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EVENT REPORT Prepared by the United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace 17–19 DECEMBER 2011 KANAZAWA, ISHIKAWA, JAPAN May 2012 Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011–2020
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EvEnt REpoRt

Prepared by the United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace

Prepared by the United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace

17–19 December 2011 Kanazawa, IshIKawa, Japan

May 2012

Global Launching of theUnited nations Decade on biodiversity

2011–2020

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Participants observe a traditional community agricultural site at Shiroyonesenmaida Rice Terraces, Noto.

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1

3 Executive Summary

4 Background

5 Event Programme

10 Three-day Event Report

10 Day 1 (17 December 2011)

10 Event 1: Commemorative Ceremony

17 Event 2: Reception

18 Day 2 (18 December 2011)

18 Event 1: International Workshop:

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans

28 Workshop Participants

29 Event 2: Commemorative Forum

30 Day 3 (19 December 2011)

31 Excursion 1: Noto

31 Excursion 2: Kaga

31 Excursion 3: Kanazawa

31 Excursion 4: Kanazawa

Contents

Event ReportGlobal Launching of theUnited Nations Decade on Biodiversity2011–2020

This report was prepared by:

United Nations UniversityInstitute for Sustainability and Peace5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku,Tokyo 150-8925, Japan

Tel: +81-3-5467-1212Fax: +81-3-3499-2828E-mail: [email protected]: http://isp.unu.edu

Please visit the above website for proceedings in both English and Japanese, as well as electronic versions of the presentations.

AcknowledgementsThe United Nations University would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of the Environment Japan and the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity for their generous support in the organization of this event.

We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the participants by their attendance, to which we are grateful. By providing us with their expertise and experience it has not only made the event a success, but has demonstrated the global commitment to conserve biodiversity.

EVENT REPORT

Prepared by the United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace

Prepared by the United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace

17–19 DECEMBER 2011 KANAZAWA, ISHIKAWA, JAPAN

?? March 2012

Global Launching of theUnited Nations Decade on Biodiversity

2011–2020

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2 Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020

EVENT PROGRAMME

Participants observe an example of a green economy business model through effective local management of natural resources.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

ABS Access and Benefit Sharing

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

COP Conference of the Parties

EU European Union

GEF Global Environment Facility

GIAHS Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

MEAs Millennium Ecosystem Assessments

NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

SBSTTA Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice

TEEB The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity

UNDB United Nations Decade on Biodiversity

UNGA United Nations General Assembly

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

UNU United Nations University

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3Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A vision of a future life in harmony with nature is possible if the world takes action now. The United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (UNDB) was launched in Kanazawa, Japan, on 17 December 2011, in a commemorative ceremony organized by the United Nations University (UNU), in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The global launch of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity counted on the participation of United Nations agencies, Parties to CBD, and representatives of all levels of government in Japan. The three-day event also included a workshop on National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), a commemorative forum, and excursions. The idea of declaring 2011-2020 to be the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity was initiated by Japan and endorsed at the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP), held in Nagoya, Japan, in October 2010. It was then formally proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly at its 65th session. The UNDB builds on the achievements of the successful celebration of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity. It aims to implement the first Aichi Biodiversity Target of the Strategic Plan on Biodiversity 2011-20201, namely to ensure that by 2020 all the people of the world will be aware of biodiversity and its value.

The events opened with a commemorative ceremony with over 600 people in attendance, with speeches from various international organizations.

At the welcome reception, the Ishikawa Declaration was introduced to promote “living in harmony with nature”, the concept of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and concrete actions to achieve these targets in the international com-munity on the occasion of Rio+20 in collaboration with other stakeholders.

On 18 December, the second day of the event, an all-day international workshop on NBSAPs was held with over 60 participants from United Nations organizations, government officials, host countries of NBSAP regional workshops, the representative of the President of COP 11, the Secretariat of CBD, Bureau members of CBD/COP, Bureau members of the

Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), academics, NGOs, and the private sector in attendance. The three sessions consisted of presentations followed by discussions on the following topics: “Preparation and updating of NBSAPs in line with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020”, “Effective Means for Mainstreaming NBSAPs”, and “Enhancing International Cooperation on Biodiversity and the Satoyama Initiative”. A commemorative forum to raise awareness of and encourage participation in biodiversity was also held in the morning.

On 19 December, the final day of the event, excursions to various sites in Ishikawa Prefecture were held to provide examples of Japanese efforts towards biodiversity conserva-tion, sustainable usage of natural resources, green economy business models, and traditional Japanese methods for liv-ing in harmony with nature such as satoyama and satoumi. Highlights of the excursions were the Shiroyonesenmaida Rice Terraces in Noto, which along with Sado were the first sites this year in Japan to be designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) site; Ishikawa Zoo, which is one of four crested-ibis-breeding sites in Japan for this endangered species; and Kamoike, which is a wintering spot for waterfowl that has been registered under the Ramsar Convention.

During the three days of events, major recurring themes were recognition of developing diverse NBSAPs among countries and the need for cooperation, the integration of biodiversity into development policy that also takes into account local communities’ needs and stimulates action at the local level, advancement of understanding of the green economy, with the engagement of all sectors, and spreading public awareness of this pressing issue. Since the next 10 years will define the future state of biodiversity on Earth, the next decade will be crucial for preventing the permanent loss of many species of life on Earth. The time to act is now, and the protection of biodiversity can only be truly realized with the active participation of each and every one of us. UNU and our partners will continue in our efforts of to contribute to the protection of biodiversity though our various research and education activities.

1. Biological diversity underpins ecosystem functioning and the provision of ecosystem services essential for human wellbeing. It provides for food security, hu-man health, and clean air and water; it contributes to local livelihoods and economic development, and is essential for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, including poverty reduction. In addition, it is a central component of many belief systems, worldviews, and identities. Yet despite its fun-damental importance, biodiversity continues to be lost. It is against this backdrop that the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 with the purpose of inspiring broad-based action in support of biodiversity over the next decade by all countries and stakeholders.

The Strategic Plan comprises a shared vision, mission, strategic goals, and 20 ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively known as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The Strategic Plan serves as a flexible framework for the establishment of national and regional targets and it promotes the coherent and effective implementation of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Executive Summary

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4 Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020

BACKGROUND

At the 10th meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD/COP 10)‒Biodiversity Summit, held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, many important deci-sions, inter alia, the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)1, were adopted to provide the foundation for taking action to halt biodiversity loss and sustaining the ecosystems of the Earth. CBD/COP 10 also invited the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to consider declaring 2011–2020 to be the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (UNDB) to promote implementation of these decisions. In proposing UNDB, CBD/COP 10 also referred to the importance of raising public awareness of biodiversity-related issues and the momentum achieved by the celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, whose closing ceremony was conducted in Kanazawa, Japan in December 2010.

The 65th session of UNGA adopted a resolution that declared the aim of UNDB to contribute to the imple-mentation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity for the period 2011–2020, and requested the UN secretary–general to lead the coordination of the activities for the Decade on Biodiversity with the support of the Secretariat of CBD and other biodiversity-related organizations.

Through its role as the “think-tank” of UN organizations, the research and outreach activities of UNU in the area of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, e.g., the Satoyama Initiative, has been working closely with the Secretariat of CBD and the Japanese Government to achieve the objectives of the Convention. In addition, 2011 is desig-nated as the “International Year of Forests”, and “Biodiversity and Forests” was the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2011.

In this context, UNU, in cooperation with the host country of COP 10, requested the Secretariat to co-organize the global launch of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011–2020 in May 2011 not only to promote public awareness of UNDB but to support de-veloping countries to implement the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 as requested by the UNGA resolu-tion. However, due to damage caused by Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, the events were postponed. The UNDB events were rescheduled for 17–19 December 2011, and relocated to Ishikawa Prefecture and the Noto area in Japan. These two areas are significant since the closing of the International Year for Biological Diversity was held in Ishikawa Prefecture, and Noto was one of the first areas in Japan to be designated as a GIAHS.

Background

1 The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization in the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement which aims to share the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights to those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding, thereby contributing to the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components. It was adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity at its 10th meeting on 29 October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. The Nagoya Protocol will enter into force 90 days after the date of deposit of the 50th instrument of ratification.

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 5

EVENT PROGRAMME

Event Programme

DAY 1 17 December 2011 IShIKAwA ONGAKUDO, hOUGAKU hAll

13:00–17:35 Commemorative Ceremony

13:00–13:55 Opening Remarks

Katsuhiko Yokomitsu, Senior Vice Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Masanori Tanimoto, Governor, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations (Written message read by Kiyotaka Akasaka Under-Secretary-General, Department of Public Information, United Nations)

Konrad Osterwalder, Rector, United Nations University

Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

Monique Barbut, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility

Akira Takamine, Director-General, Hokuriku Regional Agricultural Administration Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan

Hem Pande, Representative of the President of COP11 and Joint Secretary/CBD Primary Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Forest, India

Alexander Olbrich, Representative of the President of COP9, and Consul General of German Consulate General of Osaka-Kobe

MISIA Honorary Ambassador, COP 10 (Video message)

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-20206

EVENT PROGRAMME

13:55–14:15 United Nations and International Organizations Commitments

Kiyotaka Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General, Department of Public Information, United Nations

Tomoko Nishimoto, Director, Division of Regional Cooperation, United Nations Environment Programme

Parviz Koohafkan, Director, Land and Water Division, Natural Resources Management and Environment Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Eduardo Mansur, Assistant Director, Reforestation and Forest Management, International Tropical Timber Organization

14:15–14:40 Domestic Perspectives

Shiro Wakui, Vice-Chairman, Japan Committee for UNDB

Masao Iizuka, Chairman, Japan Forestry Association, and Commissioner of Japanese Committee on the International Year of Forests

Izumi Washitani, Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo

Masaru Onishi, President, Japan Airlines

14:40–15:10 Break

15:10–15:40 Keynote Lecture

“On the Intrinsic and Instrumental Values of Biodiversity: An Economist’s Viewpoint”

Kotaro Suzumura, Professor, School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University

15:45–17:30 Panel Discussion

“How We Can Achieve the ‘Aichi Biodiversity Targets’ through the UNDB”

Moderator: Takeuchi Kazuhiko, Vice-Rector, United Nations University

Presenters/Panellists

Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

Hem Pande, Representative of the President of COP11 and Joint Secretary/CBD Primary Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Forest, India

Shiro Wakui, Vice-Chairman, Japan Committee for UNDB

Masatoshi Sato, Vice-Chairman, Keidannren Committee on Nature Conservation

Masahito Yoshida, President, Japan Committee for IUCN

Joji Cariño, Team Leader, Indigenous Peoples and Biodiversity Programme, Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education)

Comments: Tsunao Watanabe, Director-General, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment Japan

