Save Biodiversity 02/06 - Update from Countdown 2010

Welcome to the second issue of "Save Biodiversity", the bi-monthly update from Countdown 2010! While the Global Biodiversity Outlook reminds us of the urgency to act, we are proud to say that the momentum around the 2010 biodiversity target is picking up. We are proud to present success stories from countries as varied as Switzerland, Croatia, Georgia and Brazil in this issue.

Invitation to the Steering Group Meeting
on May 29 in Brussels

The future will bring challenges and opportunities. To share experiences and discuss the best way forward, Countdown 2010 will be hosting a Steering Group Meeting - an assembly of all partners - on May 29 in Brussels, Belgium. We will send you more information about this event in due time - but please do mark this event in your calendar and contact info@countdown2010.net if you have any questions.

2010 @ the Convention on Biological Diversity

8th Conference of the Parties - Convention on Biological Diversity

Curitiba and the people from Brazil provided their full support in making the Eighth Conference of the Parties (COP-8) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which ended on 31 March. The 2010 target was high on the agenda, however the conference faced the challenge to move from commitments to concrete action. Much of the discussions on the more contentious issues, focused more on process than substance. For instance, on access and benefit sharing Parties did not take any major decision besides agreeing to resolve the negotiations by 2010. Nonetheless the 250 side-events provided the more than 4000 participants with concrete examples and case studies on how to translate the commitments to action.

In this spirit, the Countdown 2010 Secretariat along with its partners organized the 37th Global Biodiversity Forum which attracted more than 200 participants who identified a roadmap for action to achieve the 2010 biodiversity target. “We have all the political targets and frameworks in place, now is time for implementation – that was the resounding message from the GBF,” said Sebastian Winkler. In addition, reaching out to the public and engaging all the stakeholders in constructive discussions is essential to achieving the 2010 biodiversity targets, and Countdown 2010 was mentioned by governments in several discussions and in particular those relating to communication, education and public awareness. Thus, this COP set a milestone to communicate the importance of biodiversity conservation to the world and the verdict is now out for Germany who will host COP-9 in 2008.

Curitiba was the show place for concrete Countdown 2010 actions. Austria for example delivers on Countdown 2010 through the adoption of a 5-year biodiversity programme which is being implemented by the Austrian Federal Forests Enterprise (Österreichische Bundesforste, ÖBf AG). “If we are to get closer in achieving the 2010 target, we have to scale up biodiversity action”, said Mr. Josef Pröll, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management at the launch of the programme. The biodiversity programme is accompanied by a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard System (SBSC) developed to monitor delivery of the programme and its individual elements. The next five years will see increased biodiversity action in Austria and clear targets combined with a programme of action and a monitoring tool are becoming the basis for credibility, transparency and accountability.

Finally, Curitiba was also the launching pad for the Countdown 2010 Ambassadors programme. During a formal ceremony Aldo Consentino, Director General of the Italian Ministry of Environment signed a declaration in which he committed himself to continue his outstanding work in promoting Countdown 2010 in Italy and beyond.

4th Biodiversity in Europe Conference

In February, Croatia along with the Secretariat of the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (PEBLDS) organized the 4th Biodiversity in Europe Conference to take stock on where European governments stand in relation to the nine Kyiv targets. Based on a report prepared by the Countdown 2010 Secretariat the conference welcomed the clear progress with implementing a number of Kyiv targets, in particular the targets on the Pan-European Ecological Network, on Monitoring and Indicators, and on Biodiversity Financing. The conference also welcomed the important role of the Countdown 2010 Initiative as a vehicle to communicate and support implementation of the 2010 target. Nevertheless the report concluded that "It is clear that achieving the 2010 biodiversity target in Europe requires not only a redoubling of efforts in implementing the objectives ... but more specifically, a firm commitment by the parties to act," Europe is faring badly on eight of nine counts set in 2003 to halt a loss of biodiversity by 2010.

Making development cooperation work for biodiversity

Strengthening support to biodiversity in economic and development assistance is one of the key challenges towards the 2010 biodiversity target. Thus the World Conservation Union (IUCN), together with the European Commission and the Governments of Belgium, Finland, France and Sweden, is organising a major conference on Biodiversity in European Development cooperation with 350 representatives of governments and the civil society both from developing countries and from the European Union.

The main purpose of the Conference is to obtain political commitment to recognize Biodiversity and Biodiversity related Ecosystem services as one of the pillars in sustainable development. In addition to that, the conference will formulate concrete recommendations to better address biodiversity related issues through all EU development cooperation efforts, including those with the EU Overseas Countries and Territories.

