Note: [] Disclaimer The views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author and do not refl ect the official policy or views of InWEnt. InWEnt- Capacity Building International Germany, South Asia Regional Office, 21, Jor Bagh, New Delhi-110003 India, Email: [email protected]
Note: [] Countdown 2010 – an initiative of IUCN-International Union for Conservation of Nature, Regional Office for Europe, Boulevard Louis Schmidt 64, 1040 Brussels, Belgium, Email: [email protected], Andras. [email protected]
Note: [] Countdown 2010 – an initiative of IUCN-International Union for Conservation of Nature, Regional Office for Europe, Boulevard Louis Schmidt 64, 1040 Brussels, Belgium, Email: [email protected], Andras. [email protected]
Abstract: Triggered by the unprecedented loss of biodiversity, the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the 2010 biodiversity target, that is, “to achieve, by 2010, a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional, and national level, as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on Earth”. This target is now being revised as a post-2010 target. Whatever the target may, be- 2010 or beyond, the challenge step is to put mechanisms in place to track progress towards the targets. There is a large body of trend indicators as well as response indicators for assessing progress towards the target. In this paper, based on a conceptual framework and available information, we reviewed the existing scenario on the biodiversity targets, which resulted in a set of criteria and a set of policy-relevant research questions to be further developed as policyresponse indicators for assessing progress that the countries are making towards achieving the biodiversity targets. The criteria and research questions are grouped under four policy areas: implementation mechanism of global biodiversity conventions at the national level; integration of biodiversity into policies and programs of other sectors; public awareness and support, and availability of resources to work towards the targets. These indicators need to be measured at national level and monitored globally.