Barcelona’s commitment to biodiversity does not stop with the World Conservation Congress

14 October 2008, Barcelona (Spain). The City of Barcelona could not choose a better way to conclude the World Conservation Congress than by formally pledging its contribution to the 2010 target thus becoming partner of Countdown 2010.

The Mayor himself, Jordi Hereu, signed Countdown 2010 Declaration in a high-level meeting on the outcomes of the World Conservation Congress. IUCN newly-elected President, Ashok Khosla and IUCN Director General, Julia Marton-Lefèvre, reported on the success of the largest international nature protection gathering which marked a record participation of more than 8,000 individuals.

With regards to the 2010 biodiversity target, the City of Barcelona has developed a special plan for biodiversity conservation and sustainability: the Barcelona Agenda 21. The main goal is to protect open spaces and their biodiversity and extend urban green areas. In the term 2008-2011 the City also commits to develop a strategy for biodiversity which will lead to an action plan putting special emphasis on the following four main activity areas:

• action-oriented knowledge
• species and habitats conservation
• awareness-raising and participation
• exchange of experiences at international level

The City is not new to biodiversity conservation. It has been working closely with Countdown 2010 already, being among the pioneers signing the Durban Commitments in the framework of the Local Action for Biodiversity programme, in partnership with ICLEI.

• Barcelona on Countdown 2010 website
• Declaration
• Latest Countdown Newsletter
• Website of the City of Barcelona
• Barcelona in LAB