Biodiversity is an all encompassing term to describe the variety of all life and natural processes on Earth. More »
Countdown 2010 is one of the largest multi-stakeholder networks for biodiversity conservation and for promoting the 2010 Biodiversity Target. More »
The UN declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB). More »
The 2010 Biodiversity Target
More than one decade after the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the recognition of biodiversity loss has gained high political profile both at global, national and regional levels. This has resulted in ambitious commitments for action by heads of states, initiated in 2001 in the European Union.
The goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 is the subject of several key international agreements. Each recognises the rapid degradation of ecosystems and habitats, the increasing threat to many species populations and the urgent need to take action that will halt the decline in irreplaceable natural resources.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is an all encompassing term to describe the variety of all life and natural processes on Earth.
The Convention on Biological Diversity defines biodiversity as “the variability among living organisms from all sources [...] this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems” (Article 2, CBD).
Further information
Glossary
Alien species: An alien species is a species introduced outside its normal distribution. Invasive alien species are alien species whose establishment and spread modify ecosystems, habitats, or species.
Biological diversity (Biodiversity): Biodiversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.
Biome: Major ecological community, a division of the world’s vegetation that corresponds to a particular climate and is characterized by certain types of plants and animals, for example, tropical rain forest or desert.
Seven steps to save biodiversity
The year 2010 is just around the corner. There’s an emerging consensus about what needs to be done to save biodiversity in the next few months:
For individuals: What you can do
Ten things we all can do that make a difference!
Take public transportation, bike, walk, or carpool to work at least one day a week. Avoid air travel where possible.
Buy food, preferably organic food—vegetables, fruits, dairy, eggs, and meat—from a farmer’s market at least one day a week.
Year of Biodiversity
The UN declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB). Throughout the year countless initiatives will be organized to disseminate information, promote the protection of biodiversity and encourage organizations, institutions, companies and individuals to take direct action to reduce the constant loss of biological diversity worldwide. The celebrations for the International Year of Biodiversity are led by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Countdown 2010 is a partner of the CBD for the IYB.
The text of the Countdown 2010 Declaration
Biodiversity – the web of life on earth – is essential to the quality of human well-being, and it is a crucial element in sustaining the social, economic and spiritual dimension of all societies worldwide. Yet, biodiversity continues to decline. Political commitments have been made to stop this trend by 2010. Further steps need to be taken to honour this commitment and to translate it into action.
“Don’t let your films decay! Take them to Home Movie Day!”
What are your plans for Saturday, October 17th?
If your answer was anything other than “of course I’ll be celebrating Home Movie Day!” you have plenty of time to change your mind. Rake the leaves during the week, set up Tivo to capture the college football games, grab the popcorn and head over to your local Home Movie Day.
The role of Partners
As a Partner of Countdown 2010, you take direct action to save biodiversity. It is the actions of all organisations involved in Countdown 2010 and similar initiatives that will generate the momentum to reach the 2010 Biodiversity Target and post-2010 commitments.
The 2010 Biodiversity Target provides a unique opportunity, both in its ambition and in the diversity of issues it touches upon. Just as biodiversity depends on the variety of ecosystems, of species and genes, the success of Countdown 2010 rests to a large extent on the diversity of its Partners and their work.
A network of active Partners
Partners from all sectors come together in the Countdown 2010 network to support the commitment made by world leaders to save biodiversity by 2010. The combined efforts of governments and Countdown 2010 Partners contribute to biodiversity conservation and awareness raising worldwide.
Join the network!
The Countdown 2010 Secretariat is your key partner in helping you achieve your conservation goals by 2010 and beyond. The team is always ready to advise you on how to implement your objectives and communicate effectively. Countdown 2010 can assist in developing your activities and encourages you to be pro-active at both global and local levels.
How to become a Partner?
Partnership of Countdown 2010 is open to governments, local authorities, civil society, private sector organizations or any other organization which demonstrates a clear commitment to contribute toward the achievement of the 2010 Biodiversity Target. Becoming a Partner is free of charge.
To join Countdown 2010, Partners are requested to undersign the Countdown 2010 Declaration stating their own specific commitments and the endorsement of Countdown 2010 principles and objectives. The declaration asks three steps from your organisation:
Beyond 2010
Negotiations for a new climate change regime always grab the attention of the international community, however there is another target which is about to expire. The 2010 Biodiversity Target set by governments in 2002 is coming to an end. Governments will have to report on the progress made to achieve it.
But what will happen after 2010? Will the Biodiversity Target be renewed? Does the international community need another target?
Several events on the development of a post-2010 framework have already taken place worldwide and many will follow in the next months. Step by step the parties and stakeholders will share their views and come to an agreement on the future of biodiversity policy.
Be part of the process and share your views on the future of the 2010 Biodiversity Target! Post your comments on the Post-2010 Blog!
Countdown 2010 celebrates IYB
Countdown 2010 is one of the largest multi-stakeholder networks for biodiversity conservation and for promoting the 2010 Biodiversity Target. The Countdown 2010 initiative has built a network of nearly 1,000 partners from all sectors of society.
The year 2010 is a milestone for biodiversity. The 2010 Biodiversity Target expires and a new international commitment will be agreed by world leaders; 2010 is also the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity, the greatest opportunity ever for biodiversity to position itself on the international agenda.
Made in Countdown 2010
2010 is the year of stock-taking, but it is also a time to celebrate your biodiversity achievements. When signing the Countdown 2010 Declaration you committed to biodiversity actions: What have you achieved? What has been your greatest success for biodiversity in your community, company or city?
Your story can become a model for future positive action. Lead by example and help us engage more organizations in taking action for biodiversity by describing your achievements in conservation. Send us stories on how your organization has contributed to the 2010 Biodiversity Target, and how you have honoured your commitments!
The state of history in Ohio
The Ohio Historical Society (a nonprofit org that serves as the state archives of Ohio) is now facing a massive potential cut in state funding to the tune of 45%– from $13.5 million to $7.5 million over the next two years. This will reduce the OHS to the level of state funding that they held in 1986.
Name your Ambassador
Do you know any popular figure who is sensitive to environmental issues in your area or country? Make him/her a Countdown 2010 Ambassador for the International Year of Biodiversity! Well-known individuals can help build awareness of biodiversity. Engage them in spreading your message!
Belgian Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment
The Countdown 2010 initiative was launched on 22 May 2007 in Brussels in order to strengthen the contribution of the Belgian Federal Public Service Health Food Chain Safety and Environment to the 2010 biodiversity target in particular through the implementation of the Belgian National Biodiversity Strategy.
Biodiversity Carnival
During the International Year of Biodiversity a special Biodiversity Carnival dedicated to fauna and flora will be organized in South Africa following in the footsteps of the world renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival. The Biodiversity Carnival will take place on World Environment Day (5 June) 2010, just a few days before the beginning of the FIFA World Cup (11 June) which will be hosted by South Africa. The Biodiversity Carnival will enliven the streets of Soweto, Johannesburg, which is the hub for the FIFA World Cup.
Sheep marathon
The loss of the old tradition of transhumance (seasonal movement of livestock from higher pastures to lower valleys) affects biodiversity status: when animals move to one place to the other, they bring with them microorganisms and seeds which enrich the ecosystems.