The third edition of Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-3) summarizes the latest data on status and trends of biodiversity and draws conclusions for the future strategy of the Convention. GBO-3 is based on a range of information sources, including National Reports, biodiversity indicators information, scientific literature, and a study assessing biodiversity scenarios for the future.
Resource Type: ReportsProtected Planet is a new initiative to showcase the world's protected areas and is the most complete global dataset on terrestrial and marine protected areas. The initiative puts digital information about national parks and protected areas at the fingertips of global internet users, with the 'citizen science’ approach enabling anyone to edit and contribute to protected areas information.
Resource Type: Spatial Data / MapsIn 2008 UNEP-WCMC produced a report with a consortium of Chinese and international partners on research needs for reducing poverty through better ecosystem management in China. This work was for DFID, NERC and ESRC of the UK government, as a contribution to their design of a proposed international research programme on ecosystem services for poverty alleviation (www.nerc.ac.uk/research/programmes/espa/) The China ESPA report identified that China’s great progress in poverty reduction has slowed, as the remaining poor tend to be found in environments of low productivity or high risk of ecosystem degradation, such as mountains, grasslands and deserts. The government of China is investing heavily in poverty reduction and environmental management, with opportunities for improving the synergies between these activities. Research needs include better understanding of ecosystem functioning for multiple services, and development of methods to analyse policies and projects for both poverty reduction and supply of ecosystem services.
Resource Type: ReportsThis synthesis focuses on estimates of biodiversity change as projected for the 21st century by models or extrapolations based on experiments and observed trends. The term “biodiversity” is used in a broad sense as it is defined in the Convention on Biological Diversity to mean the abundance and distributions of and interactions between genotypes, species, communities, ecosystems and biomes. This synthesis pays particular attention to the interactions between biodiversity and ecosystem services and to critical “tipping points” that could lead to large, rapid and potentially irreversible changes. Comparisons between models are used to estimate the range of projections and to identify sources of uncertainty. Experiments and observed trends are used to check the plausibility of these projections. In addition we have identified possible actions at the local, national and international levels that can be taken to conserve biodiversity. We have called on a wide range of scientists to participate in this synthesis, with the objective to provide decision makers with messages that reflect the consensus of the scientific community and that will aid in the development of policy and management strategies that are ambitious, forward looking and proactive.
Resource Type: ReportsThe Protected Planet Report 2012 reviews progress towards the achievement of international protected area targets.
Resource Type: ReportsChapter from Biodiversity Loss & Conservation in Fragmented Forest Landscapes. The Forests of Montane Mexico and South America.
Resource Type: ReportsSubstantial amounts of detailed biodiversity data exist for the world, and these data can be used to guide conservation priorities. WCMC compiled key data in order to identify areas of high species richness and endemism. This book is made available by kind permission of the UK Department for International Development for whom it was prepared.
Resource Type: ReportsThis publication presents five of the lectures from the 2004-5 'Environment on the Edge' lecture series. It includes the following themes:
•The Day After Tomorrow - Sir Crispin Tickell
•Oceans on the Edge - Dr. Jane Lubchenco
•Antartica on the Edge? - Professor Chris Rapley
•Biodiversity on the Edge - Dr. Cristián Samper
•Transport on the Edge - Dr. Bernard Bulkin
This publication presents five of the lectures from the 2007 - 2008 'Environment on the Edge' lecture series. It includes the following themes:
•Northern Ireland - An Environment on the Edge - Professor Sharon Turner
•Travelling First Class on the Titanic - Baroness Young
•The economics of climate change: governments, companies and households - Lord Adair Turner
•Creating a healthy environment in China - Professor Sian Griffiths
•Ocean acidification: the other CO2 problem - Professor Nick Owens
•International environmental governance - Professor Robert T. Watson
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