnerships between companies, versity loss. pollution and the spread of invasive alien public authorities and NGOs represent We Mexicans acknowledge that there species. Climate Change plays a crucial one of the options to better protect na- is much more to do for the protection and role in biodiversity decline. Many natural ture and to accelerate business-based conservation of our wildlife. After many systems are already being affected by cli- opportunities. years of failing to make a signi cant con- mate change and the damages will accel- In this respect, I welcome the results tribution to protect our biodiversity, today erate as the world gets warmer. of the EU Portuguese Presidency. Portu- Mexico is recognized by the 2008 Ger- In fact, a new major extinction is under gal, in its capacity as Presidency of the manWatch index as the fourth country in way, this time caused not by natural di- EU in the second term of 2007 actively the world for its efforts to combat climate sasters but by human population growth worked on the development of an initia- change. We also rose in Yale’s University and consumption patterns. tive—The EU Business and Biodiversity Environmental Sustainability Index, which Therefore it is decisive to develop am- Initiative—aimed at creating a reference measures the performance of the environ- bitious policies and to achieve a signi cant framework for partnerships between busi- mental policy of nations, from 66 to 47th reduction of the current rate of biodiver- ness and biodiversity protection based in place in 2008. sity loss at the global regional and nation- a group of principles and a European plat- Mexico will keep its guard up. We are al level as a contribution to poverty allevia- form with monitoring and benchmarking determined to protect and preserve the tion and to the bene t of all life on Earth by capacities which was discussed in Lisbon natural heritage of all Mexicans and of 2010 as agreed in 2002 by the Parties to at a EU High Level Conference. As a re- mankind. We will continue to demon- the Convention on Biological Diversity. sult, the European Commission decided strate, with facts, our commitment to But is also important to recognize the to establish a Technical Support Facility to preventing and mitigating the effects of ecosystems services provided by biodi- improve the continued development of this climate change. Preserving Mexico’s bioversity, and to give biodiversity the nec- EU Business and Biodiversity initiative. diversity is a priority for my government essary relevance in the economy. I am con dent that this process will and it is a commitment of all Mexicans to Therefore, the business sector has a better mainstream biodiversity into pub- the planet. vital responsibility towards the conserva- lic policy and business activities.

From COP 9 to 2010 11 Marc Ravalomanana, President, Madagascar Madagascar: Heading Boldly Towards 2010

car Action Plan states that we “will be isolated from the rest of the landscape. a world leader in the development and Not only do they protect the unique bio- implementation of environmental best- diversity of Madagascar, they also protect practice”. Central to the success of the its invaluable cultural heritage. plan is the decentralization process that The new Madagascar Protected Area strengthens the 22 regions of the coun- System is well integrated into the broad- try, giving them the responsibility and the er regional planning processes. Protected means to revert the trend of environmen- areas bring additional bene ts along with tal degradation. the biodiversity protection, such as main- Biodiversity conservation must be tenance of environmental services such proactively addressed to be successful. as water supplies, nutrient cycling and Conservation and environmental protec- local climate regulation. Contrary to the ith just two years left before tion needs to be integrated into all pov- traditional view of protected areas, they 2010, we need to ask ourselves erty alleviation strategies in order for the can also be used as a mechanism to pro- W the hard question. What have latter to be sustainable. The ecosystem vide long-term access to natural resourc- we achieved? At the sixth Conference of approach, and the principles on sustain- es for communities living in and around Parties in 2002 we set goals to signi cant- able use set in Addis Ababa, are tools these areas, thereby providing more se- ly reduce the current rate of biodiversity to foster a more holistic vision and inte- curity and providing incentives for better depletion. How many of those objectives grated approach to biodiversity conser- land management. Protected areas are have actually been met? vation, with the participation of all stake- also central to generating direct revenues As a signatory party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Madagascar has been engaged in this global conservation challenge. We have been seeking, test- “Protected areas bring additional beneﬁ ts along with biodiversity ing, developing and implementing new ideas to maintain our island’s exceptional- protection, such as maintenance of environmental services such as ly unique biodiversity, its ora and fauna, water supplies, nutrient sycling and local climate regulation.” which is found nowhere else on Earth. We are faced with serious challenges. In the context of globalization, how does one protect this unique richness and ght holders and based on good governance from ecotourism. In my country, over half poverty at the same time? How do we principles. However, participation of lo- of the tourists come to visit the natural maintain the health of the essential eco- cal communities in biodiversity conser- riches of the island and so protecting systems on which we humans depend? vation requires that they be trained and these riches is essential for the develop- What can we do about climate change? supported. ment of the promising tourism sector. Cyclones, hurricanes, oods and droughts In 2003, I made a commitment to tri- This new role of protected areas as increase and damage human livelihoods ple the protected area coverage of Mada- social, economic and environmental el- as well as our natural heritage. We are gascar from 1.7 million ha to 6 million ha. ements of sustainable development is in seeing these catastrophes now. Climate Since then, we have made good progress line with international legal instruments change is no longer just a theory. and the protected area system now cov- such as the Convention on Biological Di- Madagascar embarked on transfor- ers some 4.5 million ha, including coast- versity, Agenda 21 and the World Sum- mational change with its “Madagascar al, marine, freshwater and forest ecosys- mit on Sustainable Development action Naturally Vision”, a bold vision with goals tems. This is a signi cant contribution to plan set in 2002. that have been closely inspired by the the current global 2010 target. Sustainable use of natural resources, Millennium Development Goals. From In Madagascar, we have made this when applied, promotes social justice, this vision we have forged our frame- progress by reinventing our perception of participative democracy and equity. Pro- work for sustainable development for protected areas. We have taken full ad- tected areas integrating sustainable use 2007-2012, the Madagascar Action vantage of the six IUCN categories, so become a center of interest for local com- Plan. Commitment 7 of the Madagas- that the new protected areas are no longer munities. Social safeguard policies ensure

12 Gincana 5 Helen Clark, Prime Minister, New Zealand that the poorest do not bear the costs of conservation. Balancing Conservation In parallel to the creation of new protected areas, sustainable forest management areas have been established. These and Sustainable Use of areas are carefully delineated and are intended to provide a sustainable and ratio- Biodiversity nal supply of forest products. Madagas- car has set a goal to maintain its forest cover at its 2001 rate while satisfying the ew Zealand was proud to host a needs of its population. To achieve this visit of The Convention on Biologi- signi cant efforts are needed to restore Ncal Diversity’s (CBD) Executive Sec- both natural forests and to plant more retary, Ahmed Djoghlaf to New Zealand in plantation forests to ensure that they can January last year. Dr. Djoghlaf’s visit was all provide our wood needs. too brief, but I believe he was able to see For the 2010 goals, a lot remains to a little of our unique landscapes, biodiver- be done but it is clear that we have some sity, the important role of Mãori in our soci- new opportunities too. ety and environment, and discuss a little of It is clear that conservation, sustain- how we approach sustainable use of natu- able forest management and management ral resources. of carbon stocks through forest conserva- I am pleased to be able to contribute to tion, reforestation and afforestation con- Gincana and offer some perspectives on tribute to climate change mitigation and New Zealand’s long involvement with bio- adaptation. Initiatives such as the Biocar- bon Fund and the Forest Carbon Partner- ship Facility should be multiplied. The recent Bali Action Plan agreed by the Parties “Biodiversity is everyone’s business.” of the UNFCCC is an opportunity to create stronger synergy between international treaties that we should seize. In particular diversity issues, our economic dependence My message in 2000 was that “biodiver- there are clear links between the UNFCCC on biodiversity, and our commitment to be sity is everyone’s business.” It extends into and activities implemented under the CBD the rst truly sustainable country. Balanc- all our backyards and neighbourhoods and to protect forest and wetland habitats, the ing conservation and sustainable use of is affected by nearly all of our activities. destruction of which account for one fth biodiversity is critical to achieving that. Eight years later, that message is just of the world’s carbon emissions. Efforts to ensure the long term conser- as relevant. There is greater awareness It is clear that all our environmental vation of New Zealand’s unique biodiver- about biodiversity in our community. commitments need to be sustainable. For sity gathered strength in the latter years of Among many initiatives, the development example, the challenge is not only to in- the last century. New Zealand has around of “mainland islands” is especially exciting. crease the protected areas coverage but a third of its land area in its public conser- These are habitats for our native bird life also to ensure the effective and ef cient vation estate. In 1993, New Zealand rati- created by using special fence systems to long-term management of these areas. ed the Convention on Biological Diversi- exclude invasive animal pests. The “main- This requires technical expertise but it al- ty, and in 1998 the government adopted land islands” are also places for people to so requires funding. In Madagascar, we ‘Halting the decline of indigenous biodi- see and learn about biodiversity in their are developing new nancing mechanisms versity’ as one of its 10 strategic priori- neighbourhoods. such as environmental trust funds, but ties. The New Zealand Biodiversity Strat- Land-based industries make a much their capital still needs to be increased. We egy was launched in February 2000 after greater contribution to the New Zealand are well aware that if we are to succeed in wide consultation. economy than they do to any other West- our promises to leave healthy ecosystems As Prime Minister, I was proud to endorse ern nation. Agriculture, forestry, and hor- to the next generation then we also need the Strategy. It sets out goals for conserva- ticulture, including processing and manu- to leave the means to pay for them. tion of our biodiversity, and gives clear di- facturing, contribute approximately 20 per As we move closer to 2010, we should rection on how Government and communi- cent of our GDP and 65 per cent of our ex- make sure that we reinforce partnerships ties can work together to reverse its decline. port earnings. Our continuing success in and exchange networks to share, learn In practical terms this means maintaining primary production is directly linked to be- and build upon each other’s experienc- and restoring a full range of our remaining ing able to manage and use our biodiver- es to ensure that we truly cherish the en- natural habitats and ecosystems and viable sity sustainably. This means careful man- vironment. populations of our native species. agement of our soil and water resources,

