The International Union for Conservation of Nature Biodiversity Target in EU Development Cooperation: Key Challenges for the Future Jean-Claude Jacques Head IUCN Representation to the EU

The International Union for Conservation of Nature What is IUCN? The International Union for Conservation of Nature An International Organisation with hybrid membership - 80 States Governmental Agencies NGOs A presence in 160 countries worldwide A unique expertise through its 6 thematic commissions and 11,000 experts

The International Union for Conservation of Nature What is IUCN doing? Providing scientific expertise on biodiversity issues - IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - IUCN Categories of Protected Areas - Natural World Heritage Sites (for UNESCO) Implementing large scale programmes on key biodiversity issues such as: - Water: Water and Nature Initiative (WANI) - Forestry: Livelihoods and Landscape Strategy - Ocean: Protect Planet Ocean Advising governments and environmental conventions (UN observer status)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature The importance of Biodiversity in ACP Countries All plants and animals used in agriculture are derived from wild species Genes of wild species can be instrumental in protecting crops and cattle against pests and diseases Many other species could have a potential interest but are not known yet Agriculture could not survive without key ecosystem services such as: Fertility of soil: provided by 6,600 kg/ha of living organisms Pollination: 90% of flowering plants need animal pollinators Water: provided by forest cover in the upper part of river basins Shadow for coffee or cocoa plantations, …

Ecosystem Services (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment Findings – 2005)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Status of Biodiversity IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Total number of species: 8-14 millions Species described: 1.8 million Species assessed: 45,000 Species in danger: 17,000 (38%) Species Extinction Rates: 100 to 1000 times higher now

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Status of Ecosystems Millenium Ecosystem Assessment 60% of ecosystem services are degraded Regions facing the greatest challenges in achieving the MDGs coincide with regions facing the greatest problems of ecosystem degradation The total economic value associated with managing ecosystems sustainably is often higher than the value associated with conversion

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Conservation versus Conversion (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity – 2009)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature What can be done? An ecological paradigm: Diversity = Stability Keep a diverse environment Set up a network of protected areas and corridors ensuring the protection of: - 10% of major ecosystems - 80% of species - All critical ecosystem services (water, wood, pollination, soil fertility, breeding) Diversify the farming landscape: Agroforestry

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Improve the long term management of biodiversity Develop land use planning and resolve land tenure Decentralise the management of biodiversity to local communities Give incentives to sustainable management: Eco- certification

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Development Cooperation A complete set of policy commitments The European Consensus on Development – 2005 The EU Biodiversity Action Plan to 2010 – and beyond – 2006 The EU Council conclusions on the Message from Paris – 2006 The EU Council conclusions on integrating environment in development cooperation – 2009 OECD Policy Statement on integrating biodiversity into development cooperation (under preparation)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature But an Implementation Gap No substantial increase in EC development funds for biodiversity from 9th to 10th EDF Concentration of EU ODA on focal areas and budget support Very limited human capacity in EC Delegations Very limited involvement of environmental CSOs in the EDF Mid Term Review

The International Union for Conservation of Nature The Road Ahead Build on long term commitments Conservation Trust Funds Success stories: - ECOFAC -Programme de conservation et valorisation des écosystèmes forestiers dAfrique centrale - Plan de convergence de la COMIFAC – Commission ministérielle des forêts dAfrique centrale Engage more with local/indigenous communities Set up a European Small Grant Facility to support local NGOs as well as community-based organisations

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Mainstream Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in EU Development Cooperation Allocate sufficient funding to biodiversity: minimum 1% of ODA Make biodiversity a compulsory component of the programming dialogue (Strategic Environmental Assessment - SEA) Involve Civil Society Organisations in the programming and implementation phases Set up a monitoring mechanism with relevant performance indicators

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Thank You Jean-Claude Jacques Head IUCN Representation to the EU