Protected Areas and Biodiversity: an overview of key issues. UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series 21

Abstract

IS the first global agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.This pact among the majority of the world's governments is unique for its comprehensive approach that encompasses social, environmental and economic issues.The governing body of the Convention, the Conference of the Parties ICOPl, has initiated worl< on six thematic programmes: marine and coastal, agricultural, forest, inland waters, dry and sub-humid lands, and mountain biodiversity.In addition, work has been initiated on cross- cutting issues of relevance to all the thematic programmes including biosafety; access to genetic resources; traditional l<nowledge, innovations and practices; indicators; taxonomy; public education and awareness; incentives; and invasive alien species.The COP has developed a strategic plan with the target to achieve, by 2010, a significant reduction in the rate of loss of biodiversity This target has been endorsed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development.The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre is the biodiversity assessment and policy implementation arm of the United Nations Environment Programme lUNEPl, the world's foremost intergovernmental environmental organization.UNEP-WCMC aims to help decision-mal<ers recognize the value of biodiversity to people everywhere, and to apply this knowledge to all that they do.The Centre's challenge is to transform complex data into policy-relevant information, to build tools and systems for analysis and integration, and to support the needs of nations and the international community as they engage in joint .programmes of action.UNEP-WCMC provides objective, scientifically rigorous products and services that include ecosystem assessments, support for implementation of environmental agreements, regional and global biodiversity information, research on environmental threats and impacts, and development of future scenarios for the living world.