Convention On Biological Diversity Research Articles

Protecting Wilderness or Cultural and Natural Heritage? Insights from Northern Patagonia, Chile

Abstract Protecting 30% of the planet’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030 (30x30) is the most recent call for global conservation action. Toward this end, the creation of protected areas is a central strategy. The various parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have committed to this global goal, including Chile. Against this backdrop, this article explores current narratives and practices around five protected areas in northern Patagonia, Chile. We argue that environmental discourses are key to understanding these narratives and practices. Environmental discourses influence the values central to the creation and development of protected areas, as well as the prevailing management approaches for these areas. Our findings show that two discourses are of particular importance: the ‘Patagonian wilderness’ discourse and the ‘cultural and natural heritage’ discourse. Based on our findings, we also discuss three emerging topics: the rewilding and rebranding of Patagonia, optimism around nature-based tourism, and implementation of global conservation goals within the national context. We reflect on the implications of our findings for further developments in Patagonia and for the global conservation debate. We contend that the future of protected-area management in northern Patagonia will depend on how community-based management initiatives are fostered and argue that aligning with such inclusive conservation approaches will be a critical requirement for the implementation of the 30x30 goal moving forward.] Spanish abstract: rb.gy/gmaziq

Biodiversity and Conservation

Biodiversity, the intricate web of life on Earth, is vital for ecosystem health and human well-being. This paper delves into the profound importance of biodiversity, highlighting its role in maintaining ecosystem services critical to human survival. The exploration covers the complexity of biodiversity, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. The paper further addresses the threats that human activities pose to biodiversity, such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. To counter these threats, the paper outlines a range of conservation strategies. It discusses the significance of protected areas, sustainable resource management, habitat restoration, and the role of conservation genetics. Additionally, international initiatives like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the work of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are emphasized as essential for global cooperation. The paper underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts in biodiversity conservation. It emphasizes the need for international cooperation, sustainable practices, and community involvement to ensure the persistence of Earth’s incredible biodiversity for generations to come. The abstract encapsulates the essential elements of the paper, calling for a shared commitment to safeguarding the diversity of life that sustains our planet.

Checklist Odonata of Wetlands in south-western Sicily (Italy): Pantano Leone, Capo Feto, Margi Spanò, Nespolilla and Milo

Over time, the significance of checklists as essential tools for managing Sicily’s natural heritage has been underscored by the requirements outlined in international biodiversity conventions, particularly in relation to implementing the Habitats Directive. Compiling and updating checklists of fauna and flora for each specific region is necessary due to the growing interest in biodiversity today, which serves as a foundational and indispensable knowledge base. In this paper, a first detailed and complete checklist of the 17 Odonata species of some naturalistic areas of Sicily (Italy) is presented. Regarding the Capo Feto and Margi Spanò wetland, the checklist includes 10 species of dragonflies, 13 species for Margi Milo. As far as the Pantano Leone wetland is concerned 13 species of dragonflies are listed.

Balancing climate goals and biodiversity protection: legal implications of the 30x30 target for land-based carbon removal

This article examines the legal conflicts between land-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies and the establishment of protected areas through the lens of international environmental law. We argue that the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework's “30x30” target—which aims to protect 30% of global terrestrial and marine areas by 2030—constitutes a “subsequent agreement” under international law and thus clarifies the legal scope and content of the obligation to establish protected areas under Article 8 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Since states have pledged 120 million square kilometers for land-based CDR, these commitments potentially conflict with the “30x30” target, especially if global cropland for food production is to be maintained. Consequently, some land-based CDR strategies may directly or indirectly impede the achievement of the “30x30” target, which could be deemed inconsistent with international law. However, as all international environmental law operates in a continuum, this does not imply that land-based CDR should be categorically ruled out. Rather, states should focus on emission reductions and implementing CDR options that provide the most co-benefits to climate mitigation and biodiversity protection efforts.

