Save Biodiversity! Prof. Dr. Manfred Niekisch IUCN Countdown 2010: A brief introduction

Save Biodiversity! What the is Countdown 2010? A powerful network of active partners working together towards the 2010 biodiversity target

Save Biodiversity! Why 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

Save 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”.

Save Biodiversity! 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 Countdown?

Save Biodiversity! Who is it targeting? Civil Society Decision Makers Governments Parliaments Public officials Private sector

Save Biodiversity! 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

Save Biodiversity! The 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.

Save Biodiversity! Where are we today?

Save Biodiversity! Convention on Biological Diversity: Focal Areas I. 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

Save Biodiversity! 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!

Save Biodiversity! 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.

Save Biodiversity! Countdown 2010 – a multiregional model South America Canada Europe Russia Southern Africa China Japan Vietnam

Save Biodiversity!