More investment in biodiversity indicators is needed, if the world’s Governments are to understand how their actions and policies are impacting the planet’s species and ecosystems. This is conclusion of article published in Science today in which the CBD biodiversity indicator suite is reviewed.
The review found that whilst the indicator set will be successful in generating the necessary data to review progress towards the 2010 Target, the picture will be far from complete. A number of factors are responsible. However, concerns over whether the current set of indicators provide all the right answers is considered the greatest limitation. For example the current indicator set does not include any measure of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, and few focus on the benefits, the goods and services, that we gain from biodiversity and natural systems. “Although we know much more than ever about biodiversity loss through the current indicator suite, a more comprehensive set is needed if we are to hold politicians accountable for their actions, and advise Governments on how best to stop the rapid rate of biodiversity loss” says Matt Walpole, Head of Ecosystem Assessment Programme at UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and lead author of the review.
Next year at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP10) decisions will made about future biodiversity targets, and the continuation and future development of the indicator set. “Nagoya will provide the perfect opportunity to build on the accomplishments of the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership and refine the suite of indicators for meeting the needs for global decision makers over the next decade and beyond” says Robert Höft.
The new indicator set is a hot topic and many activities are already underway to make suggestions for the Nagoya meeting. Seventy experts met in Reading, UK in July this year to review the suite and create a list of indicator recommendations.
View the Science Article.
View the Official Press Release.
Posted: 18th September 2009