From COP 9 to 2010 13 José Manuel Barroso, President, European Commission

and supporting biodiversity conservation alongside the working landscapes. It al- CBD COP 9—An so requires continuing efforts to research and better understand the sustainability of these systems. Opportunity for the Global New Zealand faces other special challenges. Our isolation, the attribute which Community led to our unique and endemic biodiversity, means that we must also work to sell our goods in global markets which are urope is highly urban- paying increasing attention to the envi- ized and a densely ronmental impacts of factors such as long E populated part of the distance transport. world and it faces major chal- The age of globalisation, trade, and lenges in conserving its biodi- mass tourism, has also brought more bi- versity. The European Union osecurity risks. We need to be more vigi- (EU) has committed itself to lant than ever in preventing incursions of the ambitious target of put- invasive species which could threaten our ting a stop to the loss of bio- indigenous species and habitats, and our diversity in Europe by 2010. primary industries. On the International Day for Climate change is exerting its own set Biological Diversity in May of challenges, bringing with it the risk of 2006, the European Commis- species loss in specialised ecosystems, sion adopted a Communica- and unwanted species which may thrive tion on “Halting the Loss of Biodiversity Diversity‘s (CBD) Ninth meeting of the in warmer conditions. The frequency of by 2010 and beyond”, together with a Conference of the Parties (COP 9). We more extreme weather can also threat- detailed action plan proposing concrete need to see ambitious decisions to sub- en lands and communities. Clearly iso- measures and outlining the responsibilities stantially enhance implementation of the lation will no longer shield even the most of EU institutions and Member States. CBD. remote parts of our planet, like New Since the adoption of the ground- Our hope is that tangible guidance will Zealand. breaking Birds Directive in 1979, pro- emerge for COP 9 and how to maximize These issues highlight the complexity tecting Europe’s wild birds, Europe has co-bene ts between climate change ad- of nding balance in our biodiversity–de- developed a number of speci c laws to aptation and mitigation measures on one pendent economy; whether it concerns safeguard biodiversity. Our experience hand, and biodiversity conservation and tourism revenues from visitors who come has shown that concerted internation- sustainable use on the other. The CBD to see the unique forests which harbour al action can be highly effective. Much should also develop guidance to ensure the ancient species of our land; or man- has been achieved. With Natura 2000 we that the increased demand for bioenergy aging the soils which sustain our agricul- have established the world’s most com- and biofuels does not have a negative im- tural exports. prehensive network of protected areas, pact on biodiversity and speci c criteria Approaches to biodiversity in New Zea- effectively protecting 20 per cent of the need to be adopted to identify valuable land have evolved a great deal over the EU territory. But we also made substantial marine areas. years since the Rio Conference. We effort to integrate biodiversity into other The EU will maintain its proactive ap- New Zealanders do regard our natural EU policies such as on Agriculture, Mari- proach in international negotiations on ac- heritage as central to our identity, and time Affairs and Fisheries, Research and cess and bene t-sharing (ABS) by 2010, know that sustaining it is critical for our Development Cooperation. Taken togeth- which we know is an issue of high inter- long term economic wellbeing too. er, the EU and its Member States are the est to many developing countries. For New Zealand to remain a viable and world’s largest donors of biodiversity- Like good health, biodiversity is some- prosperous nation in the 21st century, we related aid. We have funded numerous thing we tend to take for granted, and must become truly sustainable—or face projects in partner countries to help them sometimes only fully appreciate when long term disadvantage in our key mar- conserve their biodiversity and promote it is no longer there. While every nation kets. Sustainability and prosperity will go its sustainable use. has national interests to defend, let us hand in hand. But despite these efforts, biodiversity not forget that the CBD is a unique fo- For us, sustaining our biodiversity and loss continues in Europe and the rest of rum where government and citizens of aiming to be a truly sustainable nation is the world. the world meet with common interests: not only the right thing to do for our plan- The time has come to take stock and to keep our world living and breathing et; it is also the smart thing to do for our re-double our efforts. Expectations are healthy, for our sake and especially for future wellbeing. high for the Convention on Biological our grandchildren.

14 Gincana 5 Sigmar Gabriel, Minister for the Environment, Germany Funding Global Nature Conservation—How much Value do we Place on Protecting the Natural Bases of Life?

ow much value do we place on in 2050. According to the data collected are of plant origin. Tourism in rural areas conserving nature’s treasure trove by the World Conservation Union IUCN benefits from national parks and bio- H in which we hope to discover im- more than 16,000 known species world- sphere reserves which often contribute portant medicines in future? How can we wide are currently threatened with extinc- signi cantly to regional economic devel- assess the CO2 absorption of bogs and tion, including about 25 per cent of mam- opment. Calculating ecosystem services thus their importance for climate pro- mals, 33 per cent of amphibians and 12 such as CO2 absorption, drinking water tection? How much will it cost us to im- per cent of bird species. supply, natural pest control, soil formation plement technology which imitates the and erosion control is more complicated. natural flood protection provided by Consequences of biodiversity loss The precise value of these services can mountain forests and mangroves? And Biological diversity is nature’s data- usually only be determined when the eco- how much value do we place on the mur- base. In view of the depletion of nite re- system ensuring them can no longer fully mur of a creek, the fragrance of a ower sources and constant global population provide them and supplementary techno- meadow or the fresh air of a forest? growth, biodiversity is a vital resource logical measures have to be taken. The complex web of interactions and base of the future. We will have to draw Despite these gures and known inter- functions of species and habitats, the increasingly on natural products and pro- relations nature conservation is still largely economic value of biological diversity and cesses in order to cover our demand for considered an economic stumbling block. the services it provides have thus far been resources. Today, these kinds of products Efforts to preserve nature are seldom ac- neither comprehended nor acknowledged and processes already account for 40 per knowledged as a basis for economic de- suf ciently. The diversity of nature and the cent of the global economy. velopments. And yet, that which is eco- services it offers have rather been tak- The diversity of nature provides the logically necessary has long been the en for granted and exploited. This lack of basis for our existence, giving us food, economically sensible thing to do. appreciation for nature’s economic value clean water, fertile soil, fuels and med- At present we are trying to make short- has led to a situation in which the con- icines. We nd opportunities for recre- term economic pro ts through industrial servation of biological diversity has fre- ation in natural surroundings. By polli- shing, forest clearance, monocultures in quently been neglected in the political nating plants, insects ensure that we can large-scale plantations and by expand- decision-making process and the distri- harvest our crops. The poor in rural areas ing our infrastructure at an enormous bution of nancial resources. This has of- in particular directly depend on the ser- speed. This strategy will cost us dearly ten had dramatic impacts on the condi- vices of local ecosystems for their exis- in the long term. We can already see the tion of nature. tence. According to the Millennium Eco- consequences of our actions today. The system Assessment (MA), however, about loss of ecosystem services which is ev- Continued loss of biological two thirds of all life-sustaining functions ident, for example, in the imminent col- diversity are in decline, as they are severely affect- lapse of shery, crises in the pollination Today biological diversity is disappear- ed by excessive use and the loss of bio- of crops, the increasingly costly supply of ing worldwide at an unprecedented rate. diversity. The assessment clearly shows drinking water and major oods is already Although many countermeasures are tak- that the loss of biological diversity is a causing economic losses of several hun- en at national and international level, de- major barrier to ful lling the UN’s Millen- dred billions of US dollars. forestation continues unabated. Every nium Development Goals. In order to ensure sustainable eco- year a forest area of 13 million hectares nomic development on our planet, we is destroyed. According to the Food and The economy of biological diversity have to give nature some space, we have Agriculture Organization of the United Na- Biological diversity is an indispensable to protect the web of life and nature’s life- tions’ (FAO) most recent gures, today 77 basis for economic development. To give sustaining functions and preserve biolog- per cent of sh stocks worldwide are be- only a few examples: the gross product ical diversity’s innovative potential for fu- ing depleted or exploited to their biologi- of shery production is about US $80 bil- ture resources. The capacity of natural cal limit. If present trends continue, com- lion (not including aquaculture). 40–50 per systems to regenerate must serve as a mercial shery will no longer be possible cent of all medicines that exist worldwide benchmark for the intensity with which

From COP 9 to 2010 15 we use nature. Waiving the use or reduc- struments more effectively and, within this "Debt for Nature Swaps" can be applied ing it to a sustainable level will cost mon- framework, increase existing funds. The and whether the setting up of environ- ey in the short term. However, investing conservation and sustainable use of bi- mental foundations can be supported today in the conservation and sustainable ological diversity have to be taken into more strongly. use of biological diversity, thus enabling greater account in all relevant sectors. In In addition, individuals and companies us to make use of natural resources and addition, we have to develop innovative are ever more willing to contribute to the services, would be much more econom- international funding instruments and im- conservation of global biodiversity e.g. ical than repairing or restoring it at great plement them resolutely. through donations. This is another po- expense later. Every dollar that we spend tential we can use more effectively. now on the conservation of biological di- Increasing existing funding versity and sustainable production meth- On the national level we should thor- Integrating biodiversity ods will save us many times the amount oughly review the different possibilities to Sectors which are closely linked to in future. improve funding: can we increase the ap- economy such as agriculture, forestry, In a nutshell: the conservation of bio- propriations for the conservation and sus- shery, trade, tourism, transport, energy logical diversity is the basis for maintain- tainable use of biodiversity in the nation- industry and research have a signi cant ing a stable global economy and is indis- al budget? Can we make more extensive in uence on biological diversity. They can pensable for preserving our bases of life. use of tax instruments and incentives, or and must make a vital contribution to the Therefore we have to be willing to spend introduce new ones? Can we make in- conservation and sustainable use of bio- more, at both the national and interna- creased use of equalisation payments diversity. Compared to nature conserva- tional level. for projects? Can we expand the instru- tion, signi cantly higher funds of several ment of payment for ecosystem servic- billions are available to the above-men- Financing global biodiversity es? Can we launch support programmes tioned sectors. It will be a question of in- conservation or increase their funding? Can we estab- vesting an increasing share of these funds The CBD working programmes and lish environmental foundations or provide in securing a natural resource base in the guidelines contain a comprehensive and existing ones with more funding? long term. This calls for government to globally agreed framework for action to There are similar challenges with re- take action, but in particular for compa- effectively implement the three aims of gard to international measures. Accord- nies themselves to do something.

Innovative international funding mechanisms

“In order to ensure sustainable economic development on our Conserving biological diversity is the planet, we have to give nature some space.” foundation for the long-term functioning of the global economy and for life on this planet—and is thus a global challenge. We should therefore also discuss in detail the Convention: the conservation and ing to the OECD, the share of spending the introduction of global funding mech- sustainable use of biological diversi- for matters related to biodiversity in the anisms and implement these where pos- ty and equitable bene t sharing. We do total of cial development assistance has sible. Within the framework of the dis- not lack the knowledge of how to halt remained between 2.4 per cent and 2.8 cussion on funding global goods, many the loss of biodiversity. However, there is per cent for many years. In light of the vi- concepts have already been developed a major de cit with regard to implemen- tal importance of biological diversity for and dealt with by different bodies. These tation. One signi cant reason for this is economic development and the bases proposals include introducing global tax- insuf cient funding. At the World Sum- of human life, we must ask ourselves to es, charging fees for the use of glob- mit in Johannesburg and in a large num- what extend this share should be raised. al environmental goods (e.g. shipping or ber of CBD agreements the need for in- With a view to the con rmed increase in deep-sea shing), making international creased funding was con rmed and we development assistance to 0.7 per cent compensation payments for waiving use, committed to making greater efforts. The of gross national product, funding should introducing cap and trade mechanisms loss of biological diversity, however, con- at least be increased proportionately. I do and more strongly interlinking global fund- tinues unabated. If we still want to reach feel, however, that the share as a whole ing instruments for climate protection. the 2010 target, we have to be prepared has to be increased. This would of course There are still plenty of open ques- to invest a great deal more in the con- have to be based on a general consen- tions and numerous political obstacles servation and sustainable use of biolog- sus, as the priorities of development co- with regard to each of these instruments. ical diversity at both the national and in- operation are laid down jointly. In this Some mechanisms may be more realis- ternational level. context there should be a review of how tic than others. With a view to the glob- In my opinion we have to follow a dou- the Global Environment Facility (GEF) can al challenges, we have to nd the politi- ble strategy. We have to use existing in- be better funded, how the instrument of cal will and courage to closely review the

16 Gincana 5 options for introducing global instruments could give a new important impetus to the logical diversity combined with the eradi- and to agree on and implement speci c in- conservation of global biodiversity. cation of poverty. struments as soon as possible. The CBD should actively contribute to this discus- G8—Potsdam Initiative 9th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties 2008 in Bonn sion. During their last meeting in Potsdam In Germany we are currently review- the environment ministers of the G8 coun- In May 2008 Germany will host the 9th ing such an innovative instrument. We tries made biological diversity and climate Meeting of the Conference of the Parties intend to publicly auction a share of the protection key items on the agenda. With- to the Convention on Biological Diversity CO2 permits allocated to Germany within in the framework of the Potsdam Initiative in Bonn. The aim of the conference is to the framework of the European Emissions they highlighted the special importance of signi cantly advance the implementation Trading Scheme. With the revenues from biological diversity for the global economy of the Convention. The issue of funding this auction we want to fund, for exam- and the well-being of humans and agreed will play a decisive role here. I hope very ple, international climate protection mea- to improve funding through existing instru- much that we will succeed—two years be- sures which also assist the conservation ments. In addition, they agreed to review fore 2010—to make important decisions of biodiversity. We call on other countries the need for and possibilities of addition- in Bonn and to give the urgently needed to consider introducing this instrument as al innovative mechanisms for funding the impetus. I will do my best to help achieve well. If several partners come together this conservation and sustainable use of bio- this goal.