17:30–17:35 Closing

Yukiyoshi Yamano, Mayor, Kanazawa City

18:00–19:30 Reception ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa, 3F, Ootori no ma

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 7

EVENT PROGRAMME

DAY 2 18 December 2011 hOTEl KANAzAwA

9:30–18:00 Workshop: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs)

9:30–9:40 Opening Remarks

Workshop Moderator: Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Vice-Rector, United Nations University

9:40–10:00 Update on Post-CBD/-COP10 Status

David Duthie, Senior Progamme Officer, Division for Implementation and Technical Support, Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity

10:00–12:00 Session 1: Preparation and updating of NBSAPs in line with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020

Moderator: Hem Pande, Joint Secretary/CBD Primary Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Forest, India

10:00–10:15 Presentation 1: Japan’s Experience in Revising its NBSAP and Recent Developments

Naohisa Okuda, Director, Global Biodiversity Strategy Office, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

10:15–10:30 Presentation 2: Biodiversity NBSAP: India’s Experiences

Hem Pande, Joint Secretary/CBD Primary Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Forest, India

10:30–10:45 Presentation 3: NBSAP: Perspectives from the Caribbean-The Case of Grenada

Spencer Thomas, Biodiversity Coordinator, Ministry of Finance and Planning, Grenada

10:45–11:00 Presentation 4: Status of Zambia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

Ignatius Makumba, Chief, Environment and Natural Resources management Department, Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources, Zambia

11:00–12:00 Discussion

12:00–13:00 Lunch

13:00–15:00 Session 2: Effective Means for Mainstreaming NBSAPs

Moderator: Joji Cariño, Team Leader, Indigenous Peoples and Biodiversity Programme,

Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education)

13:00–13:15 Presentation 1: Fulfilling Global Policy Commitments on Biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples, and Traditional Knowledge

Joji Cariño, Team Leader, Indigenous Peoples and Biodiversity Programme, Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education)

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-20208

EVENT PROGRAMME

13:15–13:30 Presentation 2: Post-disaster Rebuilding through the Creation of a Nature-harmonious Society

Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Vice-Rector, United Nations University

13:30–13:45 Presentation 3: The European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2020: “Our Life Insurance-Our Natural Capital”

Thomas Koetz, Policy Officer for International Biodiveristy Governance Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission

13:45–14:00 Presentation 4: Status of Biodiversity and Possible Areas of Cooperation in Science and Technology and Biodiversity among the ASEAN Countries

Clarissa Arida, Director, Program Development and Implementation, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB)

14:00–15:00 Discussion

15:00–15:15 Break

15:15–17:00 Session 3: Enhancing International Cooperation on Biodiversity and the Satoyama Initiative

Moderator: Young-Woo Park, United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office Asia Pacific

15:15–15:30 Presentation 1: Satoyama Initiative and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Kazuhiko Takemoto, Senior Fellow and Programme Director, Education, Sustainability and Ecosystem Assessment Programme, United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies

15:30–15:45 Presentation 2: Potential of Regional Cooperation in the Implementation of the CBD Strategic Plan

Senka Barudanovic, Chair, Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) / Associate Professor, University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Bosnia and Herzegovina

15:45–16:00 Presentation 3: Work of UNEP Related to Biodiversity and Socio-ecological Landscape-based (Satoyama) Initiatives

Young-Woo Park, Regional Director, United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office

Asia Pacific

16:00–17:00 Discussion

17:00–17:30 Break

17:30–18:00 Synthesis and Conclusions

Workshop Moderator: Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Vice-Rector, UNU

Session 1 Moderator: Hem PandeSession 2 Moderator: Joji CariñoSession 3 Moderator: Young-Woo ParkTsunao Watanabe, Director-General, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 9

EVENT PROGRAMME

DAY 218 December 2011 IShIKAwA ONGAKUDO, hOUGAKU hAll

10:00–12:00 Commemorative Forum

10:00–10:05 Opening RemarksAhmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

10:05–10:20 PresentationMasanori Tanimoto, Governor, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

10:20–10:40 Keynote LectureParviz Koohafkan, Director, Land and Water Division, Natural Resources Management and Environment Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

10:40–11:50 Panel Discussion“Satoyama, Satoumi with Crested Ibis and the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity”

Moderator: Shiro Wakui, Vice-Chairman, Japan Committee for UNDB

PanellistsAhmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

Parviz Koohafkan, Director, Land and Water Division, Natural Resources Management and Environment Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Koichiro Takano, Mayor, Sado City

Koji Nakamura, Professor, College of Science and Engineering School of Natural System, Kanazawa University

Anne McDonald, Director, United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa

Tsunao Watanabe, Director-General, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Excursion

Various biodiversity sites and activities within Ishikawa Prefecture were shown and explained.

DAY 319 December 2011 NOTO, KAGA & KANAzAwA

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-202010

Opening Remarks

Katsuhiko YokomitsuSenior Vice Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

I would like to thank all the people of the world for all the support we received when we were struck by the natural di-saster. Although we felt helpless and impotent in the face of the power of nature, we reiterated the necessities of human life and our livelihoods, which are supported by biodiversity. Instead of confronting nature, coexistence between humans and nature is vital and we have to recognize this fact in Japan.

This much was confirmed at COP 10 last year. One year has passed, and we have to uphold the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. We now have the responsibility of making progress towards these goals, day by day. Resolution, commitment, and concrete programmes to achieve this goal are necessary. To achieve a sustainable society and economic circles, gov-ernments and all concerned need to exert a concerted effort. Now, we are gathering in a city with abundant nature, culture, and tradition. Concrete actions and programmes need to be started today to coincide with UNDB.

Masanori TanimotoGovernor, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

I express my heartfelt gratitude for having this city host this opening. This hall was the very place where the closing ceremony of the Year of Biodiversity was held. The biodi-versity issue is both a global and local issue, and our local government has to take the lead in providing a solution for our own citizens who live, work, and derive value from their

surroundings, which they know best how to protect. I would also like to express thanks to the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies.

Satoyama and satoumi are characteristic landscapes in Ishikawa. We made a strategy for this, and a special unit for satoyama was created in the local office. We have a 5.5-billion-yen fund for satoyama conservation, which will provide options for using this landscape sustainably. Designated as a GIAHS, we feel indebted to provide the benefits of satoyama and satoumi to the next generation.

Ban Ki-moonSecretary-General, United Nations (Written message read by Kiyotaka Akasaka)

It is essential for all the world’s people to understand not only the value of biodiversity, but what they can do to protect it. The global rate of biodiversity loss is unmatched in human history. Many ecosystems are heading toward a tipping point beyond which they will not recover. These trends are being compounded by climate change. This year, the human family reached seven billion people–a milestone with important implications for collective wellbeing. Ensuring truly sustain-able development for our growing human family depends on biological diversity and the vital goods and services it of-fers. While the poor suffer first and worst from biodiversity loss, all of society stands to lose from this mass extinction. There are also the opportunity costs: what cures for disease, and what other useful discoveries, might we never know of because a habitat is destroyed forever, or land is polluted beyond all use? For too long, our natural capital has been seen as an endless reserve, instead of the limited and fragile resource we now know it to be. Fortunately, it is not too late to stem the tide. The 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets included in the 2011-2020 Strategic Plan for Biodiversity are ambi-tious but realistic. But achieving them will require greater engagement by all relevant actors and partners.

EVENT 1

Commemorative CeremonyThe commemorative ceremony was intended to globally launch the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (UNDB) 2011–2020 with support and commitment from United Nations organizations and government representatives, and to raise awareness of the importance of the roles of the various actors participating in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020.

DAYISHIKAWA ONGAKUDO, HOUGAKU HALL

1 7 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 11E V E N T R E P O R T

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DAY 1Com

mem

orative Ceremony

DAY 2International W

orkshopDAY 3Excursion

ThREE-DAY EVENT REPORT

Commemorative Ceremony 11

I commend Japan for its leadership in supporting the Strategic Plan and the Decade. And I thank all who are help-ing to mobilize global support. Japan Airlines, for example, which is supporting this event, is making a concerted effort to raise public awareness. I call on all the Parties to CBD and to all biodiversity-related conventions, as well as all members of the United Nations system, the private sector, civil society groups, and individual citizens and consumers worldwide to rally to the call of UNDB. Let us work together to live in har-mony with nature; let us preserve and wisely manage nature’s riches for prosperity today and for the future we want.

Kazuhiko TakeuchiVice-Rector, United Nations University

I would like to thank the people who have made this event possible. Educators and others have been promoting various initiatives for biodiversity. UNU and the Secretariat of CBD have been continuing this effort and we appreciate Governor Tanimoto’s support. We are gathered here to launch this open-ing to UNDB. UNU is also promoting the Satoyama Initiative, as it was officially adopted at COP 10. In a developed country like Japan, we highly cherish the value of satoyama and satou-mi. In developing nations, too, natural resources are very im-portant for wellbeing and this initiative can act as a model for others to preserve their natural landscapes. It is essential that the reconstruction of the affected areas in Tohoku takes into account satoyama and satoumi so that communities can be revitalized and the services of production landscapes utilized sustainably for the benefit of communities. I deeply appreciate all your support so we can continue this effort in the future.

Ahmed DjoghlafExecutive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

Culture, environment, and people are closely linked and it is not until this is recognized that we can conserve biodiversity. Thanks to Japan, the Japan Biodiversity Fund has been established for those parties who need help, from Africa and South America, to translate the global biodiversity targets into national action plans. I would be grateful if the Minister of the Environment could please convey to the Government and people of Japan our gratitude for Japan’s efforts. The most important legal in-strument in the fight against biodiversity loss was put into effect at COP 10. The most important target of Aichi is that by 2020, all people will understand, and value, biodiversity. I would also like to extend thanks to the President of Japan Airlines for his outstanding efforts at public awareness-raising.

The UNDB was launched regionally in many places, in-cluding the Republic of Korea. A monk was once asked what shall be his legacy, to which he replied that it would be “the small and beautiful things in nature”. We must ensure that life will continue to be sustained and the planet continue to be protected, so that it can provide its services to our children. The global community is beginning a journey of truly out-standing proportions. What we do or fail to do in this decade will decide what the future of biodiversity will be for us and future generations.

Monique BarbutChief Executive Officer and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility

I have been impressed with Japan’s resilience and feel confident that you are on your way to recovering from this disaster. COP 10 marked historical milestones such as adoption of a protocol on ABS on genetic resources, the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the financial mechanism of UNDB. I am pleased to inform you that I have just approved the first project that involves a Japanese company that is interested in finding a cancer-related chemical in South America. We have estab-lished a strong partnership with the Satoyama Initiative, and 3.4 billion dollars has been invested in biodiversity conservation.

