Only 1000 days left to 2010!

Much has been done and even more remains to be tackled in order to achieve the 2010 target.

“With more than 500 partners worldwide from the EU and beyond, Countdown 2010 has built a significant network of members committed to saving biodiversity,” comments Sebastian Winkler, Head of Countdown 2010. “However, we cannot just lay back and celebrate. Many challenges remain ahead, particularly concerning funding and implementation of strategies. Therefore, we ask our partners to intensify their efforts even more, not only in the next 1000 days, to ensure that we will not only reach the 2010 target but also put in place mechanisms to ensure the protection of biodiversity for the future.”

In general, good progress has been made in adopting national and international strategies and action plans (including the European Commission’s 2010 Communication), such as in the areas of invasive alien species and public participation and awareness. However, activity implementation is lagging seriously behind in certain critical areas. Biodiversity conservation in the marine environment remains seriously at risk in many countries. Fish stocks continue to decline, while destructive fishing practices have not been sufficiently improved. In many countries, forest biodiversity remains threatened by fragmentation and illegal logging. Lack of biodiversity-friendly agricultural management and little action on the ground to combat invasive alien species remain major barriers for achieving the 2010 target.

It the meantime, climate change is already impacting habitats and species and poses a serious threat to ecosystem health in the medium-to-long term. Adaptation measures such as fully implementing existing biodiversity conservation measures and strengthening the coherence and connectivity of ecosystems are urgently required.

“It is clear that important challenges are still before us and that Countdown 2010 has a definite role to play,” concludes Mr. Winkler. “The 1000 day deadline is an opportunity for all our partners to take stock of the situation and energize themselves to tackle the problems still ahead.”