Gerda Verburg, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Netherlands Do Businesses need Biodiversity?

round the globe biodiversity is on • Financial support for the development the decline. Ecosystems are being of instruments to help businesses an- A thrown out of balance and species alyze, reduce, and report on their own driven into extinction. As the world econo- impact on biodiversity my continues to grow, and production and • Partnerships with a number of coun- consumption expand, it is the environ- tries in Asia within the framework of the ment that pays the price, which ultimate- European Union Action Plan for Forest ly threatens the welfare of us all. Solving Law Enforcement, Governance, and this complex problem will require a con- Trade (FLEGT), to take concrete steps certed effort by all parties involved. towards reducing non-sustainable log- recommendations, a variety of initiatives Without substantial involvement on the ging practices and the trade in tropi- have been introduced by business, gov- part of businesses, it will prove impossi- cal timber ernment, and NGOs. They vary from lo- ble to prevent further loss of biodiversity. • Intensive cooperation with the agricul- cal to global initiatives and from those This is why the Dutch Government has tural sector in the Netherlands towards involving one company to those mobiliz- made cooperation with the private sector sustainable practices, through the in- ing entire sectors. The central issue of- a pillar of its biodiversity policy. The gov- novative use of soil biota and agrobio- ten boils down to identifying the incen- ernment promotes private-public partner- diversity. tives for businesses. ships, while the Dutch business commu- In my view, ecosystem goods and ser- nity is launching exciting new initiatives of In 2002, the Strategic Plan for the vices themselves form a clear and direct its own. Here are just a few examples: Convention on Biological Diversity was incentive for many companies. For these adopted during the Sixth Meeting of the businesses, protecting biodiversity is not • The Group for Sustainable Tourism Ini- Conference of the Parties in The Hague. a question of being forward-thinking or en- tiatives, a long-standing partnership in The Strategic Plan explicitly recognizes vironmentally responsible but is simply a which tour operators, NGOs, and the that integrating biodiversity objectives in- matter of self-preservation. A reliable sup- government have joined forces in an ef- to economic activities is the key to devel- ply of natural resources is crucial for them. fort to reduce the ecological footprint oping sustainable solutions for the chal- So it is not just about what the business left by Dutch tourists abroad lenges we face. In response to the plan’s community can do for biodiversity, but

From COP 9 to 2010 17 what biodiversity means for businesses. what they can expect and which rules ap- ly believe that such activities can best The EU’s Business and Biodiversity ply to them. They require clear information be implemented by the private sector in Conference held last November in Lisbon and open communication. close cooperation with NGOs. But gov- provided a fresh impulse to policy devel- We must allow room for new markets ernment must be ready to assist where opment. The European Commission then and innovations. Fortunately, plenty of needed, laying the groundwork by pro- announced further support initiatives. companies view preserving biodiversity viding expertise, passing legislation, and The business world is showing a grow- as a challenge, not a threat. Many sec- promoting public awareness. ing willingness to work towards sustain- tors, such as food manufacturers, the tim- There are no easy answers, and making able solutions for protecting biodiversity. ber industry, and mining companies, re- fundamental changes cannot be achieved Here are my thoughts on how to make ly directly on the continued availability of without some disappointments along the these ambitions attainable: natural resources. Maintaining a license way. But we cannot let the fear of failure First of all, we must raise awareness to operate in the future is a major moti- deter us. We must not shy away from the and make information available. Creating vating factor. To create true markets for challenges ahead and allow ourselves to a shared understanding of the threats to ecosystem goods and services, the fact be sidetracked by still more research and biodiversity, and the ways the business must be recognized that sustainable use more debate before getting down to busi- community can help combat these threats, of biodiversity requires sustained invest- ness. We must dive in and adopt the at- are crucial if we are to tackle them. Chal- ments in its protection. Only then can we titude of learning by doing. We must not lenges can best be met by breaking them speak of one integral policy for all 3 P’s— be afraid to experiment, to set up trial runs down into concrete issues, affected areas, People, Planet and Pro t. and pilot projects. Even short-term suc- and relevant industries. (The approach to Awareness, insight, and innovation cesses might just pave the way for long- combating over shing is a good example, do not just magically happen. We must term applications that bring us closer to where solutions target particular species create processes to encourage dialogue the solutions our world needs. in speci c areas.) And we must realize that and cooperation, so that policy can be The year 2010 is quickly approaching for some businesses, attitudes towards turned into concrete, workable plans. and we must ensure that we truly change biodiversity are primarily colored by neg- Examples already abound, such as the our approach to biodiversity. In the words ative considerations, that is, by the fear WWF’s Round Tables for responsible soy of the Dutch Prime Minister during the that measures taken to protect biodiver- and sustainable palm oil, as well as many Sustainability Summit in Johannesburg in sity will have a detrimental effect on busi- activities carried out by the World Coun- 2002, “We’ve done the talking, now let’s ness prospects. Companies need to know cil on Business and Development. I rm- start walking!”

Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, South Africa Ensuring the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

n recent years we have seen the rise Biodiversity involves complex ecosys- of “biodiversity” to global prominence tems, and the long-term economic and I as the detrimental impacts of human social costs of biodiversity loss have not activity on the environment are increas- yet been quantified. But what is clear, ingly being felt. At the G8 plus 5 (Brazil, is that the loss of biodiversity is most China, India, Mexico and South Africa) acutely felt among the poor in develop- meeting held in Potsdam in early 2007, ing countries. Ensuring the conservation the Ministers of Environment recognized and sustainable use of biodiversity is thus the magnitude of global biodiversity loss a global priority. and particularly its adverse effects on the realization of the Millennium Development South Africa’s Rich Biodiversity Heritage Goals. Ministers reached a common agreement that a robust strategy for the conser- South Africa is considered one of the vation of biodiversity is required. most biologically diverse countries in the

18 Gincana 5 world. It occupies only two per cent of the initiatives, marine and game parks, cre- ic costs associated with the loss of bio- world’s surface area but is home to near- ating markets for “green products” and diversity. Already, 21 National Parks have ly 10 per cent of the world’s plants, seven setting up trust funds. Economic incen- been established, most notably the Table per cent of the world’s reptiles, birds and tives are vital in enticing the private sec- Mountain National Park, Addo Elephant mammals and to approximately 24,000 tor to invest in sometimes untested bio- Park and the Kruger National Park. plant species. diversity ventures. The Cape Action for People and the In the South African context, because Environment (C.A.P.E), a GEF-fund- The Economics of Biodiversity in of the complex economic situation, the ed project, is truly one of South Africa’s South Africa driving factor behind any market relat- successes in biodiversity conservation. There are a number of industries that ed conservation strategies must be the This project is a collaborative initiative depend on biodiversity. The IUCN esti- alleviation of poverty and the creation between, the government, private sector mates that about 40 per cent of world of employment. Countries which face a and community for the conservation of trade is based on biological products or mammoth task of poverty alleviation and the Cape Floral Kingdom. While maintain- processes such as agriculture, forestry, development often place a major focus ing a strong focus on conservation, this sheries and certain pharmaceuticals. In on economic strategies that stimulate project aims to unlock the economic po- South Africa terrestrial, inland water and growth and create employment oppor- tential of the Cape Floristic Region. marine ecosystems and their associated tunities with less attention being paid to The GEF Small Grants Programme in biodiversity are widely used for commer- environment or biodiversity conservation. South Africa is also a valuable source of cial, semi-commercial and subsistence But economic progress and biodiversity funding for local / community-based bio- purposes. The marine sheries industry conservation are not mutually exclusive. diversity initiatives, involving the partici- for example, incorporating commercial, Preserving biodiversity is an important pation of NGOs, local communities, and recreational, and subsistence shing, is prerequisite to achieving sustainable eco- other civil society organizations. The GEF valued at R4.5 billion per year. The ow- nomic development. Small Grants Pogramme (SGP) provides er industry in the Western Cape, which grants directly to community-based orga- generates an estimated turnover of R150 Integrating Economic Tools and nizations (CBOs) and NGOs. Twelve proj- Communities into the Biodiversity million a year, supports many families in Planning and Management ects in the biodiversity focal area have to some of our poorest communities. Processes date been funded by the SGP. It is important that biodiversity conser- The Challenge to Finance Biodiver- South Africa’s National Biodiversity vation measures for low-income and mid- sity Protection and Conservation Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) was a dle-income countries also include mea- Biodiversity conservation is not cost- rst step in the attempt to integrate eco- sures to compensate for those, among free and often have unintended, negative nomic tools into the biodiversity planning the poor, whose livelihoods may be di- impacts on the poor. Financial support and management processes. The devel- rectly or indirectly dependent on the re- for biodiversity protection could include opment of the NBSAP received fund- source. Costs associated with biodiversity government support, the private sector, ing from the Global Environment Facility conservation will need to be carefully cal- international and local non-governmen- (GEF). Through the NBSAP, South Africa culated and incorporated in national bud- tal organizations (NGOs), and internation- aims to address the single biggest threat geting systems. For biodiversity conser- al organizations. However, donor funds to its biodiversity loss by ‘mainstreaming’ vation to be attractive to other sectors of and other traditional sources of funding biodiversity throughout the economy. This the economy, and if biodiversity conser- are limited and under intense global de- will include the establishment of a policy vation is to be sustainable in developing mand. Thus, if countries have any hope of framework for biodiversity management, countries, it is critical that it contributes to implementing the objectives of the Con- an institutional framework for biodiversity poverty alleviation and job creation. vention on Biological Diversity, signato- management, integrated management of In developing countries, it is critical ry countries will have to seek other non- terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, sus- that a process is embarked upon to quan- traditional sources of funding, especially tainable use of biological resources and tify, where possible, the economic bene- from the private sector, to nance biolog- the conservation of vulnerable areas. A ts of biodiversity. This will contribute to ical conservation. number of activities are foreseen by the building the argument for conservation. The private sector can and should be NBSAP that will, inter alia, promote co- Clear indicators demonstrating the val- more effectively involved in investing in operation among the relevant government ue of conservation for national and eco- the conservation of biological diversi- departments and stakeholders during pol- nomic development, are an important ty. One key driver to encourage private icy making. Provision has also been made component of ‘selling’ a National Biodi- sector involvement is through public-pri- to ensure that the impacts of sectors that versity Strategic Action Plan to other sec- vate partnerships. This involves creating transform land or consume large volumes tors in the economy. In South Africa, we a market for ecosystem goods and ser- of water are integrated with the economic are committed to securing long-term sus- vices. Such public-private partnerships policies and spatial land-use planning in tainable sources of funding for biodiver- may include implementing eco-tourism order to reduce the social and econom- sity protection and management.

