CHM - ORTFor effective conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, all its components at all organisational levels, i.e. from genes to ecosystems, must be correctly identified and monitored spatially and temporally. Adequate knowledge of the status and trends of biodiversity and the services it provides is a prerequisite for adaptive management of ecosystems. However, there are many gaps in our knowledge of primary data on biodiversity and the role of taxa in ecosystem functioning.
The impacts of current and future biodiversity loss on both ecosystem health and human well-being are poorly understood, while the effectiveness of policy measures remains largely undocumented. The synergy between policy responses and research depends largely on our ability to improve and communicate our current knowledge and the additional knowledge needed on biodiversity.
Closing the gap requires (i) more investment and capacity building in key biological disciplines such as taxonomy and ecology, (ii) easy and open access to biodiversity data and research information, and (iii) better coordination and communication between policy and research.
The above shortcomings are present at national level but are particularly evident in developing countries. The Belgian government is increasingly providing support and funding for research and training, with the aim of improving biodiversity knowledge and capacity in these countries. These efforts will in turn contribute to better implementation of the multilateral environmental agreements ratified by these countries. Financial support can also be extended to establishing partnerships with key players, such as local and international NGOs, to encourage the adoption of research recommendations in partner regions.
● CBD instruments and articles and global biodiversity reports The Global Taxonomy Initiative (JTI) was established under the Convention on Biological Diversity to advance taxonomic knowledge and promote biodiversity conservation. Adopted at COP-6 in 2002, it aims to build taxonomic capacity, facilitate access to information and help developing countries acquire taxonomic expertise (CBD COP-4 decision IV/1). The Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO) is a periodic report prepared by the CBD Secretariat. It summarises the state of biological diversity and analyses the measures taken by the global community to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, as well as the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook, published in 2020, provides a global overview of progress towards the Aichi biodiversity targets and is based on a series of indicators, surveys and assessments. IPBES assessment reports are published results on scientific, technical and socio-economic issues that take into account different approaches, visions and knowledge systems, including global assessments of biodiversity and ecosystem services with a defined geographical scope and thematic or methodological assessments based on the standard or accelerated approach. They consist of two or more parts, including a summary for policymakers. |
The stakeholders involved in the implementation of this objective are: federal and regional environmental and agricultural authorities, educational institutions, national networks of scientific and political experts in support of IPBES, universities, federal research institutions, NGOs, sectors, the National Biosecurity Council, researchers, the Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGD), the general public and any association working in the same direction as the NBS. |
| Global Targets | Degree of Alignment |
GBF-T21. Data, information and knowledge for decision-making is available GBF-T21. Data, information and knowledge for decision-making is availableEnsure that the best available data, information and knowledge, are accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the public to guide effective and equitable governance, integrated and participatory management of biodiversity, and to strengthen communication, awareness-raising, education, monitoring, research and knowledge management and, also in this context, traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and technologies of indigenous peoples and local communities should only be accessed with their free, prior and informed consent[1], in accordance with national legislation.
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[1] Free, prior and informed consent refers to the tripartite terminology of “prior and informed consent” or “free, prior and informed consent” or “approval and involvement”. | High |