Healthy biodiversity is the foundation of human well-being, yet the genes, species, habitats and ecological cycles that comprise our planet are threatened like never before.
At the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Conference of the Parties in Nagoya, Japan, the world’s nations must make a stronger commitment to protect the species and ecosystems that feed our families, cure our diseases and enrich our cultures. Building on a solid foundation of biodiversity expertise, CI is working with governments in pursuit of this ambitious goal.
What is the CBD?
Created in 1992 by the United Nations, the CBD is an international treaty that aims to conserve global biodiversity, promote sustainable resource use and facilitate fair and equitable sharing of resource benefits by all stakeholders.
In 2002, participating countries committed “to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on Earth.” Eight years later, this goal has not been met.
At the Nagoya meeting, world leaders are reconvening to create new biodiversity conservation targets for the next decade. This gathering provides a key opportunity for governments to develop a bold conservation agenda that will protect genes, species, habitats and ecosystem services—from freshwater provision to climate regulation—at a crucial time in our history.
CI’s Goals for the CBD
At the Nagoya meeting, delegations from 192 countries and the EU will be joined by indigenous groups and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), including CI staff members working in 13 countries. In addition to acting in a general advisory capacity for government representatives, some members of CI staff will serve on the national delegations of their native countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Madagascar, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, the DRC, Japan and Indonesia.
Through CI’s participation at Nagoya, we hope to influence the implementation of policies to achieve four main goals:
- Create biodiversity targets that protect at least 25 percent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 15 percent of marine territories.
- Emphasize the importance of protecting the right areas for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services and achieving the post-2010 CBD goals.
- Ensure that freshwater protection is more widely recognized as an essential component of biodiversity conservation.
- Reach agreement to encourage economic incentives that fully value the benefits that biodiversity provides for human well-being, encourage sustainable conservation activities and discourage destructive ones.
Press Releases
October 29, 2010 Global Deal to Save Biodiversity a Key Step in Preventing Extinctions and Conserving Critical Habitats
October 28, 2010 At UN meeting, Harrison Ford Calls For Immediate Global Action to Save Biodiversity
October 27, 2010 Reaction Statement from Conservation International: Japan gives $2 bi for biodiversity protection in developing countries
October 27, 2010 Nature's Backbone at Risk
October 25, 2010 How to Deliver Conservation Where It Matters Most
October 20, 2010 Conservation Scientists Release Global Strategy To Halt Extinctions As Nations Decide Future Of Biodiversity
October 18, 2010 Sony and Conservation International to Bring Never-before-seen 3D Wildlife Photography to Biodiversity Convention
October 18, 2010 Changing the Conservation Game – New Report Finds that Focusing on Funding Civil Society Yields Dramatic Results
October 15, 2010 Governments Must Protect Quarter of World’s Land to Avert Environmental Crisis
Op Eds
October 28, 2010 We Must Act Decisively to Save Our World Harrison Ford – CNN
October 20, 2010 America’s Commitment to Nature: Another Endangered Species? Peter Seligmann and Harrison Ford – The Huffington Post
Experts at CBD
Contact the Media team for interview requests.
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Peter Seligmann Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Talk to me about: business and environment, conservation trends, corporate partnership development, environmental philanthropy Languages: English |
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Russ Mittermeier PresidentTalk to me about: Biodiversity Hotspots, conservation trends, corridors, forest management, Madagascar, parks and protected areas, primates, reptiles and amphibians, South America, tropical wilderness areas Languages: English, French, German, Portugese, Spanish |
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Olivier Langrand Senior Vice-President, Center for Conservation and Government Talk to me about: international conservation policy, REDD, biodiversity, ornithology Languages: English, French |
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Claude Gascon Executive Vice President, Field Programs Talk to me about: conservation strategy design and planning, ecology, biodiversity patterns, Amazon, amphibians Languages: English, French, Portugese, Spanish |
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Andrew Rosenberg Senior Vice President, Science and Knowledge Talk to me about: marine ecology, fisheries, U.S. environmental policy, historical ecology, ecosystem-based management Languages: English |
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Fred Boltz Senior Vice President and Climate Change Lead Talk to me about: climate change, adaption and mitigation, payment for ecosystem services, REDD, economics, sustainable development, freshwater, food security, health, cultural services, species Languages: English, French, Spanish |