Partnerships 19 Jacques Diouf, Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Biodiversity, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: The Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity for Global Food Security

he mutual bene ts between biodiversity and production in the T agriculture, sheries and forestry sectors provide humanity with opportunities for increasing food availability and security whilst maintaining a healthy, natural resources capital on which future generations can live. Understanding these linkages-often forgotten or underestimat- ed-between agricultural and food production sectors and biodiversity is essential for achieving the goals of a universal right to food, global food security and sustainable rural development. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) placed these important linkages at the very core of its operations since its establishment in 1945 as re ected in its Constitution-adopted 62 years ago-requesting that the organization “shall promote and, where appropriate, shall recommend national and international action with respect to: inter alia the conservation of natural resources and the adoption of improved methods of agricultural production.” riculture (CGRFA), by national govern- associated impacts of climate change; or, FAO’s priorities and activities on the ments and NGO’s as well as in other bio- at the species level, the diversity of or- conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity/environmental frameworks. As ganisms in ecosystems contributes to- logical diversity range across the genet- a knowledge organization fostering in- wards important ecosystem functions ic, species and ecosystem levels and information sharing and providing techni- such as nutrient cycling and pollination. clude technical assistance, knowledge cal assistance to its Members, FAO is In this context, agriculture has the ca- management and policy development an active partner of the CBD, address- pacity to enhance biodiversity by provid- and implementation. This covers a coming, through its various for a, many dif- ing incentives for the preservation of a prehensive range of actions and impacts ferent issues related to agricultural bio- range of plant and animal populations es- building on the mutual bene ts between diversity, forest biodiversity, sustainable sential to agricultural production such as the production sectors and biodiversity use, marine/coastal and inland biodi- pollinators and bene cial predators. The and on FAO’s vast expertise in convert- versity, access and bene t sharing, the crucial role of farmers as key conserva- ing these bene ts into concrete results global strategy for plant conservation tionists and knowledge managers of ge- aimed at achieving global food and nu- and the 2010 Target initiatives to name netic, species and ecosystems diversity tritional security. just a few. has always been recognized in FAO’s pri- The comparative advantage of FAO Genetic, species and ecosystem di- orities and activities. It has also been re- addressing biodiversity within the frame- versities from the basis of agriculture: for cently reaf rmed in FAO’s 2007 State of work of the agriculture, forestry and sh- instance, at the genetic level, diversity in Food and Agriculture (SOFA) under the eries sectors has been widely recognized plants and animals is important for ad- theme of “Paying Farmers for Environ- within the Convention on Biological Di- aptation to a range of farming conditions mental Services”. The celebrations for versity (CBD), and the FAO Commission and environmental stresses, such as ex- the 2008 International Day for Biologi- on Genetic Resources for Food and Ag- tremes of temperature and drought and cal Diversity (IBD) on “Biodiversity and

20 Gincana 5 Agriculture” and the International Year of plication of the ecosystem approach in tries, urbanization, transboundary pests the Potato (IYP) are golden opportunities both sheries and aquaculture. In addi- and animal diseases (e.g. avian in uen- to discuss and raise awareness on this tion, following the recommendations of za, African swine fever) climate change crucial role of farmers and on the poten- the FAO Committee on Fisheries (CO- and bioenergy. FAO is making these new tial mutual bene ts between agriculture FI) at its 26th Session (2005), FAO is ex- challenges top priorities within its man- and biodiversity. The online Knowledge amining the role of the marine protect- date by building on its broad technical Forum of FAO and its extensive network ed areas (MPAs) as a tool for sheries and multidisciplinary expertise, foster- of regional and sub-regional of ces and management. A web site on this issue ing new partnerships and providing neu- country representatives are good vehi- was launched in October 2007 in order tral for a for discussing these issues and cles to spread FAO’s expertise in these to promote a better understanding of the nding tangible solutions to help mem- issues in the eld. contribution of MPAs to sheries man- ber counties to achieve the World Food The forestry sector also relies on for- agement and the elaboration of techni- Summit target and Millennium Develop- est diversity at the genetic, species and cal guidelines on the design, implemen- ment Goals. In this context, and to ad- ecosystem levels; there have been cas- tation and testing of MPAs. dress all these urgent issues, FAO is es where selective exploitation of the best Aquaculture is now the fastest growing hosting in 2008 two High-Level Confer- trees/specimen has resulted in the deteri- food production sector. Biodiversity and ences the rst on World Food Security oration of genetic resources, which then the sustainable use of shery genetic re- and Challenges of Climate Change and adversely affected the population densi- sources are the basis for continued pro- Bioenergy” ( FAO headquarters, Rome, ty and the overall production of valuable duction from aquaculture to help sheries Italy 3-5 June 2008) and the second on timber. Thus, the forestry sector also pro- meet an ever growing demand for sea- “Feeding the World in 2050” to be held vides incentives towards the conserva- food. The ecosystems approach to aqua- later in the year. The conferences will see tion of diversity at different levels through culture focuses attention on maintaining the participation of Heads of State and

“FAO’s mandate and operations, especially through joint activities with the Convention on Biological Diversity enable the Organizations to tackle these new challenges, build on the mutual beneﬁ ts between the production sectors and biological diversity and manage technical and traditional knowledge so as to concurrently combat world hunger and poverty and decrease the loss of biodiversity.”

sustainable forest management practic- ecosystem functions around and with- Government, Nobel Peace Prize laure- es. In this framework, regular monitoring in aquaculture facilities in order to min- ates, international gures, distinguished and assessments are crucial to ensure imize adverse impacts on native species researchers and academics and repre- the conservation of diversity: FAO car- and environments, and to help improve sentatives from private sector and civ- ries out global forest resources assess- economic growth. The wild relatives of il society. ments at ve to ten year intervals within all farmed aquatic species are still pres- FAO’s mandate and operations, espe- the framework of its Global Forest Re- ent and must be maintained as they pro- cially through joint activities with the Con- sources Assessment (FRA) programme. vide a valuable resource for future aqua- vention on Biological Diversity enable the The next global assessment (FRA 2010) culture growth. Organizations to tackle these new chal- will in addition to the traditional collection The conservation and sustainable lenges, build on the mutual bene ts be- of country information through question- use of biodiversity are the basis of ef- tween the production sectors and biolog- naires, include an ambitious global remote fective agriculture, sheries and forest- ical diversity and manage technical and sensing survey and provide the forest- re- ry sectors, which are the sine qua non to traditional knowledge so as to concur- lated information needed to assess prog- achieve the universal right to food and to rently combat world hunger and poverty ress made towards the 2010 Biodiversity realize the global food security in all of and decrease the loss of biodiversity. In Target of the Convention on Biological Di- its four dimensions, i.e. food availabili- other words, FAO is geared up to recon- versity (CBD). ty, access, utilization and stability. How- cile socio-economic, developmental and The conservation and sustainable ever, the 21st century is imposing new environmental concerns in the achieve- use of marine, coastal and inland water threats on biodiversity and its linkages ment of the universal right to food, glob- biodiversity are important components with the agricultural and food production al food and nutritional security and sus- of the sheries sectors. FAO builds on sectors; among these new concerns are tainable rural development in a healthy this crucial linkage in fostering the ap- population growth in developing coun- diverse planet.

Partnerships 21 Katherine Sierra,Vice President, Sustainable Development, The World Bank The Role of Biodiversity in Development: A World Bank Perspective

tourism, and industry for the world’s poor- management and watershed protection. est people. Agricultural programs will need to take How can the World Bank help? The account of climate change and changing Bank already supports a vast array of bio- rainfall patterns with increased attention diversity initiatives, funding more than 500 being paid to conserving agrobiodiversi- projects in over 100 countries during the ty in crop gene banks and traditional ag- last 15 years1. Many projects already ricultural practices to maintain diversity of promote sound natural resource man- varieties and crops for food security. As a agement that could contribute to mitiga- response to climate change, many coun- tion and adaptation by maintaining and tries are likely to invest in more infrastruc- restoring native ecosystems across alti- ture to address energy needs, irrigation, hree of the greatest challenges tudinal gradients. Projects such as those and ood control. Yet improved habitat over the coming decades will be in the Amazon rainforests and the South management and rehabilitation of upland T biodiversity loss, climate change, African megareserves in the Cape Floral watersheds and wetlands can also help to and water stress. These issues are inter- Kingdom maintain biodiversity in large regulate water ow and minimize oods, linked and will undermine both the pace landscapes and along ecological corri- reducing vulnerability and improving water and quality of future development, espe- dors. Meanwhile, Bank support for ma- quality for downstream communities. cially in the poorest economies. As such rine conservation on the MesoAmerican Adaptation will increasingly become they need to be addressed as part of the Barrier Reef and coral reef management part of the development agenda, focusing development agenda. Currently the world’s attention is focusing on climate change. Rising temper- atures and changes in the frequency and “The Bank supports a vast array of biodiversity initiatives, funding more intensity of climatic events will have a sig- than 500 projects in over 100 countries during the last 15 years.” ni cant impact on the poorest countries. Climate change will also exacerbate the rate of biodiversity loss in some of Earth’s most species-rich systems. The introduc- in Indonesia recognize the important links on enhanced protection and management tion of new, fast-growing, and adaptable between sources and sinks, with marine of natural ecosystems, and more sustain- species for agriculture, biofuels, mari- reserves protecting vital sh nurseries on able management of natural resources culture, aquaculture, and reforestation is which local communities depends. and agricultural crops. Biodiversity con- likely to further exacerbate the spread of New initiatives under the climate servation can play an important, cost-ef- invasive alien species, which are the sec- change agenda provide both opportuni- fective, and ef cient role in reducing vul- ond greatest threat to biodiversity. ties and challenges for biodiversity con- nerability to climate change. Protected The Millennium Ecosystem Assess- servation, especially since land and forest areas, biological corridors, and the natu- ment showed that over the past 50 years conversion contribute up to 20 percent of ral habitats that they maintain can provide human activities have changed ecosys- greenhouse gas emissions annually. Calls multiple benefits: carbon storage, wa- tems more rapidly and extensively than at from the UN Climate Change Conference ter production, coastal protection, ood any comparable period in history. These in Bali for greater action on avoided de- control, genebanks for crop relatives, and changes have contributed to net devel- forestation provide opportunities for re- breeding grounds for wildlife and sher- opment gains but with growing environ- warding communities that improve forest ies. We understand that many of these is- mental costs: biodiversity loss, land deg- protection and management. The Forest sues will be on the COP 9 agenda. As al- radation, and reduced access to water Carbon Partnership Fund (FCPF) will afford ways, the World Bank stands ready and and natural resources. This loss of hab- opportunities to protect forests for multiple willing to help. itats and species is important because bene ts: carbon sequestration, conserva- biodiversity provides the raw materials for tion of biologically-rich habitats, and great- 1 World Bank 2006 Mountains to Coral Reefs. The World livelihoods, sustenance, trade, medicines, er community bene ts from native forest Bank and Biodiversity