Challenges to Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has been a pivotal international instrument for global biodiversity conservation since 1992. The recent Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aims to provide a pathway for the CBD for the present decade. However, the practicalities of land use and biodiversity conservation pose significant challenges. Drawing from diverse literature and reports, we identify nine implementation challenges for the GBF. These encompass harmonising conservation with sustainable development, integrating local values and indigenous knowledge, adopting a holistic landscape approach, and prioritising effective local governance. A shift from broad targets to explicit conservation metrics is vital. We propose strategies emphasising building institutional capacity for localised, participatory conservation and policy-making processes. This article offers suggestions for improving the GBF’s implementation and shaping future policy frameworks.

Assessing the potential of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) for contributing to conservation targets: A global scoping review protocol

This scoping review (ScR) protocol aims to establish the methodological approach for identifying and mapping the evidence regarding the actual contribution of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to spatial conservation targets. Emphasis will be placed on examining the research conducted, including the methodologies applied. OECMs, introduced by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2010, refer to areas outside of protected areas, such as fisheries restricted areas, archaeological sites, and military areas, that effectively conserve biodiversity in-situ over the long term. OECMs are recognized rather than designated. Many countries currently endeavor to identify, recognize and report OECMs to the CBD for formal acceptance to support the implementation of spatial conservation targets. Studies that assess the contribution of OECMs to spatial conservation targets will be considered. Potential OECMs with primary, secondary or ancillary conservation objectives established by all sectors in the terrestrial, freshwater and marine realm worldwide will be considered. Peer-reviewed and grey literature will be considered without imposing limitations based on publication year, stage, subject area and source type. Both experimental and observational studies in English, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Spanish will be reviewed. The ScR will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The protocol will be guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. The search will encompass bibliographic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Grey literature sources will include databases, pre-print archives and organizational websites. The Covidence platform will be utilized for data management and extraction.

Understanding Global And Indian Patent Disclosure Requirements For Genetic Resources And Traditional Knowledge

A thoughtful exploration of Patent Disclosure Requirements (PDRs) within the context of the global patent system and legal policy frameworks of different nations, with special reference to India, and PDRs emergence as a linchpin in the preservation and safeguarding of Genetic Resources (GRs) and Traditional Knowledge (TK), particularly when intertwined with the heritage of indigenous and local communities, their significance as guard against biopiracy, while upholding the doctrine of Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) as envisioned by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol. PDRs scope to mandate transparently revealing the origins and sources of GRs and TK, deployed in their innovations for patents. PDRs are a litmus test for patent offices and governing authorities to assess the reliability of patent claims and are an indispensable weapon in the fight against biopiracy. Further, different kinds and the evolving nature of PDRs are also acknowledged, as they adapt to cope with new challenges, technological advancements, and the dynamic evolution of the legal framework, finally, positioning PDRs as key protagonists in shaping responsible innovation while preserving biodiversity.

4.C. Round table: The role of EU bodies and European Health Union policies, and implications for the Pandemic Treaty

