The International Day of Biodiversity is just around the corner on 21 May. Nationally and internationally discussions are focusing on the continued loss of biodiversity despite clear national and international targets. It is quite clear that the target originally set in 2010 is not going to be met.
Just a few days ago the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge http://www.unep-wcmc.org/ published a major study that showed that species and ecosystems are in decline. The report is a result of work in the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership http://www.twentyten.net/ and clearly documents the seriousness of the situation for our biodiversity.
But how can we reverse this trend and halt the decline? Yesterday the RSPB advocated a new approach to biodiversity and conservation towards a more holistic approach, so that conservation becomes integrated in all developments, including industrial sites, residential areas and farmlands.
Others call for improved valuation and recognition of the embedded values of biodiversity by introducing the notion of ecosystems services.
Should there be new targets?
Common for all these proposals are that the environmental professionalism must reflect this increased appreciation for the multi-disciplinary aspects of environmental management. CEnvs have a particular challenge to be on the forefront of this kind of thinking, but is there enough exchange between the different professions when it comes to biodiversity and how can we help to ensure that the ecological aspects of urban and industrial developments are fully incorporated?
I look forward to a SocEnv discussion and debate over the next few months.
John Carstensen, SocEnv's CEO
