Mountain biological
diversity
The Conference of the
Parties
1.
Adopts the programme of work [61]/ on mountain biological diversity, annexed to the
present decision, as a set of actions addressing characteristics
and problems that are specific to mountain ecosystems;
2.
Underlining the sovereign rights and responsibilities of
countries over their mountains and mountain biodiversity,
notes that Parties should implement the programme of work on
mountain biological diversity in the context of their national and
subnational priorities and needs. Inclusion of an activity in
the work programme does not mean relevance of that activity to all
Parties;
3.
Invites Parties to identify priority actions among the
actions recommended in the programme of work depending on the
particular national or local conditions and urges Parties to
incorporate them into their national biodiversity strategies and
action plans, as well as national programmes and activities on the
implementation of regional mountain conventions and initiatives,
and implement them taking into account the ecosystem approach so as
to contribute to the significant reduction of the rate of mountain
biological diversity loss by 2010 and as a contribution to poverty
reduction and to the benefit of indigenous and local communities
dependent on mountains;
4.
Encourages Parties, other Governments and organizations to
ensure cross‑referencing to, and coherence with, the other
thematic and cross-cutting programmes of work, including technology
transfer, while implementing this programme of work;
5.
Invites Parties to adopt outcome-oriented targets for
mountain biodiversity, taking into account the Strategic Plan of
the Convention, the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, the
Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development, the Millennium Development Goals and in conjunction
with actions 2.1.5 and 3.2.2 of this programme of work;
6.
Agrees that, in undertaking the implementation of the
programme of work, Parties, other Governments, international
organizations, civil society organizations and others should take
into account the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous
and local communities and ensure their participation in
conservation and sustainable use of mountain biological diversity,
in accordance with Article 8(j) and related provisions of the
Convention;
7.
Recognizes the need for resources, human, technological and
financial capacity, to implement effectively the activities in the
programme of work, and thus encourages Governments and
other interested entities to form partnerships to address these
needs and urges bilateral and multilateral organizations and
processes to provide financial assistance, training and support,
where applicable, to developing country Parties, in particular the
least developed countries and small island developing States among
them, and Parties with economies in transition to assist in the
effective implementation of the programme of work;
8.
Invites Parties, other Governments, and relevant
organizations to report on implementation of this decision and
those parts of the programme of work, which are identified as
priorities under national and local conditions pursuant to
paragraphs 3 and 5 through, inter alia, their reports
submitted to the Conference of the Parties;
9.
Requests Parties
that have not yet done so to submit their thematic
reports;
10.
Requests the Executive Secretary to:
(a) Develop,
in collaboration with Parties and relevant organizations, proposals
on a small number of global outcome-oriented targets, timeframes in
relation to the 2010 target, ways and means for implementation, and
indicators at the regional, national and local levels for
consideration at a meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific,
Technical and Technological Advice prior to the eighth meeting of
the Conference of the Parties;
(b) Compile
information received from Parties, other Governments and relevant
organizations and bodies, on the implementation of the programme of
work, and analyse progress made towards the achievement of a
significant reduction in the rate of mountain biodiversity loss by
2010;
(c) Assist
the Parties in implementing the programme of work through, inter
alia, the supporting activities defined in the programme of
work, and the development, in collaboration with relevant
organizations, of proposals for global and, where appropriate,
regional targets or expected measurable outputs with timeframes and
main actors; and
(d)
Regularly gather information on the characteristics and problems
that are specific to mountain biological diversity listed in
paragraph 8 of the programme of work;
(e) In
collaboration with relevant conventions and organizations, collect,
review, evaluate and share, through the Clearing-house Mechanism
and other means, existing information about the role of mountain
ecosystems in producing and maintaining freshwater resources, and
about the consequences of climate change and desertification on
mountain biological diversity;
(f) With the
assistance of the Global Taxonomy Initiative Co-ordination
Mechanism to develop and incorporate activities and targets
appropriate to mountain ecosystems within the GTI programme of work
for consideration at SBSTTA-11, taking into account the COP-7
decision on targets.
11.
Further requests the Executive Secretary to strengthen
collaboration with other organizations, institutions and
conventions, as a way to streamline many of the activities
contained in the programme of work; promote synergies and avoid
unnecessary duplications;
12.