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020

ThREE-DAY EVENT REPORT

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We need to re-brand biodiversity so people will notice and grasp the issue as well as understanding the consequences of failure. We need to present biodiversity as a springboard for economic development, and this way, we can achieve the critical mass so that the support is there to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. We need to do more and we need to do it differently. Furthermore, gains beyond environmental protec-tion should be realized.

Akira TakamineDirector-General, Hokuriku Regional Agricultural Administration Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan

In Japan, satoyama and satoumi are landscapes unique to Japan that nurture populations and many species. Among them, the Japanese crested ibis lives in a unique habitat. Japan has 70 per cent of its land covered in forest. Given the International Year of Forests, we hope to deepen understanding of sustainable use, agriculture, fishery, and forestry. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries would like to provide support for these efforts in conserving landscapes. Energy, water, oceans, food security, and resilience to natural disasters have significant impacts on biodiversity. We need to create a link between these issues and concrete positive change.

Hem PandeRepresentative of the President, COP 11 and Joint Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity Primary Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Forests, India

It is an honour for me to represent the Indian Minister for the Environment and Forests, for whom I will now deliver a message.

I compliment everyone for the global launch of UNDB. The period from 2011 to 2020 coincides with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity adopted at Nagoya. COP 10 is considered to be the most successful COP, and the next one will be held in India to update the targets and see how they can be mainstreamed into national plans. This is also an opportunity to assess the outcomes of Rio+20. Over-consumptive lifestyles should be a concern for all of us. Building on these initiatives, we should be able to raise awareness. Biodiversity deserves a place in the people’s central consciousness. We will be assessing the progress and implementation of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets at COP 11 in India, where I look forward to seeing you all. I would like to reiterate that India stands committed in its effort to deal with biodiversity at the global level. It is imperative as it is linked to livelihoods, with nearly 300,000 people directly depending on biodiversity for their livelihoods. Therefore, bio-diversity plays a critical role between nature and livelihoods.

Alexander OlbrichRepresentative of the President of COP 9, and Consul-General of the German Consulate-General of Osaka-Kobe

I am delighted to be here today at the global launch and would like to convey the regards of the President of COP 9.

UNGA has dedicated the entire decade to biodiversity. While the financial crisis may be dominating our minds, the cost of not protecting our environment can only be read in special-ist areas. Yet, nature can exacerbate issues such as inequality, desertification, and threat to livelihoods. Those who believe we cannot afford nature conservation during times of finan-cial hardship are wrong. Soft political issues like biodiversity must remain high on the agenda as people must know this is an important issue for mankind. We are robbing ourselves of the natural foundation of our economy and wellbeing.

Commitments of the United Nations and International Organizations

Kiyotaka AkasakaUnder-Secretary-General, Department of Public Information, United Nations

As UNDB begins, government and civil society must work together to make sure that biodiversity is a central part and concern at Rio+20 next year. Positive momentum is vital because we have much work to do to reverse the years of nega-tive trends and failed commitments to biodiversity conserva-tion. For example, biodiversity has declined by 30 per cent in tropical zones. Humans have deforested an area larger than Argentina since the last Earth Summit, and a wealth of bio-diversity has disappeared with it. These life networks provide us with services for life. The past 10 years have been dubbed the decade of discovery. From 1999 to 2009, 1,200 new species were identified in the Amazon Rainforest. Trout was rediscovered in Yamanashi Prefecture this year. Extinction is occurring at rates 100 to 1,000 times faster than in the past. We cannot reverse this, but we can prevent future extinction right now. We commit to protecting more than eight million species. Among countries, we have to effectively communi-cate the Strategic Plan and governments must see the benefits of biodiversity-friendly policies and practices. Stable ecosys-tems generate jobs, and the sustainable use of biodiversity is not an isolated green approach but an indispensable pillar of sustainable development.

Tomoko NishimotoDirector, Division of Regional Cooperation, United Nations Environment Programme

I would first like to express my gratitude to Japan for its lead-ership in putting biodiversity on the global agenda. Our work is more important than ever as we now number seven billion on this planet. The trend of biodiversity loss is rapid and is un-dermining its capacity to provide goods and services. Many are born into tough lives in poverty, and we need to look at the link between poverty alleviation and ecosystem services. The year 2011 was the costliest year ever for natural disasters and we must rebuild our socio-ecological landscapes.

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Creative public policy and smart instruments can deliver good results in tackling challenges while also growing econo-mies, generating employment, and meeting the targets of the Biodiversity Strategic Plan. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) aims to further understand the value of biodiversity. We are currently undertaking follow-up processes of TEEB at the national level. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is strengthening the scientific basis of de-cision-making through establishing a science policy platform.

UNEP promotes synergistic approaches to Millennium Ecosystem Assessments (MEAs), as well as to the UN Environmental Management Group. UNEP is the only agency that focuses entirely on the environment. The era of the invis-ibility of nature has to end.

Parviz KoohafkanDirector, Land and Water Division, Natural Resources Management and Environment Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The battle to reduce biodiversity loss and to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets is being lost in developing countries. As managers of ecosystems where they live, farmers have a major role in managing biodiversity in their areas. In some areas, the forces of rural poverty, globalization, and the increasing pressure of industrialization of agriculture has exiled local people from their livelihoods. Globalization is creating a distortion of values. We need to go back to our basic values. Of these values, one is to enhance the sustainability of our agricultural methods. Cultural diversity mirrors ecological diversity. Agricultural heritage is not about the past, but about the future. We need a new impetus for the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will continue to promote sustainable ap-proaches to food and fisheries that value local communities, women, youth, and native peoples.

Eduardo MansurAssistant Director, Reforestation and Forest Management, International Tropical Timber Organization

In Tokyo, in 2010, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Secretariat of CBD to see how we could support for-est biodiversity. The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are clear steps and clear targets for biodiversity and forest loss. There are 13 million hectares of forests lost per year. It is important to re-verse this, and we have the Aichi Biodiversity Targets to guide us. The major outputs that we consider important for tropical biodiversity are: conserving tropical timber production forests (outside protected areas–published guidelines), buffering pro-tected areas so communities living near can benefit, restoring forests, and providing safeguards and livelihoods.

There have been three projects launched thanks to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and the Secretariat of CBD. One example is in the Congo Basin where we have created educational institutes focus-ing on safeguarding biodiversity, and using and conserving forest biodiversity.

Domestic PerspectivesShiro WakuiVice-Chairman, Japan Committee for the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity

The Aichi Biodiversity Targets and short-term targets should be tackled while living in harmony with nature. We have to seek the mainstreaming of biodiversity actions. With civil society and the Japanese Government, we proposed actions towards this goal. People gathered and discussed methods to achieve these targets. Among them were the ideas of global partnerships and forest partnerships related to domestic Japanese forest organizations. Four hundred and eighty companies participated. We have established these kinds of networks among stakeholders. Awareness among citizens is essential so that people can change their habits. And adequate measurement of this progress is also key.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/1-01.pdf

Masao IizukaChairman of the Japan Forestry Association and Commissioner of the Japanese Committee on the International Year of Forests

For the past year, members of the domestic committee have been playing an important role in raising awareness. Thirty per cent of the archipelago area is forest and it supports live-lihoods. Globally, the situation around forests is deteriorat-ing. Therefore, we would like to send the message that good management of forests is critical. In the past in Japan, large forests were used for construction, which after World War II were depleted. However, very positive and active actions have resulted in an improvement of the forest situation, and forest stock has now increased. There is a lack of adequate roads for transportation and the population is ageing. Therefore, we require good infrastructure for transportation and human resources. Restoring forests can restore the energy and resil-ience of Japan.

Izumi WashitaniProfessor, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo

Representing the science council, this is a great opportunity to speak to you all. The Integrative Biology Committee held a conference on “sustainable use and conservation of biodi-versity”, which resulted in a very fruitful discussion. Since the Earthquake, the national policy and outlook have changed. The lessons learned and recovery from disaster are now a central theme for the Japanese Government. Ecosystem services conservation is not pervasive in Japan, but things are changing. Wetlands and floodplains need to be restored as they are a source of biodiversity and can mitigate disasters. We need a positive dialogue between science and society, and integrative science should be developed. I would like to contribute to the integrative sciences for the benefit of biodi-versity conservation.

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Masaru OnishiPresident, Japan Airlines

What can we do as the airline of the hosting country? We have to contribute to awareness of biodiversity. Awareness enhancement has been one of our activities. We have an “eco-jet”, which raises awareness via prominent display of the COP 10 logo. We also contribute by distributing leaflets and playing a video inside the airplane. We were happy to see the closing of COP 10; at the same time, the goals are still here to be achieved and we need to implement our activities. We will continue our awareness projects. I have started to realize how humans are being supported by nature. The crested white crane on the JAL planes promotes awareness.

Airlines also have the potential to carry alien species, and we want to prevent that. Activities of reporting forest fire dis-covery are also possible as well as global warming prevention. This is what we are doing. As people travel, they will experi-ence various scenes of nature, and we would like to aid in that.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/1-02.pdf

Keynote Lecture“On the Intrinsic and Instrumental Values of Biodiversity: An Economist’s Viewpoint”

Kotaro SuzumuraProfessor, School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University

An ethical argument for conserving biodiversity, which is present in conventional wisdom across various cultures, can be traced back to the classical golden rule to “do onto others as you would want them to do unto you”.

The historical path of human development up until now has been unchanging, but the future path is malleable de-pending on present actions and decisions. Future generations should have the right to make use of similar opportunities in life as the present generation. Since they do not yet exist, they cannot have a direct voice in current decisions. So, the present generation has the unilateral responsibility of deciding on the sustainable allocation of resources on behalf of all future gen-erations. This is akin to the problem of equitable treatment of an unborn child who has the right to life, but lacks a direct voice on the decisions made by the parents. In this context, two important questions stand out: “What is sustainability?” and “Sustainability of what?”.

It is our contention that the essence of sustainability lies in the equitable treatment of all generations, present and future alike, and the focal variable of our analysis should be their capabilities to function. If we want to treat all gen-erations equitably without knowing the personal identity of future generations, we should focus not on their utilities but on the allocation of environmental resources, of which the future generations will make the best use on their own responsibility.

From this viewpoint, calling for the conservation of biodi-versity itself is not enough, as it may be taken to be an act of self-satisfaction and/or self-righteousness. The intrinsic and instrumental values of biodiversity in the context of sustain-able development of all generations should be clearly identified with logical coherence as well as universal communicability. We contend that the most persuasive plea for the conservation of biodiversity lies in the role of leaving future generations freedom of choice in pursuit of their own wellbeing.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/1-03.pdf

Panel Discussion“How We Can Achieve the ‘Aichi Biodiversity Targets’ through UNDB”

Moderator: Takeuchi KazuhikoVice-Rector, United Nations University

A very strong message was delivered in his keynote address by Professor Suzumura: we have to preserve environmental capital for future generations so that we ensure their op-portunities to enjoy freedom of choice for their wellbeing. We adopted short-term and long-term targets at COP 10.

