Down under against biodiversity loss

7 September 2008 (Durban, South Africa) During the opening ceremony of the 2nd International Workshop “Local Action for Biodiversity”, the City of Joondalup formally signed Countdown 2010 Declaration as first city in Oceania. The City showed its special engagement in biodiversity by selecting some extra actions it will implement in addition to the Durban Commitment:

• develop a long term biodiversity plan;
• promote biodiversity education within the Joondalup community through sustainability forums;
• promote biodiversity within the region through regional committees;
• protect and enhance its wetlands and coastal foreshore through specific management plans;
• work with young people through its School Connections programme and with community groups through the Conservation Advisory Committee and the Sustainability Advisory Committee;
• monitor the impact on biodiversity through the development of appropriate biodiversity KPIs.

The Mayor of Joondalup himself, Mr. Troy Pickard signed the Declaration and emphasised the importance of protecting biodiversity in Joondalup. He expressed his hope that Joondalup will be of inspiration to other cities in Australia and beyond.

The 21 member cities of the ICLEI-led Local Action for Biodiversity alliance are meeting in these days at Durban, South Africa, at the 2nd International LAB Workshop. The main aim of LAB is to bring together local governments for a better management of urban biodiversity. The Workshop envisages the signing of the Durban Commitment through which parties engage in further efforts towards biodiversity protection in urban areas.

• City of Joondalup
• City of Joondalup on the Countdown 2010 website
• LAB Website
• Download the Durban Commitment
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