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Save Biodiversity 02/07 - Update from Countdown 2010

In this Issue

^Dear Countdown 2010 Partners, dear Readers,

Who killed the Polar Bear? Regular readers of the Red List of Threatened Species will point to climate change as the main threat for the furry giant. It might not be that simple suggests a new animated flash movie: Forensic zoologist Robert Penguin and agent Sophie Minnow race to expose the greatest lie ever told. Watch ‘The BioDaVersity Code’ and discover the secret of the priory of species!

Two weeks ago, Countdown 2010 started its first partner survey to evaluate the needs and expectations of our 200+ partners, and to identify synergies. We would like to thank everyone that has participated so far, and will publish the results in the next newsletter. If you would like to give us your opinion, you can download the survey here.

We also would like to invite all Countdown 2010 partners to a big partners’ assembly on June 11 in Brussels. This assembly is designed to create a common vision for 2010, to share experiences and develop joint activities between Countdown 2010 partners. You are more than welcome to stay on in Brussels to celebrate 50 years of European environmental policy during Green Week 2007 (June 12-15). 

But ‘nuff said: This newsletter focusses on marine biodiversity – and shows why we should care more about nature beyond our shores.

Enjoy reading!

Sebastian Winkler

Sebastian Winkler
Head of Countdown 2010
March 5, 2007

^Countdown 2010 for Marine Ecosystems

Marine biodiversity is an often unknown part of nature. Yet, its wonders face serious threats by the overuse of the oceans as a commons. What does that mean for our chances to meet the 2010 biodiversity target?

Countdown 2010 for Marine Ecosystems focusses on two core issues: European waters can be addressed through Natura 2000, the main instrument for nature conservation in the European Union, and through biodiversity related parts of the EU Marine Policies (see below). In the High Seas, challenges include the creation of a global network of marine protected areas and marine genetic resources.

Representatives from EU Member States and selected key experts from European Institutions, International Organizations, NGOs and further stakeholders meet for the European Expert Workshop “Countdown 2010 for Marine Ecosystems” next month. On invitation of the German EU Presidency and IUCN, they exchange experiences on marine conservation in the European Union, and promote the implementation of existing commitments at the EU and international level.

^ What future for European seas? Towards an EU-wide maritime policy

By the end of this year, Europe’s perspective on its seas and oceans might change dramatically. The Maritime Policy Green Paper defining socio-economic activities in the marine environment is up for public consultation until summer, and the Commission will publish its political conclusions later in autumn. This document will provide the overall framework for the broader future maritime policy of the European Union.

As part of the sixth environmental action plan, the European Institutions are also working on a thematic strategy on the marine environment. While the Birds and Habitats Directives already provide legal provisions for marine conservation, this new EU Marine Strategy Directive will give guidance for the implementation of existing legislation and policies. The Marine Strategy Directive is expected to be adopted at the end of the Portuguese Presidency in 2007 and will most likely define the environmental parts of EU maritime policy and the Maritime Policy Green Paper.

^ Marine protected areas in action

Marine protected areas might be crucial to ensure the future of fishing. These areas are closed to the exploitation of marine resources. A new online video shows how fishermen from the Canary Islands faced strong declining catches. Fish species started to re-appear quickly both within and outside the protected area after the establishment of a marine reserve.

These reserves can help to increase the birth rates of fish stocks. Female fish produce eight times more eggs as their body size doubles. Once the population grows, offspring escapes to off-area zones. Science shows that sustainable fishery should only target fish that is neither too young nor too old to achieve the full breeding potential of fish stocks. Selective fishing practices and marine reserves can go hand in hand for this.

To protect wildlife in our oceans and to ensure its sustainable use for the future, more and larger marine protected areas will be required. Ideally, they should be located in the most sensitive and important areas such as migration corridors, breeding zones and in deep sea areas.