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There are several reasons that we were unable to achieve the 2010 target prior to COP 10. Halting extinctions was not enough to move society forward to take action, and a practical strategy was missing considering the consequences of extinctions. It should be highlighted that during the pro-cess of elaborating the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, we tried to discuss and clarify the reasons for extinctions, actions to promote restoration of biodiversity, and strategies to mainstream biodiversity and involve various stakeholders. Today’s discussion will focus on how to bring in stakehold-ers to join us and create effective policies in order to reach the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

Presentation 1

Ahmed DjoghlafExecutive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

There are 175 national reports on the state of biodiversity available on the CBD website. All of them have confirmed the historical loss of biodiversity. We asked how governments implemented plans for the 2010 target. How many people in the world were aware of the targets? How many have done something? Thirty per cent of people in Japan responded to a survey to see if they knew what biodiversity is. Thirty per cent of Europeans have never heard about biodiversity. Thirty per cent have heard of it, but do not know what it is. Biodiversity

is a scientific word, created by scientists, and people do not understand it. So, we need to talk about life. This is what people understand.

People live in front of their computers in a virtual world. Ninety per cent of children said that their hobby is the Internet and only 5 per cent said that their hobby is doing something outside. Some don’t know the difference between bees, wasps, and flies. How can you protect nature if you do not know about it?

Presentation 2

Hem PandeRepresentative of the President, COP 11 and Joint Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity Primary Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Forests, India

The strategic goals are to address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, reduce direct pressures, safeguard species and biodiversity, and allow benefits to flow to people. India has as-signed ministries and agencies for each target to act within their jurisdictions towards the targets. However, there is a funding gap, and substantial funds are required for the targets to be im-plemented. Official development assistance for climate change has reached $10 billion and that for biodiversity has reached $3 billion. But how much is actually needed for biodiversity conservation? We need more money, but the question remains as to whether there is the political will to provide it.

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COP 11 in India will consider biodiversity and livelihoods as well as integration of biodiversity into national planning and accounting.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/1-05.pdf

Presentation 3

Shiro WakuiVice-Chairman, Japan Committee for the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity

Developing nations have, since the Meiji Restoration, pur-sued development of the economy. Japan has beautiful land and nature, but we also have natural disasters. Instead of trying to conquer nature, we want to coexist with nature and be humble. Nowadays, we go golfing on weekends, but my grandparents went to satoyama. There are two tasks: family wellbeing and community wellbeing. People always believed that where they lived was the best and they were proud of where they lived. Two hundred years ago, Japanese merchants tried to establish benefits not just for themselves, but also for their communities. This is how business should be con-ducted. How can we have a balance between local and global community values? There are challenges, and we face crucial issues. We should create strong solidarity in coexistence.

Presentation 4

Masatoshi SatoVice-Chairman, Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation

For 19 years, the Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation has been financially supporting NGOs’ na-ture activities. It has funds donated by member companies, which can be provided to NGOs. Applications from NGOs are screened, and the selected recipients report to us once a year. So far, 2.9 billion yen has been donated for many proj-ects over the last 19 years. Examples include restoration of mangrove forest destroyed by shrimp farming and reintroduc-tion of the crested ibis to satoyama. Reports and newsletters on Keidanren’s conservation actions are published regularly. These communications help raise awareness among not only member companies but also the Japanese business sector in general. There are many good examples of collaboration with NGOs such as forest conservation with NGOs, forest support-ers, and the Nijumaru Project.

Business today should aim to become a responsible entity by proactively integrating environmental and social consider-ations into its strategy and decision-making.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/1-06.pdf

Presentation 5

Masahito YoshidaChair, Japan Committee for IUCN (IUCNJ)

We want to ensure the commitment of citizens to UNDB. We have held an origami-folding campaign where citizens wrote

messages, inaugurated the Japan Civil Network for CBD Advocacy, and published position papers by working groups.

The Aichi Biodiversity Targets mention drivers, pres-sures, and species extinction. But we have to focus on the causes, including economic and societal pressures. We have to nurture human resources. For example, in target 11, not just particular areas but also their surrounding landscapes need to be looked at, and whether they are protected or not needs to be discussed.

IUCNJ launched the Nijumaru (double circle) Project in 2011. By 2020, 20 targets have to be realized. It will be very difficult to achieve all the targets, but individual teams are fo-cusing on a specific part, and there have been 30 registrations.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/1-07.pdf

Presentation 6

Joji CariñoTeam Leader, Indigenous Peoples and Biodiversity Programme, Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education)

The future of biodiversity is determined by decisions about the use and management of resources and ecosystems. Narrow decision-making processes translate into bad management of resources. We seek synergized outcomes for biodiversity, climate change, and poverty eradication. Cultural diversity is a crucial element in this equation. Education work must face questions about the relationships between communities and nature. Indigenous communities can make huge contribu-tions. Conservation cannot exist without people. Traditional knowledge and community approaches have been underval-ued in the mainstream economic system. However, I hope that in the coming decade these concepts will see increased value.

CommentsTsunao WatanabeDirector-General, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

The Aichi Biodiversity Targets were established on the very last day at midnight of COP 10. The proposal of the declaration of UNDB was first submitted by a Japanese NGO. As referred to in remarks and discussions, Japanese local governments, Keidanren, and JAL are all working very hard to promote the protection of biodiversity. We would like to achieve a society in harmony with nature. The discus-sions today highlighted the fact that the actions of different stakeholders are linked to each other, so biodiversity will be further protected and regained. It is essential that various ministries work together towards mainstream biodiversity in policies. The people of Japan reaffirm that nature not only provides us with blessings but also brings calamities upon us. We would like send out a message to the international community that Japan will pursue a sustainable society in alignment with nature.

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EVENT 2

Reception ANA CROWNE PLAZA KANAZAWA, 3F, OOTORI NO MA

To encourage further dialogue among the participants, a reception hosted by Ishikawa Prefecture was held after the commemorative ceremony. As the host country for COP 10, Ishikawa Prefecture showed its support for India, the host country of COP 11, by wishing for a successful event. Ishikawa Prefecture also expressed hopes for a fruitful out-come to UNDB to the Secretariat of CBD. Next, the Ishikawa Declaration, which was drafted by the organization Rio+20 and Biodiversity Japan, was introduced to promote “living in harmony with nature”, the concept of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and concrete actions to achieve these targets in the international community on the occasion of Rio+20 in col-laboration with other stakeholders. The Ishikawa Declaration calls on the participants of the Rio+20 Summit, scheduled

for June 2012, to give high priority to the biodiversity agenda and fully integrate the Aichi Biodiversity Targets as an inte-gral part of the Summit’s expected outcomes. The Ishikawa Declaration follows the official submission in November 2011 by the President of the Conference of the Parties of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and its Aichi Targets to the head of the Secretariat of Rio+20 for inclusion as part of the expected outcomes of the Summit.

Following comments by participants, various local dishes were served representing the seasonal cuisine of the region. Traditional cultural performing arts including lion dancing, taiko drumming, and folk music entertained the attendees of the reception throughout the night.

Kazuhiko TakeuchiVice-Rector, United Nations University

We often talk about climate change when we discuss the three Rio Conventions. However, biodiversity has not traditionally received the same level of attention. We would like to see this change, and propose a model of coexistence with nature in view of our ongoing experience of disaster recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. After this session, the Ishikawa Declaration on Biodiversity will be released as a result of a citizen-level initiative in which Dr. Wakui, Dr. Yoshida, and myself are also involved, to showcase the importance of biodi-versity toward Rio +20. Although we did not have much time for discussion today, we have nine more years to implement activities and see changes.

ClosingYukiyoshi YamanoMayor, Kanazawa City

Kanazawa is grateful for being able to host this event. Kanazawa is blessed with nature. In just a 20-minute drive from the city, you can visit the sea, or go skiing in winter. The lovely ladies on the stage are wearing kimonos with a design that is traditional to the city. We have gardens and culture and want to pass this down to other generations.

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Opening Remarks

Kazuhiko TakeuchiVice-Rector, United Nations University

Gratitude was expressed to all participants for their at-tendance and contribution to working toward realizing a society in harmony with nature. Today’s workshop focuses on NBSAPs. Consensus among countries is critical if we are to move forward. He mentioned that we should encourage the global promotion of sociological development and the rela-tionship between people and nature. The result of this session will be disseminated to various outlets to contribute to the achievement of CBD and Rio+20. There will be a lot of dis-cussion at Rio+20, and he stressed that we should emphasize the importance of biodiversity.

Atsuhiro YoshinakaGlobal Coordinator, Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity

He thanked the co-organizers and welcomed participants to this workshop. He introduced the fact that the Secretariat of CBD has been organizing a series of capacity-building workshops on revising NBSAPs around the world last year with generous support from Japan, and expressed his gratitude to all the host countries, partners, and Parties who sent representatives to them. He also informed us that the first follow-up workshop was already being held in India for Asia to be followed by those for other regions. Emphasizing that the Secretariat will continue to commit to supporting

the Parties to implement the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, he hoped for a fruitful discussion and exchange of experiences and achievements so far made so that we can understand more clearly what we should do from now on towards COP 11.

Update on Post-CBD/-COP 10 Status Presentation 1

Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-20, Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and National Implementation–An Update

David DuthieSenior Programme Officer, Division for Implementation and Technical Support, Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity

A broad overview of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020, including information about the Nagoya and Kuala Lumpur-Nagoya Protocols, was presented. There are parallel initiatives working with other stakeholders to broad-en the scope of the Strategic Plan, not just CBD. The 20 global targets are the strategic tools that governments are working with to develop plans for biodiversity. Building on the find-ings of Global Biodiversity Outlook 3, the new Strategic Plan has an increased emphasis on indirect drivers of biodiversity loss and increased flows of benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services. National targets are being developed and embedded into the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs), and these will be brought back in COP 11 or 12. Out of 193 Parties, 173 have produced at least one

EVENT 1

International Workshop: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action PlansThe workshop was intended to discuss better implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 including development and revision of NBSAPs in accordance with the Strategic Plan by utilizing the knowledge and experience of experts from governments, international organizations, and scientific institutions.