Abstract As the CoViD-19 pandemic unfolded, policy- and decision-makers within and beyond European borders became acutely aware of the urgent need to revisit policies and cross-border collaboration to increase preparedness. CoViD-19 lessons, regional autonomy, the way EU bodies functioned at times of crisis but also at times of peace, and EU's role in global health were all considered. In 2022, a new EU body, the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HERA) Authority became operational “to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to health emergencies, through intelligence gathering and building the necessary response capacities.” In March 2022, the Council of the EU adopted the decision to authorise the opening of negotiations for an international agreement on these topics, i.e., ‘The Pandemic Treaty’. Upon ratification, the treaty will become a legally binding instrument to determine coordination of public-private partnerships, towards discovery, and research and development (R&D) for vaccines, diagnostic and medicinal products. Negotiations started in the summer of 2022, with the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB4) drafting the treaty in the WHO framework, the ‘Zero Draft’ presented in Nov 2022, progress to be reported to the World Health Assembly (WHA76) (May 2023), and a final draft agreement to be delivered in May 2024. In March 2023, HERA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and HERA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) formalised agreements to clearly delineate working arrangements “to strengthen cooperation and to coordinate their work in support of health emergency preparedness and response in the area of medical countermeasures”. The increasing level of complexity, with rapid policy developments necessitates better understanding of the role of EU bodies and policies play, equipping public health professionals and of the tools to participate in these exchanges at national and cross-border levels, ultimately ensuring public health priorities and interests are served. This RT aims to provide an overview of recent developments for these bodies (HERA, EMA, ECDC), how they interact with WHO, and implications of the recently presented EU Global Health Strategy (EUGHS) (Nov 2022) and EU General Pharmaceutical Legislation (EUGPL) (Apr 2023). Panellists and Chairs include representatives to these bodies and legal experts to help elucidate key aspects. Brief interventions followed by discussion will explore: • The role of EU bodies in relation to the treaty • EU priorities, incl. regional autonomy, and related legislation, i.e., EUGPL and EUGHS • Key treaty articles and implications for European public health and global public health • The relevance of existing instruments, e.g., International Health Regulations, the Nagoya Protocol, the UN Biodiversity Convention • The guiding principles and rights in the Zero Draft Active audience interaction is envisioned via polls to prioritise topics and submit questions. Key messages • The global and European public health landscapes are rapidly being transformed. Comprehensive understanding of bodies and policies at interplay by public health professionals is key. • Current developments involve key deliberation and consultation steps at national, EU-wide and global levels. The public health community must be informed and engaged to safeguard public health. Speakers/Panelists Ricardo Mexia INSA - National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal Debjani Muller HTAi, Edmonton, Canada Sujitha Subramanian UK Dimitra Lingri National Organization for Health Care Services Provision, Athens, Greece

Effects of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 on India's AYUSH Industry

Background: Some of the most well-known ancient medical systems in India include Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), whose medications are made primarily from medicinal plants gathered from forests. The Biological Diversity Act, of 2002 was created in India to carry out the 1992 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD aims for a sustainable, equitable, and shared distribution of benefits resulting from the use of biological resources and traditional knowledge. With one of its goals being to encourage the cultivation of medicinal plants, the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which proposes to amend the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, has been adopted by the lower house (Lok Sabha) of the Indian parliament. Objective: The goal of the study is to examine how the amendment will affect the AYUSH sector, which also happens to be the source of India's traditional medicines. Results: A distinction between cultivated and wild medicinal plants has been made, with cultivated medicinal plants being excluded from the access and benefit-sharing (ABS) mechanism upon acquiring the certificate of origin. This can give rise to false claims by the traders and manufacturers that their medicinal plants are cultivated. According to the most recent modification, the majority of traditional knowledge employed in the AYUSH systems of medicine is codified. There's a potential that the majority of people who have traditional knowledge will not be eligible for the benefits. The other argument is that eliminating AYUSH practitioners, growing medicinal plants, and codifying traditional knowledge from access and benefit sharing, would promote foreign investment in the AYUSH sector. Conclusion: This amendment must, in practice, ensure that tribes and vulnerable people profit from the sale of medicinal forest products, and decriminalising certain clauses actually advances AYUSH, and simplifies business operations. Striking a balance between encouraging economic growth and maintaining the long-term preservation of India's biodiversity is necessary.

THE EUROPEAN UNION AS A NORM SHAPER ON BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION

This research starts with the contributions of the European Union (EU) as a norm shaper in the context of the European Green Deal (EGD) and COP-15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The rules issued by the EU that influence the decisions of Member States and foreign countries are analyzed in order to examine the role of the EU as a norm shaper in environmental matters. Soft initiatives concerning the influence of the EU on the preservation of biodiversity globally are explored. The methodology used is qualitative, deductive, and descriptive. The conclusions were that the European Commission (EC) acted in monitoring the advances and setbacks of the EGD, filling a gap. A perceived fault was the lack of commitment by Member States to meeting the goals of the EGD. Russia’s invasion in Ukraine is seen as a factor slowing down the Green Deal’s plans for climate neutrality and the containment of biodiversity loss. The EU is pioneering in its Proposal for a Regulation on Nature Restoration (PRNR), and it was noticed that the ambitions for the COP-15 on biodiversity were ratified in the Conference. The EU sets international sustainability standards and is an environmental norm shaper.

