The number of species listed by the IUCN as vulnerable or worse now exceeds 420,000 species, most of which have declined as a result of human activities. The global decrease in the populations of threatened species also results in a decline of genetic diversity.  Genetic diversity is critical for the long-term stability, adaptability, and resilience of biodiversity, both at the species and ecosystem levels. Further, genetic diversity enables crop plants to adapt to climate change, either naturally, through selective breeding, or biotechnology, enabling the continued provision of ecosystem services.  Species-specific management interventions will be needed to ensure the conservation of species. This target contributes to SDGs 14 and 15.

The number of vulnerable or worse IUCN listed species now exceeds 72, with most of these being marine species.  There is no formal mechanism for listing threatened species, nor are there any recovery plans for important species, such as several of the groupers and endangered birds that are priorities to the country.

Responsible Ministry: MAFFL

Actions:

1. Appoint a threatened species expert committee with a terms of reference to i.) compile and examine the evidence for the status of possible threatened species and, ii.) to propose species for protective listing to government based on the best available evidence.

2. Recovery plans are completed and implemented for 10 priority endangered species.

3. Determine the critical habitats for all species listed as threatened or endangered.

4. Capture 100 percent of the critical habitats for terrestrial threatened species and 50% of the habitat of marine threatened species in at least one protected area. (Ongoing MAFFL programme)

5. Improve enforcement of existing regulations to protect threatened species by hiring and training additional staff.

6. Establish a National Centre for Cetacean Regulation, Research, and Control. (cf. Target 10)