Notes that the notes by the Executive Secretary on status
and trends of, and threats to, mountain biological diversity
(UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/8/5), and on measures taken for the conservation
and sustainable use of mountain biological diversity
(UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/8/6), can be a basis for the identification of
priorities for early action, and recognizes that the
relative importance of threats, and their underlying causes will
vary by region and country, and, accordingly, requests the
Executive Secretary to update this information as part of the
reviews of the implementation of the thematic programmes of work in
collaboration with Parties and relevant organizations, in
particular the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment among
others, and making use of all available information;
13.
Emphasizes the importance of mountain biodiversity for
livelihoods, and therefore requests the Executive Secretary
to compile and disseminate information linking mountain
biodiversity to sustainable development and poverty alleviation,
and examples of successful collaboration between mountain dwellers
and communities living in areas adjacent to mountains in form of
incentives for mountain dwellers (as a way to illustrate the
"upland-lowland contract");
14.
Recognizing the value of traditional and sustainable land use
practices of indigenous and local communities in preserving
mountain biodiversity, requests the Executive Secretary to
collect and disseminate relevant information contributed by these
communities through the clearing-house mechanism and other
means;
15.
Reminds Parties of Article 20 of the Convention and
invites the developed country Parties to further enhance the
provision of additional financial resources and transfer of
technology to enable developing country Parties and Parties with
economies in transition to implement the programme of work on
mountain biological diversity;
Annex
PROGRAMME OF WORK ON
MOUNTAIN BIODIVERSITY
A.
Introduction
1.
Mountain areas cover almost one quarter of the Earth's land
surface and host about 12 per cent of its human
inhabitants. Additionally, mountains provide vital natural
resources for lowland peoples. Mountains are both a unique
environment in their own right, and one that incorporates many of
the existing thematic programmes under the Convention. For
example, forests, inland waters, dry and sub‑humid lands and
agricultural programme elements can all be found in mountain
biological diversity. The present programme of work on
mountain biological diversity features goals and activities that
are specific to mountain biological diversity, although the
existing programmes of work on forests, inland waters,
agricultural, and dry and sub-humid land biological diversity also
apply to mountain ecosystems. As a result, the goals and activities
contained in the existing programmes of work of each of these
thematic areas should also be applied and implemented, whenever
appropriate, for their respective areas in mountain
ecosystems.
2.
Mountain biological diversity is of high importance for a number of
ecological functions. The integrity of soils is the
prime focus for ecosystem services and human needs. Mountains have often been referred to as
"natural water towers" because they contain the
headwaters of rivers that are also vital for maintaining human life
in densely populated areas downstream. Natural and semi-natural
vegetation cover on mountains helps to stabilize headwaters,
preventing flooding, and maintaining steady year-round flows by
facilitating the seepage of rainwater into underwater aquifers.
Mountain biodiversity contributes to human well-being well beyond
its immediate vicinity and is essential to the management of water
flows over entire river basins.
3.
Soil retention and slope stability are closely connected with the
extent of above-ground and below-ground vegetation, both essential
to ecosystem resilience after disturbance. The high plant
functional diversity of mountain ecosystems may also add to their
resiliency and, should extreme disturbances occur, often provides
effective barriers to high-energy events such as rock falls and
avalanches. It also may reduce extensive damage levels at
lower elevations. Although it has been to date impossible to
provide a thorough definition of mountains with both universal
application and acceptance, there are a number of characteristics
that are unique to mountain ecosystems. These are referred to
in the note by the Executive Secretary on the status and trends of,
and threats to, mountain biodiversity prepared for the eighth
meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and
Technological Advice (SBSTTA) (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/8/5).
4.
Information and input from international forums may also be taken
into account, particular, chapter 13 of Agenda 21, which
relates to sustainable mountain development, and the World Summit
on Sustainable Development, which also considered mountain
ecosystems. Paragraph 42 of the Plan of Implementation of the
World Summit, states that:
"Mountain ecosystems support
particular livelihoods, and include significant watershed
resources, biological diversity and unique flora and fauna. Many
are particularly fragile and vulnerable to the adverse effects of
climate change and need specific
protection."
