Japan: Conservation organisations take opportunity to speak out

22.10.10

As delegates from around the world convene in Nagoya, Japan in an effort to find a route out of the biodiversity crisis, conservation organisations are using this opportunity to tell their stories.

Over the course of the conference we'll take a look at some of the press releases being shared by some of the big players in global conservation and it's interesting to note their different takes on priorities for the undeniably important proceedings.

First up is the giant Conservation International (CI). In their pre-conference press release it is the proposal to "put at least 25 per cent of the Earth's land and 15 per cent of the oceans under protection by 2020" that is the focus of their story. A fair sentiment from an organisation such as CI. Much more interesting, however, is what they released on 20 October.

"Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) partners identify 587 sites worldwide that are home to 920 species on the brink" reads the title. Apparently 68 biodiversity conservation institutions, from 20 countries, have released new data that "pinpointed 587 sites where 920 of the world's most endangered wildlife species are restricted."

It all sounds similar to the Biodiversity Hotspots ideas formed by Norman Myers in the 80s, but with important extensions. AZE is very specific in its target habitats and endangered species, whereas Myers' Hotspots are far more landscape based. The full scope of the AZE ambition can be explored on their website including a high quality pdf (5mb) of the sites and a spreadsheet (available to download).

view over misty forest

Gunung Ungaran, Indonesia - one of the 587 target sites

© Kutilang Indonesia Foundation

If there's anything disappointing in the work it's the lack of plants in the target list, which is heavily dominated by birds and mammals.

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