save biodiversity! prof. dr. manfred niekisch iucn countdown 2010: a brief introduction

Save Biodiversity! www.countdown2010.net

Prof. Dr. Manfred NiekischIUCN

Countdown 2010:A brief introduction


What the is Countdown 2010?

A powerful network of active partners working together towards the 2010 biodiversity target


Why a CountdownWhy a Countdown

The goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 is the subject of several key international agreements;

•Conference of the Convention on Biological Diversity

•World Summit on Sustainable Development

•Gothenburg European Council

•Sixth Community Environment Action Programme

•Kiev Resolution on Biodiversity


Kofi Annan, Sept 1, 2006:

“World leaders agreed to several other important targets at the 2005 World Summit. I recommend the incorporation of these commitments into the Millennium Development Goals. This includes: [...] a new target under Goal 7: to “Significantly reduce the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010”.


An independent communications and technical support instrument to:

1. Profile the global 2010 commitments

1. Monitor progress towards implementing these commitments via highly visible actions

What is the What is the Countdown?Countdown?


Who is it targeting?Who is it targeting?

Civil Society

Decision Makers

• Governments• Parliaments• Public officials• Private sector


What does Countdown 2010 do?

• Communicate the importance of biodiversity for human well-being and promote the 2010 biodiversity target

• Remind partners to live up to their promises and move from words to action

• Activate the power of the conservation movement to work together towards a joint goal

• Broaden the constituency and resource base


The OutcomesThe Outcomes

Countdown 2010 launched on 25. May 2004

Endorsed by the European Council of Environment Ministers;

Many Regional and National Governments all over the world have signed commitments;

Many NGOs have signed commitments;

Worldwide members and partners.


Where are we today?


Convention on Biological Diversity: Focal AreasI. Reducing the rate of loss of the

components of biodiversity

II. Promoting sustainable use of biodiversity

III. Addressing the major threats to biodiversity

IV. Maintaining ecosystem integrity

V. Protecting traditional knowledge, innovations and practices;

VI. Ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources

VII.Mobilizing financial and technical resources


The power of the 2010 biodiversity target

• Linking up to new constituencies and agendas– Business and Regional Authorities– Climate Change and Poverty

• New focus for the conservation community– A common objective, a multitude of strategies– The power of cooperation beyond individual

institutions– Let’s move from words to action!


Where to go from here?

We need:

• your comments & feedback;• to know if this is the best

approach;• to know if there is more

interest in developing partnerships on such an approach;

• to consider the best way forward.


Countdown 2010 – a multiregional model

South America

CanadaEurope Russia

SouthernAfrica

China

JapanVietnam

save biodiversity! prof. dr. manfred niekisch iucn countdown 2010: a brief introduction

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