Aichi Biodiversity Targets

1. Aichi Biodiversity Targets

The **Aichi Biodiversity Targets** are a set of 20 ambitious, yet achievable, goals set in 2010 by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to inspire transformative change in conserving and restoring biodiversity. Officially adopted at the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the CBD in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, these targets provided a framework for international cooperation and national action on biodiversity between 2011 and 2020. While the timeframe for achieving these original targets has passed, understanding them remains crucial as they heavily influenced the development of the subsequent Global Biodiversity Framework and continue to inform current conservation efforts. This article will provide a detailed overview of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, their context, individual goals, successes, failures, and lasting legacy.

Background and Context

Prior to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, global efforts to halt biodiversity loss were hampered by a lack of concrete, measurable goals. The CBD, established in 1992, provided a broad framework for conservation, but lacked the specific, action-oriented objectives needed to drive significant progress. Recognizing this gap, the Parties to the CBD initiated a strategic plan to provide a clear roadmap for biodiversity conservation.

The selection of Aichi Prefecture as the host of COP 10 was symbolic, representing Japan’s strong commitment to biodiversity. The targets themselves were developed through extensive scientific assessments, stakeholder consultations, and political negotiations. The intent was to create a set of targets that were both ecologically meaningful and politically feasible, addressing the drivers of biodiversity loss across various sectors. The overall vision underlying the Aichi Targets was a world where biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored, and sustainably used, contributing to human well-being and sustainable development. This vision aligns with the broader concept of Ecosystem Services and the recognition of the economic and social value of nature.

The 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets

The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are grouped into five strategic goals, each addressing a different facet of biodiversity conservation. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each target:

Strategic Goal A: Address the Underlying Causes of Biodiversity Loss

• **Target 1:** By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and mangroves, has been halted and reversed. This target emphasizes the importance of Habitat Conservation and restoration. Analysis of global forest cover trends ([1](https://www.globalforestwatch.org/)) demonstrates progress in some regions, but overall habitat loss continues.
• **Target 2:** By 2020, the sustainable use of biodiversity is mainstreamed across all production landscapes and seascapes. This requires integrating biodiversity considerations into agricultural practices, fisheries management, forestry, and urban planning. Sustainable agriculture techniques ([2](https://www.fao.org/sustainable-agriculture/en/)) are essential for achieving this target.
• **Target 3:** By 2020, incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity are eliminated, phased out or reformed. This refers to removing financial support for activities that negatively impact biodiversity, such as destructive fishing practices or unsustainable agriculture. Reports from the OECD ([3](https://www.oecd.org/environment/resources/)) highlight the challenges of reforming environmentally harmful subsidies.
• **Target 4:** By 2020, payment and ecosystem services are widely implemented. This involves recognizing and valuing the benefits that ecosystems provide to humans, and creating mechanisms to compensate those who manage ecosystems sustainably. The Ecosystem Services Partnership ([4](https://www.ecosystemservices.org/)) promotes the implementation of PES schemes.

Strategic Goal B: Reduce the Direct Pressures on Biodiversity

• **Target 5:** By 2020, the rate of loss of natural habitats is reduced by at least 50 per cent, and where consistent with the needs of local communities and national priorities, restored. This target builds upon Target 1, focusing on quantifiable reduction in habitat loss.
• **Target 6:** By 2020, management plans for areas of importance for biodiversity are in place, and they are effectively implemented. This includes protected areas, as well as other important sites for species and ecosystems. The World Database on Protected Areas ([5](https://www.protectedplanet.net/)) provides information on protected areas globally.
• **Target 7:** By 2020, the proportion of sustainably managed fisheries is increased to 100 per cent. This requires implementing sustainable fishing practices, reducing overfishing, and protecting marine ecosystems. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ([6](https://www.fao.org/fishery/en)) provides resources on sustainable fisheries management.
• **Target 8:** By 2020, pollution from excess nutrients is reduced to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function. This includes reducing agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and other sources of nutrient pollution. The Global Partnership on Nutrient Management ([7](https://www.globalpartnershipnutrients.org/)) works to address this issue.
• **Target 9:** By 2020, invasive alien species are identified and prioritized, and measures to control or eradicate them are implemented. Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, and effective management requires early detection and rapid response. The Global Invasive Species Database ([8](http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/)) provides information on invasive species.

Strategic Goal C: To Improve the Status of Biodiversity

• **Target 10:** By 2020, the multiple benefits and values of biodiversity are incorporated in national accounting, as appropriate. This requires recognizing the economic and social value of biodiversity and integrating it into national decision-making.
• **Target 11:** By 2020, the proportion of areas under agricultural, forestry and aquaculture production that are sustainably managed is increased. This builds upon Target 2, focusing specifically on these sectors.
• **Target 12:** By 2020, the genetic diversity of crops, livestock and other socio-economically and culturally valuable species is maintained. This is crucial for food security and resilience to climate change. The Crop Trust ([9](https://www.croptrust.org/)) works to conserve crop diversity.

Strategic Goal D: Enhance the Benefits to All from Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

• **Target 13:** By 2020, the mobilization of financial resources for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 is increased. This recognizes the need for significant investment in biodiversity conservation.
• **Target 14:** By 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services, including ecosystems relating to water, and those that contribute to health, livelihoods and well-being, are conserved and restored. This emphasizes the importance of ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation.
• **Target 15:** By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of biodiversity to climate change mitigation and adaptation are enhanced. This recognizes the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate change. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ([10](https://unfccc.int/)) addresses this relationship.
• **Target 16:** By 2020, there is a global protocol on access to and fair and equitable sharing of genetic resources. This addresses the issue of bioprospecting and ensuring benefits are shared with the countries and communities that provide the resources.

