Countdown 2010 – a truly global initiative!
Nearly all countries of the world came together for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 and promised to ‘achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biological diversity’. Countdown 2010 and its partners assist governments worldwide in moving closer to this 2010 biodiversity target. Our approach: Through a multitude of activities on all levels, we
- make the case for biodiversity and its conservation;
- call upon decision makers to do their very best to keep their promise to save biodiversity by 2010;
- and take action ourselves to stop the loss of biodiversity.
Countdown 2010 Hubs in many regions worldwide assess the specific threats to biodiversity and possible approaches to alleviate them, and work with stakeholders to increase the level of action towards the 2010 biodiversity target.
Currently, Countdown 2010 Hubs are active in:
- Europe
- Countdown 2010 in Europe
- South America
- Countdown 2010 in South America
- Canada
- Countdown 2010 in Canada
- Russia
- Countdown 2010 in Russia
- Lower Mekong
- Countdown 2010 in the Lower Mekong
- China
- Countdown 2010 in China
- Southern Africa
- Countdown 2010 in Southern Africa
Europe
- European Heads of State promised in 2001 to ‘halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010’. Since then, the European Countdown 2010 Hub has attracted more than 170 partners with specific commitments towards the 2010 biodiversity target. The EU’s biodiversity communication and action plan serves as an exemplary approach for organizations.
- In 2006, stakeholders from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia met to discuss an action plan to reach the 2010 biodiversity target in the region. The Countdown 2010 Hub for the Caucasus now implements priority projects developed in the ‘Message from Gudauri’.
- The largest country in the world hosts 22% of the worlds and more than 100 national parks. The Countdown 2010 Hub for Russia works with stakeholders in north-western Russia to improve the management and conservation of the country’s natural wealth.
Asia
- The Mekong is one of the world’s great rivers, sustaining million of people with its rich fishery and fertile flood plains. Home to an estimated 1,300 species of fish, the wealth of its biodiversity is comparable to that of the Amazon River. The Countdown 2010 Hub for the Lower Mekong works with the governments of Lao, Cambodia and Vietnam and other organizations to develop and implement laws address the threats to this ecoregion.
- The emergence of China as one of the worlds biggest economies has immense consequences for people and the environment. The Countdown 2010 Hub for China assesses ways for this vast country to reduce its impact on biodiversity and to increase the benefits for human well-being.
Africa
- Southern Africa harbours a vast range of plants and animal species. The region features a number of biodiversity hotspots of global significance. Despite the impressive range of biological resources and many centers of endemism, the biodiversity in Southern Africa is experiencing increasing pressure due to a number of factors. The Countdown 2010 Hub for Southern Africa helps governments and stakeholders prioritize action towards the 2010 biodiversity target. Working with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and key stakeholders, a regional biodiversity strategy, providing a regional framework has been produced. In cooperation with the city of Cape Town and ICLEI, Countdown 2010 explores best ways for local governments to engage in effective biodiversity protection. The Countdown 2010 Hub for Southern Africa is also working with the Johannesburg City Parks on a 2010 Greening Soweto initiative, focusing on urban biodiversity restoration.
The Americas
- Business partners from the mining, forestry and tourism industry were amongst the founding partners of the Canadian Countdown 2010 Hub. To encourage commitments to reduce biodiversity loss, the initiative develops clear communications on the value of and threats to biodiversity, and closely monitors progress.
- South America is the most biodiverse continent in the world. Poverty and unequal social conditions are widespread and cause constant threats to biodiversity. The Countdown 2010 Hub for South America engages the active civil society of the region in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, and the CDB Focal Points in the region upon the 2010 Target. Together with several initiatives, including the Alliance for Zero Extinction, it uses flagship species and ecosystems to pinpoint biodiversity loss.