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Greg Stone Senior Vice President, Marine Conservation, Chief Ocean Scientist Talk to me about: marine ecosystems, seamounts, fisheries, deepwater/submersible diving, species, whales, ocean health Languages: English, Japanese |
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Jennifer Morris Senior Vice President, Ecosystem Finance Talk to me about: payment for ecosystem services, economics, grantmaking, engagement with local NGOS Languages: English, Spanish |
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Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Vice President, Conservation Policy Talk to me about: international conservation policy, payment for ecosystem services, sustainable development, Costa Rica Languages: English, Spanish National Delegation: Costa Rica |
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Chris Margules Vice President, Asia Pacific Field Division Talk to me about: ecology, biogeography, science management, habitat fragmentation, Asia Languages: English |
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Frank Hawkins Vice President, Africa and Madagascar Field Division Talk to me about: green economies, conservation planning, field based conservatoin projects, REDD, Madagascar, West Africa, ornithology, carnivores, primates Languages: English |
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Yasushi Hibi Vice President Asia Policy and Head, CI-Japan Talk to me about: resource economics and policy, climate change and biodiversity, private sector engagement, Asia-Pacific regional policy issues, public sector (ODA) fundraising, Japanese government Languages: English, Japanese |
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Lina Barrera Biodiversity and Ecosystems Policy Director Talk to me about: international biodiversity policy, CBD strategic plan, inland waters Languages: English, Spanish |
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Yoji Natori Program Coordinator, CI-Japan Talk to me about: Japan's climate change policy, Japan's biodiversity policy, landscape ecology, conservation biology, conservation planning, CCB Standards, key biodiversity areas in Japan, Satoyama Initiative Languages: English, Japanese |
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Frank Larsen Conservation Scientist, Science and Knowledge Talk to me about: biodiversity, conservation priorities, ecosystem services, CBD target for protected areas, climate change mitigation and adaptation Languages: English, Danish |
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Conrad Savy Biodiversity Analyst, Science and Knowledge Talk to me about: businesses and biodiversity/ecosystem services, focusing on risk assessment, safeguards and biodiversity offsets in the extractive, agricultural and palm oil sectors, biodiversity-related decision-support tools for developers, CBD Strategic Plan and protected areas targets, International science-policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the need for such a platform, important areas for biodiversity including critical habitats, high conservation value areas, key biodiversity areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services with food security, general definitions/explanations of biodiversity and ecosystem services Languages: English, Afrikaans |
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Jennifer McCullough Director, Strategic Engagement, Center for Conservation and Government Talk to me about: CBD Strategic Plan, protected areas, international climate policy, biodiversity assessment/terrestrial & fresh water Languages: English |
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Rosimeiry Portela Senior Advisor Human Dimensions, Science and Knowledge Talk to me about: ecosystem services assessment and valuation, TEEB report Languages: English, Portuguese |
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Jonas Rupp High Seas Policy Director, Global Marine Talk to me about: conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, World Heritage property management, legal specialist in the Sea Law, Environment Law and Antarctic Policy, South-East Asia and Pacific Biodiversity hotspots, Maori fisheries rights, migratory species, endangered species, oil pollution issues, Ocean Tuna Commission Languages: English |
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Theresa Buppert Director, Indigenous Policy and Practice Talk to me about: indigenous peoples’ issues, CI’s Principles for Partnership, communities and the CBD, cultural values of biodiversity, traditional knowledge Languages: English, Spanish |
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Kristen Walker Vice President, Indigenous and Traditional Peoples Program Talk to me about: spiritual and cultural values of nature, engagement with traditional and indigenous communities Languages: Mapudungun, English, Spanish |
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Johnson Cerda Indigenous Advisor, Indigenous and Traditional Peoples Talk to me about: indigenous issues, rural communities, Global Indigenous Caucus on Climate Change, Latin American indigenous peoples Languages: English, Spanish |