Strategic Goal E: Enhance Implementation through Participation and Awareness

• **Target 17:** By 2020, the national strategies for biodiversity and action plans are revised and updated, and financial resources are aligned with the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
• **Target 18:** By 2020, the mobilization of resources for the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 is significantly increased.
• **Target 19:** By 2020, knowledge, the science base and technologies relating to biodiversity, its values, functioning, conservation and sustainable use, are improved, widely shared and transferred, and applied. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility ([11](https://www.gbif.org/)) plays a key role in this.
• **Target 20:** By 2020, the mobilization of financial resources for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 is increased. (This target is a repetition of Target 13, highlighting its importance).

Assessment of Progress and Lessons Learned

The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 (GBO-5), released in 2020, provided a comprehensive assessment of progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The report concluded that while some progress was made on certain targets, most were not fully met. Specifically, the report highlighted that none of the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets were fully achieved, and only a few showed significant progress.

Key findings from the assessment include:

• **Habitat Loss:** Despite some regional successes in forest restoration, overall habitat loss continued at an alarming rate.
• **Protected Areas:** The area of land and sea under protection increased, but the quality and effectiveness of management varied significantly.
• **Sustainable Fisheries:** Progress towards sustainably managed fisheries was slow, and overfishing remained a major problem.
• **Financial Resources:** Financial resources for biodiversity conservation remained insufficient, particularly in developing countries.
• **Awareness and Engagement:** While awareness of biodiversity issues increased, greater engagement was needed from all sectors of society.

The failures to fully achieve the Aichi Targets highlight the systemic challenges to biodiversity conservation, including a lack of political will, insufficient funding, inadequate implementation, and the complexity of addressing the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss. However, the process of setting and tracking these targets provided valuable lessons. These include the importance of:

• **Ambitious and Measurable Goals:** Clear, quantifiable targets are essential for driving progress.
• **Integrated Approaches:** Addressing the drivers of biodiversity loss requires holistic solutions that integrate conservation with economic and social development.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Effective conservation requires the participation of governments, businesses, civil society, and local communities.
• **Monitoring and Evaluation:** Regular monitoring and evaluation are crucial for tracking progress and adapting strategies.
• **Increased Funding:** Significantly increased investment in biodiversity conservation is essential.

Legacy and the Global Biodiversity Framework

Despite falling short of full achievement, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets served as a crucial stepping stone towards more ambitious global action on biodiversity. The lessons learned from the Aichi period directly informed the development of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at COP 15 in Montreal in December 2022.

The GBF builds upon the foundation laid by the Aichi Targets, setting a new set of goals and targets for biodiversity conservation for the period 2023-2030. The GBF’s headline goal is to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Key elements of the GBF include:

• **The “30x30” target:** Protecting 30% of land and sea areas by 2030. ([12](https://www.conservation.org/30x30))
• **Restoration targets:** Restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems.
• **Reducing harmful subsidies:** Eliminating or reforming subsidies harmful to biodiversity.
• **Mobilizing financial resources:** Increasing financial resources for biodiversity conservation.

The GBF also emphasizes the need for equitable and inclusive conservation, recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. The success of the GBF will depend on the same factors that hindered the full achievement of the Aichi Targets: political will, adequate funding, effective implementation, and broad stakeholder engagement. The Aichi Biodiversity Targets, despite their shortcomings, remain a valuable case study in international environmental governance and a crucial benchmark for future conservation efforts. Tools like the Biodiversity Finance Initiative ([13](https://www.biodiversityfinance.net/)) are helping to address the financial gaps identified during the Aichi Target period. Further analysis on target tracking can be found at the CBD Secretariat website ([14](https://www.cbd.int/)).

The IUCN Red List ([15](https://www.iucnredlist.org/)) continues to be a vital tool for assessing the conservation status of species and informing conservation priorities. Understanding the trends in species populations is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of conservation interventions. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment ([16](https://www.millenniumecosystemassessment.org/)) provides a comprehensive assessment of the state of the world's ecosystems and their contribution to human well-being. The Planetary Boundaries framework ([17](https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries/)) identifies safe operating spaces for humanity, highlighting the importance of staying within ecological limits. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration ([18](https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/)) aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) ([19](https://cites.org/)) regulates international trade in endangered species. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands ([20](https://www.ramsar.org/)) provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. The Nature Conservancy ([21](https://www.nature.org/)) is a leading conservation organization working to protect ecologically important lands and waters. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) ([22](https://www.worldwildlife.org/)) is another prominent conservation organization focused on protecting endangered species and habitats. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) ([23](https://www.unep.org/)) plays a leading role in coordinating international environmental efforts. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) ([24](https://www.ipbes.net/)) provides scientific assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Global Mechanism ([25](https://www.global-mechanism.org/)) works to mobilize financial resources for land degradation neutrality. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) ([26](https://www.undp.org/)) supports countries in achieving sustainable development goals, including biodiversity conservation. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture ([27](https://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/en/)) promotes the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. The International Coral Reef Initiative ([28](https://www.icriforum.org/)) focuses on the conservation of coral reefs. The Society for Conservation Biology ([29](https://conbio.org/)) is a professional organization for conservation scientists. The IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management ([30](https://www.iucn.org/commissions/ecosystem-management)) provides expertise on ecosystem management. The World Resources Institute ([31](https://www.wri.org/)) conducts research on environmental and development issues.

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