Biodiversity - a GRI Reporting Resource - Global Reporting Initiative

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Box 3: 2010 Biodiversity target The Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a Strategic Plan in 2002. In its mission statement, Parties committed themselves to a more effective and coherent implementation of the three objectives of the Convention, to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional, and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth. This target was subsequently endorsed by the leaders of the world during the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. Source: http://www.biodiv.org/2010-target/ default.asp to compensate for any loss of biodiversity caused by an organization’s operations and to more stringent requirements when applying for permits. Most articles in the CBD are relevant to organizations, as illustrated in Annex IV, and many decisions adopted by Parties over the years refer to business. Guidance and tools developed under the CBD can help organizations align their policies and practices in line with the CBD. The CBD acknowledges that organizations can significantly contribute to achieving its objectives. In March 2006, a decision was adopted focusing exclusively on privatesector engagement 9 . Amongst other things, it covers: (1) governments’ engagement with business in the development and implementation of biodiversity strategies and action plans, (2) the participation of business in CBD meetings, (3) the articulation and dissemination of the ‘business case’ for biodiversity, and (4) the compilation and development of good biodiversity practice in order to help organizations align their policies and practices with the three objectives of the CBD and its goals and targets, including the 2010 target (see Box 3). OTHER INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS Apart from the CBD, other agreements have been entered into at an international level covering topics such as wetlands, endangered species, and migratory species. The other biodiversity related conventions are 10 : • CITES The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Through its three appendices, the Convention accords varying degrees of protection to more than 30,000 plant and animal species. • CMS The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS, or the Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. Parties to the CMS work together to conserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection for the most endangered migratory species, by concluding regional multilateral agreements for the conservation and management of specific species or categories of species, and by undertaking co-operative research and conservation activities. • Ramsar The Convention on Wetlands (popularly known as the Ramsar Convention) provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The convention covers all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the wellbeing of human communities. • WHC The primary mission of the World Heritage Convention (WHC) is to identify and conserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage, by drawing up a list of sites whose outstanding values should be preserved for all humanity and to ensure their protection through a closer co-operation among nations. • The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture The objectives of the Treaty are the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of their use, in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, for sustainable agriculture and food security. The Treaty 14 © G R I 2 0 0 7 9] The potential benefit of engaging the private sector in the implementation of the Convention has long been recognized. Numerous decisions on specific mechanisms and issues, including technology transfer, sustainable use, agricultural and forest biodiversity, incentive measures and the clearing-house mechanism, refer explicitly to enhancing private sector engagement. (SCBD, Strengthening Business Engagement in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 2005, http://www.biodiv. org/doc/meetings/biodiv/b2010-02/official/b2010-02-02-en.pdf ) 10] http://www.biodiv.org/cooperation/joint.shtml
covers all plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, while its Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing covers a specific list of 64 crops and forages. The Treaty also includes provisions on Farmers’ Rights. A core principle in several legislative and convention texts, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), is the precautionary principle. There are many unknowns about the processes that influence biodiversity, particularly at the ecosystem level. The precautionary principle implies that if impacts cannot be established with sufficient certainty through impact assessments, the activity should be halted as a precaution until enough information is available. The GRI Guidelines include a disclosure item on the precautionary principle. In its reporting, an organization can address agreements that are applicable to its production locations or to those of its supply chain partners, and how the expectations following these agreements are being dealt with. 2.3 National and local policy and legislation regarding biodiversity The extent of national and local legislation in place to protect biodiversity and valuable ecological areas varies significantly. To check which national and local requirements are applicable to various operations, and therefore may also be important reference points for reporting, an organization could: • Contact national authorities to become informed on national and regional policy and legislation; • Check the country’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (which is to be drawn up by all parties to the CBD), if available; • Contact well-known environmental organizations in the country in question to become informed on the debates related to national policy and legislation; and • Review the 2003 United Nations List of Protected Areas to assess whether or not the activities of the organization or its supply chain take place in or adjacent to a protected area or might otherwise influence these areas. R e p o r t i n g o n B i o d i v e r s i t y 15
Page 1 and 2: Equitable Sharing Conservation Sust
Page 3 and 4: Biodiversity a GRI Reporting Resour
Page 5 and 6: The Challenge of Reporting on Biodi
Page 7 and 8: Introduction 1.1 Introduction to th
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Page 49 and 50: • Mr. Joaquim Machado, Syngenta

Biodiversity - a GRI Reporting Resource - Global Reporting Initiative

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