22 Gincana 5 Monique Barbut, CEO, Global Environment Facility (GEF) Achieving Multiple Global Environmental Beneﬁ ts through Tropical Forest Management

ever has the challenge or op- ple: forest ecosystems face risks and op- prior estimates by the Intergovernmen- portunity to preserve the world’s portunities for a host of reasons. These tal Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The N most unique and threatened ar- include agriculture expansion, shifts in fate of tropical forests is also intimately eas been greater. global commodity markets, infrastructure tied to the future of biodiversity, as these Over the centuries nearly half of the development, and energy production. As forests harbor over one half of all glob- Earth’s original forest cover has disap- a result, making SFM a reality will require al biodiversity. Habitat loss threatens 74 peared, cleared mostly during the past a more holistic, wide-reaching approach per cent of endangered mammals, 44 per century, according to the Convention on that cuts across these diverse interests cent of endangered birds, 57 per cent of Biological Diversity. and sectors and multilateral environmen- endangered amphibians, and 67 per cent Ironically, it is the climate change is- tal agreements. of endangered reptiles. sue which is now helping decision mak- Of particular importance to the glob- In order to more effectively address ers refocus on preserving forests, which al community and the GEF are the glob- the management needs in tropical for- can act as a carbon sink and help slow al bene ts being provided by the last re- ests, the GEF has created a complemen- environmental damage both locally and maining tropical forest wilderness areas. tary program as part of the Sustainable globally. In addition to conserving global biodiver- Forest Management Program, called the We now have a unique chance to dem- sity, sustaining rural livelihoods, and pro- Tropical Forest Account (TFA), which will onstrate the importance and relevance of viding spiritual and cultural havens for lo- accelerate investments in three regions biological diversity to the long-term health cal and remote populations, these forest of large, intact tropical forest that have of the planet by linking forest biodiversity areas are among the largest and most im- been de ned as the primary targets for conservation and climate mitigation. portant providers of ecosystem services, the Tropical Forest Account (Amazonia, As the nancial mechanism for both fundamental to maintaining our planet’s Congo Basin, and New Guinea and Bor- the biodiversity and climate conventions, long-term health and stability. neo). The countries within the target re- one of our key roles is to catalyze partner- The window of opportunity to act in gion house 54 per cent of tropical forest ships between governments, civil society tropical forests is closing fast. As resourc- cover and contain 68 per cent of tropical and private sector groups. Only togeth- es dwindle and the agricultural frontier ex- forest carbon. er can we achieve what this convention pands globally, pressure on tropical for- Each of these regions has over eight set out to do by 2010: that is to dramati- ests is increasing. They have already million hectares of wet broadleaf forest cally reduce biodiversity loss at the glob- been affected by large-scale degrada- and is over 70 per cent intact. By choos- al, regional and local levels as a way to tion and fragmentation; and only 43 per ing target regions of large, mostly intact, alleviate poverty “to the bene t of all life cent of the extent of original forest cover healthy tropical forest, the TFA is able on Earth.” remains. Preventing tropical deforestation to invest in a relatively low cost, pro- One way we think that goal can be met is foundational to poverty reduction strat- active manner to prevent deforestation is through our Sustainable Forest Man- egies, as these forest ecosystems ensure in countries where forest cover is high, agement (SFM) program. It draws on the the long-term provision of environmental rather than the relatively expensive, re- knowledge, experiences and finances goods and services. active option of reforestation in countries from the GEF focal areas of biodiversity, Tropical deforestation is also respon- where forest has been lost or degraded land degradation and climate change to sible for over 20 per cent of global CO2 on a large scale. conserve, protect, and more effectively emissions. New research suggests that Investing in tropical forest wilderness manage the world’s forests. slowing tropical deforestation may play areas is one way to achieve shared objec- Through SFM, the GEF is directing its a much larger role in mitigating climate tives of the global community: biodiver- resources in a more structured and fo- change than previously believed. Car- sity conservation, climate mitigation, and cused way by addressing the major chal- bon emissions from tropical deforesta- sustainable forest management. I call on lenges to forest ecosystems in partnership tion are now expected to increase atmo- governments, business leaders and those with our agencies and client countries. spheric CO2 concentration by between 29 in civil society to help us move this impor- The rationale for the SFM strategy is sim- and 129 ppm within 100 years, far above tant initiative forward.

From COP 9 to 2010 23 Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The Rio Conventions Joint Liaison Group: An Example of UN Inter-Agency Cooperation

ineteen ninety-two was in a sense so made tangible through the Joint Liai- a “big bang” year for international son Group (JLG), which was established N cooperation on the environment. with the aim of enhancing coordination for cooperating and published two informa- At the Earth Summit in Rio de Janei- between the three Rio conventions and tion notes on these topics. As new scienti c ro that year, three international environ- for exchanging relevant information. knowledge emerges, it is becoming increas- mental agreements were conceived: the The group has stressed the importance ingly important to communicate information United Nations Framework Convention on of collaboration, including among nation- on the links between biodiversity, deserti- Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Na- al focal points and respective secretari- cation and climate change to policy mak- tions Convention on Biological Diversity ats of the conventions. It has also considers and local communities alike. (CBD) and the United Nations Convention ered collaboration in cross-cutting areas In the area of outreach, the group to Combat Deserti cation (UNCCD). All like capacity building, outreach, technol- is considering to increase cooperation three agreements are based on sustainable ogy transfer, observation and reporting. through the development of, for example, development principles. Because of this, For example, since 2005 the secretariats educational material and joint web-based their goals and activities are interlinked. By have jointly been publishing a “Rio Con- tools to facilitate information sharing. The identifying synergies between these agree- ventions Calendar.” Rio Conventions Joint Liaison Group is a ments, activities to respond to deserti ca- During 2007, the JLG took an action-ori- good example of what is already being tion, biodiversity loss and climate change ented approach and identi ed a set of activ- done in terms of inter-agency coopera- can be mutually supportive and co-bene- ities that could be implemented during the tion. Over the next years, it will become ts could be further enhanced. coming years with an aim to further enhanc- increasingly important to foster coopera- Close cooperation between the UN- ing cooperation between the three secre- tion between all UN agencies concerned FCCC, CBD and UNCCD is steadily tariats. It also identi ed “adaptation” and with the challenges of climate change, growing at the policy-development and “forests” as two areas where information biodiversity loss and deserti cation and to implementation levels. Cooperation is al- exchange has proven to be an effective way identify possible common responses.

Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertifi cation Land Degradation/ Desertifi cation and Biodiversity: How Can We Generate Global Benefi ts?

iodiversity and land form the foun- gris and Mesopotamia, through those of of the world’s biodiversity exists and with- dation upon which human civili- the middle ages, to modern civilizations. out which it cannot subsist. Second, land B zation has been built. Biodiversity Sustainable land management has there- and biodiversity compliment each other in provides goods and services that under- fore become paramount in addressing supporting the ecosystem functions es- pin sustainable development in many im- many of the challenges facing mankind sential for life on Earth, such as the pro- portant ways, thus contributing to poverty today, including the protection of biolog- vision of fresh water and climate stability. alleviation. Similarly, land has for centu- ical diversity. Third, they are also intertwined in provid- ries been the basis for the growth of civ- Land and biodiversity are also inter- ing products such as food, medicines and ilizations and economic development, twined in that, rst, land constitutes the raw materials. right from the early civilizations of the Ti- substrate upon which a large percentage The Ten-Year Strategic Plan and

24 Gincana 5 framework to enhance the implemen- heavily on the structural diversity of the ests, and the promotion of market-based tation of the United Nations Conven- vegetation cover and species richness in- and policy tools to capture the value of tion to Combat Deserti cation (UNCCD) cluding plants, animals and micro-organ- these services. (2008- 2018) adopted by Parties at the isms. The loss of biodiversity due to land The need to collaborate closely in or- last ordinary session of the Conference degradation/deserti cation could there- der to achieve the overall goal of real- of the Parties held in Madrid, Spain in fore hinder efforts to improve the liveli- ising the objectives of the CBD Strate- September 2007, is in my opinion, the hoods of people. gic plan and progress towards the 2010 latest manifestation of the international Drylands cover about 40 per cent target and the UNCCD ten-year strategic community’s resolve to address the chal- of the land surface of the globe and plan should be supported by all partners. lenge of land degradation and deserti- support over two billion people. While Both Conventions could signi cantly con- cation as one of the major barriers in drylands species have developed a tribute to achieving the Millennium Devel- the ght against poverty in many parts number of unique adaptations to dry opment Goals, particularly for the eradi- of the globe. conditions, CBD statistics show that cation of poverty. The new UNCCD Strategy is geared more than 2,300 known species remain As acknowledged by Parties to the towards providing a global framework to threatened or endangered. The excel- UNCCD and political leaders at the World support the development and implemen- lent working collaboration between the Summit on Sustainable Development tation of action programmes and policies CBD and the UNCCD should be pur- (WSSD), combating land degradation / to prevent, control and reverse deserti - sued through various efforts to better deserti cation is both an environmental cation/land degradation and mitigate the manage the ecological functions of dry- and a sustainable development issue. De- effects of drought. lands and to the species and genes liv- veloping countries are among the most The main objectives of the Strategy in- ing in these ecosystems and thus to affected and threats such as food insecu- clude actions to improve both the living human welfare. Based on their respec- rity have already forced people to aban-

“The excellent working collaboration between the CBD and the UNCCD should be pursued through various efforts to better manage the ecological functions of drylands and to the species and genes living in these ecosystems and thus to human welfare.”

conditions of affected populations and tive goals and objectives, the two Con- don their lands. If urgent action is not tak- the conditions of affected ecosystems; to ventions could jointly enhance support en now, hundreds of millions of people generate global bene ts through effective at the country level towards the devel- will soon be placed at risk of becoming implementation of the Convention, and to opment of the UNCCD National Action environmental refugees. mobilize resources to support the imple- Programmes (NAPs) and the Nation- Land degradation/desertification is mentation process through building effec- al Biodiversity Strategies and Action changing the nature of development and tive partnerships between national and in- Plans. They could, in particular, coor- continued stress on biophysical resourc- ternational actors. dinate their activities towards promotes not only put at risk the possibility to A successful implementation of the ing sustainable agricultural production provide for today’s needs, it also jeop- UNCCD will no doubt contribute to the systems, including agricultural biodiver- ardises the capacity to hold in trust the conservation and sustainable use of bio- sity; and the prevention and mitigation world’s ecosystem services for any future diversity. The new UNCCD Strategy also of threats to forest biological diversity generations. envisages that synergy between deserti - in sub-humid lands. With the Strategy adopted, UNCCD is cation/land degradation and, in particular, There is ample opportunity through at a turning point and the international biodiversity conservation, should be ef- synergies—which include reversing de- community as a whole should not miss fectively communicated among key con- forestation rates for indigenous forests, out on this historical opportunity to reso- stituencies and at all levels. This augurs and the importance of employing new ap- lutely create conditions conducive to the well for the enhanced collaboration be- proaches in order to reverse these trends; successful implementation of the Con- tween the UNCCD and the Convention managing forests as ecosystems through vention. on Biological Diversity (CBD), particular- sustainable forest management, includ- The challenges are therefore to build ly through the joint programme of work ing by maintaining the environmental ser- on the momentum created at the Madrid on the biodiversity of drylands. vices (such as hydrological, soil stabili- Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD. In many developing countries efforts zation, recreational, biodiversity, carbon There is need to move swiftly, and to take to increase primary productivity depend sequestration services) provided by for- strong and decisive actions.