DAYHOTEL KANAZAWA

1 8 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 12E V E N T R E P O R T

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NBSAP but, to date, few Parties have revised their NBSAPs to bring them into line with the Strategic Plan. The important role of GEF as a financial mechanism was emphasized given that most countries are constrained by resources. The Japan Biodiversity Fund is fully operational with the first allocation of funds already received, and a possible second allocation is currently awaited. The signatures were updated and the Nagoya Protocol was ratified; as of 30 November 2011, 36 signatures had been received.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-01.pdf

session 1: Preparation and updating of NBSAPs in line with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020Moderator: Mr. hem PandeJoint Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity Primary Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Forests, India

Presentation 1

Japan’s Experience in Revising its NBSAP and Recent Developments

Naohisa OkudaDirector, Global Biodiversity Strategy Office, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Japan

First, Japan’s Basic Act on Biodiversity, which has legal status within Japan, was introduced. This was followed by a history

of the National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan and an outline of the fourth National Biodiversity Strategy which consists of the strategy and an action plan. Taking into account the global dis-cussion on developing a post-2010 target, it sets short-term tar-gets for 2020 and mid- and long-term targets for 2050, all within a 100-year perspective. In 2011, Japan took the lead in initiating the process for revising its recent NBSAP in accordance with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets adopted at COP 10, while engag-ing in discussions with experts. In particular, based on their experiences from the recent disaster, the concept of realizing “a society in harmony with nature” by taking not a conflictive but rather a more adaptive approach towards nature is an impor-tant perspective of this revision. As a concrete measure, Japan is also considering designing a new national park with a view to recovering satoyama and satoumi areas which were damaged by the disaster. The links among COP 10, the Strategic Plan for 2011-2020, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and a roadmap for UNDB were discussed. Next came issues and a timeline for the revision of Japan’s NBSAPs, which are slated to be completed before COP 11. The presentation ended with a discussion of the Sanriku Reconstruction National Park Initiative, the Satoyama Initiative, and local biodiversity strategies.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-02.pdf

Presentation 2

Biodiversity NBSAP: India’s Experiences

Hem PandeJoint Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity Primary Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Forests, India

To set the context for the presentation, a few key facts about India were first presented: it accounts for 2.4 per cent of the world’s area, 18 per cent of its population and livestock, and

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8 per cent of its biodiversity, and it contains four out of 24 registered global biodiversity hotspots. Following this was a summary of the history of India’s NBSAP development which utilized GEF funds to assist the government. Next was a de-scription of the internal process of drafting and ratifying the NBSAP, which drew from the National Environment Policy’s cardinal prescription that human beings are at the centre of concern for sustainable development and are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. The Strategic Plan, which was adopted at COP 10, was discussed in relation to India’s NBSAP. Finally, updating of the NBSAP was detailed in the context of challenges and opportunities.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-03.pdf

Presentation 3

NBSAP: Perspectives from the Caribbean – The Case of Grenada

Spencer ThomasBiodiversity Coordinator, Ministry of Finance and Planning, Grenada

This presentation was given from an island perspective, since these regions constitute unique ecosystems which are particu-larly vulnerable. It took a critical look at NBSAP implementa-tion in the Caribbean, particularly Grenada, with a review of the status of implementation in the context of crises in poli-tics, food, water, debt, finance, poverty, and the environment. Furthermore, it delved into the challenges, opportunities, and prospects for the revised NBSAP in light of developments in the global environmental infrastructure for small island de-veloping states, particularly climate change negotiations, the Rio+20 preparatory process and the key Nagoya outcomes of the ABS Protocol, the Strategic Plan and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the Resource Mobilization Framework. First was an overview of Grenada’s NBSAP which has not yet been fully implemented, and is generally not updated. Following this was a description of the severe challenges and capacity gaps such as policy/legislation, institutional/human resources, and finance/socioeconomics, and links to the wellbeing of the population. Grenada, whose economy is heavily depen-dent on tourism, is a biodiversity hotspot but is vulnerable to natural disasters and is grappling with economic issues. The importance of environmental governance was stressed given the massive detrimental impact on the nation from sea level rise. The presentation ended with a list of key imperatives which call for concrete action beyond the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, given the urgency of the situation of island nations. The overriding conclusion was that revised NBSAP prepara-tion and implementation in the Caribbean can help inform consumption and production decisions at the local level and so make a significant advancement in sustainable develop-ment as a contribution to UNDB, advance human wellbeing, and save our planet.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-04.pdf

Presentation 4

Status of Zambia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

Ignatius MakumbaChief, Environment and Natural Resources Management Department, Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources, Zambia

In the Southern African region, four countries have revised their NBSAPs, and nine countries have completed NBSAPs which are at various stages of revision. Zambia is endowed with an abundance of natural resources and fairly rich bio-logical diversity upon which the majority of its population are dependent for livelihoods. Since the early 1980s, the country has experienced increasing pressure on its biological resourc-es leading to rapid decline and degradation. In response to the threats to biodiversity, the Government of the Republic of Zambia developed NBSAP in 1999. NBSAP is a policy frame-work that promotes the conservation, management, and sustainable use of Zambia’s biological resources and the equi-table sharing of benefits from these resources by all sectors of the population. Since the development of NBSAP, attempts have been made to integrate biodiversity activities into other sectors, most notably into the national development plan, and recently into other key sectors.

To set the context for Zambia’s NBSAP, an explanation of the background, the state of biodiversity, ecosystems, national parks and forests, threats, and institutional and legal frameworks was first given. This was followed by an explana-tion of the process, goals, and objectives of the Zambian NBSAP. Some outcomes included conservation of the genetic diversity of traditional crop varieties and their wild relatives, establishment of a functioning monitoring system, and ef-fective management and utilization of natural resources by traditional establishments and local communities. Next came an explanation of NBSAP status in relation to the Strategic Plan goals, Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and national targets. The presentation closed with the assessment that the general implementation of Zambia’s NBSAP has been successful, but that there are still a number of challenges to overcome.

In particular, some achievements that include the establish-ment of legal and institution arrangements for biosafety have been recorded. However, implementation of NBSAP has faced a number of challenges, particularly inadequate financial and human resources, lack of comprehensive biodiversity assess-ments, inadequate involvement of local communities, and lack of specially qualified personnel.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-05.pdf

Discussion(Q&A FROM THE FLOOR TO SESSION SPEAKERS)

Q: How are we going to monitor all these targets? What kind of initiatives is India planning for COP 11 in these science-based monitoring processes?

A: The measuring methodology is a question that is argued

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and complex, but with developing technology, we should be able to make progress. As for how to measure achieve-ments against every target, we are open to a presentation on this at COP 11.

Q: Out of the 20 targets, how many are linked with availability of resources and how many do not need money?

A: In Japan’s case, the 35 indicators on administrative mea-sures are not scientific. We try to link the scientific and administrative indicators.

A: Create global indicators and pay countries to fulfil them, or let countries make their own indicators and find a way to aggregate them, and convert them into some compa-rable global indicators.

A: The technical rationale for the strategic plan and Aichi Biodiversity Targets can be a good resource. Employing a top-down approach at an international global level for indicators will take time, so a plan on a lower level is more prudent. Next year, we will hold fewer, larger work-shops. Now, almost everyone has fast IT communication tools, and there is less need for physical meetings. The Secretariat of CBD will try to devote more time to direct support instead of coordinating so many workshops. We can also create a global database for biodiversity, and link mentors with those who need support.

Q: What are the institutional and organizational expectations for the future, like GEF, for specific country situations, from the perspective of the countries here?

A: On a national level, this is a challenge since political and financial problems will not disappear. We need to strengthen institutions and create a link to livelihoods. At the regional level, we need to strengthen the institutions as well as inter-national cooperation since the problems are similar and a coordinated response is needed. On a global level, leadership is lacking. Competitiveness is overshadowing biodiversity and sustainable development issues. How countries juxta-pose themselves regarding trade, etc. is a priority. The divide between developed and developing countries detracts from the issues of sustainable development and biodiversity.

Q: Out of the 20 targets, how many are linked with availability of resources and how many do not need money?

A: We are funding research into how to mobilize funding. The Secretariat distributed a resource mobilization strat-egy, a questionnaire for country needs, and what they need for each target.

Q: We need to do something different. Some have suggested cer-tain things in this direction, but I want to challenge the panel-lists with the question of what they would do differently. We keep hearing about a lack of financial and human resources, but what is to be done differently?

A: In terms of making decisions, do you mine resources, or do you protect them? What is the opportunity cost in this case? During the process of formulating NBSAPs, we need to consider to what extent we consult local stakeholders and whether this would be sufficiently representative. Due to the transboundary nature of ecosystems, we need regional cooperation.

A: Durban shows us how difficult it will be to meet the political commitment. We should communicate with our people in terms that they can understand, e.g., cli-mate change is hunger, and biodiversity is food. It takes a long time to get funding, but the real summit happens at a local level when people are sitting under a tree and deciding. Therefore, we should consider local action plans. We should also try to change behaviours such as over-consumption and overfishing, but this will be challenging. We should forget indicators and start thinking about how to implement them. At a local level, indicators are not realistic. We should have as few indicators as possible, and they must be simple. They should be understandable to everyone, and should be visually measurable.

Q: What are the weak institutions mentioned in relation to NBSAP, policies, and legislation? Also, what kind of collabo-ration is needed, especially inter-ministerial cooperation?

A: Policy comes with legislation, and is managed by different institutions. Because ministries have different jurisdictions and priorities, it is hard to bring them together. Biodiversity should be integrated into society’s policies and needs.

Q: In what areas are the Aichi Biodiversity Targets insufficient?A: There must be a clear linkage to co-benefits. This will make

the targets realistic. Also, the government has recognized that the private sector is the right player. We need to send the right signals to the private sector.

session 2: Effective Means for Mainstreaming NBSAPs

Moderator: Ms. Joji CariñoTeam Leader, Indigenous Peoples and Biodiversity Programme, Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education)

Presentation 1

Fulfilling Global Policy Commitments on Biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples, and Traditional Knowledge

Joji CariñoTeam Leader, Indigenous Peoples and Biodiversity Programme, Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education)

Beginning with the linkages of the local, national, and inter-national political arenas, this was followed by a discussion of the global biodiversity commitments, the COP 10 decision on the Strategic Plan, relevant targets, and the COP 10 decision on sustainable use. Furthermore, it was expressed that it is es-sential that indigenous and local communities are empowered

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to play their role in NBSAP implementation, recalling relevant decisions by the Parties made during the 10th meeting of the Conference of Parties. Next was an introduction to the signifi-cance of and compliance with the Nagoya Protocol on ABS. The unique situation of the Philippines in drafting ABS legis-lation included significant legislation on indigenous peoples’ rights, biodiversity, and plant variety protection. Furthermore, implementation of the ABS legislation takes into account in-digenous peoples' initiatives on ABS through strengthening of customary laws and community protocols. Challenges include lack of national legislation or policies on indigenous people’s rights, land tenure, and customary sustainable use. Some of the proposed ways forward are to secure respect for indigenous people’s human rights, traditional knowledge, and customary governance in the national implementation of securing bio-logical diversity, coping with climate change, and developing sustainable development plans.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-06.pdf

Presentation 2

Post-disaster Rebuilding through the Creation of a Nature-harmonious Society

Kazuhiko TakeuchiVice-Rector, United Nations University

The triple disaster of 11 March 2011 brought about an awareness of both the blessings and threats of nature. Since technological preventative measures have limitations, they alone cannot be relied upon. People should also look at socio-economic resil-ience based on connections with nature to grow. Furthermore, engineering measures do not always combine with local com-munity lifestyles. Therefore, post-disaster rebuilding should incorporate means to facilitate construction of a society which is in harmony with nature. Much of the damage from the di-saster exceeds the capacity of existing engineering measures, and there is thus a need to review them. It has also become increasingly important to build a greater regional resilience in a variety of areas including social systems. Efforts should be focused on mitigating intensive usage of land that is sensitive to natural disasters and which should be restored to its natural condition. This could provide an opportunity to contribute to the creation of a vibrant new community in which people can enjoy the abundance of nature.

