Why Countdown 2010?
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 biodiversity target at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, this ambitious target was lauded as an historic step in the right direction. Several scientific reports have since confirmed the gravity of the situation. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment found nearly two-thirds of ecosystem services worldwide in decline, the IUCN Red List now covers more than 16,000 endangered species, and the average abundance of species has declined by 40% in only thirty years.
Reaching the 2010 biodiversity target will require unprecedented additional efforts… Worldwide, more than 300 partners, including national and local governments, non-governmental organisations, and businesses have started to take up this challenge. They have created Countdown 2010, a powerful network of active partners working together to tackle the causes of biodiversity loss. Each partner commits extra efforts towards the 2010 biodiversity target. Acting together, the Countdown 2010 partners create a joint momentum to save biodiversity.
It is time to move from words to action… Countdown 2010 is part of a growing global movement to save biodiversity. Worldwide, on all levels – local, national, regional, and global – governments and non-government organisations are working hard to provide measurable results for 2010. By making the case for biodiversity and its conservation, calling upon decision makers to keep their promise to save biodiversity by 2010, and taking actions to stop the loss of biodiversity, Countdown 2010 and its partners assist governments worldwide in moving closer to the 2010 biodiversity target.
2010 is our chance… Committed to at the highest political level, the 2010 biodiversity target gives us focus, direction and the means to act together. Today, we have the knowledge and means to reverse the trend of biodiversity loss. By providing a framework for concerted and collective action, the 2010 biodiversity target has the potential to become a new unifying force. Together, we can join forces for our common goal and vision – a just world that values and conserves nature.