5. The
Plan of Implementation proposed a number of specific actions to be
undertaken in regard to mountains. The 2002 International Year of
the Mountains also provides valuable input. In addition, a
number of international agreements and bodies, institutions, and
programme initiatives may be considered such as the Convention on
Wetlands, (Ramsar, Iran, 1971), the United Nations Convention to
Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD),
the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
(ICARDA), the International Partnership for Sustainable Development
in Mountain Regions, the International Human Dimensions
Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP), the Centre for
Mountain Studies, the Consorcio para el Desarrollo de la Ecoregion
Andina (CONDESAN), the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI),
the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA) of DIVERSITAS,
the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO),
the Alpine Convention, the Carpathian Framework Convention and the
United Nations Environment Programme - World Conservation
Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC).
B. Overall purpose
and scope of the programme of work
6. The
overall purpose of the programme of work is the significant
reduction of mountain biological diversity loss by 2010 at global,
regional and national levels, through the implementation of the
three main objectives of the Convention on Biological
Diversity.
7.
The implementation of
the programme of work aims at making a significant contribution to
poverty alleviation in mountain ecosystems and in lowlands
dependent on the goods and services of mountain ecosystems and
thereby contribute to the objectives of the Strategic Plan of the
Convention on Biological Diversity, the Plan of Implementation of
the World Summit on Sustainable Development, and the Millennium
Development Goals.
8.
The programme of work
focuses on addressing characteristics and problems that are
specific to mountain biological diversity. These
include:
(a)
The particularly high concentration
of biological diversity hotspots in mountain regions, including
high ecosystem diversity, high species richness, high number of
endemic and endangered species, and high genetic diversity of crop,
livestock, and their wild relatives;
(b)
Cultural diversity, and the
particularly key role of indigenous and local communities in the
conservation and management of mountain biological
diversity;
(c)
The fragility of mountain
ecosystems and species and their vulnerability to human and natural
disturbances, in particular to land-use change and global climate
change (such as the retreat of glaciers and increased areas of
desertification);
(d)
The upland-lowland
interactions that characterize mountain ecosystems, with special
emphasis to the relevance of upland ecosystems for the management
of food, water and soil resources;
9.
The programme of work
also seeks to avoid duplication with existing thematic work
programmes and other existing initiatives of the Convention on
Biological Diversity. Parties are encouraged to apply, where
appropriate, the objectives and activities from these thematic work
programmes to the conservation of mountain biological diversity,
the sustainable use of mountain biological diversity, and the
equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of
genetic resources.
10.
The programme of work is
intended to assist Parties in establishing national programmes of
work with targeted goals, objectives, and actions, with specific
actors, timeframes, inputs, and expected measurable outputs.
Parties may select from, adapt, and/or add to, the goals,
objectives and actions suggested in the current programme of work
according to particular national and local conditions, and their
level of development. Implementation of this programme of work
should take into account the ecosystem approach of the Convention
on Biological Diversity. In determining national programmes
of work, Parties are encouraged to pay due regard to the
socio-economic, cultural and environmental costs and benefits of
various options. In addition, Parties are encouraged to
consider the use of appropriate technologies, sources of finance,
and technical cooperation, and to ensure, through appropriate
actions, the means to meet the particular challenges and demands of
their mountain ecosystems.
C.
Programme elements, goals and actions
Programme element 1: Direct actions for conservation,
sustainable use and benefit-sharing
Goal 1.1: To prevent and mitigate the negative impacts
of key threats to mountain biological diversity
Actions
1.1.1. Reduce the impacts of adverse
land-use practices and changes in urban, forest, inland waters and
agricultural areas in mountain ecosystems, including the buffer
zones of protected areas using, as appropriate, planning or
management mechanisms, such as ecological/economic/ecoregional
planning/bioregional/hazardous-areas zoning, so as to ensure the
maintenance of biodiversity, in particular ecosystem
integrity.
1.1.2. Develop mechanisms and
implement measures to reduce human-induced slope instability,
adverse effects of natural geological hazards, and to maintain
and/or enhance soil stability and ecosystem integrity by way of a
diverse and natural vegetation cover that will also promote soil
`biodiversity function.
1.1.3. Prevent or mitigate the negative
impacts of economic development, infrastructure projects and other
human-induced disturbances on mountain biological diversity at all
levels, where applicable, taking into consideration the results of
environmental and social impact assessment, paying particular
attention to cumulative impacts.
