Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Definition

The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are a set of 20 global goals established in 2010 during the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to address the ongoing loss of biodiversity and promote sustainable development. These targets aim to protect ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity, while also enhancing the benefits that biodiversity provides to humanity. The targets serve as a framework for countries to develop their own national strategies for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aichi Biodiversity Targets consist of 20 specific targets categorized into five strategic goals, which focus on the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, reducing pressures on biodiversity, improving the status of biodiversity, enhancing benefits from biodiversity, and improving implementation through participatory planning.
2. Target 11 aims to protect at least 17% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020, ensuring these areas are effectively managed.
3. The targets encourage countries to integrate biodiversity values into national and local development plans, sectoral policies, and decision-making processes.
4. Monitoring progress towards the Aichi targets is done through indicators that assess changes in biodiversity and ecosystem health, which is essential for adapting conservation strategies over time.
5. The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life on land and below water, as they emphasize the importance of preserving biodiversity for achieving sustainable development.

Review Questions

• What are the main strategic goals of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and how do they address biodiversity loss?
  • The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are organized into five strategic goals that aim to address biodiversity loss by targeting the underlying causes, reducing pressures on ecosystems, improving biodiversity status, enhancing benefits derived from biodiversity, and ensuring effective implementation through participatory governance. Each goal is designed to tackle specific challenges related to conservation and sustainable use of biological resources, ultimately guiding nations in their efforts to halt biodiversity decline.
• Discuss how Target 11 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets contributes to marine and terrestrial conservation efforts.
  • Target 11 focuses on protecting at least 17% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020. This target is crucial as it sets clear goals for establishing protected areas that can conserve habitats, safeguard endangered species, and maintain ecosystem services. By promoting effective management of these protected areas, Target 11 aims to preserve biological diversity while also supporting ecosystem resilience against climate change and human impacts.
• Evaluate the impact of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets on global policies related to sustainability and conservation since their adoption in 2010.
  • Since their adoption in 2010, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets have significantly influenced global policies regarding sustainability and conservation by providing a clear framework for nations to align their biodiversity strategies with broader development goals. This alignment has fostered greater cooperation among countries and sectors while emphasizing the integration of biodiversity values into economic planning. The targets have also raised awareness about the importance of conserving ecosystems for human well-being, thereby mobilizing financial resources and community engagement towards achieving these ambitious goals.

Related terms

Convention on Biological Diversity: An international treaty aimed at conserving biological diversity, promoting sustainable use of its components, and ensuring fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

Biodiversity Hotspots: Regions that are both rich in endemic species and experiencing significant habitat loss, identified as priorities for conservation efforts.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, including provisioning services like food and water, regulating services like climate control, and cultural services such as recreational opportunities.