Partnerships 25 Koﬁ A. Annan, Chair for a Green Revolution in Africa Biodiversity, Climate Change and a Green Revolution in Africa

the destruction of ecosystems and the vi- and to earn a pro t on their labor. Basic tal services they provide. to all of this is the conservation of Africa’s Although the majority of Africans farm, crop diversity, along with its soil and wa- most small-scale farmers are unable to ter resources—goals that are doubly im- grow enough food to feed their families portant in an era of global environmen- and communities. In the past ve years tal change. alone, the number of underweight children in Africa has risen by about 12 per- Conserving Crop Genetic Diversity in an Era of Climate Change frican farmers and their partners cent. Furthermore, population growth are embarking on a historic effort rates continue to exceed the productive Climate change—in the form of inten- A to launch a new and uniquely Afri- capacity of Africa’s food systems. The sified and more frequent droughts—is can green revolution capable of alleviating population of sub-Saharan Africa is pro- already harming our agricultural produc- the poverty and hunger that af icts one- jected to grow from 600 million in 2000 to tion. The drought in the 1960s, 70s, and third of our continent. The Alliance for a nearly a billion by 2020, with concomitant 80s led many people to starve in the Sa- Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), whose increases in hunger and malnutrition—un- hel and Horn of Africa. In the early 90s, Board I chair, is building partnerships that less farmers are able to substantially and drought in southern Africa was so se- work to signi cantly boost farm produc- sustainably increase farm yield. vere that some areas experienced a loss tivity and incomes for poor small-scale Over the past several decades, what of 80 percent of the normal rainfall, and farmers while safeguarding the environ- yield increases Africa’s farmers have at- grain production was 60 percent below ment. As we move forward, it is valuable tained have come primarily through put- normal. Swaziland in 2007 experienced to re ect upon the inherent strengths of ting more land into production—rather its worst drought in 15 years, with maize African agriculture as well as on the chal- than through producing greater yields on production hitting historic lows, and other lenges ahead. less land via improved seed and wise soil southern African nations have faced sim- We are fortunate today to be launching and water management. This has been ilar struggles due to lack of rainfall. our green revolution with an endowment disastrous for the environment and for Af- Scientists warn that climate change is of cultivated and natural biodiversity that rican societies. Already, the rate of defor- likely to not only raise global temperature, is unmatched anywhere in the world. Af- estation in Africa is 200 percent higher but also to intensify weather extremes in- rican farmers have cultivated this diver- than the global average. Land denuded cluding deluge, drought, or storm and sity over countless generations, adapting of trees is prone to erosion, further wors- wind intensity. Altered temperature and hundreds of crop varieties to Africa’s var- ening the plight of poor farmers and ac- rainfall patterns could create conditions ied ecosystems. These varieties, or “land celerating the loss of biodiversity. conducive to the spread of plant diseas- races,” and their wild relatives serve as a In what has become a vicious cycle, es and pests. critical foundation for bringing prosperi- resource-poor farmers work a piece of African agriculture is predicted to ty to small-scale farmers, for they contain land until the soil is mined of all nutri- be particularly vulnerable to climate the genetic traits farmers need to improve ents, and then move on to clear another change. A report last year by the United yield, ght crop diseases and pests, and piece of forest or grassland for farming. Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- cope with the intensifying impacts of cli- When that land is no longer productive, mate Change (IPCC) predicts that climate mate change. it is again time to move on. This cycle is change could cause crop yields in some The biodiversity of Africa’s crops and fueled by their basic need to put food on African countries to fall by 50 percent by their wild crop relatives must be protect- the table. 2020—a disastrous scenario. ed. This conservation is fundamental to a To end this cycle, Africa needs a green Given Africa’s often poor soils and successful and sustainable African green revolution that is both environmentally harsh climates, additional environmen- revolution, just as sustainable agricultur- and economically sustainable. Farmers tal stresses caused by climate change al development is critical to the well-be- need access to improved, higher yielding could easily compromise the productivity ing of African ecosystems and biodiver- varieties of their own indigenous crops. of farmers’ land races, which are adapt- sity. This is because the low performance They need access to appropriate soil nu- ed to their local environments and often of agriculture lies at the heart of Africa’s trients and to adequate water. They need contain stress tolerance traits that need low economic growth, which itself fuels the means to get their produce to market to be preserved. Conservation of this lo-

26 Gincana 5 cal biodiversity is critical to surviving cli- otic varieties cannot. This means that, of bank operated by the International Maize mate change in Africa. necessity, Africa’s green revolution will and Wheat Improvement Center. Indeed, for all of these reasons, con- be fundamentally different from Asia’s. In However, the reality is that the quality servation of crop biodiversity has never Asia, the introduction of a few improved of crop collections varies widely across been more important to African farmers, varieties of wheat and rice could spread Africa. A handful, including Ethiopia’s In- and to the hundreds of millions who de- across vast areas of irrigated land where stitute of Biodiversity Conservation, are pend upon their harvests. Every variety farming conditions were fairly uniform. In in good condition. In fact, the Ethiopian lost represents a loss of potential options Africa, small-scale farmers cultivate hill- institute, which maintains 65,000 sam- for future agriculture. sides, ridges, and valley bottoms that are ples of African crop, forest, and medicinal largely un-terraced, non-irrigated, and plants, was recently awarded UNESCO’s Securing Africa’s Crop Biodiversity non-mechanized. This calls for a much Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Earlier this year, while on a fact- nding greater diversity of crops and crop variet- Preservation. mission to farms in Western Kenya, I met ies, as well as decentralized crop breed- But many African countries lack the re- Crispus Oduori, who may be the only crop ing programs where breeders and farmers sources required to keep their seed col- breeder in all of Africa working with nger work closely together to target the chang- lections viable and up-to-date. A simple millet. Finger millet is a wonderful cereal es that will make a difference. power failure can shut down refrigera- crop. It tastes good in a variety of foods, One example of farmer-participato- tion and lead to the loss of irreplaceable it grows in tough conditions, and it has ry breeding is an AGRA project aimed a seeds. At-risk collections need to be re- nutritional qualities not found in other Af- developing a high-yield version of guin- generated and expanded, and gene banks rican staples. Although virtually unknown ea sorghum for farmers in West Africa. need the resources to ensure smooth and unstudied outside of the continent, The project began with a survey of local functioning. this uniquely African crop has enormous farmers to understand the traits present Fortunately, a growing international potential when it comes to improving the in their varieties. Farmers are now test- movement, led by groups like the Global food security of all Africans—and it pro- ing more than 100 hybrids to assess yield Crop Diversity Trust, Bioversity Interna- vides an excellent example of the need and quality with the goal of boosting yield tional, the Consultative Group on Interna- for conserving crop biodiversity. by as much as 30 percent. tional Agricultural Research, and the Food At the same time, nger millet is one By making use of natural biodiversity and Agriculture Organization of the United of Africa’s “orphan” crops: indigenous to and conventional breeding techniques to Nations, is addressing the impediments to Africa and responsible for feeding millions develop improved, locally-adapted crop establishing and maintaining gene banks of our people, yet largely overlooked by varieties, AGRA’s crop breeding programs in Africa and elsewhere in the developing agricultural science. seek to preserve much of Africa’s unique world. AGRA looks forward to partnering Other such orphan crops include cas- crop genomic diversity. However, to fur- on such efforts. sava, teff, and guinea sorghum. Their con- ther guard against the loss of original land servation is paramount. race varieties, concurrent with the devel- Sustainable Agriculture and Sustain- able Growth Within the scope of a uniquely Afri- opment of new varieties, AGRA initiatives can green revolution, conservation can will support extensive seed collection and The long-standing problems af icting occur through a variety of means: in crop preservation initiatives, as well as fund lo- African farmers and the potential for cli- gene banks; through maintaining the nat- cal seed banks. mate change to signi cantly worsen them ural habitats in which wild crop relatives Ideally, local, national, regional, and in- have enormous implications for the edg- continue to evolve; in farmers’ elds; and ternational crop gene banks provide safe ling international commitment—put forth through the very process of breeding new repositories for seeds, while also mak- at the 2002 World Summit on Sustain- varieties. ing that diversity available to farmers and able Development—to “signi cantly re- A recent approach to crop breeding, breeders. duce the loss of ecosystems, species, known as the “farmer participatory” ap- Crop varieties conserved in gene and habitats by 2010.” proach, focuses on rst understanding banks are in high demand. For example, Simply put, an African green revo- what is already in the elds and using this plant breeders are probing gene banks lution that is environmentally and eco- knowledge to develop stronger, higher- in an intensive effort help East African nomically sustainable and that produces yielding varieties. The challenge today is farmers develop acceptable varieties of rapid and signi cant improvements for Af- to preserve the sustainability of current banana—a major source of nutrition and rica’s small-scale farmers is essential to farming systems and the genetic diversi- income—that are resistant to the Black the conservation of ecosystems, species, ty of land races while developing variet- Sigatoka fungus that has slashed pro- and habitats. ies that boost yields and enable crops to duction in some areas by 40 percent. In adapt to rapidly changing environmen- Kenya, scientists ghting a destructive Koﬁ A. Annan, former Secretary-General of tal conditions. maize beetle are developing beetle-re- the United Nations, is Chair of the Board of the Varieties that utilize land races have sistant maize by crossing a local variety Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. the potential to do this in a way that ex- with a Caribbean variety stored in a gene (www.agra-alliance.org)

