Save Biodiversity! Title slide Countdown 2010: Take action to save biodiversity! András Krolopp Deputy Head Countdown 2010 Secretariat

Save Biodiversity! Biodiversity is in decline

Save Biodiversity! Europe’s Environment – The fourth Assessment More than 700 species in Europe threatened Habitat loss from urban development, road construction, agricultural intensification, land abandonment Invasive alien species Climate change will increase pressures on biodiversity in coastal, arctic and alpine areas Target of halting biodiversity loss in 2010 will not be met.

Save Biodiversity! The European Council agrees... … that biodiversity decline should be halted with the aim of reaching this objective by 2010 as set out in the 6th Environmental Action Programme (2001, Göteburg)

Save Biodiversity! The 2010 biodiversity target: A timeline Gothenburg Kiev Johannesburg Malahide The Hague Nairobi Launch of the Biodiversity Communication Green Week on Biodiversity

Save Biodiversity! The Outcomes Countdown 2010 launched among key European stakeholders; Part of the EU Presidencies; Identified as a key instrument in the EU strategy to meet the 2010 targets; Endorsed by the European Council of Environment Ministers; “Welcomes the Countdown 2010 initiative, […….] as an important sensitizing initiative to the significance of biodiversity loss across the globe and as a means to act as an independent monitor of progress towards the 2010 targets…”

Save Biodiversity! The 2010 Biodiversity Target “to achieve, by 2010, a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national levels as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth ” Decision VI/26 CBD Strategic Plan 2002 “that biodiversity decline should be halted with the aim of reaching this objective by 2010“ Presidency Conclusions of the EU Summit in Göteborg, 2001

Save Biodiversity! European Union: Priority Objectives Safeguard the EU's most important habitats and species. Protect biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider EU countryside and marine environment. Improve compatibility of regional and territorial development with biodiversity in the EU. Reduce the impact of invasive alien species and alien genotypes. Improve international governance and EU external assistance. Reduce the impact of international trade Support biodiversity adaptation to climate change. Strengthen the knowledge base for conservation and sustainable use Ensure adequate financing Strengthen EU decision–making Build partnerships, public education, awareness and participation

Save Biodiversity! “Focusing all our efforts on the achievement of the 2010 target of significantly reducing the loss of biodiversity in the coming years, we acknowledge the urgent need to halt human induced extinction of biodiversity as soon as possible. In this context we welcome the Countdown 2010 Initiative…” - Environment Ministers of G8 + China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, March 2007 Potsdam, Germany

Save Biodiversity! G8+5 Potsdam Initiative – Biodiversity Stern-like biodiversity report 2. Strengthen scientific basis (IMOSEB) 3. Communication, Education and Public Awareness 4. Production and Consumption Patterns 5. Illegal trade in wildlife 6. Invasive Alien Species 7. Global Network of Marine Protected Areas 8. Biodiversity and Climate Change 9. Financing 10. Commitment beyond 2010

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

Save Biodiversity! The Countdown 2010 Objectives Encourage and support the full implementation of all the existing binding international commitments and necessary actions to save biodiversity; Demonstrate clearly what progress Europe makes in meeting the 2010 biodiversity target. Gain maximum public attention across Europe for the challenge of saving biodiversity by Partnerships Assessment Communication

Save Biodiversity! Countdown adding value 1.Communicates 2010 target 2.Mobilises funding for conservation 3.Calls for concerted action 4.Implements global targets at regional and local levels

Save Biodiversity! Sign a declaration & commit to additional action towards 2010 National and local governments, civil society and business 520+ in total, including 23 governments, 20+ businesses, 50+ local authorities You can join today! Partners of Countdown 2010

Save Biodiversity! Countdown 2010 Hubs worldwide South America Canada Europe Russia Southern Africa Lower Mekong China MDG, CBD, CMS, CITES, ICLEI, UNFCCC, UNITAR, FAO, PEBLDS, MA, SEBI2010, BIP

Save Biodiversity! Europe: Countdown 2010 Presidencies focus on specific issues –Climate Change –Development Cooperation –Marine Conservation –Business and Biodiversity –Forests –Scientific mechanisms Countdown 2010 Declaration signed by –governments –partners from civil society, local authorities and business Main pillars –Communication –B&B –Readiness Assessment –Local and Regional Authorities

Save Biodiversity! “ ” Reporting back in 2010 Yes, we did achieve the 2010 biodiversity target – in certain areas and sectors. In others, we started processes and are confident that we’ll achieve the target soon. Yet, in some areas we did not make headway. Here we need new targets.

Save Biodiversity! Governments worldwide have promised to save biodiversity by Countdown 2010 helps them move from words to action. Countdown2010.net

Save Biodiversity! If it is not now – when? If it is not us – who ? and if not together – how?