Full speed ahead, says Countdown 2010 Advisory Board

There is no time to waste, said the Countdown 2010 Advisory Board during the annual meeting which was held in Brussels earlier this month. As 2010 looms nearer and nearer, it becomes imperative to act towards achieving the 2010 biodiversity target and chart the way beyond.

Members expressed satisfaction for the growing success of the Countdown 2010 initiative, which is active both within Europe and on a global level through several regional hubs.

Partners, noted the Advisory Board members , are now more than 700. They come from an increasingly wide range of stakeholders and areas of interest. The activities they carry out and the commitments they make are a clear step forward in reaching the 2010 biodiversity target.

The Board recommended increasing the focus on communication to ensure participation on an even wider basis. It is necessary to ensure active engagement of partners and support them in their efforts to reach the 2010 biodiversity target, commented the Advisory Board. To do this effectively, partners should be encouraged to report back on their progress towards 2010.