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The role of individual partners

Get Involved > 16 November 06

As a partner of Countdown 2010, you take direct action to save biodiversity. It is the actions of all organisations involved that will generate the momentum to reach the 2010 biodiversity target.

The 2010 biodiversity target provides a unique opportunity, both in its ambition and in the diversity of issues it touches upon. But just as biodiversity in itself depends on the variety of ecosystems, of species and genes, the success of Countdown 2010 rests to a large extent on the diversity of its partners and their work.

Our claim is broad and simple, providing the space for organisations to continue their work with the tools and issues that are closest to their own core capacity and objectives. Zoos might focus on environmental education, forestry enterprises on how to reduce their own impact on biodiversity, and some non-governmental organisations will campaign for better implementation of nature legislation worldwide. Even if your core competencies are not linked to nature conservation, there is plenty of room for your organisation to do the same – we just ask that you tie in your usual activities and possibly more under the Countdown 2010 banner.

Why become a partner of Countdown 2010?

Public institutions of all kinds, from national, regional and local governments and municipalities to international business and local NGOs, are joining the Countdown 2010 network. Aside from linking your organization with other similar organizations by becoming part of the growing network, partners also enjoy:

  • The usage of a persuasive communications platform, useful for not only spreading knowledge of the 2010 biodiversity target, but also for your own efforts.
  • Links to Countdown 2010 Partner initiatives in other countries, regions and cities.
  • The benefits of the many projects that the Countdown 2010 Secretariat is undertaking, such as “Mainstreaming Biodiversity into Regional and Local Action Planning”.
  • The support and usage of the Countdown 2010 Assessment Tools, as applicable.
  • Access and support to other Countdown 2010 products, including best practice examples.

Partnership Procedure

Partnership of Countdown 2010 is open to governments, local authorities, civil society, and private sector organizations which demonstrate a clear commitment to contribute toward the achievement of the 2010 biodiversity target.

To join Countdown 2010, partners are requested to undersign the Countdown 2010 declaration stating their own specific commitments and the endorsement of Countdown 2010 principles and objectives. The declaration asks three steps from your organisation:

  1. Support the 2010 biodiversity target;
  2. Encourage decision makers to take action;
  3. Commit yourself to reducing biodiversity loss.

As all organisations are different, Countdown 2010 has no one-size-fits-all recipe how you can reduce biodiversity loss within the capacity of your organisation. However, we encourage you to define some specific commitments for your organisation. These commitments will be public, and the best projects will be featured on the website and in print. Here are some ideas for Countdown 2010 activities in your organisation:

Suggestions for organisations’ commitments

Contribute to Countdown 2010

  1. Tell everyone that you’ve joined Countdown 2010: Place an article in your newsletter, issue a media release, use the logo on your homepage or in publications.
  2. Encourage your members and partners to join as well: Ask them personally, bring the issue up in meetings, refer to Countdown 2010 in your presentations.
  3. Tell us about your activities: Send us links, articles and newsletters on Countdown 2010 and let us know what you are up to.
  4. Take part in Countdown 2010: Come to meetings of the Partners’ Assembly, contribute your expertise to thematic working groups or link up with others in your national platform.

Take action to save biodiversity

  1. Is there a Biodiversity Strategy for the area you are working in? If yes: Does it have holes? What are the greatest obstacles for its implementation? What can you do to help overcome them?
  1. Maybe you even want to apply the Countdown 2010 Assessment Tool and find out how your area is doing in respect to Biodiversity?
  2. You might be communicating with a lot of people through your work. How can you make them aware of the importance of biodiversity? Can they take action towards the 2010 Biodiversity Target?
  3. Why don’t you look at the ecological footprint of your organisation and take steps to reduce it?