Working together to save biodiversity in the Caucasus

Achim Steiner facilitating a roundtable of the Caucasian Environment Ministers

One of the most biologically rich areas on Earth, the Caucasus is also one of its most threatened. Natural ecosystems and their flora and fauna are rapidly disappearing, and the transition to market economy presents additional challenges for the affected countries. Conservation experts from all over the region published a long-term Ecoregional Conservation Plan to protect, manage and restore natural resources in the Caucasus.

After a Ministerial Conference in March pledged 8.5 mil EUR towards the Caucasus Trust Fund to finance protected areas, IUCN and the Georgian Centre for the Conservation of Wildlife are organising an international conference to advance the process and to move from commitments to action. In addition, Countdown 2010 is organising a training for Caucasus journalists in cooperation with the COM+ Alliance.

Study warns of drastic biodiversity loss

As delegates gathered in Brazil for the 8th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Global Biodiversity Outlook warns that virtually all indicators show an acceleration of the rate of biodiversity loss. To reach the 2010 biodiversity target, the report stresses, unprecedented efforts will be needed.

While the coverage of protected areas is improving, most regions still fall short of targets to protect 10% of their area. Other indicators show that forests continue to be lost at a rate of six million hectares a year, with equally heavy impact on coastal and marine environments. The Living Planet Index shows a decline of average species abundance of 40% since 1970, and up to 52% of species are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List.

Despite these gloomy trends, the report stresses that the 2010 biodiversity target is still within reach. “Meeting the target is a considerable challenge, but by no means an impossible one”, notes the report and calls on all countries to focus on the main drivers of biodiversity loss: habitat loss, climate change, alien invasive species, over-exploitation and pollution.

Focus on... SVS/BirdLife Switzerland

“Diversity is wealth” – this is the title of an ambitious five-year programme designed to engage all sections of SVS/BirdLife Switzerland in activities towards the 2010 biodiversity target. A variety of material helps local partner organisations in promoting biodiversity and organising events, such as nature walks and seminars for politicians in May. School children are asked to spot the first storks, swifts, swallows and cuckoos in their area.

As Switzerland has signed up to the 2010 biodiversity target, the campaign will also demand substantial action from government and local authorities and measure their progress against the Swiss Bird Index SBI. These activities will be complemented by practical conservation work at the local, regional and national level. In 2010, SVS/BirdLife Switzerland will evaluate the campaign’s achievements and – possibly – plan further initiaves.

Focus on... presents selected Partners of Countdown 2010 and their activities on the 2010 biodiversity target. To suggest an organisation, please send an email to wiebke.herding@countdown2010.net.


