The Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and Bolivia sign the Countdown 2010 Declaration
18 October 2007, Quito, Ecuador. The Andean Nations – Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru – have joined forces to reduce biodiversity loss by 2010. Last night, Freddy Elhers, General Secretary of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN), signed the Countdown 2010 Declaration on behalf of the community at the ClimaLatino Conference. Each country individually had already signed the declaration earlier.
The tropical Andes are the most biologically diverse region in the world, with about 25% of all worldwide biodiversity concentrated across the four countries. This diversity supports a rich cultural diversity and the water cycle of the Amazonian region.
Members of the CAN have highlighted the necessity of integrate themselves as a regional body to face challenges regarding globaliyzation and development, but as well, to develop joint strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of their natural resources. IUCN’s South American Regional Office assists the community in promoting actions for the implementation of the Andean Strategy of Biodiversity.
Bolivia’s Vice Minister of Biodiversity, Forest Resources and Environment, Juan Pablo Ramos, signed the Countdown 2010 Declaration on 7 August. In their commitments, Bolivia encourages decision makers at all levels, in both the public and the private sector, to contribute to the 2010 biodiversity target; to increase public awareness and participation for biodiversity conservation, including the promotion of exemplary activities towards the 2010 biodiversity target and better integrate biodiversity considerations into all relevant sectors of public policy and economy; and commit to encourage and assist decision makers and societies in achieving the 2010 biodiversity target.