The disaster-affected areas which are rich in natural re-sources are now facing many problems such as lack of workers in the agricultural, forestry, and fishery industries, popula-tion decline, and ageing of the population. It is necessary to consider the creation of industry based on natural capital and change to a compact urban and rural structure. This will con-tribute to the maintenance and development of natural and cultural diversity in the region, which is indispensable for a society in harmony with nature.

There should be a change in the business model to sup-port local economies. An example is the merging of small fishing villages, and inviting the private sector, while taking a bottom-up approach. Also of importance is the effective

utilization of geothermal energy in Tohoku while preserving nature. The rebuilding of destroyed communities is taking place in the highlands in small areas. In the lowlands, affected areas can be restored as natural wetlands, and local govern-ment could pay money to move to other places. Socio-ecological resilience is important for a nature-harmonious society. There is a need to develop a new business model based on natural capital. There should be co-management of natural resources as a new common sphere among the private sector, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-07.pdf

Presentation 3

The European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2020: “Our Life Insurance– Our Natural Capital”

Thomas KoetzPolicy Officer for International Biodiversity Governance and Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission

In Europe, almost a quarter of wild species are now threat-ened with extinction and the majority of ecosystems are degraded to the point where they are no longer able to deliver their valuable services. This degradation represents enormous social and economic losses for the European Union (EU).The key drivers for biodiversity loss are well known: unsustainable use, the spread of invasive alien species, climate change . . . but their impact has increased to such an extent that current actions to stem biodiversity loss are no longer sufficient.

The need for the strategy of EU arises from the environ-mental context of the state of biodiversity and ecosystem services, the economic context of valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and the political context of expiry of the 2010 targets as well as adoption of the EU 2050 vision and 2020 target. The vision of EU is that by 2050, European Union biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides–its natural capital–are protected, valued, and appropriately re-stored for biodiversity’s intrinsic value and for their essential contribution to human wellbeing and economic prosperity, and so that catastrophic changes caused by the loss of biodi-versity are avoided.

The targets are similar to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, but these had to be agreed upon by EU before coming to COP 10. The strategy includes the policy baseline, key consider-ations, and the structure of the strategy. The six targets of the structure are nature conservation, ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure, “green” agriculture and forestry in EU, making fishing sustainable, invasive alien species, and global biodiversity. Implementation of the strategy will be carried out using a common implementation framework, working groups, and an integrated framework for monitoring assess-ment and reporting.

In May 2011, the European Commission adopted a new strategy that lays down the framework for EU action over the

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next 10 years in order to meet the 2020 biodiversity headline target set by EU leaders in March 2010. The strategy is built around six mutually supportive targets which address the main drivers of biodiversity loss and aim to reduce the key pres-sures on nature and ecosystem services in EU. Each target is further translated into a set of 20 prioritized actions and other accompanying measures. The strategy will be implemented through a Common Implementation Framework involving the European Commission and member states in partnership with key stakeholders and civil society. It is underpinned by a solid EU baseline on the state of biodiversity and ecosystems in Europe which will be used to monitor progress. The EU will also continue to play an active role, helping to ensure that the global biodiversity commitments adopted at COP 10 in Nagoya, Japan in 2010, are met.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-08.pdf

Presentation 4

Status of Biodiversity and Possible Areas of Cooperation in Science and Technology and Biodiversity among the ASEAN Countries

Clarissa AridaDirector, Programme Development and Implementation, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Southeast Asia harbours a wealth of biodiversity which sup-ports over 500 million people. The region covers a land area of 446 million hectares, of which 43 per cent is covered with forest, mountainous terrain, and diversified topography with more than 24,000 islands and a coastline of 173,000 km. Southeast Asia is a renowned centre of tropical marine biodi-versity and has 34 per cent of the world’s 284,000 square kilo-metres of coral reefs. Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines are part of the Coral Triangle that is home to 75 per cent of the world’s reef-building corals. It has three of the 17 megadiverse countries of the world but has four of the world’s 34 biodiver-sity hotspots which are facing serious loss of habitats and spe-cies. Out of 64,800 known species, 1,312 are endangered due to extensive fragmentation and degradation of forests, wildlife-hunting for food, habitat change, over-exploitation–particu-larly the illegal wildlife trade–invasive alien species, pollution, and climate change. Southeast Asian countries had already lost a total of 555,587 square kilometres of forests between 1980 and 2007. The region has likewise lost 26 per cent of its mangrove resources over a 25-year period. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has committed to imple-menting its roadmap towards One ASEAN Community to sustainably manage its natural resources and biodiversity and undertake flagship programmes which protect key ecosystems such as the Heart of Borneo, the Coral Triangle, the Mekong River, the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas, and the 30 declared ASEAN Heritage Parks. Progress in reducing biodiversity loss has been made mainly in conserving the components of biodiversity particularly in terms of expanding the coverage of protected

terrestrial and marine areas. However, in terms of addressing the drivers and threats regarding biodiversity loss, Southeast Asia has been slow in making progress, particularly in pre-venting invasive alien species, in assessing and addressing the impact of climate change on species and ecosystems, and in abating pollution and exploitation of forests and wetlands.

The ASEAN response involves commitment to imple-menting its roadmap towards One ASEAN Community to sustainably manage its natural resources and biodiversity and undertake flagship programmes which protect key ecosystems. Progress has been made mainly in conserving the components of biodiversity, i.e., in terms of expanding the coverage of pro-tected terrestrial and marine areas as well as Heritage Parks. However, in terms of addressing the drivers and threats regard-ing biodiversity loss, the ASEAN region remains slow in mak-ing progress. Joint research initiatives and other cooperation could facilitate a greater use of sound science to be used as a reference for conservation plans and measures.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-09.pdf

Discussion(Q&A FROM THE FLOOR TO SESSION SPEAKERS)

Q: Efficiency is improving, but growth in products and total mate-rial and energy throughput is not addressed. Resource efficiency often addresses the individual, but not growth. Is this an issue?

A: A key EU policy for next the next 10 years is growth policy. There is an aim to be more efficient with resources. With this resource efficiency strategy, economic growth is one side of the coin and management is the other. We want growth without increasing resource consumption.

Q: Can you comment on replanted versus natural forests?A: We should not differentiate between natural and planted

forests because secondary forests or semi-natural forests are very important as a source for biomass, and contribute to sustainable development.

Q: Do we want indigenous people to lead modern lives and live in the modern world?

A: Indigenous people have lost control of their lands, resourc-es, and development, and cannot therefore make their own choices on policy. We should not enforce assimilation, nor keep them separate from the rest of society. They need op-tions for development. We are looking for “development with identity” or “self-determined development”. Local people and organizations should have a seat at the deci-sion table in national and international conferences to give policy input. With this, we should ensure that not only a select few representatives, but a wide range of indigenous people, are given access to processes and policy-making. We have also been organizing for governments to come and talk to local people. These measures would facilitate linkage of global and local communities.

Q: Is there a formal planning process for the national park and local processes in place to achieve the outline?

A: Relevant ministries collect the measures together, and at this stage, the process does not involve local governments.

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National governments submit preliminary ideas to the Central Environment Council, and regional offices ex-change some information. Relevant ministries give recom-mendations to local governments on becoming involved in the basic plan. From this concept, a more concrete plan is developed. Plans are submitted to the central office. The discussion process is open to the public. In one or two years, there will be a more formal process to establish the national park.

session 3: Enhancing International Cooperation on Biodiversity and the Satoyama Initiative

Moderator: Dr. Young-woo ParkRegional Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Environment Programme

Presentation 1

Satoyama Initiative and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Kazuhiko TakemotoDirector, Secretariat of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative and Senior Fellow and Programme Director, Education, Sustainability and Ecosystem Assessment Programme, United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies

The Japan Satoyama Satoumi Assessment defined “satoyama” and “satoumi” as dynamic mosaics of managed socio-ecological systems producing a bundle of ecosystem services for human wellbeing. These two terms fit under the larger category of “socio-ecological production landscapes”, which provide the following benefits of contributing to human wellbeing and livelihoods, contributing to poverty allevia-tion and MDGs, contributing to climate change mitigation, maintaining biodiversity, building resilience, contributing to climate change adaptation, and contributing to achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. However, they are threatened due to rural depopulation, ageing population, population growth, overexploitation, unplanned urbanization, industrialization, and natural disasters.

The Satoyama Initiative is a global effort to develop soci-eties in harmony with nature, and was recognized at CBD/COP 10 (Decision X/32) as a useful tool to better understand and support human-influenced natural environments, or socio-ecological production landscapes (SEPLs), for the ben-efit of biodiversity and human wellbeing. The International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) was launched during COP 10 as a platform to achieve the Initiative’s vi-sion. Starting with 51 founding members in October 2010, today, IPSI has grown to comprise a membership of 105 diverse organizations, including national and local govern-ments, NGOs, indigenous and community organizations,

academic institutes, private-sector organizations, and UN and international organizations. Members are conducting a wide range of individual and collaborative activities around the globe to 1) enhance understanding and raise awareness of the importance of SEPLs, and to 2) promote the maintenance and the rebuilding of SEPLs. The Satoyama Initiative not only shares its vision with that of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, namely “living in harmony with nature”, but is also closely aligned with a number of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets such as target 11 on area-based approaches, target 14 on ecosystem services, and target 15 on ecosystem resilience.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-10.pdf

Presentation 2

Potential of Regional Cooperation in the Implementation of the CBD Strategic Plan

Senka BarudanovicChair, Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) and Associate Professor, University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Strategic objectives for UNDB include providing a sup-porting framework for implementation of the Biodiversity Strategic Plan 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, supporting capacity development initiatives that support implementation of the Convention at the national, regional, and international levels, and creating a platform to commu-nicate progress in the implementation and achievement of milestones at the national, regional, and international levels. The emphasis of the new Strategic Plan is on national imple-mentation. However, concerted actions at the regional level, which are characterized by similar conditions, similar forms of biodiversity, and usually similar pressures on biodiversity,

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could give double power to the new Strategic Plan. The the-matic programmes of the Convention themselves open many possibilities, but there are far more found through the cross-cutting issues. Good examples of these are definitely regional indicators and monitoring of biodiversity, but also other initiatives and programmes such as the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) and those for invasive alien species.

