Japan: COP10 ends on a relative high
01.11.10
After seeming to stall half way through the negotiations the finale of Nagoya ended on a high note as firm commitments have been made by the 195 participating countries and, importantly, the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) has been strengthened.
Of particular note is the adoption of the Aichi Targets, which aim to halve the loss of natural habitats and increase global nature reserves from the measly 10 or so per cent they sit at today to 17 per cent by 2020.
The renewed Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, like its predecessor, has 16 targets. It was agreed by consensus of all the parties to the Convention. Of particular concern to botanic gardens engaged in plant conservation is target 8, which is been an active campaign point for Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).
The newly adopted target 8 for 2020 is now: ‘At least 75 per cent of threatened plant species in ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20% available for recovery and restoration programmes’. Previously, target 8 for 2010 was ‘60 per cent of threatened plants in accessible ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin and 10 per cent of them included in recovery and restoration programmes’.
Suzanne Sharrock, Botanic Gardens Conservation International’s Director of Global Programmes, said: “We’re delighted with the international consensus on the higher targets for the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. The protection of plant species and habitats is critical for human wellbeing and prosperity. We call on Governments to provide sufficient resources for plant conservation so that their new commitments aren’t empty promises. BGCI will be focusing on producing a GSPC toolkit to help countries achieve the new targets.”
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