1.1.4. Develop strategies specific
to mountains ecosystems to prevent the introduction of invasive
alien species and, when they have been introduced, control and
eradicate their negative impacts on mountain biological
diversity.
1.1.5. Monitor and exchange
information on the impacts of global climate change on mountain
biological diversity, and identify and implement ways and means to
reduce the negative impacts.
1.1.6. Implement measures to reduce
and prevent key pressures in mountain ecosystems such as
deforestation, fragmentation, unsustainable harvesting,
inappropriate reforestation or afforestation, human-induced forest
fires, overgrazing, inappropriate mining practices and urban
expansion resulting in land degradation, degradation of
inland water ecosystems, disruption of water flow, and consequent
losses of biological diversity (see also decision
VI/22).
1.1.7. Identify factors responsible
for and possible measures to prevent the retreat of glaciers in
some mountain systems and implement measures to minimize the impact
of this process on biodiversity.
1.1.8. Identify local and long-range
pollution (air, water and soil), which threaten mountain
biodiversity at all levels and take appropriate measures to prevent
and mitigate the impacts.
Supporting activities of the Executive
Secretary
1.1.9. Compile, in collaboration
with relevant bodies and organizations, and disseminate through the
clearing-house mechanism and other means:
(a)
Information on degraded mountain ecosystems as well as key threats
to mountain biodiversity and their ecological and socio-economic
impacts;
(b)
Case-studies, lessons learned and best-practice guidance on ways to
prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of key threats to
mountain biodiversity.
(c)
Information on impact of climate change and desertification on the
carrying capacity of mountain ecosystems and traditional
uses.
Goal 1.2: To protect, recover,
and restore mountain biological diversity
Actions
1.2.1.
Develop and implement programmes to restore
degraded mountain ecosystems and protect natural dynamic processes
and maintain biological diversity in order to enhance the capacity
of mountain ecosystems to resist and adapt to climate change, or
recover from its negative impacts including,
inter alia, by establishing corridors and taking
appropriate measures to maintain ecological functions of natural
corridors, where appropriate, to enable vertical migration of
species, ensuring minimal viable population sizes to enable genetic
adaptation to changing environmental conditions. These programmes
should include socio-economic considerations, especially in
relation to indigenous and local communities.
1.2.2.
Initiate specific activities to facilitate
maintenance, protection and conservation of existing levels of
endemic species, with a focus on narrowly-distributed
taxa.
1.2.3.
Identify and protect unique, fragile mountain
ecosystems, other biological diversity hotspots and their
associated species, especially threatened species, giving priority
consideration to measures aimed at strict in situ protection and/or
developing ex situ mechanisms whenever feasible.
1.2.4. Develop strategies for
land-use and water-resource planning at landscape
level using the ecosystem approach, taking
into account elements of ecological connectivity and traditional
uses of indigenous and local communities, and to prevent and
mitigate losses of mountain biological diversity due to
fragmentation and land-use conversion.
1.2.5. Establish and strengthen
adequate, effective national, regional and international networks
of mountain‑protected areas, in accordance with decisions of
the Conference of the Parties on protected areas, while respecting
the rights and full participation of indigenous and local
communities.
1.2.6. Promote, as
appropriate, the role of sustainable agriculture and pastoralism,
using sustainable traditional practices that can maintain
biological diversity in mountain ecosystems.
1.2.7. Identify suitable
practices for enhancing ecosystem sustainability with particular
emphasis on degraded slopes.
1.2.8. Address
issues related to conflict between humans and other species,
especially with regard to coexistence with predators.
1.2.9. Review
protected area systems within mountain regions and , as
appropriate, take measures to ensure that these are developed and
maintained to be comprehensive, adequate and representative,
in line with decision VII/28 of the Conference of Parties on
programme of work on protected areas.
1.2.10.
Develop and implement measures to rehabilitate freshwater networks
for migratory species, taking into account the physical
barriers.
1.2.11. Establish restoration
areas where mountain biological diversity has been degraded
significantly and where restoration is needed to complement and
buffer the protected‑area network.
Supporting action of the Executive
Secretary
1.2.12. Collaborate with
relevant organizations and bodies to compile and disseminate
information on:
(a)
Components of biodiversity important
for conservation, in particular, on mountain endemic species,
hotspots and their associated species and threatened
species;
(b)
Best practices for their
conservation, sustainable use and benefit-sharing.