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Patricia Zurita Director, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Talk to me about: payment for ecosystem services, economics, grantmaking, engagement with local NGOs Languages: English, Spanish |
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John Watkin Grant Director, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Talk to me about: primates, grantmaking, conservation and engagement with NGOs in Africa and Pacific Languages: English, French |
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Nina Marshall Managing Director, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Talk to me about: grantmaking, wildlife trade, plant conservation Languages: English |
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Leah Bunce-Karrer Senior Director, Marine Management Area Science Talk to me about: Marine conservation science, particularly the human wellbeing aspects of marine resource management and the use of science to influence management (science to action) at local to global scales Languages: English |
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Kana Yamashita Manager, Climate Security Program, CI Japan Talk to me about: climate change policy, creating partnership for forest carbon projects (REDD+, Reforestation projects, etc.) Languages: Japanese, English |
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Angela Andrade Environmental Policy Coordinator, CI-Colombia Talk to me about: biodiversity, climate change, environmental policy for Colombia Languages: English, Spanish National Delegation: Colombia |
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Fabio Scarano Executive Director, CI-Brazil Talk to me about: plant conservation, Brazil public policy, biodiversity conservation, climate change Languages: English, Portugese National Delegation: Brazil |
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Jatna Supriatna Regional Vice President, CI-Indonesia Talk to me about: Indonesia, Primates, forests, REDD, carbon projects Languages: English, Bahasa National Delegation: Indonesia |
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Luis Espinel Country Director, South America Field Division-Peru Talk to me about: forest diversity, protected areas, Peruvian conservation policy, REDD projects in Peru Languages: English, Spanish National Delegation: Peru |
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Luis Suarez Executive Director, CI-Ecuador Talk to me about: conservation policy in Ecuador, biodiversity policy, payment for ecosystem services (Socio Bosque) Languages: English, Spanish National Delegation: Ecuador |
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Michele Andrianarisata Director of CI Madagascar’s Science and Knowledge Department Talk to me about: botany, protected areas, cultural values, energy Languages: English, French National Delegation: Madagascar |
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Romeo Trono Country director, CI-Philippines Talk to me about: marine ecosystems, sea turtles, fisheries, ocean governance Languages: English, Tagalong National Delegation: Philippines |
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John de Wet Program Manager, Southern Africa Wilderness Program Talk to me about: conservation in Botswana, sustainable development, communities, including Community Based Natural Resource Management, the CBD Languages: English National Delegation: Botswana |
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Patricia Baião Amazon Program Director, CI-Brazil Talk to me about: Amazon, green economies, Amapa Languages: English, Portuguese National Delegation: Brazil |
Policy Positions & Technical Briefs
Post-2010 Strategic Plan of the CBD (PDF - 275 KB) (en Español) Inland Waters (PDF - 470 KB) Joint position paper with The Nature Conservancy, Wetlands International, the Wildlife Conservation Society ana World Wildlife Fund Proposed Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences (IPBES; PDF - 252 KB) Target 11 - A rational for protecting at least 25% of Earth's land and 15% of Earth's oceans to protect global biodiversity and ecosystem services (PDF - 377 KB) (en Español)
Scientific Publications
Climate Change: Helping Nature Survive the Human Response TEEB for Local and Regional Policy Makers - A Quick Guide TEEB for Business Executive Summary TEEB for Policy Makers Summary TEEB Climate Issues Update TEEB Interim Report Greening REDD+
Science Reports
Living with the Sea (PDF - 24.1 MB) People and Oceans (PDF - 11.5 MB) Marine Managed Areas: What, Why, Where (PDF - 22.1 MB)
Factsheets & Case Studies
CI Field Program: Abrolhos Seascape, Brazil (PDF 1.42 MB) CI Field Program: Liberia's Green Economy( PDF 1.5 MB) CI Field Program: Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor, Madagascar (PDF 1.7 MB) CI Field Program: Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia (PDF 1.2 MB) CI Field Program: Chingaza-Sumapaz-Paramo de Guerrero conservation corridor, Colombia (PDF 1.2 MB) CI Field Program: Sovi Basin, Fiji(PDF 1.2 MB) CI Field Program: Confirming the role of indigenous cultures in conservation, Guatemala (PDF 1.1 MB) CI Field Program: Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico (PDF 1.8 MB) CI Field Program: Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines (PDF 1.5 MB)
CEPF Publications
CEPF Fact Sheet (PDF - 4.0 MB) Impact of CEPF (PDF - 642 KB)
Training Materials
Climate Change and the Role of Forests - A Community Mannual. Available in English, Spanish and French.