Save Biodiversity 02/06 - Update from Countdown 2010
In this Issue 2010 @ the Convention on Biological Diversity 4th Biodiversity in Europe Conference Making development cooperation work for biodiversity Working together to save biodiversity in the Caucasus Study warns of drastic biodiversity loss Focus on... SVS/BirdLife Switzerland ^ Dear Countdown 2010 Partners, dear Readers, Welcome to the second issue of "Save Biodiversity", the bi-monthly update from Countdown 2010! While the Global Biodiversity Outlook reminds us of the urgency to act, we are proud to say that the momentum around the 2010 biodiversity target is picking up. We are proud to present success stories from countries as varied as Switzerland, Croatia, Georgia and Brazil in this issue. Invitation to the Steering Group Meeting on May 29 in Brussels The future will bring challenges and opportunities. To share experiences and discuss the best way forward, Countdown 2010 will be hosting a Steering Group Meeting - an assembly of all partners - on May 29 in Brussels, Belgium. We will send you more information about this event in due time - but please do mark this event in your calendar and contact info@countdown2010.net if you have any questions. Looking forward to meeting you in Brussels, Yours, Sebastian Winkler Head of Countdown 2010 ^ 2010 @ the Convention on Biological Diversity Curitiba and the people from Brazil provided their full support in making the Eighth Conference of the Parties (COP-8) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which ended on 31 March. The 2010 target was high on the agenda, however the conference faced the challenge to move from commitments to concrete action. Much of the discussions on the more contentious issues, focused more on process than substance. For instance, on access and benefit sharing Parties did not take any major decision besides agreeing to resolve the negotiations by 2010. Nonetheless the 250 side-events provided the more than 4000 participants with concrete examples and case studies on how to translate the commitments to action. Convention on Biological Diversity, COP-8 In this spirit, the Countdown 2010 Secretariat along with its partners organized the 37th Global Biodiversity Forum which attracted more than 200 participants who identified a roadmap for action to achieve the 2010 biodiversity target. “We have all the political targets and frameworks in place, now is time for implementation – that was the resounding message from the GBF,” said Sebastian Winkler. In addition, reaching out to the public and engaging all the stakeholders in constructive discussions is essential to achieving the 2010 biodiversity targets, and Countdown 2010 was mentioned by governments in several discussions and in particular those relating to communication, education and public awareness. Thus, this COP set a milestone to communicate the importance of biodiversity conservation to the world and the verdict is now out for Germany who will host COP-9 in 2008. Global Biodiversity Forum Curitiba was the show place for concrete Countdown 2010 actions. Austria for example delivers on Countdown 2010 through the adoption of a 5-year biodiversity programme which is being implemented by the Austrian Federal Forests Enterprise (Österreichische Bundesforste, ÖBf AG). “If we are to get closer in achieving the 2010 target, we have to scale up biodiversity action”, said Mr. Josef Pröll, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management at the launch of the programme. The biodiversity programme is accompanied by a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard System (SBSC) developed to monitor delivery of the programme and its individual elements. The next five years will see increased biodiversity action in Austria and clear targets combined with a programme of action and a monitoring tool are becoming the basis for credibility, transparency and accountability. Austrian Federal Forests Enterprise Finally, Curitiba was also the launching pad for the Countdown 2010 Ambassadors programme. During a formal ceremony Aldo Consentino, Director General of the Italian Ministry of Environment signed a declaration in which he committed himself to continue his outstanding work in promoting Countdown 2010 in Italy and beyond. Italian Ministry of the Environment ^ 4th Biodiversity in Europe Conference In February, Croatia along with the Secretariat of the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (PEBLDS) organized the 4th Biodiversity in Europe Conference to take stock on where European governments stand in relation to the nine Kyiv targets. Based on a report prepared by the Countdown 2010 Secretariat the conference welcomed the clear progress with implementing a number of Kyiv targets, in particular the targets on the Pan-European Ecological Network, on Monitoring and Indicators, and on Biodiversity Financing. The conference also welcomed the important role of the Countdown 2010 Initiative as a vehicle to communicate and support implementation of the 2010 target. Nevertheless the report concluded that "It is clear that achieving the 2010 biodiversity target in Europe requires not only a redoubling of efforts in implementing the objectives ... but more specifically, a firm commitment by the parties to act," Europe is faring badly on eight of nine counts set in 2003 to halt a loss of biodiversity by 2010. Fourth Intergovernmental conference 'Biodiversity in Europe' ^ Making development cooperation work for biodiversity Strengthening support to biodiversity in economic and development assistance is one of the key challenges towards the 2010 biodiversity target. Thus the World Conservation Union (IUCN), together with the European Commission and the Governments of Belgium, Finland, France and Sweden, is organising a major conference on Biodiversity in European Development cooperation with 350 representatives of governments and the civil society both from developing countries and from the European Union. The main purpose of the Conference is to obtain political commitment to recognize Biodiversity and Biodiversity related Ecosystem services as one of the pillars in sustainable development. In addition to that, the conference will formulate concrete recommendations to better address biodiversity related issues through all EU development cooperation efforts, including those with the EU Overseas Countries and Territories. Conference: Biodiversity in European Development Cooperation, 19-21 September 2006, Paris, France ^ Working together to save biodiversity in the Caucasus One of the most biologically rich areas on Earth, the Caucasus is also one of its most