1.2.13. Compile and
disseminate case-studies on methods and economic aspects of
restoration of degraded mountain ecosystems and recovery of
mountain endangered species.
Goal 1.3: To promote the
sustainable use of mountain biological resources
Actions
1.3.1.
Promote sustainable land-use and water resource
management practices in relation to human livelihood needs
(agriculture, pastoralism, animal husbandry, forestry, aquaculture,
inland water fisheries, etc.) in mountain ecosystems, taking into
account the Convention principles for sustainable use and the
ecosystem approach.
1.3.2.
Promote sustainable land-use practices,
techniques and technologies, including those of indigenous and
local communities and community-based management systems, for the
conservation and sustainable use (including pastoralism,
hunting and fishing) of wild flora and fauna and agro-biodiversity
in mountain ecosystems, including biological pest
control.
1.3.3.
Support activities of indigenous and local
communities involved in the use of traditional mountain-related
knowledge, in particular concerning sustainable management of
biodiversity, soil, water resources and slope.
1.3.4.
Promote partnerships between all stakeholders,
including indigenous and local communities, involved in the
sustainable use of mountain biological resources. (see also goal
2.3)
1.3.5.
Develop criteria in the framework of the
Convention Guidelines on Biodiversity and Tourism Development in
accordance with the ecological conditions of mountains ecosystems
and promote the use of these guidelines.
1.3.6. Through appropriate
environmental planning, reduce the negative impacts of tourism and
outdoor activities on mountain ecosystems, as well as the
development of associated human settlements and
facilities.
1.3.7.
Strengthen local capacity for sustainable
tourism management, in order to ensure that benefits derived from
tourism activities are shared by indigenous and local communities,
while preserving natural and cultural heritage values.
1.3.8.
Promote the sustainable use of economically
valuable wild plants and animals, as an income-generating activity
for the local inhabitants.
1.3.9.
Promote integrated watershed management
practices at all levels for maintaining ecosystem integrity, soil
stability on slopes, upstream-downstream inter-connections and
protection against natural hazards.
Goal 1.4: To promote access to,
and sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic
resources related to mountain biological diversity in accordance
with national legislation where it exists
Actions
1.4.1.
Strengthen the capacity of indigenous and local
communities to engage in equitable benefit-sharing arrangements,
taking into account the Bonn Guidelines on Access to Genetic
Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of the Benefits Arising
out of their Utilization, bearing in mind their voluntary character
and that they do not purport to replace national
legislation. [U2]
1.4.2.
Develop methods to assess and conserve genetic
resources of high economic value for promoting fair and equitable
sharing of benefits, respecting national legislation on access to
genetic resources.
1.4.3.
Promote actions that are beneficial for
conservation through generating employment and/or income
particularly for marginal communities.
Goal 1.5: To maintain genetic
diversity in mountain ecosystems in particular through the
preservation and maintenance of traditional knowledge and
practices
Actions
1.5.1.
Assess and develop strategies aimed at
minimizing the threat of genetic erosion on domesticated
biodiversity (crops, animals) and wild relatives, paying particular
attention to the centres of origin of the genetic
resources.
1.5.2.
Implement provisions contained in Article 8(j)
on traditional knowledge and related provisions of the Convention
on Biological Diversity, taking into consideration the needs of
developing countries.
1.5.3.
Develop, validate and implement sustainable use
practices for plants, animals and microorganisms at the genetic,
species, population, community and ecosystem levels.
1.5.4.
Respect, preserve and maintain indigenous
knowledge, practices, processes and technologies to ensure
conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity and sharing of
benefits.
Programme element 2:
Means of implementation for conservation, sustainable use and benefit-sharing
Goal 2.1. To enhance the
legal, policy, institutional, and economic framework
Actions
2.1.1.
Identify and address perverse incentives and/or
policies that may impede the implementation of the Convention on
Biological Diversity in mountain ecosystems, taking into account
the decisions of the Conference of the Parties on incentive
measures.
2.1.2.
Develop and introduce appropriate incentives,
market and compensation mechanisms, in accordance with national and
international law where appropriate, specific for the maintenance
of mountain ecosystems and the goods and services delivered by the
mountain ecosystems.