Implementation of Biological Diversity Conservation Treaties in China

Biological Diversity, among its very diverse advantages, has been pointed out as key for achieving environmental sustainability. It has however been noted that biological diversity across the globe is being depleted. The international community responded by developing several international treaties for biological diversity conservation, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention. China is very rich in biological diversity and is party to the Conventions. In addition, China has in place several laws as well as protected areas to ensure the conservation of biological diversity. This notwithstanding, China still faces biological diversity depletion. This has been attributed to among other factors, overpopulation and industrialization. This article therefore seeks to critically analyze the efficacy of the CBD and Ramsar Conventions is ensuring Biological Diversity Conservation. The paper further analyses the extent to which China has achieved its obligations under the conventions. The paper concludes that the treaties, whereas a very good development, have some weakness. In addition, whereas China has done well in meeting its obligations under the treaties, it still faces some challenges. The article among others recommends that China should embrace public participation in ensuring biological diversity conservation. In achieving its objectives, the article adopts the doctrinal method of research.

Protection & Promotion of Traditional Knowledge of Marginalised Communities: A Legal Perspective

Marginalised rural communities, particularly in tropical countries such as those within Southeast Asia, are often aware of the use of indigenous herbs and agricultural products but concomitantly oblivious as to the means of protection and promotion of using their traditional knowledge. It is estimated that around 1,500 plant species have been widely used for traditional medicines in Southeast Asia. The paper will commence with a discussion of the meaning of “traditional knowledge”, adopting a utilitarian perspective. The paper focuses on the countries of Southeast Asia and provides a legal analysis of the protection of traditional knowledge provided under international treaties, namely: Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of International Property Rights (TRIPS); International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA); and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). To date, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been unable to agree on the contents of an international legal instrument relating to intellectual property rights over genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and traditional culture. The legislative responses of the 11 nations of Southeast Asia are analysed. Much of the focus of international treaties is on protecting plant breeders’ rights over farmers’ rights, and this imbalance should be addressed. Governments should be proactive and amend their patent legislation to require patent applicants to declare their use of indigenous resources and knowledge. Examples of the development and promotion of traditional knowledge are briefly described.

Research on the implementation of the convention on biological diversity among the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is the most extensive and populous comprehensive regional cooperation organization in the world, covering about half of the world's population, with not only a huge consumer market, but also rich natural resources and strong productivity. As one of the important platforms for the implementation of the Green Belt and Road Initiative, it is an important opportunity for the SCO to actively participate in global governance and contribute to building a community of global life. To investigate the status of biodiversity conservation in the SCO countries, we used literature analysis approach. We surveyed the performance and international cooperation status of the SCO countries in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), listed facing problems and threats to biodiversity conservation, including not optimistic biodiversity conservation project implementation status, contradiction between ecological protection and economic development, impacts of human activities, lack of funds and talents, etc., and analyzed the biodiversity protection needs of the SCO countries from the perspectives of project and policy implementation status and international cooperation. According to the cooperation between China and the other SCO countries on biodiversity conservation and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework goals, we gave some recommendations: (1) promoting access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing; (2) integrating multiple funds and innovating the implementation of funding mechanism; (3) developing talent training and exchange programs and deepening multilateral cooperation; (4) strengthening cross-border cooperation and improving cooperation network; and (5) establishing a coordination mechanism for biodiversity conservation within the framework of the SCO.

Priorities for protected area expansion so nations can meet their Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework commitments

AbstractAs part of the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K‐M GBF), signatory nations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aim to protect at least 30% of the planet by 2030 (Target 3). This bold ambition has been widely celebrated and its implementation seen as pivotal for the overall success of K‐M GBF. However, given that many CBD signatory nations prioritised quantity (e.g., area) over quality (e.g., important areas for biodiversity) when attempting to meet their 2010 CBD Aichi protected area commitments, it is critical that nations focus on protecting those terrestrial, inland waters and marine areas that have the best chance of halting and reversing biodiversity loss and thus contribute to Goal A of the K‐M GBF. Here we provide a review on the type of areas that nations need to prioritise when implementing Target 3 that relates to area ‘quality’: areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative, well‐connected and equitably governed systems. We show that data is available for 12 distinct biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service elements that can be mapped and, if conserved, will (with appropriate management) help meet the broad intention of Target 3. We highlight examples of the planning methods available that can be utilized so these areas can be targeted for protection. We discuss issues related to trade‐offs regarding how to prioritise amongst them as well as to operationalise some of the vaguer concepts like ‘representation’ and ‘ecosystem functions and services’ so that they achieve the best outcomes for biodiversity.

