1. The Convention on Biological Diversity Progress report Marjo Vierros Secretariat Convention on Biological Diversity ICRI General Meeting Palau, 31 October - 2 November 2005

2. The Convention structure 188 Parties (largest environment convention) Secretariat in Montreal CBD refined and regulated by Conference of the Parties (COP) - supreme governing body COP informed by Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) Financial mechanism - the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Clearinghouse mechanism A national reporting system

3. Marine and coastal biodiversity 1998 & 2004: Programme of work on marine and coastal biological diversity: Programme Element 1 - Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM) Programme Element 2 - Marine and Coastal Living Resources (including large component on coral reefs) Programme Element 3 - Marine and Coastal Protected Areas (MCPAs) Programme Element 4 – Mariculture Programme Element 5 – Alien Species and Genotypes

4. Global targets The CBD 2010 biodiversity challenge: “to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biological diversity” World Summit on Sustainable Development: Representative MPA networks by 2012 Same target adopted by CBD (decision VII/28): establishment by 2012 of comprehensive, effectively managed, ecologically representative national and regional systems of MPAs … All of this reflects a consensus that it is time to translate policy to action

5. Recent activities Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Implementation of Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM) (Montreal, 11-15 July 2005) Review of obstacles to implementing IMCAM Provide guidance to Parties on enhancing IMCAM implementation and overcoming obstacles Report and recommendations to be submitted to COP-8 Peer review prior to submission to COP

6. Recent activities Workshop on Marine Invasive Species (Montreal, 27-29 June 2005) In collaboration with Global Invasive Species and UNEP Regional Seas Programme Identification of gaps in activities relating to marine invasive species Development of a first draft of a global programme to address those gaps

7. Recent activities First meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Protected Areas (Montecatini, Italy, 13-17 June 2005) 4 substantive issues: 1.Options for cooperation for the establishment of marine protected areas in marine areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction 2.Options for mobilizing financial resources for the implementation of the programme of work on protected areas by developing countries and countries with economies in transition

8. Recent activities 3.Further development of tool kits for the identification, designation, management, monitoring and evaluation of national and regional systems of protected areas 4.Review of implementation of the programme of work on protected areas A second meeting of the working group may take place before COP, depending on funding

9. Recent activities Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Adaptation to Climate Change (Helsinki, Finland, 13-16 September 2005) Integration of biodiversity considerations into activities aimed at adapting to climate change Promoting synergy in activities to address climate change, biodiversity conservation and land degradation Relatively terrestrial in focus

10. Recent activities Programme of work on island biodiversity The main components of the work programme were considered at SBSTTA 10 Recognizes special concerns of islands, their high levels of endemism and provides for integrated management of island biodiversity Supporting actions still need to be developed Ongoing peer review process in which ICRI may wish to participate Work programme to be adopted at COP-8

11. Recent activities The Global Partnership on Biodiversity Idea proposed by COP-7, COP-8 will decide on a way forward Voluntary alliance to enhance implementation (not a formal body of the CBD) Contribute to implementation of the CBD through specific activities, increased public awareness, information sharing and exchange of experience. Focus efforts of a broad base of partners towards the 2010 target (to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biological diversity)

12. Recent activities The Global Partnership on Biodiversity Possible structure: 1.core group (biodiversity-related conventions & orgs incld. CBD, CMS, CITES, Ramsar, WHC) 2.Issue-based networks ICRI may wish to join as an issue-based network A letter from the Executive Secretary of CBD was sent to organizations, including ICRI, to seek views about the partnership

13. Upcoming meetings SBSTTA 11: 28 November - 2 December 2005 (Montreal) Not many marine issues - deep seabed genetic resources beyond national jurisdiction (some material on cold water coral reefs) Invasive alien species - gaps in legislation (includes some marine issues) Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (Mainly terrestrial, but small marine component)

14. Upcoming meetings COP-8: 20-31 March 2006, Curitiba, Brazil Several marine issues on the agenda: Outcome-oriented targets for the programme of work on marine and coastal biodiversity (SBSSTA 10 recommendation) - a big coral reef component The programme of work on island biodiversity Guidance on implementing integrated marine and coastal area management (IMCAM) The recommendations of the Ad Hoc Open- Ended Working Group on Protected Areas Also: Global Partnership on Biodiversity

15. THANK YOU!