2.1.3.
Promote the diversification of income-generating
activities in support of conservation and sustainable use of
mountain biological diversity and poverty reduction, including
methods to share economic wealth, i.e., within mountain regions
through regional development plans and between regions through
"upland-lowland contracts". [62]/
2.1.4.
Improve the science/policy linkages by
undertaking national and subnational scientific assessments of the
causes of biodiversity loss, including making policy
recommendations, in order to reduce the rate of loss of mountain
biological diversity by 2010.
2.1.5.
Develop performance indicators and report on the
integration of conservation and sustainable use of mountain
biological diversity into institutional programmes, including
sectoral policies, legal and economic frameworks.
2.1.6.
Strengthen legal and institutional capacity to
implement the work programme on mountain biological diversity,
especially through national focal points, institutes and other
relevant stakeholder groups and mechanisms allowing for the
coordination of sectorial authorities in implementing those
activities within their areas of responsibility.
2.1.7.
Develop and implement legal and policy
strategies for land-use planning at the landscape or river basin
level, where appropriate, taking into account elements of
ecological integrity and connectivity, while emphasizing
upstream-downstream relations and the prevention of losses of
mountain biological diversity due to fragmentation and land-use
conversion.
2.1.8.
Support proactive planning and adaptive measures
to reduce the vulnerability to both natural and human-induced
hazards adversely impacting on mountain biological diversity,
cultural landscapes and local communities.
2.1.9.
Encourage the implementation of environmental
and social impact assessments at sectoral, programme and project
levels. Promote sustainable development and the eradication of
poverty and prevent the negative impacts of economic development on
mountain biological diversity including cumulative impacts. Also
take into account specificities of indigenous and local communities
depending upon mountain ecosystems, by observing section F of
decision VII/16 of the Conference of the Parties on the
Akwé: Kon voluntary guidelines for the conduct of cultural,
environmental and social impact assessment regarding developments
proposed to take place on, or which are likely to impact on, sacred
sites and on lands and waters traditionally occupied or used by
indigenous and local communities.
2.1.10.
Integrate aspects of mountain biological
diversity into plans, policies and programmes related to mountain
areas.
Supporting activities of
the Executive Secretary
2.1.11.
Collate and disseminate, e.g., through the
clearing-house mechanism and other appropriate means, case-studies
of best practice of international and national efforts to enhance
the legal, policy, institutional and economic frameworks to
conserve and sustainably use mountain biodiversity.
2.1.12.
Promote synergy in the implementation of
international and regional conventions including, where relevant,
the Ramsar Convention, UNFCCC, CBD, WHC, CITES and the United
Nations Convention to Combat desertification.
Goal 2.2. To respect,
preserve, and maintain knowledge, practices and innovations of
indigenous and local communities in mountain regions
Actions
2.2.1 Promote the
implementation of activities aimed at maintaining existing levels
of agrobiodiversity paying particular attention to centres of
origin and the goods and services they provide both for
meeting local demands and to ensure sources of food
security.
2.2.2. Respect, understand and
support the traditions and sustainable practices of the indigenous
and local communities in mountain regions in ways which accommodate
their needs, participation, knowledge and practices for
conservation and sustainable use of mountain biodiversity (taking
into account Article 8(j) of the Convention and related decisions
from the Conference of the Parties and programmes of
work).
2.2.3. Promote networking,
collaborative action and participation of indigenous and local
communities in decision-making processes, paying particular
attention to the empowerment of women, in order to maintain
mountain biodiversity and its sustainable use.
2.2.4. Encourage decentralization
and enhance access to information for the full participation and
involvement of indigenous and local communities in decisions that
affect them in relation to mountain ecosystems.
2.2.5. Promote the implementation of
activities aimed at the improvement of mountain livelihoods,
poverty reduction and the maintenance of cultural identity, in
order to achieve sustainable use of mountain biological
diversity.
2.2.6.
Develop capacity-building measures and
information-sharing to facilitate the involvement of indigenous and
local communities, with their prior informed consent, in the
management, conservation, and sustainable use of mountain
biological diversity.
Goal 2.3. To establish
regional and transboundary collaboration and the establishment of
cooperative agreements
Actions
2.3.1.
Promote integrated transboundary cooperation,
strategies for sustainable activities on mountain ranges through
mutually agreed-upon arrangements by countries concerned.
