10 June 2015: A meeting of biodiversity experts and other key actors has examined the extent to which conservation in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is achieving targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. Participants at the meeting adopted the ‘The Monaco Assessment Declaration,’ which notes that a “Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, adopted and implemented by the Antarctic Treaty Parties, and broadly accepted by all, would provide an effective means to improve the outlook for the region.”

In discussing the process and outcomes of the ‘Monaco Assessment,’ meeting participants agreed that mainstreaming biodiversity across science and society will require: greater regional efforts, particularly to reduce incentives that are harmful to biodiversity; and the incorporation of Antarctic biodiversity values into national and regional planning and reporting. It was noted that governance arrangements under the broader Antarctic Treaty System could support improvements in biodiversity conservation.

In a summary of the meeting, Professor Steven Chown of Monash University, co-organizer of the meeting, said, “The initial expert assessment indicates a biodiversity outlook for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean which is no better than that for the rest of the globe.” It was highlighted, however, that prospects to dramatically improve the outlook over the next five years are exceptional.

In a concluding speech, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco emphasized that “…activity in the Antarctic region has increased substantially. This growth includes not only fishing and tourism, but also some scientific activities,” which underscores the timeliness of the assessment.

Discussing the assessment, participants provided guidance regarding actions that could help deliver improved conservation for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and identified key areas and indicators to help guide that work. Areas that will require greater effort include: safeguards for ecosystems, species and genetic diversity; extension of protected areas, biodiversity site coverage and representation of regionally differentiated ecosystems and their effective management; extinction risk assessments and increased awareness of genetic diversity; and improved participatory planning and reporting across the region.

Further outcomes and products of the forthcoming publication, titled ‘Antarctica and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020: The Monaco Assessment,’ will be made available over the next several months, with the outcomes conveyed to the Antarctic Treaty Parties, the CBD and others, and will provide the foundation for a plan to further improve conservation in the region.

The meeting, which convened from 8-10 June 2015, in Monaco, was co-organized by the Government of the Principality of Monaco, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and Monash University. [Monaco Assessment Media Brief] [SCAR Monaco Assessment Website] [Monaco Assessment Document]