Critical Review of the Increasing Complexity of Access and Benefit-Sharing Policies of Genetic Resources for Genebank Curators and Plant Breeders-A Public and Private Sector Perspective.

Plant breeders develop competitive, high-yielding, resistant crop varieties that can cope with the challenges of biotic stresses and tolerate abiotic stresses, resulting in nutritious food for consumers worldwide. To achieve this, plant breeders need continuous and easy access to plant genetic resources (PGR) for trait screening, to generate new diversity that can be built into newly improved varieties. International agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Nagoya Protocol recognised the sovereign rights of countries over their genetic resources. Under the CBD/Nagoya Protocol, countries are free to establish specific national legislations regulating germplasm access and benefit-sharing to be negotiated bilaterally. Consequently, access to PGR became increasingly restricted and cumbersome, resulting in a decrease in germplasm exchange. The ITPGRFA attempted to ease this situation by establishing a globally harmonised multilateral system (MLS). Unfortunately, the MLS is (still) restricted to a limited number of food and forage crops, with very few vegetable crops. Easy and continuous access to genetic diversity combined with equitable and fair sharing of derived benefits is a prerequisite to breeding new varieties. Facilitated access contributes to sustainable crop production and food and nutrition security; therefore, access to and, consequently, use of PGRFA needs to be improved. Thus, the authors recommend, among others, expanding the scope of the ITPGRFA to include all PGRFA and making them and all related information accessible under a Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) combined, if necessary, with a subscription system or a seed sales tax. Such a transparent, functional and efficient system would erase legal uncertainties and minimise transaction costs for conservers, curators and users of genetic resources, thus aiding plant breeders to fulfil their mission.

Joint Biodiversity Management Committees: A Mechanism to Manage and Conserve Eco-Regions

Sasthamkotta Lake eco-region is a freshwater Ramsar site in Kerala, India. Eco-regions are ecologically and geographically defined larger land or water mass areas with a characteristic assemblage of the ecosystem and significant biodiversity. A decentralized and locally self-sustaining mechanism has been achieved in managing this eco-region by a participatory model through a joint Biodiversity Management Committee (jBMC) constitution. BMCs are custodians of the environment, and biodiversity, confined to a village/Panchayat, as per Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) guidelines and the Indian Biodiversity Act. This jBMC constitutes a network of statutory biodiversity experts from the BMCs of three Local Self Governments (LSGs) or Panchayath administrations, where the Sasthamkotta Lake is located. It has been formed to develop strategies to manage and conserve the freshwater lake and its biodiversity. The management action plan proposed by the jBMC for the Sasthamkotta Ramsar site includes systematic and continuous assessment of the current biodiversity status, identifying and mitigating threats, appropriate use of its resources for eco-restoration and better administrative programs for biodiversity enhancement. Our case study shows that the conservation model of a Ramsar site Eco-region is successful and could be replicated in other damaged natural ecosystems which need attention, for a sustainable future.

What are the Forms and Obstacles of Community Participation in Environmental Damage Prevention?

This research examines the national and international legal frameworks governing community involvement in environmental damage prevention and the challenges and various forms of community participation in environmental damage prevention efforts globally. This study uses a qualitative method to conduct normative legal research, which involves a literature review of various international legal instruments and field cases related to community participation in the prevention of environmental damage and uses Seherly Arnenstein's theory of community participation to examine community participation in environmental conservation. The results show that community participation in preventing environmental damage has a legal position at the national and international levels. At the international level, several agreements, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Basel Convention, have established a legal framework for preventing environmental damage, including community participation. Meanwhile, at the national level, Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management (UU PPLH) has regulated the rights and obligations of the community in protecting the environment. Furthermore, this study found that community participation in preventing environmental damage can be done through various means, such as decision-making processes, access to environmental information, and participation in implementing environmental policies. However, there are still challenges and obstacles in its implementation, such as limited access to information, lack of public awareness, and lack of government and private sector support. Based on this, more significant efforts are needed to strengthen community participation in preventing environmental damage, including increasing access to environmental education and information and establishing more active and effective forums for community participation. The active involvement of the government, civil society organizations, and private institutions is needed to ensure that community participation in preventing environmental damage can be achieved.