^Do it yourself: What fish to eat

Overfishing, habitat destruction and by-catch are all too commonplace wherever we bring the oceans to our table. Do we have to set the fish dish aside? Luckily not: Enjoy your meal – but do so in a responsible way. You can have your sushi, fish and chips, nice paella and a sizzling mixed grill, but make sure to choose well what’s on the table. There is superb seafood from sustainable fisheries:

  • Check the WWF fish guide. This consumer guide helps you decide which fish to buy – both for your and the ecosystem's wellbeing. It fits in your pocket while shopping: Why not try herring or zander instead of the endangered tuna or plaice?
  • Check for logos on the seafood wrapping. To get an MSC or organic label, producers have to meet high standards: The Marine Stewardship Council provides a set of internationally recognized environmental principles to assess whether a fishery is well-managed and sustainable.
  • If you don’t know where the fish is from: Ask. You are the customer, and your demands are incentives for the market. The more people ask the better – this is consumer power in the fish shop!
  • When you go out, you can ask the waiter or the chef for the origin of his seafood. And if the fish was extraordinary good, don’t be surprised if it came from a sustainable fishery …

Bon appétit!

^State of Biodiversity:
Wellbeing through wildlife

Nature conservation not only benefits wildlife, and thus allows the UK and other EU member states to meet their commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2010. According to the RSPB/BirdLife publication Wellbeing through Wildlife in the EU, it also benefits local economies, our health and education, ensures the provision of valuable goods and services and makes a vital contribution to sustainable communities. 

In 26 case studies from across the European Union, Wellbeing through wildlife shows that by fulfilling our moral duty to conserve wildlife the quality of people's lives improves. Nature conservation is a vital element of any sustainable community project and can deliver environmental, social and economic objectives together, rather than treating the environment as a trade-off.  

^Countdown 2010 – a truly global initiative!

Nearly all countries of the world came together for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 and promised to ‘achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biological diversity’. And in nearly all corners of the world there is action around the 2010 biodiversity target. In Russia and China, South America and South Africa, in Vietnam and Canada: Countdown 2010 hubs are assessing the state of action towards the 2010 biodiversity target, engaging stakeholders and communicating the importance of biodiversity. Consultation workshops for the regional Countdown 2010 hubs will take place in the first half of 2007.

^Focus on... parks and tourism

“Ecotourism can pump economic value into European nature, thereby offering a means of protection.” Zoltan Kun, the Director of PAN Parks, is a firm believer in the mutual supportiveness of business and biodiversity. PAN Parks works with protected area managements and sustainable tourism businesses in order to make it possible for people to support, preserve, enjoy Europe’s wilderness. 

As part of their commitment to Countdown 2010, PAN Parks will contract about 15 local tourism business in each of its certified parks in the wildest places of Europe – spreading from deep lakes and untouched forests in western Russia and the endemic species diversity of the Caucasus to the dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage of Italian Majella. Promoting Countdown 2010 will be an important part of their aim to increase public awareness on the value of nature conservation and the share of sustainable tourism in Europe.

“We need to think our local work in an international context. Countdown 2010 is a perfect framework to demonstrate our commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010”, said Zoltan Kun when signing the Countdown 2010 Declaration on February 5.

The BioDaVersity Code

Upcoming Events

21-24 March 2007
5th European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns (Seville, Spain)

28 March 2007
Regional Consultation: Countdown 2010 in South America (Quito, Ecuador)

18-20 April
Expert Workshop Countdown 2010 for Marine Biodiversity (Berlin, Germany)

20 May
Giornata delle Oasi (Italy)

22 May
International Biodiversity Day

11 June
Countdown 2010 Partners’ Assembly (Brussels, Belgium)

12-15 June
Green Week: Lessons from the past, challenges for the future (Brussels, Belgium)

News from Countdown 2010

16 February 2007 European regions and local authorities join forces for biodiversity

12 February 2007
A Rocha: Faith in Conservation

9 February 2007 Denmark: 2010 biodiversity target is a major political landmark

6 February 2007
What is the meaning of biodiversity?

1 February 2007 Biodiversity in the Classroom

27 January 2007
Japan to host Biodiversity Conference in 2010

18 January 2007 Countdown 2010 Hubs emerge beyond Europe to reach the 2010 biodiversity target globally

15 January 2007
Review of European Plant Conservation Strategy

More news

New Partners

Countdown 2010 would like to welcome its new partners:

You want to join as well? See here or speak to the Secretariat!

For more information please contact info@countdown2010.net or visit www.countdown2010.net

This newsletter is issued bi-monthly by Countdown 2010. We welcome comments and feedback to Wiebke Herding. Previous issues of this newsletter can be found at www.countdown2010.net/article/newsletter.

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