The role of local authorities
> 18 March 08
Local and regional authorities manage large areas of land, often the majority of a country’s land. In many cases, they play an important role in approving land-use changes and they plan and implement infrastructure development. They are often in charge of setting long term development strategies and are responsible for overseeing the land-use in their areas.
Local authorities, whether they are a large city, a region or a small municipality, are therefore crucial to communicate the 2010 biodiversity targets and to take action to halt the loss of biodiversity in their area of responsibility. They are also crucial to directly involve their citizens in the process.
For this reason, Countdown 2010 has joined forces with ICLEI – Local governments for sustainability (ICLEI) and ECNC – European Centre for Nature Conservation (ECNC) to provide support to local and regional authorities in communicating and implementing the 2010 targets.
Many local and regional authorities have now committed to contribute to the halt of the loss of biodiversity by 2010 by making specific commitments and the number is increasing steadily.
- The World Conservation Union