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• Impacts of climate change and selected renewable energie infrastructures on EU biodiversity and the Natura 2000 network »

  This summary report aims to provide the European Commission with an overview of the likely impact of climate change on biodiversity in the European Union and indications as to how the design and implementation of current policy might need to be adapted in order to ensure that the EU respects its commitment to reduce biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  A review of the national reporting systems of the five global biodiversity-related conventions »

  This report has the following two objectives:

  • To review the extent to which the purpose of reporting is made clear to Parties, and the extent to which the information in the reports is used, inter alia for measuring progress in achieving the 2010 target, including assessing the links between reporting and strategic planning
  • To identify potential overlaps between conventions in information requested, to identify themes relevant across several conventions and agreements, and to assess the experience in the forest sector of harmonizing reporting by theme.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Distribution and conservation status of forest bamboo biodiversity in the Asia-Pacific Region »

  Although Asian bamboo species constitute a non-timber forest product of major cultural and economic importance, no detailed regional assessment of their distribution patterns has previously been made. To assess the potential of the existing bamboo species distribution data for production of regional mapping tools for planning the conservation of forest-based biodiversity, data on bamboo distribution and forest cover were combined. Over 1000 bamboo species from 60 genera of woody bamboos were incorporated, allowing the mapping of individual species or groups of species and genera, along with potential species richness and biodiversity hotspots. Over 6.3 million km2 of Asian forest potentially contains bamboo, with highest densities indicated from northeastern India through Burma to southern China, and through Sumatra to Borneo. The highest figures for potential species richness (144 spp per square km) were recorded in forests of south China, including Hainan Island. Despite substantial inadequacies and inconsistencies in knowledge of the taxonomy and distribution of bamboo species, this approach may provide a valuable tool for planning in situ conservation of forest biodiversity.

  Resource Type: Journal Papers
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  UNEP-WCMC Strategic Plan 2006-2011 »

  The Strategic Plan lays the foundation for the Centre’s operations and growth from 2006-2011 as we all seek to meet – and exceed – the targets set by the international community to reduce the rate of loss of the world’s biodiversity by 2010 and to reverse the loss of environmental resources by 2015. The plan was developed by UNEP-WCMC in consultation with a wide range of partners, in particular the Centre’s Scientific Advisory Council and UNEP’s Division of Early Warning and Assessment. It responds to mandates derived from UNEP’s Governing Council and the decisions of various biodiversity-related conventions. The Strategic Plan will form the basis of the Centre’s business plan for the next 5 years, helping refocus our work to the benefit of the biodiversity community and providing a framework for the activities that the Centre will undertake in order to accomplish its mission.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Biodiversity Conservation in the Tropics - Gaps in Habitat Protection and Funding Priorities »

  This study makes use of extensive spatial datasets, previously unavailable, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of biodiversity throughout the tropics. The extent to which potential habitats and closed moist forests are represented in protected areas is assessed. Priorities for conservation action are identified on the basis of a country's relative importance for a given habitat and the extent to which it is protected. National importance for biodiversity is also examined in relation to natural and foreign investments in protected areas.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Reducing Emissions from Deforestation: A Key Opportunity for Attaining Multiple Benefits »

  This paper reviews the potential for multiple benefits that might be attained by reducing emissions from deforestation (RED) through a mechanism developed under the UNFCCC. These benefits are relevant to national commitments under several environmental and sustainable development conventions and instruments, and may not be directly correlated with reduced carbon emissions. The design of the mechanism and its implementation will affect the degree to which these other benefits, such as biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, watershed protection and other ecosystem goods and services, are obtained.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Multiple Benefits – Issues and Options for REDD »

  This paper provides an overview of the issues surrounding and opportunities for achieving ‘multiple benefits’ from Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries (REDD). The UN‐REDD Programme understands the term ‘multiple benefits’ to include both the ecosystem and social benefits of REDD.

  It is an output of the International Support Functions component of the UN‐REDD Programme, relating specifically to the development of output 3.2: ‘Tools to encourage the capture of ecosystem service co‐benefits developed’,focussing on the ecosystem aspects of multiple benefits.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Mangroves of East Africa »

  This publication provides a concise account of the available information and current issues facing mangroves in East African countries. It comprises a regional summary of the factors and activities that affect mangroves across East Africa, and a series of reports that focus on South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, the Seychelles, Kenya and Somalia. These country summaries include details of mangrove-related legislation, industries associated with and involving mangroves, and details of how mangroves are utilized by local human communities. Information on marine protected areas that cover mangroves is also provided as are regional and national scale maps.

  Resource Type: Reports

• The climate relevance of ecosystems beyond forests and peatlands - A review of current knowledge and recommendations for action »

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  Industrial Reliance on Biodiversity »

  While developed countries control most of the world's financial resources, it is the developing world that is home to most of its biological resources. This study provides an overview of the extent to which industry in the developed world relies on the biodiversity of the developing world. The first section of the report reviews the direct consumptive use, with fisheries and forestry the largest components. The remaining chapters examine two specific industrial inputs where biodiversity serves as an information source: the use of wild genetic resources in plant breeding and the use of substances derived from the wild in the pharmaceutical industry. The project was funded under the UK Government Darwin Initiative.

  Resource Type: Reports