Brochures
CI Institutional Brochure (PDF - 698 KB)
Videos
Stories
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SEARCHING FOR LOST FROGS CI is supporting teams of scientists as they travel the world in the hopes of rediscovering amphibians not seen in over a decade. Frogs and other amphibians provide irreplaceable services for humans, such as regulating pests that destroy crops and spread dangerous diseases like malaria. They constitute a vital link between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, aiding in nutrient cycling that keeps ecosystems functioning smoothly. Read more... |
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NATURE'S PHARMACY In April 2010, a small group of people representing nine states have gathered in Washington D.C. The survivors and researchers were brought together by the Alliance for Global Conservation to lobby Congress for passage of the recently introduced Global Conservation Act of 2010. Read more... |
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A MONSTER OPPORTUNITY The Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus), also known as the Hanzaki, is the second largest amphibian on Earth. It is emblematic of Japan's fascinating and threatened biodiversity. At the Hanzaki Centre, a center for the study of giant salamanders in the mountains of the Hyogo region, Dr. Tochimoto has spent his life studying these fascinating creatures. Read more... |
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TURTLES AND FISHERIES Dramatic advances in industrial fishing technology since the 1950s have also helped make seafood the most highly traded food commodity in the world. Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) reduce fishery bycatch without impacting intended catch. Read more... |
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WE MISSED THE 2010 CBD TARGETS.. SO NOW WHAT? Overfishing, pollution and deforestation are pressures embedded in our economic system, which largely ignores the importance of the environment and the benefits it generates for people and nations. We are not talking about just clean air and drinking water, but also incalculable cultural, spiritual and aesthetic values. Read more... |
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THE HIDDEN VALUE OF SEAGRASSES People have been using seagrass for hundreds of years as medicine, packing materials and animal feed. Many communities rely on the shallow waters inhabited by seagrasses for fishing and farming, and seagrass supports fish nurseries that are important to the commercial fish trade. “Seagrass science isn't just about the plant – it’s about how these plants provide the foundation for an entire ecosystem to form.” Read more... |
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MARINE MANAGED AREAS Creating an effective ocean governance system is a challenge involving a variety of players, including national governments, civil society organizations and local communities. Bringing together research spanning more than 20 countries and half a decade of work, new Science-to-Action reports do more than advocate for marine conservation; they reveal just how closely tied humans are to the ocean – and prove that global conservation efforts are working. Read more... |
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IN DEFENSE OF PREDATORS Humans have shared the pastures of South Africa’s Namaqualand region with wildlife for thousands of years. Conflict between the two is not a new issue, but clashes have intensified in recent years as herds of livestock have expanded, infringing on wild predator territories. Read more... |
Interested in speaking with a CI Expert? Please contact our media team.
CI Delegation
Adrienne McKeehan, Center for Conservation & Government Andy Rosenberg, Science + Knowledge Angela Andrade, CI-Colombia/IUCN Asako Isobe, CI-Japan Benoit Kisuki, CI-Central Africa Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Center for Conservation & Government & Costa Rica Chris Margules, Field Programs Christine Dragisic, CELB Claude Gascon, Field Programs Conrad Savy, Science + Knowledge Ella Outlaw, Exec. Fabio Scarano, CI-Brazil Frank Hawkins, Field Programs Frank Larsen, Science + Knowledge Fred Boltz, Global Initiative Greg Stone, Global Marine Haja Rasambainarivo, Information Technology Heather Luca, Marketing + Communications Jatna Supriatna, CI-Indonesia Jason Anderson, Marketing + Communications Jennifer McCullough, Center for Conservation & Government Jennifer Morris, Ecosystem Finance Division John De Wet, CI-Botswana Johnson Cerda, Center for Conservation & Government Kana Yamashita, CI-Japan Kim McCabe, Marketing + Communications Kristen Walker, Center for Conservation & Government Leah Bunce Karrer, Science + Knowledge Leon Rajaobelina, CI-Madagascar Lina Barrera, Center for Conservation & Government Luis Espinel, CI-Peru Luis Suarez, CI-Ecuador Mark Phillips, Marketing + Communications Michaela Frisbie, Center for Conservation & Government Michele Andrianarisata, CI-Madagascar Olivier Langrand, Center for Conservation & Government Patricia Baiao, CI-Brazil Patricia Yakabe Malentaqui, Marketing + Communications Patrick Manu, Information Technology Peter Seligmann, Chief Executive Officer Rosimeiry Portela, Science + Knowledge Russ Mittermeier, President Theresa Buppert, Center for Conservation & Government Yasushi Hibi, CI-Japan Yoji Natori, CI-Japan
CEPF Delegation
Emily Rudge John Watkin Julie Shaw Michele Zador Nina Marhsall Patricia Zurita
CI and Partner Events
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19
Launching of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative Launching ceremony of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative with partners including national governments, international organizations, and NGOs. The Minister of the environment of Japan is expected to participate in the side event. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, CI CI Contact: Yoji Natori Time: 13:15 – 14:45 Location: Shirotori Hall – Bldg 4 – 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Tripling the protected area system in Madagascar: A success story The session will describe the progress that Madagascar has made towards increasing the Protected Area System to 6 million hectares. Presentations will focus on new governance models that enhance local community involvement in management; sustainable funding and the use of protected areas as powerful approaches for mitigating climate change and promoting ecosystem-based adaptation. Ministry of Environment and Forests (MADAGASCAR), Government of Madagascar, CI-Madagascar CI Contact: James MacKinnon Time: 16:30 – 18:00 Location: Room 235 – Bldg 2 – 3rd Floor