Partnerships 27 Jeffrey Sachs, Director, The Earth Institute at Columbia University Humans Leave Precious Little for Other Forms of Life

s a species, human beings have sh species. One of these species, or- income, which they could use for micro- a major self-control problem. We ange roughy, has been caught commer- investments to improve their household’s A humans are now so aggressive- cially for only around a quarter-century, wealth, education, and health. ly shing, hunting, logging, and growing but already is being shed to the point Aside from banning bottom trawling crops in all parts of the world that we are of collapse. and establishing a global fund for avoid- literally chasing other species off the plan- Likewise, in many parts of the world, ed deforestation, we should designate a et. Our intense desire to take all that we tropical rainforest is being cleared for global network of protected marine ar- can from nature leaves precious little for pasture land and food crops. The result eas, in which shing, boating, polluting, other forms of life. is massive loss of habitat and destruc- dredging, drilling, and other damaging ac- In 1992, when the world’s govern- tion of species, yielding a tiny economic tivities would be prohibited. Such areas ments first promised to address man- bene t at a huge social cost. After cutting not only permit the regeneration of spe- made global warming, they also vowed down a swath of rainforest, soils are of- cies, but also provide ecological bene- to head off the human-induced extinction ten quickly leached of their nutrients so ts that spill over to neighboring unpro- of other species. The Convention on Bio- that they cannot sustain crops or nutri- tected areas. logical Diversity, agreed at the Rio Earth tious grasses for livestock. As a result, We also need a regular scienti c pro- Summit, established that “biological di- the new pasture land or farmland is soon cess to present the world with the evi- versity is a common concern of human- abandoned, with no prospect for regener- dence on species abundance and extinc- ity.” The signatories agreed to conserve ation of the original forest and its unique tion, just as we now have such a process biological diversity, by saving species and ecosystems. for climate change. Politicians don’t listen their habitats, and to use biological re- Because these activities’ costs are very well to individual scientists, but they sources (for example forests) in a sus- so high and their bene ts so low, stop- are forced to listen when hundreds of sci- tainable manner. In 2002, the treaty’s sig- ping them would be easy. Bottom trawling entists speak with a united voice. natories went further, committing to “a should simply be outlawed; it would be Finally, the world should negotiate a signi cant reduction in the current rate simple and inexpensive to compensate new framework no later than 2010 to slow of biodiversity loss” by 2010. the shing industry during a transition to human-induced climate change. There Unfortunately, like so many other in- other activities. Forest clearing, on the can be little doubt that climate change ternational agreements, the Convention other hand, is probably best stopped by poses one of the greatest risks to spe- on Biological Diversity remains essentially economic incentives, perhaps combined cies’ viability. As the planet warms, and unknown, un-championed, and unful lled. with regulatory limits. Simply restricting rain and storm patterns change dramati- That neglect is a human tragedy. For a the practice of land clearing probably cally, many species will nd themselves in very low cash outlay—and perhaps none would not work, since farm families and climate zones that no longer support their at all on balance—we could conserve na- communities would face a strong temp- survival. Some can migrate, but others ture and thus protect the basis of our own tation to evade legal limits. On the other (such as polar bears) are likely to be driv- lives and livelihoods. We kill other species hand, nancial incentives would proba- en to extinction unless we take decisive not because we must, but because we bly succeed, because cutting down for- action to head off climate change. are too negligent to do otherwise. est to create pastureland is not pro table These measures are achievable by Consider a couple of notorious ex- enough to induce farmers to forego pay- 2010. They are affordable, and in each amples. Some rich countries, such as ments for protecting the land. case would ultimately deliver large net Spain, Portugal, Australia, and New Zea- Many rainforest countries have united bene ts. Most importantly, they would land, have shing eets that engage in in recent years to suggest the establish- allow us to follow through on a global so-called “bottom trawling.” Bottom ment of a rainforest conservation fund by promise. It is too painful to believe that trawlers drag heavy nets over the ocean the rich countries, to pay impoverished humanity would destroy millions of other bottom, destroying magni cent, unex- small farmers a small amount of money species—and jeopardize our own future— plored, and endangered marine species to preserve the forest. A well-designed in a t of absent-mindedness. in the process. Complex and unique ecol- fund would slow or stop deforestation, Jeffrey Sachs is a professor of economics ogies, most notably underground volca- preserve biodiversity, and reduce emis- and director of the Earth Institute at Columbia noes known as seamounts, are ripped to sions of carbon dioxide the burning of University. THE DAILY STAR publishes this shreds, because bottom trawling is the cleared forests. At the same time, small commentary in collaboration with Project “low-cost” way to catch a few deep-sea farmers would receive a steady ow of Syndicate (http://www.project-syndicate.org/

28 Gincana 5 Shakeel Bhatti, Secretary of the Governing Body, International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture A Global Genepool for Agricultural Biodiversity

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and its Multilateral System for Access and Beneﬁ t-Sharing he achievement of the 2010 Bio- Each relies largely on others for the ge- diversity Target is vital for the netic basis of its major food crops. Even T food security of present and fu- foods that have been part of a culture for ture generations. Biodiversity for food centuries often are indigenous to a region and agriculture constitutes the basis of on the other side of the world. This glo- our livelihoods, providing food and shel- bal dispersal shows the generosity with ter to people around the globe. For the which farmers and farming communities production of our daily food—our breads, have always shared seeds and genet- our curries, our tortillas, our couscous— ic materials with neighbours or through we rely on the continued availability of trade. As a result, we now live in a world plant genetic resources for food and ag- in which not one country can be consid- riculture. ered self suf cient in terms of being able But in the last century alone, more to survive solely on crops indigenous than three quarters of all known food within its borders. crops slipped into extinction; irreversibly The ground-breaking mechanism and irrecoverably lost. This means more contained in the Treaty—the Multilater- than lost from landscapes and supermar- al System of Access and Bene t-Shar- The SMTA sets out the obligations of the ket shelves. It means we have lost all of ing - recognizes the sovereign rights of provider and the recipient of the materi- the unique attributes they had acquired States over their own plant genetic real, provides details of the bene t-sharing over the millennia—their ability to survive sources for food and agriculture and at mechanism and administers the sharing hot summers or cold winters, to thrive in the same time establishes a System that of bene ts. It thereby ensures legal cer- dry conditions or in areas prone to ood, is ef cient, effective and transparent, both tainty, low administrative costs, guaran- to withstand pests or resist disease. It al- to facilitate access to genetic resources teed bene t-sharing and practical con- so means that in the future, farmers and and to share, in a fair and equitable way, sistency and reliability for users of the food producers will have fewer options to the bene ts arising from the utilization of System. deal with problems caused by a changing these resources. Those who access genetic materials and unpredictable climate and still feed a The Multilateral System puts our most through the Multilateral System agree to growing population. important crops—crops that together ac- share any bene ts from their use through In response to this alarming situa- count for 80 per cent of the food we de- the established bene t-sharing mecha- tion and in recognition of the special na- rive from plants—into an easily accessi- nisms, including exchange of information, ture of crop biodiversity, countries joined ble global pool of genetic resources that access to and transfer of technology, ca- their forces in concluding the Internation- is freely available to potential users so as pacity building, and sharing of monetary al Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for to ensure global food security. and other bene ts arising from commer- Food and Agriculture (the Treaty), which This truly innovative System has be- cialization. was adopted by the FAO Conference in come operational at the beginning of The SMTA contains two fully opera- 2001, entered into force in 2004 and has 2007 and today comprises more than tional options for the sharing of bene ts since been rati ed by 116 countries. The 600,000 unique varieties. Every week arising from commercialization. The rst Treaty’s objectives are the conservation hundreds of transfers of plant genetic option provides for the payment of 1.1 and sustainable use of plant genetic re- material take place within the Multilat- per cent of the sales of a commercial- sources for food and agriculture and the eral System, mounting up to more than ized product, which incorporates materi- fair and equitable sharing of the bene ts 100,000 transfers just within the rst year al accessed from the Multilateral System, arising out of their use in harmony with of operation. whenever it is commercialized with re- the Convention for food security and sus- A standardized contract adopted by strictions for further research and breed- tainable agriculture. the Treaty’s Governing Body, the Stand- ing. In most cases, this bene t-sharing When it comes to plant genetic re- ard Material Transfer Agreement (SM- option is linked to the acquisition, use sources for food and agriculture all coun- TA), facilitates the actual transfer of the and exercise of certain intellectual prop- tries in the world are interdependent. materials under the Multilateral System. erty rights.

From COP 9 to 2010 29 Under the second option, the user ly available to others for research and sources for food and agriculture. of the Multilateral System can opt for a breeding through the exercise of intel- The Treaty is now at a critical stage of crop-based payment system, whereby lectual property or other rights. implementation. It remains an indispensa- they pay at a lower rate, namely 0.5 per The funds thus acquired will form part ble instrument of public international law cent, on all their commercialized products of the Treaty’s Funding Strategy and will for regulating access to plant genetic re- of a particular crop, regardless of wheth- flow primarily to farmers, especially in sources for food and agriculture and ben- er material from the Multilateral System is developing countries and countries with e t-sharing. The Treaty is the only binding incorporated in those products, and re- economies in transition, who conserve international Access and Bene t-Sharing gardless of whether or not they are free- and sustainable use plant genetic re- System already fully operational today.

Guenter Mitlacher, NGO Focal Point for CBD MOP 4/COP 9, NGO Forum for the Environment and Development/German League for Nature and Environment (DNR) 100 Days to the UN Conference on Biological Diversity in Bonn

Protecting the last intact primary for- Sharing forms a contractual issue. ests is an essential instrument for the However, a regime it is not yet settled— conservation of biological diversity as companies and industrialised nations n 8 February there were 100 days well as climate protection. benefi t from a situation which is not reg- to go before the 9th UN Confer- The G8 + 5 states as main users of the ulated by law. The blockade by certain O ence of the Parties (COP) to the forests‘ resources should enforce an im- parties has to be broken—a protocol on Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), mediate moratorium on the development Access and Benefi t-Sharing which also starting on 19 May 2008 in Bonn. There- and use of primeval forests! considers the rights of indigenous peo- fore, an international dialogue forum of The declaration of 40 per cent of ma- ples has to be agreed on. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) rine surface on high sea as protected ar- took place for the rst time in history of eas is a matter of utmost importance. 4. Stopping the agricultural industry— the CBD.1 protecting and promoting agricultur- The Berlin Museum of Natural History 2. Richness obliged—secure funding of al diversity. provided an attractive framework to this the future task “Conservation of Bio- Genetic engineering in agriculture, ge- high-level dialogue forum. In the confer- diversity“. netic use restriction technology for plants ence, 35 national and international ex- Protecting the future of our planet is and patented animals reduce the diversity perts and 180 participants from civil so- not for free. Until 2015 the annual ex- of livestock and cultivated plants. Those ciety, politics, administration, business, penditures covering only protected ar- technologies lacking self-control do not media, sciences and embassies came to- eas have amounted to 30 billion EUROs form part of a future-compliant agricul- gether to discuss important issues, ma- worldwide. To this end, the developed ture conserving biodiversity. jor obstacles and progress that should be world will have to take its responsibili- Recalling the decision of the World achieved at COP 9. ties—they have the duty to provide the Summit in Johannesburg in 2002 to signif- With this dialogue forum, NGOs want- main load of funding. Less developed icantly reduce the loss of biological diver- ed to stimulate the negotiation process of countries have to be supported: It is out- sity by 2010 and the EU Member States the upcoming conference in Bonn. To this rageous when users of biodiversity ben- declaration to stop the loss by 2010 it is end they made key demands on the Par- efi t of the world market while they do not vital that CBD parties must be much more ties of the Convention: engage in its protection. ambitious at COP 9!