Assessing the potential of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) for contributing to conservation targets: A global scoping review protocol.

This scoping review (ScR) protocol aims to establish the methodological approach for identifying and mapping the evidence regarding the actual contribution of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to spatial conservation targets. Emphasis will be placed on examining the research conducted, including the methodologies applied. OECMs, introduced by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2010, refer to areas outside of protected areas, such as fisheries restricted areas, archaeological sites, and military areas, that effectively conserve biodiversity in-situ over the long term. OECMs are recognized rather than designated. Many countries currently endeavor to identify, recognize and report OECMs to the CBD for formal acceptance to support the implementation of spatial conservation targets. Studies that assess the contribution of OECMs to spatial conservation targets will be considered. Potential OECMs with primary, secondary or ancillary conservation objectives established by all sectors in the terrestrial, freshwater and marine realm worldwide will be considered. Peer-reviewed and grey literature will be considered without imposing limitations based on publication year, stage, subject area and source type. Both experimental and observational studies in English, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Spanish will be reviewed. The ScR will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The protocol will be guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. The search will encompass bibliographic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Grey literature sources will include databases, pre-print archives and organizational websites. The Covidence platform will be utilized for data management and extraction.

Scientists’ warning on loss of insect biodiversity and implications for sustainable agriculture

Climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Climate change is among the biggest environmental challenges, humans face in the 21st century. The most imminent climatic change in recent times is the increase in atmospheric temperatures due to increased levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), nitrous oxide (N2O) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), largely because of industrialization and burning of fossil fuels, etc. The term biodiversity is the short form of ‘biological diversity. As per the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), biodiversity means the variability among all living organisms from all sources including inter alia terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. Climate change is among the major environmental challenges for humans with catastrophic effects on faunal (especially insect) biodiversity and agricultural production. Insect biodiversity provides an array of indispensable services in agricultural production including pollination, nutrient recycling and natural control of pests. Special efforts are required for conserving and identifying insects and elucidating their role in ecosystem functioning. Intensive research, constant surveillance, early detection and rapid response are essential to face the emerging pest and disease threats to crop production. Insect Conservation, landscape heterogeneity, biological control and IPM are the keys to environmentally benign and climate-resilient crop protection for sustainable agricultural production in the future.

Planning for Implementation: Shifting the Focus of National Biodiversity Strategies to Local Narratives, Existing Institutional Settings and Social Capital

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has repeatedly failed to meet its global targets in 2010 and 2020, pointing to persistent obstacles to implementation. National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are the central instrument for translating global targets into actions across sectors and levels of government, also referred to as mainstreaming. This paper focuses on Peru as a case study to analyse to what extent NBSAPs are capable of addressing context-specific implementation challenges. It develops an analytical framework based on the literature on conservation governance in Peru to analyse to what extent the NBSAP from 2014 and the action plan from 2019 (1) reflect national biodiversity narratives; (2) address dominant causes of biodiversity loss; (3) link targets to sector-specific institutions and processes; and (4) to what extent the Peruvian National Commission for Biological Diversity builds social capital for implementation. The results indicate that the NBSAP (1) is dominated by a capitalist narrative focussing on economic values of biodiversity while giving less importance to other, particularly local narratives; (2) addresses most direct causes, but fails to operationalise its targets into conservation action; (3) has not been designed to connect and guide relevant sector policies, such as environmental impact assessments or agricultural policies; and (4) the strong participation in the commission for biodiversity is not used to foster implementation, but mostly on CBD reporting and planning. Thus, addressing these challenges provides powerful levers for how to harness the NBSAPs’ potential to mainstream biodiversity and increase their relevance for mobilising and guiding implementation and stimulate institutional learning.