The Strategic Focus explains how the SUSG will focus its work until 2008, and how this work will link with wider IUCN plans. The focal points are in three main areas: Sustainable Use Policy, Science, and Practice.

Listed below are individual focal points, the full Strategic Focus document is available in Word (86Kb) or PDF (216Kb) formats.

SUSG A: Sustainable Use Policy

1. Elaborate the IUCN policy on the sustainable use of living wild resources and raise awareness of this within the IUCN.

2. Improve understanding of how biological factors, markets, institutions and other socio-economic forces create incentives or disincentives for the sustainable use of biodiversity.

3. Support the CBD processes related to the sustainable use of living wild resources including the Addis Ababa principles, their interpretation, development and implementation.

4. Provide expert input into the significant trade review, criteria, listings and other CITES processes which impact upon the sustainable use of living wild resources.

5. Highlight practical synergies between CITES and the CBD and ways in which the two conventions can together provide support to the sustainable use of living wild species.

6. Provide guidance on best practice for the use of precaution in the sustainable use of living wild resources.

7. Examine the relationship between human needs and biodiversity conservation to identify the appropriate role of the sustainable use of wild living resources in conservation and protected area management.

SUSG B: Sustainable Use Science

1. Undertake a quantitative analysis of case studies of use, leading to elaboration of the factors that increase the likelihood that use will be sustainable.

2. Provide guidance on the development of sustainable use indicators for CBD, GEF and other bilateral/multilateral mechanisms.

3. Elaborate the relationship between the sustainable use of living wild resources and the Ecosystem Approach.

4. Consult with SSC taxonomic groups to exchange information and perspectives on the sustainable use of living wild resources.

5. Examine key issues that have emerged from experiences in the sustainable use of living wild resources.

6. Examine the impacts of commerce on sustainable management and in particular the effect of the commodification of natural resources on rural livelihoods.

7. Develop the sustainable use of living wild resources as a tool for mainstreaming of biodiversity in productive landscapes.

SUSG C: Sustainable Use Practice

1. Evaluate the use of living wild resources in selected regions and countries.

2. Review the practice of the sustainable use of living wild resources in selected terrestrial biomes and ecosystems.

3. Review living wild resources managed for sustainable exploitation in marine environments.

4. Provide guidance on regulation and enforcement in sustainable use management regimes.

5. Elaborate best practice in Adaptive Management and contribute to tools for the monitoring of harvesting regimes.

6. Provide guidance for the co-management of natural resource systems.

7. Create stronger links between sustainable use scientists and practitioners; distribute information and knowledge, and develop practical advice and tools for field use.