31 March 2016: In order to identify potential areas for collaboration, the UN Environment Programme – World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) has prepared a report and database compiling guiding decisions adopted under biodiversity-related multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) that support implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

The report maps the text of guiding decisions against each of the 20 Aichi Targets that were adopted by the CBD as part of its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 in order to explore overlaps and potential opportunities for synergies and enhanced effectiveness between the CBD and other MEAs. The main report summarizes relevant articles and decisions and conducts an analysis of opportunities. A matrix of decisions and a specific checklist of actions to be undertaken to implement these decisions are contained in two annexes to the report.

The authors reviewed 849 paragraphs and sub-paragraphs of text addressing issues and actions related to the Aichi Targets, the majority of which were adopted by the CBD itself (360), followed by the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS, 243), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (98), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 84), the World Heritage Convention (WHC, 47), and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR, 31).

The analysis reveals four areas of opportunity for synergy and improved effectiveness including: guidance for the development and review of national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs); shared modules for national reporting; coordinated national efforts for raising awareness, in particular of the relationships between biodiversity and the agriculture, energy and forestry sectors, as well as the sustainable use of wildlife, sustainable tourism and other activities; and capacity building activities that address the needs of more than one convention.

The report also notes that several conventions have provided guidance on strengthening the relationship with the Intergovernmental Science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). It further identifies opportunities to increase resource efficiency through coordination at local, national and regional levels, and to improve resource mobilization through joint funding proposals and public-private partnerships. [Publication: Mapping Multilateral Environmental Agreements to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets] [Summary Leaflet] [Appendix I: Matrix of Decisions] [Appendix II: Checklist of Issues] [CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020] [IISD RS Sources]