Representatives from 193 governments participated in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Nagoya, Japan at the end of October 2010. The primary purpose of the two-week summit was to develop a global action plan to support biodiversity around the world. Key areas of focus included conservation of existing, intact habitats and preventing the extinction of threatened plants and animals.
CBD targets established eight years ago to “significantly reduce the rate of biodiversity loss” by 2010 were not met at a global level. This year’s historic agreement offers a comprehensive plan to support and sustain biodiversity.
Russ Mittermeier, President of Conservation International said: “This conference must be viewed as a success and a major global achievement. Countries were able to come together as a global community and look beyond their national agendas to focus on the future of life on Earth and its essential role in human development and poverty alleviation.”
The Kyoto Journal published a special issue to prepare for the summit in hopes of inspiring participants “to craft a truly effective response to the now-catastrophic rate of extinction.” The issue features a 22-page report exploring Japan’s satoyama: rural areas where people have inhabited and used the land for generations, preserving and promoting biodiversity.
The journal supplemented the print edition with 30 additional reports – all available for free download. Topics featured in the reports include an examination of the quality of human life and survival in the context of art, leisure, and entertainment, the biodiversity of crop species, an article from the Council of Thirteen Grandmothers, and poetry, among others.
View additional biodiversity themed photos from Conservation International here.