Cooperative arrangements should cover specific thematic issues such
as landscape, soil, wetland, watershed, rangeland, mining,
protected areas and wildlife management, agriculture, pastoralism,
forestry, transportation, energy and tourism.
2.3.2.
Promote and strengthen regional and
transboundary cooperation for research, adaptive management, fair
and appropriate allocation of water to ecosystems, and exchange of
expertise to improve the conservation and management of mountain
biodiversity (e.g., Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA)
and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
(ICIMOD)).
2.3.3.
Promote the appreciation and conservation of
mountain biological diversity as a means of reducing human
conflict, i.e., through peace parks.
2.3.4.
Strengthen collaboration and synergies between
the work programmes of the Convention on Biological Diversity and
other global conventions and agreements on climate change,
desertification, transboundary pollution, invasive alien species,
wetlands and endangered species, with a special focus on mountain
systems and their biological diversity, including through joint
programmes of work. Also strengthen collaboration with the
International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain
Regions and regional conventions on mountains.
2.3.5.
Encourage the development of new methodologies
and new mechanisms, such as the upland-lowland contract that
sustain mountain biological diversity and the provision of goods
and services.
Programme element 3: Supporting actions for conservation, sustainable use and benefit-sharing
Goal 3.1. To develop work on
identification, monitoring and assessment of mountain biological
diversity
Actions
3.1.1. Promote the monitoring of
susceptible areas subject to climate change.
3.1.2. Conduct mountain surveys in
priority areas, for conservation and sustainable use of mountain
biological diversity. These surveys should consider inventories at
genetic, species and ecosystem levels.
3.1.3. Apply, whenever appropriate,
the programmes of work of the global initiatives such as the Global
Taxonomy Initiative, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Global
Invasive Species Programme.
3.1.4. Support the work of the
Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment.
3.1.5. Use national
biodiversity strategies and action plans and other national reports
to the Convention, for monitoring and assessment of mountain
biodiversity.
Supporting activity of the Executive
Secretary
3.1.6. Promote
collaboration among the secretariats and national focal points of
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, United
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and other relevant
organizations to develop adaptive strategies for mountain
ecosystems and for the monitoring of changes due to the impact of
global processes, where appropriate.
Goal 3.2. To improve
knowledge on and methods for the assessment and monitoring of the
status and trends of mountain biological diversity based on
available information.
Actions
3.2.1. Develop key abiotic, biotic
and socio-economic indicators of status and change of mountain
ecosystems.
3.2.2. Develop and select
international, regional and national criteria and, where
appropriate, quantifiable indicators for mountain biological
diversity, taking into account the work of the Convention on
monitoring and indicators and the knowledge held by indigenous and
local communities, together with other experience of sustainable
mountain management.
3.2.3. Develop methodologies for
assigning value to the ecological services provided by land
management systems in order to develop economic-incentive
mechanisms for compensating the poor and vulnerable mountain
communities.
3.2.4. Assess and address the
changing status of both local and long-range pollution and global
climate change issues with special relevance to mountain
ecosystems.
3.2.5. Assess and address
fragmentation and impacts on biodiversity, by changing land-use
management practices, e.g., land abandonment, mining.
3.2.6. Assess and address the
positive and the negative impacts of tourism and outdoor activities
in mountain ecosystems.
3.2.7. Assess and address natural
dynamic processes in mountain ecosystems and the need to preserve
areas for natural dynamic processes.
3.2.8. Develop monitoring systems based on
key national and subnational indicators of changes in mountain
ecosystem structure and function taking into account existing
monitoring expert knowledge and systems as well as relevant work
and processes on indicators.
Goal 3.3. To improve the
infrastructure for data and information management for accurate
assessment and monitoring of mountain biological diversity and
develop associated databases
Actions
3.3.1. Enhance and improve the
technical capacity at a national level to monitor mountain
biological diversity, benefiting from the opportunities offered by
the clearing-house mechanism of the Convention on Biological
Diversity, including the development of associated databases as
required at the global scale to facilitate exchange.
3.3.2. Promote open access as
Parties consider appropriate, to existing information on
biodiversity and related databases and sharing through the
clearing-house mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity
and other appropriate means.
