Key note speaker: Willy De Backer - Global Footprint Network
In April 2002 the sixth conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted a global 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. This target was later endorsed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg 2002) and has also been adopted by the European Union.
The components of biodiversity are species, habitats and ecosystems. Other important, related aspects are protected areas, ecosystem integrity, and their goods and services but also traditional knowledge, innovations and practices. The aim to reduce the loss of biodiversity comprises both the conservation of species, their genetic variability and ecosystems, its sustainable use and the equitable sharing of the benefits thereof. Sustainable use of biodiversity entails its utilization in a manner that maintains its potential to meet current and future human needs and aspirations and to prevent its long-term decline (CBD). Important aspects are access and benefit sharing and the status of resource transfers.
To track progress towards this ambitious goal there is a need for transparent and reliable indicators that will allow public and business decision makers to change course if/where required. A variety of indicators exist, most of them focusing on species and ecosystems. There are few that inform us on the sustainability of biodiversity use and those do not connect clearly with human welfare. Sustainable use indicators developed so far related to endangered species (Red List index), degradation of ecosystems and their services (Living Planet Index, Ecological Footprint Index) and the Commodity Price Index for marine and terrestrial species.
Objective
This symposium intends to critically evaluate the current indicators of sustainable biodiversity use through plenary presentations. Moreover, a panel session with input from the audience will discuss the political and societal changes needed to achieve true sustainability in the use of biodiversity. Poverty reduction, financial instruments and innovative technology will feature in that debate.
Program synopsis
The program consists of two parts. Plenary presentations form Part 1 and discuss the various approached to measuring the intensity of biodiversity use and recent developments on the economics of ecosystem services and biodiversity. Part 2 brings scientists and policy makers together in a panel session to discuss what is needed to better anchor sustainable biodiversity use in public policy and business activities and the linkages to other social agendas such as poverty.
Target group
Scientists, environmentalists, ‘green’ advisers, policy makers, politicians, MSc and PhD-students
» Download programme