Biodiversity and ecosystems
Identifying levers of change
About the programme
The degradation of biodiversity and ecosystems is tangible and visible, and people have become increasingly aware of this over the last few decades. Nature protection policies have been implemented, with tried and tested tools. Moreover, the international community adopted a set of common objectives in 2010 (known as the Aichi Targets) within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
But biodiversity and ecosystems are still deteriorating at a rapid pace. It is becoming increasingly clear that for many of the Aichi targets, the trend will not be reversed by 2020. It is nevertheless crucial that biodiversity protection policies, on different levels, are guided by a credible plan of action: this implies preparing a critical analysis of the Aichi targets and reopening strategic options for the post-2020 international biodiversity governance regime, building in particular on the analysis of possible tools for action and their effectiveness.
IDDRI’s project involves linking biodiversity loss to its causes, and ensuring discussions are held on the changes required to alter these causes. This includes, for example, framing debates and negotiations on what it means to cease producing and consuming a given agricultural commodity that is produced by clearing primary forests, and opting instead for a product cultivated without deforestation: is this possible, how, and what changes would be needed?
The work undertaken by IDDRI’s Biodiversity programme explores these different tools:
- changes to our systems of production and consumption;
- changes to economic and territorial development policies and models;
- stepping up national biodiversity commitments;
- mobilising research for these targets.
This translates into three types of activities:
- Analysis and action on the global governance regime, to prepare for the 2020 deadline and beyond;
- Action on strengthening national policies through the implementation of national commitments on biodiversity and climate;
- Understanding the economic and social processes that drive the consumption of space and the increase in land take.