3.3.3. Encourage mapping and
inventory of biodiversity and of land-use changes, using analogue
and digital databases (remote-sensing, geographic information
system) for scientific purposes and for supporting
decision‑making.
Supporting activity of
the Executive Secretary
3.3.4. Enhance the capacity of the
clearing-house mechanism to facilitate the implementation of goal
3.3.
Goal 3.4. To improve
research, technical and scientific cooperation, and other forms of
capacity‑building related to mountain biological
diversity
Actions
3.4.1. Conduct long-term research on
species adaptability to changing environmental conditions under
climatic or human-induced global change, in relation to mountain
biological diversity.
3.4.2. Conduct key research on the
role and importance of mountain biological diversity and ecosystem
functioning, considering ecosystem components, structure, function,
processes and services.
3.4.3. Develop and support research
to assess the role of soil biological diversity and the diversity
of protective vegetation cover for the stability and safety of
mountain areas and watershed protection, e.g., avoidance of
human-induced erosion, landslides and avalanches.
3.4.4. Initiate mechanisms and
develop collaborative research/scientific programmes of mutual
interest among countries with mountains, especially those having
common problems and comparable socio-cultural
conditions.
3.4.5. Foster exchange of
experiences and knowledge of sustainable development and ecosystem
vulnerability among countries with mountains, taking into account
the vulnerability of social-cultural systems and
communities.
3.4.6. Conduct interdisciplinary,
key research programmes on mountain biological diversity, and its
relationship to ecosystem structure and functions, including
communities-based management, with special reference to
transitional zones linking upland-lowland ecosystems such as
ecotones, hotspots, buffer areas and corridors.
3.4.7. Develop capacity and enhance
opportunities for community-based research and monitoring to
conserve mountain biodiversity and provide greater benefits to
mountain communities.
3.4.8. Develop scientific and technical
coordination mechanisms at national level for identification of
research priorities and for optimising the efficient utilization of
research results.
Supporting activity of
the Executive Secretary
3.4.9.
Explore and quantify the benefits of a diverse, intact vegetation
cover in catchments for water quantity and quality, hydroelectric
yield and geological and hydrological hazard prevention and
control.
Goal 3.5. To increase
public education, participation and awareness in relation to
mountain biological diversity
Actions
3.5.1. Promote educational and
capacity-building systems tailored to the specific conditions of
mountain ecosystems, such as workshops, courses, study tours,
community exchanges, communications from the Convention on
Biological Diversity, education and publications efforts, in line
with the Global Initiative on Communication, Education and Public
Awareness (decision VI/19 of the Conference of the
Parties).
3.5.2. Increase awareness of the
actual and potential contribution of knowledge, practices and
innovations of indigenous and local communities to conserve and
sustainably use mountain biological diversity, i.e., biodiversity
documentation, inventories by community and other appropriate
levels.
3.5.3. Encourage the implementation
of sustainable tourism activities aimed at increasing awareness,
respect and knowledge for mountain biological diversity, including
knowledge of the local, natural and cultural landscapes.
3.5.4. Increase dissemination of
knowledge on upland-lowland interactions and on components of
interdependence.
3.5.5. Further promote the education
of women and their role in the conservation and dissemination of
traditional knowledge.
3.5.6. Enhance awareness among
policy makers and planners on the importance and contribution of
mountain ecosystems in poverty eradication programmes;
3.5.7. Increase broad-based
awareness of the values of mountain biological diversity through,
inter alia, national and local public awareness
campaign.
Goal 3.6. To promote the
development, validation, and transfer of appropriate technologies
for mountain ecosystems, including indigenous technologies in
accordance with Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological
Diversity and related provisions
Action
3.6.1. Implement the programme of
work on technology transfer giving particular attention to matters
relating to the conservation and sustainable use of mountain
biodiversity.
Supporting activities of
the Executive Secretary
3.6.2. Document and disseminate,
through the Clearing House-Mechanism and other means, best
practices and appropriate technologies and innovative approaches to
managing biodiversity.
3.6.3. In collaboration with
relevant organizations, provide Parties with access to appropriate
and latest technologies and innovations relating to mountain
biodiversity with the approval and involvement of indigenous and
local communities as appropriate.
[61]/
Implementation of this programme of work should
not promote incentives that negatively affect the biodiversity of
other countries.
