Welcome to Countdown 2010 in China!
> 4 September 2007
Biodiversity matters. It underlies the health of ecosystems, it supports human livelihoods and well-being, and it is being lost at an alarming rate. In China, one of the world’s most biodiversity-rich countries, more than 27% of species are considered threatened.
It is more important than ever to stop the loss of this natural capital. Governments, including China, have committed to save biodiversity by 2010. The conservation community, in China and around the world, can help them succeed.
In China and around the world, the challenge of saving biodiversity must be met at all levels – local, national, regional and global. With clear priorities, knowledge and expertise, we can explore and apply approaches that prevent biodiversity loss while preserving livelihoods and supporting human development.
2010 is just around the corner. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we join forces for our common goal. IUCN’s Countdown 2010 initiative is an important tool to show that conservation and development are inherently linked. It provides a platform for organisations — governments, non-government organisations, and businesses – to join together to communicate the importance of biodiversity and to share ways to conserve it.
Congratulations and welcome to Countdown 2010 partners in China, and I hope to see even more join us in the future.
Dr Seth Cook
IUCN China Programme Coordinator
Biodiversity: Some Facts
4 September 2007
What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is the measure of the number, variety and variability of living organisms. It includes diversity within species, between species, and among ecosystems. Biodiversity is everywhere, both on land and in water. It includes all organisms, from microscopic bacteria to more complex plants… Read More
Why Countdown 2010?
4 September 2007
Biodiversity is essential and it is in danger. Governments have promised to save biodiversity by 2010. It is time to move from words to action. This is why the 2010 biodiversity target matters. Time is running out for biodiversity… When Heads of State committed themselves to the 2010… Read More
Countdown 2010 comes to China
4 September 2007
“Focusing all our efforts on the achievement of the 2010 target of significantly reducing the loss of biodiversity in the coming years, we acknowledge the urgent need to halt human induced extinction of biodiversity as soon as possible. In this context we welcome the Countdown 2010 Initiative…” – Environment… Read More
- The World Conservation Union