A new fund for maritime and fisheries policies of EU for the period 2014-2020 has been proposed. Capacity-building workshops on NBSAPs are being conducted. Regional co-operation action includes NBSAPs in the region, identifying common problems in the region, identifying a set of common goals in the region, identifying common solutions in the region, identifying regional indicators to monitor the effec-tiveness of solutions, and establishing a CBD helpdesk for the region (in the region). Also, it is important to connect people, especially young people, with nature, as well as to maintain traditional knowledge which is being lost as the older genera-tions pass away.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-11.pdf

Presentation 3

Work of UNEP Related to Biodiversity and Socio-ecological Landscape-based (Satoyama) Initiatives

Young-Woo ParkRegional Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Environment Programme

Challenges faced in the region of Asia and the Pacific in-clude 66 per cent of the world’s poor in the world’s most densely populated region, 34 per cent of global greenhouse

gas emissions, and the lowest ecological carrying capac-ity amongst the world’s regions. To ameliorate this situation, with specific focus on biodiversity and socio-ecological landscape services, UNEP focuses on the development of methodologies and the strengthening of partnerships based on the promotion of the Ecosystem Approach, valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, development/consoli-dation of scientific and technical tools, and the development/implementation of international instruments. Examples of the activities of UNEP are ecosystem-based adaptation in mountain ecosystems, creating national and international protected areas, and valuation of biodiversity and ecosystems, TEEB, green economy, scientific and technical tools, and international instruments.

Furthermore, UNEP regards Satoyama as an initiative that promotes activities consistent with existing fundamental principles including the ecosystem approach and that ties economic and non-economic valuation in a holistic manner. UNEP therefore provides the essential tools, concepts, and le-gal setting that constitute elements integral to the promotion of biodiversity and Satoyama-like concepts. In introducing such elements, the speaker will elaborate on the following: the UNEP Programme of Work on Ecosystem Management; examples of ecosystem approach activities; valuation of biodiversity/ecosystems; support for the development of scientific & technical tools that are useful for biodiversity and ecosystem management; and strengthening biodiversity-related MEAs and promotion of synergistic implementation.

http://isp.unu.edu/news/2011/files/undb/2-12.pdf

Discussion(Q&A FROM THE FLOOR TO SESSION SPEAKERS)

Q: How can we strengthen international cooperation to strengthen the Satoyama Initiative?

A: The Satoyama Initiative is about living in harmony with na-ture, and if the Satoyama Initiative takes a holistic approach, there will be benefits to both humans and biodiversity.

A: Forest people are poor due to exclusion from the benefits of the forest. The reason that we joined the Satoyama Initiative is because the local people are directly benefit-ting and are involved in stewardship.

Q: How do we minimize the potential risks of the green economy? A: The green economy is not a replacement for sustainable

development; it is a vehicle to achieve it. We have studies on how the green economy has revitalized fisheries and agriculture, so the green economy is not leading to the commercialization of nature.

A: The green economy is old wine in a new bottle. The green economy has to address the poorest areas of the globe, where even basic electricity is lacking.

A: We should consider how to value the non-commercial value of biodiversity.

A: Many risks from the green economy stem from the commer-cialization of nature due to the focus on human economies.

A: If we can use NBSAPs to eradicate poverty and enhance biodiversity, we will then have a green economy that func-tions from the bottom up, rather than continuing with a

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primary, staple economy for GDP growth. Governments themselves are contesting the ownership of forests.

A: We should link satoyama with the green economy. Small forest communities are becoming very well off. Satoyama is our baby and it needs our nourishment before it starts going by itself.

A: The green economy means different things in different regions. UNEP as a global community could consider benchmarks, the unit for decision-making, a political or ecosystem approach, and country-by-country or eco-region-by-eco-region approach.

Q: Considering the criticism toward the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), what are your thoughts on the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and science policy?

A: IPBES cannot just mirror IPCC because scientific results were not considered in policy-making in IPCC. We need policy-relevant mechanisms. We need a mechanism that drives science into policy frameworks. It is important to not just create an organization like IPCC, but to actually influence behaviour at the global level.

A: The definition and distribution of value is important. We are struggling with finding rules on how to do that. For me, the question is to find a better way to defend value. In a classical-economy-based world, it is pushed towards new ways to get new answers, and this green economy has to do that. IPBES needs to be different from IPCC. Biodiversity has knowledge apart from scientific knowledge and cultur-al and experiential knowledge; it is local, whereas IPCC is global. It should be policy-relevant, not policy-prescriptive.

Q: Threats have to be addressed. In regards to satoyama and migra-tion, it is not that poor people are leaving, but that people are not there. The Satoyama Initiative is an opportunity to bring people back from the cities, but how can we develop an economy?

A: In India, we are paying families in restricted areas to move. Some of them take the money but are not moving out. In many areas in India, people live in small villages without

electricity, but they are selling their natural resources in big cities at a high premium. Development has to be accelerated.

A: We can bring some incentive for people who are in the satoyama area to develop their primary resources. We are already talking about this with universities, and valuing non-economic factors.

Synthesis and Conclusions

Session 1 Moderator: Hem Pande

NBSAPs are an unqualified obligation on all the Parties. There are hurdles, issues, and barriers because of which different countries are at different stages of development. For develop-ing countries, it is balancing two good things, ecology (environ-ment protection) and economics (growth and development), for improving the “quality of life” of people and society. This group had presentations from Japan, India, Grenada, and Zambia. One important point highlighted by Japan was that conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is inter alia linked to addressing the issues of global warming. The presen-tation also highlighted the role that is being played by Japan as COP 10 President. The Nagoya Compact has been out-standing. The challenge now is to set the ball rolling. The first milestone will be COP 11 in India. The presentation by India highlighted the challenges before it in balancing development and the environment. After comprehensive consultations with all the stakeholders, India unveiled a macro-level strategy on biodiversity in 1999 and a NBSAP in 2009. Further, improve-ments in the strategy in line with the Strategic Plan are on their way, immediately after the Nagoya COP. Parties to CBD are committed to doing our bit in conserving global biodiversity. Grenada’s presentation gave us an insight into the Caribbean which, being in the Tropics, is a global biodiversity hotspot with an endemism of about 60 per cent. It also brought out the fact that biodiversity-rich areas in the region are very vulnerable to climate change and are also low in economic output. There

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are quite a few gaps in all-round implementation with valid rea-sons. He mentioned the necessity of finding an answer to this. Why are they resource-rich yet poor? The Zambian presenta-tion gave us a glimpse of the position in the southeast African region. Threats to biodiversity in Zambia include inter alia deforestation and land-use conflicts. Zambia is on the path of revising its NBSAP in line with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

Session 2 Moderator: Joji Cariño

A summary of the session on mainstreaming NBSAPs revealed that there should be efforts to support local communities, that there is a vision of linking both satoyama and satoumi to-gether, that there is a vision of living in harmony with nature, that benefits and threats should be considered, that there is a need for disaster risk reduction, and that the business com-munity needs to be brought in as part of the effort. It is also worth noting that the vision that EU created before COP 10 is in line with COP 10. Finally, it is critical to enhance and share efforts in the ASEAN region and to identify critical areas of biodiversity for cooperation between countries.

Session 3 Moderator: Young-Woo Park

Session 3 focused on enhancing international cooperation on biodiversity and the Satoyama Initiative. There were informa-tive presentations on the Satoyama Initiative and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the potential of regional cooperation in the implementation of the CBD Strategic Plan, and work of UNEP related to biodiversity and socio-ecological landscape-based (satoyama) initiatives.

Tsunao WatanabeDirector-General, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

He expressed his sincere appreciation for the active discus-sions at this workshop on the key issues for implementation of the Convention, particularly focusing on the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans, as well as gratitude to the participants for coming here from overseas and various parts of Japan for their participation, and the staff members of UNU and the CBD Secretariat for their preparation work.

Considering the current situation of the loss of global biodiversity, it is people’s responsibility to take urgent and concrete actions towards the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets adopted at COP 10. Japan has initiated the process for updating our National Biodiversity Strategy based on the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and plans to com-plete it by COP 11. In particular, with our experience with the recent tragic earthquake and the following tsunami disaster, Japan is discussing a better way of life in harmony with nature. These considerations will be reflected in the revised National Strategy and are to be shared with the world.

Furthermore, as the COP 10 President, the Government of Japan established the Japan Biodiversity Fund to support

capacity-building activities in developing countries, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Thanks to the efforts of the CBD Secretariat, the project is making steady progress, and a series of workshops on updating NBSAPs have already been held in 15 regions and sub-regions around the world so far, with more than 650 participants from 162 countries.

Today’s workshop was organized building on the results of these capacity-building workshops held to date, to have an in-depth dialogue among the key actors involved, so as to promote further advancement of the project. The following key issues were emphasized: recognition of diverse ways of developing NBSAPs among countries and the need for coop-eration; the importance of taking actions at the local level; the need to integrate biodiversity into development policy; and the need to advance understanding of the “green economy”.

He also mentioned that he hopes participants will take back the results of this workshop to their country or sec-tor, which will contribute to the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and ultimately to the realization of a society in harmony with nature.

Ahmed DjoghlafExecutive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

There have been many lessons learned. The revisions of NBSAPs are to be designed to integrate global targets into the national situation. No more is it a burden to adopt them. The Government of Japan has been providing financial support and instruments to assist developing countries to achieve the Aichi Targets. The new-generation NBSAPs are to be differ-ent. No more are they the duty of one sector or biodiversity focal point; they are now the responsibility of all. The national commitment encompasses all ministries and involves all stakeholders. The first generation was open-ended, but they are now to be time-bound. He extended his gratitude to the Government of Japan for what they achieved in Nagoya and for translating paper into reality. This year, there were many NBSAP workshops, but this workshop is unique since it was not organized by CBD, but by UNU and brought together Bureau members as well as SBSTTA members and others. The Bureau members have responsibility as representatives of their regions. He called on participants to push their govern-ments to mainstream biodiversity into policy not only at the national level, but also at the local level.

Kazuhiko TakeuchiVice-Rector, United Nations University

Vice-Rector Takeuchi concluded the workshop by summarizing examples of lessons learned and best practices and highlighted the main discussion points. He suggested that a possible way forward would be to hold a side event during COP 11 which could be organized by UNU, the Government of Japan, and other stakeholders to further discuss and focus on these issues.

