Posted on 29 October
2010
Nagoya, Japan:
Governments gathered for a meeting of the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
have struck an agreement which, when implemented,
will set the world on a course to help prevent
mass species extinctions and arrest the
decline of the world’s valuable nature.
“The Ministers have
worked hard over the last three days to
forge this agreement. We hope their spirit
and determination will be carried into other
fora, including the upcoming climate talks
in Cancun.” said Jim Leape, Director General
of WWF International.
WWF welcomed the adoption
of the new 10 year biodiversity rescue plan.
“This agreement reaffirms
the fundamental need to conserve nature
as the very foundation of our economy and
our society. Governments have sent a strong
message that protecting the health of the
planet has a place in international politics
and countries are ready to join forces to
save life on Earth.” added Leape.
Delegates at the meeting
managed to overcome the deadlock over an
issue that has defied resolution for the
18 years since this convention was signed
- Access and Benefit Sharing of genetic
resources.
“The Nagoya protocol
is an historic achievement, ensuring that
the often immense value of genetic resources
is more equitably shared.” added Leape.
10% protection for oceans
a step in the right direction
Governments agreed a
target to end overfishing, and a target
of 10 percent protection for marine and
coastal areas, including the high seas.
While WWF recognises the important step
to boost protection 10 times more than what
the world currently has, the target is still
only half what scientists recommend.
“Governments have agreed
to protect 10 percent of all the oceans
on Earth and to end overfishing – this is
great news for the world’s oceans.”
17% target for terrestrial
protected areas
The new biodiversity
plan sets out a target of 17 per cent for
protection of terrestrial habitats, a modest
increase on the current global average which
is at about 12 per cent.
Biodiversity and economics
Governments also reached
agreement on a target to reform harmful
subsidies. The new deal requires countries
to ensure that biodiversity is incorporated
into national accounts - an important political
signal which has the potential to set in
motion a different approach to economic
decision making.
While the host country
Japan pledged significant funds this week
towards biodiversity, developed countries
were unable to mobilise an immediate injection
of new funding. However, governments did
reach agreement on a plan to identify the
necessary funding by 2012 to implement the
plan. New money is vital to urgently tackle
the rapid loss in the world’s biodiversity.
“While significant progress
has been made on many fronts, there is still
work to do to mobilize the resources that
will be required to help the developing
world reach their targets.”
“We were disappointed
that most rich countries came to Nagoya
with empty pockets – unable or unwilling
to provide the resources that will make
it possible for the developing world to
implement their ambitious targets.” said
Leape.
Governments are leaving
here with a new direction agreed for how
they will save life on Earth. It is now
crucial they move fast to translate those
promises into action.