threatened. Natural ecosystems and their flora and fauna are rapidly disappearing, and the transition to market economy presents additional challenges for the affected countries. Conservation experts from all over the region published a long-term Ecoregional Conservation Plan to protect, manage and restore natural resources in the Caucasus. After a Ministerial Conference in March pledged 8.5 mil EUR towards the Caucasus Trust Fund to finance protected areas, IUCN and the Georgian Centre for the Conservation of Wildlife are organising an international conference to advance the process and to move from commitments to action. In addition, Countdown 2010 is organising a training for Caucasus journalists in cooperation with the COM+ Alliance. Ecoregional Conservation Plan for the Caucasus Ministerial Conference "Nature Protection in the Caucasus", 9-11 March 2006, Germany International Conference "Countdown 2010 in the Caucasus", 15-17 May 2006, Georgia Study warns of drastic biodiversity loss As delegates gathered in Brazil for the 8th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Global Biodiversity Outlook warns that virtually all indicators show an acceleration of the rate of biodiversity loss. To reach the 2010 biodiversity target, the report stresses, unprecedented efforts will be needed. While the coverage of protected areas is improving, most regions still fall short of targets to protect 10% of their area. Other indicators show that forests continue to be lost at a rate of six million hectares a year, with equally heavy impact on coastal and marine environments. The Living Planet Index shows a decline of average species abundance of 40% since 1970, and up to 52% of species are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List. Despite these gloomy trends, the report stresses that the 2010 biodiversity target is still within reach. “Meeting the target is a considerable challenge, but by no means an impossible one”, notes the report and calls on all countries to focus on the main drivers of biodiversity loss: habitat loss, climate change, alien invasive species, over-exploitation and pollution. Global Biodiversity Outlook ^ Focus on... SVS/BirdLife Switzerland “Diversity is wealth” – this is the title of an ambitious five-year programme designed to engage all sections of SVS/BirdLife Switzerland in activities towards the 2010 biodiversity target. A variety of material helps local partner organisations in promoting biodiversity and organising events, such as nature walks and seminars for politicians in May. School children are asked to spot the first storks, swifts, swallows and cuckoos in their area. As Switzerland has signed up to the 2010 biodiversity target, the campaign will also demand substantial action from government and local authorities and measure their progress against the Swiss Bird Index SBI. These activities will be complemented by practical conservation work at the local, regional and national level. In 2010, SVS/BirdLife Switzerland will evaluate the campaign’s achievements and – possibly – plan further initiaves. Focus on... presents selected Partners of Countdown 2010 and their activities on the 2010 biodiversity target. To suggest an organisation, please send an email to wiebke.herding@countdown2010.net. SVS/BirdLife Switzerland: Diversity is wealth RSPB/BirdLife UK: Countdown to 2010	Upcoming Events 15-17 May Launch of Countdown 2010 for the Caucasus (Gudauri, Georgia) 29 May Countdown 2010 Steering Group Meeting (Brussels, Belgium) 30 May-2 June Green Week on Biodiversity (Brussels, Belgium) 12-13 June Expert Meeting "Biodiversity in Noord-Brabant" (Brabant, the Netherlands) 19-21 September Conference "Biodiversity in European Development Cooperation" (Paris, France) News from Countdown 2010 28/03/06: Austria delivers on Countdown 2010 25/03/06: Global Biodiversity Forum identifies roadmap for action to achieve 2010 biodiversity target 23/03/06: First National Park opened – Milestone for Belgium’s Countdown 2010 22/03/06: European Union: incorporating biodiversity in its development cooperation agenda 21/03/06: The World Conservation Union helps European countries to implement the Biodiversity Convention 20/03/06: Steiner encourages: Move from commitments to implementation now to achieve 2010 biodiversity target 20/03/06: Study warns of drastic biodiversity loss 15/03/06: A new vision for the EU Sustainable Development Strategy 13/03/06: Countdown 2010 Goes East 09/03/06: Working together to save biodiversity in the Caucasus 07/03/06: The World Conservation Union calls on European Parliament to achieve the 2010 Biodiversity target 28/02/06: World Conservation Union President Valli Moosa highlights the role of cities in biodiversity conservation 27/02/06: Europeans Seek Funds and Political Will to Save Biodiversity 26/02/06: Swiss Countdown 2010 launched 22/02/06: Pan-European experts preparing for the upcoming CBD Conference in Brazil 13/02/06: Federparchi announces annual 2 million Euros allocation for Countdown 2010 projects 07/02/06: The World Conservation Union announces Global Biodiversity Forum to focus around the 2010 biodiversity target 26/01/06: Marine Environment in danger 26/01/06: Limburg adopts endangered species as contribution to Countdown 2010 19/01/06: The Virtual Curitiba Biodiversity Conference More news New Partners Countdown 2010 would like to welcome its new partners: Allwetterzoo Munster Austrian Federal Forests BIAZA (British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums) Butterfly Conservation Europe Fundacion Biodiversidad Intercooperation Nature and Tierpark Goldau Plantlife International Pro Natura Provincie Limburg Red Life Schweizer Vogelschutz SVS/Birdlife Switzerland WWF Italia WWF Switzerland More partners and supporters You want to join as well? See here or speak to the Secretariat!
For more information please contact info@countdown2010.net or visit www.countdown2010.net
This newsletter is issued bi-monthly by Countdown 2010. To subscribe/unsubscribe, please send an email to Wiebke Herding. We also welcome comments and feedback to the same address. Previous issues of this newsletter can be found at www.countdown2010.net/update

Save Biodiversity 02/06 - Update from Countdown 2010

In this Issue

^

Dear Countdown 2010 Partners, dear Readers,

^

2010 @ the Convention on Biological Diversity

^

4th Biodiversity in Europe Conference

^

Making development cooperation work for biodiversity

^

Working together to save biodiversity in the Caucasus

Study warns of drastic biodiversity loss

^

Focus on... SVS/BirdLife Switzerland

Upcoming Events

News from Countdown 2010

New Partners