1. Stop exploitation—protect and save 3. Fair and equitable access for less 1. The Conference has been organized by the COP9 NGO Project of the German NGO Forum on Environment and the most important nature conserva- developed countries—managing com- Development and the German League for Nature and En- tion areas now. mon goods of nature in a mutual and vironment (DNR). The event was funded by the Feder- al Agency for Nature Protection and the Federal Minis- All remaining intact rainforest areas responsible way. try for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear have to be put under protection now! Since 1992, Access and Benefit- Safety (BMU).

30 Gincana 5 Gérald Tremblay, Maire de Montréal, Canada Protection de la biodiversité : Les villes, au cœur du déﬁ et de la solution

ce des parties à la Convention sur la di- tion et de mise en valeur des milieux na- versité biologique, qui s’amorce à Bonn, turels, sans oublier un apport particulier : est pour moi l’occasion de rappeler que la dé nition d’un écoterritoire au cœur du c’est par l’action des villes et à partir de la centre ville de Montréal. concertation entre elles et avec les autres Ces échanges doivent être établis et acteurs que nous pourrons trouver des maintenus entre les associations de villes solutions à la perte de la diversité bio- (UCLG, Métropolis, ICLEI/LAB, WMCCC, logique particulièrement signi cative en etc) avec la contribution et le support des n tant que maire d’une ville qui a milieu urbain. Nous devons nous donner organisations internationales et de leurs l’honneur d’être l’hôte du Secréta- les moyens d’atteindre les objectifs que réseaux, (Secrétariat de la Convention sur E riat international de la Convention nous nous sommes xés. Pour cela, l’ap- la Diversité Biologique, UNESCO, UNEP sur la Diversité Biologique, je suis heureux pui des gouvernements nationaux et des et UNHabitat). C’est notre dé de travailler de partager avec vous quelques ré exions organisations internationales nous est in- ensemble, en faisant appel à des moyens sur l’importance de l’action des villes dans dispensable. ef caces, pour atteindre le plus rapide- la sauvegarde de la biodiversité. Les échanges entre les villes sur les ment possible nos objectifs et d’éviter le À travers le monde, les populations vi- bonnes pratiques représentent un élé- dédoublement de nos efforts individuels. vent désormais majoritairement en milieu ment clé de la réussite. Au cours des der- Une meilleure coordination entre les vil- urbain. Or, l’appauvrissement de notre nières années, nous le savons, nos villes les est nécessaire a n que nous puissions biodiversité est en grande partie lié à l’ac- ont développé avec succès des moyens mettre en commun les expertises, les ré- tivité humaine, Un an après la Conféren- de défendre ou de promouvoir la biodi- seaux et les sources de nancement. Elle ce internationale des villes sur la biodiver- versité sur leur territoire. Par exemple, représente l’une des conditions du suc- sité à laquelle je prenais part, à Curitiba, Montréal s’est doté d’une Politique de cès. La réunion de Bonn nous donne l’oc- il convient de réaf rmer le rôle essentiel l’arbre, d’un Premier Plan stratégique de casion de renforcer les liens qui unissent qui revient aux villes dans le cadre de l’at- développement durable de la collectivité nos villes pour nous permettre d’aller plus teinte de l’Objectif 2010. La 9e Conféren- montréalaise, d’une Politique de protec- loin ensemble.

Montreal Nagoya Curitiba Bonn

From COP 9 to 2010 31 Takehisa Matsubara, Mayor of Nagoya, Japan Formulating a Biodiversity Strategy Together with Citizens

Mayor of Bonn, and we agreed to coop- areas, which account for only two per erate in sending a strong message on Cit- cent of the Earth’s total surface area, ies and Biodiversity at the Mayors Con- consume 75 per cent of all resources ference, to be held prior to the High-Level consumed by humankind. As communi- Segment of the ninth meeting of the Con- ty leaders, cities have a responsibility to ference of the Parties (COP 9) in Bonn in raise public awareness of the importance May 2008, and to work together to ensure of biodiversity. With this in mind, the City the success of COP 9. of Nagoya aims to formulate the “Nagoya The year 2010 is an important year Biodiversity Strategy” by 2010. both for biodiversity and Nagoya. It is As part of this Biodiversity Strategy it the target year for the 2010 Biodiver- will be important to demonstrate to Na- sity Target adopted at COP 6 held in The goya’s 2.2 million citizens the importance attended the meeting on Cities and Hague, and the International Year of Bio- of taking biodiversity issues and their in- Biodiversity held in Curitiba, Brazil last diversity, as declared by the UN Gener- dividual lifestyles seriously, and of cher- I March. At the meeting, together with al Assembly in December 2006. Further- ishing the blessings of life on Earth to the Mayor of Curitiba, Mr. Richa, the May- more, 2010 marks the 400th anniversary hand over to future generations. By host- or of Montreal, Mr. Tremblay, and other since the foundations of modern-day Na- ing COP 10 in Nagoya in 2010, I would participants, I recon rmed the vital im- goya were rst established in 1610. Final- like to create citizens movements to put portance of the involvement of local au- ly, the City of Nagoya is currently bidding these ideas into practice, and as a city, thorities in the protection and sustainable to host COP 10 in Nagoya in this mile- to make a contribution to the realization use of biodiversity. stone year 2010. of the principles of the Convention on Bi- Last July, I met with Ms. Dieckmann, It is said that people who live in urban ological Diversity.

Bärbel Dieckmann, Mayor of Bonn, Germany The Bonn Approach to Biodiversity: Local Action—Global Interaction

ermany’s United Nations City generation. A Mayors Conference on is more than a host to COP Urban Biodiversity will lead to a “Bonn G 9. Beyond the city’s tradi- Call for Action” into the High Level Seg- tional activities to protect biodiversity, ment. The experience and potential of Bonn has launched a campaign reach- cities are bundled in Bonn, for example ing out from the local to the global lev- in the ICLEI-Local Action for Biodiversity el—from awareness-raising and action Project, in an exhibition on “Cities and to the international exchange of expe- Biodiversity” or in the fruitful exchange rience and political contribution. Chil- within various stakeholder group meet- dren’s and Youth Summits will render ings in Bonn on the occasion of COP 9 a substantial contribution of the young in May 2008.

32 Gincana 5 Beto Richa, Mayor of Curitiba, Brazil The Simple Tree Code

ometimes I feel the world is steeped of garbage. in a jungle of concepts that insist Talking to trees, the City Hall helped S on not becoming ideas; of ideas Curitibanos to open their hearts and that refuse to become actions; of action awareness to the environmental issue and that do not know how to become works; to demand that, today, the idea of con- and works that do not manage to move servation of biodiversity permeates every people or change their awareness. intervention in the urban environment by The view from this dense jungle—that public authorities. many confuse with what they call “forest The most important segments of orga- view”—is, certainly, the number 1 enemy nized society are united, working to make of any manager, public or private. true the commitment to biodiversity that For people in this jungle, changes are we, Mayors, signed in 2007 in the Curiti- urgent. Only those capable of reading the ba Declaration. simple tree code are able move deeper And I have information that allow me ty’s territory and its surroundings. And I into the forest seeking solutions for ma- to state: the re-introduction of indige- also issue an alert: taking on this com- jor environmental problems. nous owers and ornamental plants into mitment is today an essential condition I dare say that, thanks to the ongoing the Curitiba landscape has contributed to for all public administrators wishing to practice in this type of Reading, Curitiba reconstituting biodiversity and to prevent be recognized, in the future, as good ad- has been able to be the protagonist in several species from moving towards the ministrators. many unprecedented and innovative en- threshold of extinction. I am proud to say that, in the wake of a vironmental initiatives. In the same way that birds, for in- long tradition in good environmental prac- The forest view is that: every city rep- stance, depend on trees to live—and to- tices, Curitiba is today a city that believes resents sudden breaks in biodiversity. A true concept, certainly, but contradicted by real life at every moment, since the better part of the world population lives in “By hearing the speech of trees, Curitiba has opened its eyes to cities and this is an irreversible fact. the need to preserve permeable soils in the urban landscape, Nonetheless, by reading the message on the trees, Curitiba endeavors to alle- environments indispensable for their existence.” viate this break, by adopting good envi- Bärbel Dieckmann, Mayor of Bonn, Germany ronmental practices. It was thus that, among the green area splinters transformed in parks to pro- day Curitiba’s trees are home to 364 dif- in concepts that transform into ideas; vide leisure and meeting places for the ferent bird species!—good environmental ideas that are born to become actions; population, the city ensured continuity practices depend on the awareness of cit- actions that become concrete works, for the life discourse of widely differing izens from every municipality of metropol- touching people’s hearts and changing forms of life. itan regions in order to build an agenda their consciences. In tree lining for streets, squares, gar- that works to everyone’s advantage. This is the message that I wish to take dens, schools, Curitiba preserves the un- Identify and reserve green areas in or- to the COP 9, in Bonn. I know there is still equalled language and speech of its in- der to ensure their permanent conserva- much to be done in improving people’s digenous plants. The city created laws tion are propositions that should be at the lives and ensure a balanced and sustain- and tax incentives to ensure trees the top of management priority lists in every able environment for our descendents. right to dialog with people and many oth- metropolis. In this way, today’s citizens The speech of trees is merely a language er types of life in the Private Reserve of and those of tomorrow will have more to decipher in achieving the forest solu- Natural Municipal Heritage. beautiful landscapes to admire and dif- tion for the Earth’s environmental prob- By hearing the speech of trees, Curi- ferent life forms will be able to count on lems. But I invite you to understand it. tiba has opened its eyes to the need to environments indispensable for their ex- You will have the opportunity to feel and preserve permeable soils in the urban istence. to make feel the best of all certainties: the landscape, to the concern in revitalizing Representing all Curitibanos, I here- certainty that there still is hope and that its rivers, to the importance of the prac- by reaf rm the commitment to support improving living conditions on the planet tice of selective collection and recycling this type of initiative in the municipali- depends exclusively on Man!

From COP 9 to 2010 33 “The international community has only two years left to reach the 2010 target of a signif- icant reduction in the loss of biodiversity. The 9th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity not only offers us an excellent opportunity but also places us under an obligation to do everything in our power to greatly advance protection of biodiversity throughout the world. This, no more and no less, is about safeguarding the natural resources we need for our own survival and ensuring that future generations, too, have an opportunity to develop.” —Angela Merkel, Chancellor, Germany

“If we want to implement the goals of the Convention on Biodiversity and safeguard the natural basis of life for future generations, it is indispensable to involve all spheres of society, including, and in particular, businesses. Conserving biodiversity is not only an ethical commitment it is also an economically necessary and essential task.” —Gabriel Sigmar, Minister of Environment, Germany

“Cities constitute an important factor for the successful achievement of the goals laid down by the Convention on Biological Diversity, and are in a position where they can lead people to become a driving force for change. As host of the UN Biodiversity Conference, the City of Bonn is honored to be a partner of the City and Biodiversity Initiative”

—Bärbel Dieckmann, Mayor of Bonn, Germany