Achieving the 2020 Targets: Protecting the Right Areas Bringing the right areas under some sort of management regime is a crucial piece of the strategy for achieving the CBD’s objectives and several of the proposed post-2010 targets – namely targets 5, 11, 12, 14 and 15. This side event will showcase analyses of where the most important areas for protection are located globally – from known site scale priorities of key habitats and species, to areas that deliver key ecosystem services, to areas of overlap between them. Specific national level examples will be presented and estimates of the costs of placing these areas under effective management will also be discussed. Conservation International CI Contact: Conrad Savy Time: 18:15 - 19:45 Location: Room 211B - Bldg 2, 1st Floor
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
New Pathways for Conservation Finance The Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA) presents innovative approaches for financing biodiversity conservation. This event will bring together representatives from different working groups to discuss the role of Environmental Funds in scaling up conservation resources; cutting-edge Innovative Finance mechanisms; and Sustainable Financing of Protected Areas. A number of studies produced by the CFA will also be launched at the event, including: the role of environmental funds and civil society organizations in REDD, the third edition of the Conservation Trust Funds Investment Survey, and the Environmental Funds Tool Kit. Conservation Finance Alliances- Secretariat, FUNBIO CI Contact: Jen Morris Time: 18:15 – 19:45 Location: 18:15 – 19:45
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22
Valuing and Managing Marine Resources for Human Wellbeing This session will examine the complexities of valuing and managing the oceans for human wellbeing. The importance of the oceans to people will be demonstrated by the first global economic valuation of marine ecosystem services, specifically shoreline protection, recreation and fisheries. The socioeconomic benefits and challenges of management strategies, particularly the increasingly popular marine managed areas, will be discussed based on over 18 MMA experiences worldwide which reveal such benefits as improved income and livelihood opportunities but problems with equity among users and dependence on foreign aid. Finally, the session will discuss the realities of management related to human behavior, particularly the importance of economic incentives based on a global analysis of 15 MMA experiences conducting alternative livelihood programs, buy-outs and conservation agreements. Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM), CI CI Contact: Rosimeiry Portela Time: 16:30 – 18:00 Location: Room 234B – Bldg 2 – 3rd Floor
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24
TEEB Report Launch CI Contact: Rosimeiry Portela
MONDAY, OCTOBER 25
The Role of Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) Participants including donor countries/organizations and recipient countries/organizations will discuss the achievement and future roles of CEPF in implementing CBD. CEPF, CEPF grantee orgs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, CI CEPF Contact: Patricia Zurita Time: 13:15 – 14:45 Location: Nagoya City University – offsite location
Where the Wild Things Are: Using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) to Understand Where in the World Biodiversity Lies The Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) for Business provides key decision-makers with access to comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date biodiversity information to support critical business decisions. For the first time, users can access critical biodiversity information at the site level to inform risk assessment procedures for existing and potential operations. This information can inform subsequent steps of the project life cycle and lead to the formation of biodiversity strategies that avoid, minimize and offset potential impacts. Developed through a partnership of global conservation leaders including BirdLife International, Conservation International (CI), the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), IBAT for Business is the first product of an ambitious vision for improved collection, updating and management of biodiversity data. Get a first hand demonstration of the tool and understand how leading companies, multilaterals and government agencies are using this tool to make critical business decisions. United Nations Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Conservation International (CI), BirdLife International, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) CI Contact: Angela Prosek/Conrad Savy (in Japan) Time: 16:30 – 18:00 Location: Room 235 – Bldg 2 – 3rd Floor
Engaging the CBD to Build on Existing Biofuel Sustainability Initiatives Guidelines and standards such as those being developed by the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) and by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) provide an excellent foundation for the CBD to build on, rather than develop separate criteria for biofuels. The side event will include an overview of existing standards and processes, supported by case study examples that demonstrate their effects on the ground and their linkages with broader land use planning processes such as Responsible Cultivation Areas (RCA) and the 4 step land use assessment framework. Discussions during the side event will address how to engage the CBD and its parties within existing bodies of work (including work by GBEP, RSB and UN-Energy) concerning biofuels and biodiversity impacts. Supporting partners confirmed for this side event are UNEP, RSB, WWF and CI. International Union for Conservation of Justice (IUCN) (lead), CI CI Contact: Chris Dragisic Time: 16:30 – 18:00 Location: Room 231B – Bldg 2 – 3rd Floor
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26
CEPF Reception and Book Launch (invitation only) Time: 19:00 – 21:00 Location: Hotel Grand Court Nagoya
Business and Ecosystems Day Hosted by: IUCN, WBCSD
REDD+ Ministerial Meeting Follow up of Oslo Climate + Forest Conference Date: October 26
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