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020

ThREE-DAY EVENT REPORT

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Workshop ParticipantsName Organization Title

lely Saima Etegameno Angula

Ministry of Environment and Tourisms- Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Government of Namibia

Chief Development Planner

Shinichi Arai Graduate School of Global Environmental Science Studies, Hokkaido University

Professor

Clarissa Arida Program Development and Implementation, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity

Director

Senka Barudanovic Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological (SBSTTA), Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo,

Chair, Associate Professor

Andrew Bignell External Affairs, Department of Conservation, Government of New Zealand

Manager

Joji Carino Tebtebba Foundation Team Leader

Teppei Dohke Japan Committee for IUCN Secretary general

Akram Eissa Darwich Ministry of state for Environment Affairs, Government of Syria Counsellor

Ioseb Kartsivadze Biodiversity Protection Service, Department of Integrated Environmental Management and Biodiversity, Government of Georgia

Head

Thomas Koetz Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission Policy Officer

Ryo Kohsaka School of Economics, Graduate School of Nagoya City University, Associate Professor

Parviz Koohafkan Land and Water Division, Rural Development Department, FAO Director

Akira Koshino Satoyama Creation Office, Environment Division, Ishikawa Prefecture

Chief Officer

Ignatius Makumba Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Environment and Natural Resources Management Department, Government of Zambia

Chief Natural Resources Management Officer and CBD NFP

Eduardo Mansur International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) Assistant Director

Monyrak Meng Department of National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Ministry of Environment of Cambodia, General Department of Administration for Nature Conservation and Protection, Government of Cambodia

Deputy Director

Tomoko Nishimoto Division of Regional Cooperation, UNEP Director

hem Pande Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India Joint Secretary/CBD Primary Focal Point

Young-woo Park Regional Office for Asia Pacific, UNEP (UNEP-ROAP) Regional Director and Representative for Asia and the Pacific

Krishna Chandra Paudel Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of Plant Resources, Government of Nepal

Joint Secretary

Jose luis Sutera Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of Argentina

Counsellor

Kazuhiko Takemoto Institute of Advanced Studies , United Nations University Senior Fellow and Program Director

Spencer Thomas Ministry of Finance and Planning, Government of Grenada Biodiversity Coordinator

Izumi washitani Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo

Professor

Masahito Yoshida Japan Committee for IUCN President

Observers

Formacion Antonio Graduate School of Law, Kyushu University Assistant

Mary Jane Dela Cruz Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Technical Officer

hideki Kusakari World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Japan Secretary General

wenhua li Center for Natural and Cultural Heritage, IGSNRR, CAS, Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE)

Director

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DAY 1Com

mem

orative Ceremony

DAY 2International W

orkshopDAY 3Excursion

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EVENT 2

Commemorative Forum ISHIKAWA ONGAKUDO, HOUGAKU HALL

The commemorative forum of the global launch of UNBD aimed to increase citizen's awareness and promote their partici-pation in the regional biodiversity conservation initiatives of the Prefecture as well as to disseminate their importance to the global community.

Name Organization Title

hongjun li Press and Publication Bureau , Xuanhua District, Zhang Jiakou City Director

Ikuko Matsumoto The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) Visiting Research Fellow

Qingwen Min China Office for FAO/GEF-GIAHS Project IGSNRR, CAS Professor

Akane Minohara Institute of Advanced Studies , United Nations University Program Associate

hideyuki Mori The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) Executives President

Youji Natori UNDB office, Conservation International Japan Manager

Sana Okayasu The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) Associate Research Fellow

Kayo Ikeda Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Tatsuo Kubota Natural Conservation Section, Nagano prefectural government, Department of Environment and Nature Conservation

Section Chief

Takeshi Suka Department of Nature and Environment, Institute for Nature Conservation, Nagano prefectural government

Chief

Yuko Unoki Japan Airlines (JAL) Executive Advisor

Noriko Yasuike Japan Airlines (JAL) Manager

Katsuko Kawazoe Chikushi Environmental Conservation Center VP

Organizers

Kazuhiko Takeuchi United Nations University Vice Rector

Masahito Kuse United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace Senior Research Fellow

Osamu Saito United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace Academic Programme Officer

Ahmed Djoghlaf Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity Executive Secretary

Atsuhiro Yoshinaka Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity Global Coordinator

David Duthie Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity Senior Programme Officer

Kyoko Noda Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity Associate Programme Officer

Tsunao watanabe Nature Conservation Bureau , Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ)

Director General

Naohisa Okuda Global Biodiversity Strategy Office, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ)

Director

Noriko Moriwake Global Biodiversity Strategy Office, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ)

Assistant Director

Mari Yamazaki Global Biodiversity Strategy Office, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ)

Section Chief

Yutaka Tsunetomi Office for Mainstreaming Biodiversity, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ)

Assistant Director

Natsuko Yamashita Office for Mainstreaming Biodiversity, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ)

Environment Research Official

Ryo Segawa Hakusan Ranger Office, Chubu Regional Environment Office, Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ)

Ranger

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-202030

ExcursionThe excursions were intended to show examples of the 2010 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan which includes biodiversity conservation through the management of satoyama, and the GIAHS recognized the Noto region. The participants chose from four separate excursions in Kaga, Noto, and Kanazawa. Through these examples, it was intended to support awareness of the importance of nature conservation in national strategies, promote dissemination of education research activi-ties, and give examples of lessons learned and potential models.

DAYNOTO, KAGA & KANAZAWA

1 9 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 13E V E N T R E P O R T

Excursion 1: Noto

Excursion 2: Noto Excursion 2: Kaga

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Excursion 31

excursion 1: NotoFirst was a sea-cucumber-processing factory in Nanao City, where the participants could observe an example of a green economy business model through which effective local management of a natural resource can be profitable on an international scale and enhance the local economy. Next was Nanao Fisherman’s Wharf where the participants could observe the abundance of sea life on which the local commu-nity depends as a source of food and revenue. The area has become renowned for its seafood, and this successful brand-ing is a source of export revenue as well as tourism. Lunch was held at Shunran no Sato, where the participants enjoyed a lunch free of additives made from ingredients grown and gathered from the area. Through this traditional cuisine, the importance of biodiversity in the lives of the local population was demonstrated through their dependence on the natural resources and ecosystem services provided by the moun-tains, fields, and waterways of this area. Following this was a tour of a lacquerware workshop in Wajima City, where the participants could see local wood and tree resin being crafted into various lacquerware. This was another example of a business dependent on the health of the biodiversity in the area. The last stop was the Shiroyonesenmaida Rice Terraces, where participants could observe a traditional community agricultural site.

excursion 2: KagaFirst was a globefish-processing factory in Hakusan City, where the participants could observe an example of a busi-ness model through which effective local management of a natural resource can enhance the local economy. Next was Ishikawa Zoo in Nomi City, where participants could ob-serve the efforts to breed and reintroduce the endangered crested ibis back into its natural habitat. This presented an opportunity for the breeders and a participant from outside Japan with a similar government ibis-breeding programme to share information and experiences and make a connec-tion to further their cooperation in these areas. Lunch was held in Komatsu City, where participants could sample food made with seasonal local ingredients. Following this was a tour of a Japanese sake brewery in Kaga City, where par-ticipants could see an example of a business model through which effective local management of natural resources can enhance the local economy. The last stop was the Kamoike Observation Center in Kaga City, where participants could observe a protected wetland recognized by the Ramsar Convention which is one of the wintering spots for water-fowl in Japan.

excursion 3: KanazawaThe history and traditional beauty nurtured by Kanazawa’s natural environment

First was Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, where the participants could experience traditional Japanese culture and nature in the middle of the city. Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenroku-en Garden, and the surrounding parkland are called Green Heart and are marked by rich biological diversity. They supply much animal and plant life around the city. Next was the D. T. Suzuki Museum, where the participants could encounter the world of the Buddhist philosopher Daisetsu Suzuki, and landscape gardens backed by green slopes. Drawing on Kanazawa’s rich natural beauty, the facility serves as a venue for human contemplation in a natural setting, and deftly fuses architecture and nature. Following this was the Kaga Yuzen Club, where the participants could encounter the harmony between Kaga Yuzen kimono and natural beauty. The patterns of Kaga Yuzen emphasize depictions of plants, flowers, birds, and other natural creatures. The Yuzen kimono artisan tries to record nature close to us through making Kaga Yuzen. Lunch was held at Sekitei, where the participants could experience nature in an ambiance of a traditional Kanazawa restaurant. They enjoyed a unique Kanazawa cuisine of abun-dant fresh foods from the sea and hills. The bounty of biodi-versity was felt while admiring the traditional Japanese garden.

excursion 4: KanazawaNature animating cuisine and lifestyle in Kanazawa

First was the Nagamachi Bukeyashiki Samurai Residence Site where the participants could observe an area once occupied by middle- and low-ranking samurai of the Kaga Clan and their families. Next was the Nishi Chaya district, where the participants could observe one of the three teahouse districts in Kanazawa. It is still lined with restaurants exuding the atmosphere of bygone times. Following this was Omicho Market, where the participants could observe various kinds of food which are the bounty of the nature in Ishikawa Prefecture. The variety of traditional foods sold at the market attests to the environmentally sustainable method of getting food, and shows the harmony with nature. Lunch was held at the traditional Japanese restaurant Kinjourou, where the participants could sense that even very small elements of the dishes were deliberately designed, and could feel the deep culture and history raised in the bounty of nature.

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Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-202032

ABOUT

2011 marks the start of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. At the Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD/COP10) “Biodiversity Summit”, held in 2010 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, many important decisions (including the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020) were adopted to provide the foundation for taking action to halt biodiversity loss and to sustain the ecosystems of the Earth. Then, in December of the same year, following the recom-mendation by COP 10, the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which declared the ten years from 2011 to 2020 as the “United Nations Decade on Biodiversity” (UNDB), with the aim of contributing to the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. They requested the Secretary-General to lead the coordination of the activities of the Decade with the support of the secretariat of the CBD and other biodiversity-related organizations.

The United Nations University, in cooperation with the Government of Japan which hosted COP10, then successfully proposed to the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity the idea to host the launching event in Japan. These three days of events mark the official United Nations global launch of the UNDB. The aim is to spread awareness about the importance and loss of biodiversity, and support developing nations tackling these issues.

In addition, 2011 was designated as the “International Year of Forests”, and “Biodiversity and Forests” was the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2011. Due to their interconnected nature, biodiversity issues surrounding forestry have been incorporated into the event.

Global Launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020

Date: 17-19 December 2011

Venue: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Organizers: United Nations University, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Ministry of the Environment Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City

Co-organizers: Global Environmental Outreach Centre (GEOC), Japan Committee for UNDB, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Japan

Supported by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan, Sustainability Science Consortium, Global Environment Facility

Cooperation with: Japan Airlines

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Nanao Fisherman’s Wharf has become renowned for its seafood, and this successful branding is a source of export revenue as well as tourism.

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Prepared by the United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace

Global launchinG of the united nations decade on biodiversity 2011–2020