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  UNEP-WCMC Transition Plan 2006 »

  A comprehensive project to transform UNEP-WCMC into a Centre of Excellence that evaluates and highlights the many values of biodiversity and puts authoritative biodiversity knowledge at the centre of decision-making.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Scoping the potential benefits of undertaking an MA-style assessment for England »

  The aim of this study was to identify and examine potential benefits of undertaking an ecosystem assessment for England. The need for such a study has arisen largely as a result of the 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) which not only demonstrated the importance of ecosystem services to human wellbeing, but also showed that at global scales, many key services are being degraded and lost.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Biodiversity Scenarios: Projections of 21st century change in biodiversity and associated ecosystem services »

  This 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: Reports
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  Ecosystems and Human Wellbeing: A Manual for Assessment Practitioners »

  This Manual makes the methods of the MA and associated sub-global (local and regional) assessments widely accessible. While the MA is the most comprehensive assessment of ecosystems carried out to date, there are other related assessment processes such as Global Environment Outlook (GEO), Global International Waters Assessment (GIWA), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Land Degradation Assessment in Drylands (LADA), International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) and World Water Assessment. Lessons learned from these assessments supplement the best practice of ecosystem assessment identified through the MA. The publication of this Manual aims to encourage more assessments at scales which are relevant to policy and decision makers.
   

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Global Ecological Forest Classification and Forest Protected Area Gap Analysis: Analyses and Recommendations in view of the 10% target for forest protection under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) »

  This study assesses the global gaps in forest conservation with reference to the target of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which calls for the effective conservation of "at least 10% of the world's forest types" by 2010 (decision VIII/15). The results are expected to guide forest conservation policies and planning at national and international levels.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Crossroads of Life on Earth - Exploring means to meet the 2010 Biodiversity Target »

  The aim of this assessment study was to explore policy options under current discussion in the global political arena that could have major positive or negative impacts on biodiversity. The central concern of the assessment is the achievement of the 2010 Biodiversity Target at global and regional levels, as agreed upon under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

  Resource Type: Reports
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  The relevance of the World Database on Protected Areas for a network of forest protected areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity »

  The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) is the key source for global and regional forest protected area information. It is in the process of a major redevelopment that will significantly enhance its usefulness for various users. The database already plays a significant role in reporting to major globally-agreed goals and targets, such as Millennium Development Goal 7 and the CBD programmes of work on forests and protected areas. For any global forest protected area network, the WDPA could provide information on officially designated protected areas, including sites that have not been assigned a particular IUCN management category but nevertheless qualify as sites contributing towards national, regional and global efforts and processes addressing forest conservation.

  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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  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

• Brazil: Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica), Instituto Terra »