Over 70 people attended this side event at the 8 th Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Jon Hutton, Chair IUCN/SSC Sustainable Use Specialist Group, welcomed participants and outlined the steps that have been taken thus far toward development of indicators to monitor the status of biodiversity subject to use. The results of the most recent step – the workshop convened by IUCN with WCMC in Cambridge, UK, in January 2006, - concluded that there remains considerable confusion about the terms used in the framing of the 2010 targets that pertain to sustainable use. A number of possible indicators was identified; a recognition of the importance of partnerships to develop effective indicators in the time available and the need to broaden the scope of technical expertise in the development, testing and application of indicators to asses trends in the status of the world’s biological diversity. It was this last point – the need to broaden the scope of people to contribute to the development of indicators that led to the offering of the side event.

Jonathan Baillie: Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (jonathan.baillieioz.ac.uk ) described the scientific requirements for development of indicators to monitor the status of biodiversity. He pointed out that the target calls for measuring changes in the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010 and the indicators will need to be policy-relevant, scientifically accurate, resonate with the public, and rely on data that are readily available. They will need to be feasible and cost-effective scaleable. He pointed out that the loose use of terms without explanation of definition in relation to the targets remains a problem. Because of the limited time remaining in which to detect changes in rate of loss requires that existing data sets be used, that we begin now and at the same time begin planning more sophisticated means of measuring changes to be prepared for post 2010 needs.

Lorena Jaramillo: Coordinator, Sustainable Biotrade Initiative, Ecuador ( biocomerciocorpei.org.ec , www.biocomercioecuador.org ) introduced the BioTrade Initiative, noting that it was a partnership of the Ecuador Ministry of Environment and UNCTAD designed to promote network of international and local organisations to foster sustainable development and conservation of biodiversity. The Initiative strives to promote compliance with CBD objectives, and particularly, promote trade in biodiversity which is sustainable. The BioTrade principles and criteria comprise a framework of seven principles, which complement the CBD Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines for Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, including equity and access/land rights. Two case studies were used to illustrate how the Initiative helps small business develop products and markets that rely on products derived from sustainable use of biodiversity. Information can be obtained on the case studies from Lorena at the email address referenced above.

Loreen Jubitana, VIDS, Suriname, representing the Tropical Forest Peoples, reviewed the work that has been ongoing in relation to Article 8(j) in support of indigenous peoples’ access and benefit sharing in relation to sustainable use of biodiversity. She reported that a working group has been established to work on indicators of sustainable use that would welcome collaboration with the IUCN ad hoc working group on sustainable use indicators. In the context of Article 10(c) of the Convention, there is need to develop indicators that are based on customary use of biodiversity, which takes into account social, legal and cultural aspects of sustainable use. Preliminary ideas for such indicators would were: extent of areas under sustainable traditional practices, and number of sustainable use management plans based on traditional practices.

Markus Lehmann , CBD Secretariat (markus.lehmannbiodiv.org), acknowledged the work that has been done on scoping overarching headline indicators. However, given the need to provide meaningful input into the 9 th CoP there is need to use existing indicators and data as much as possible. From the perspective of the CBD, to the extent practicable, the indicators should also be applicable to other programmes of work, and be applicable at national and regional levels. There is need for a pragmatic approach. The meeting of the IUCN Ad Hoc Working Group on Sustainable Use Indicators in Cambridge shows a lot of potential; but, follow up needs to be open and inclusive. For example, in relation to Article 10c (customary use) there is need for practical cooperation with the indigenous groups that are pursuing this issue. The process should not be restricted to academics and researchers.

Barney Dickson , Head of International Policy, Flora & Fauna International, and a member of IUCN/SSC SUSG, (barney.dickson@fauna-flora.org), as respondent, pointed out that the last part of the 2010 target on biodiversity was about poverty alleviation, and needed to be taken into account. The focus of the presentations had been on species. Only Loreen mentioned sustainable use of ‘areas’, which merited more thought. The time constraints of this work had been emphasized, but the process would not stop at 2010. At the same time there were political risks in making that point because it drew attention away from 2010 and might be seen as a failure to meet this target. Finally, how could the process begun in Cambridge, be extended to involve a broader constituency in this issue?

Discussion – facilitated by Steve Edwards, Special Advisor, IUCN – The World Conservation Union (steiucn.org)

Four key points were made in the discussion session:

1. Sustainable use principles are designed to provide incentives to conserve the resources being used. Participants recognized the need for indicators that will help resource managers monitor the status of the resources being used so that adjustment can be made in use levels before it is too late. At the same time, indicators are needed for governments to measure the status of biodiversity subject to use and at the global level we need to monitor overall trends in the status of biodiversity. So the challenge is to address the needs at different scales.
2. Because of the high variability in conditions that affect sustainability of uses of biodiversity, there is need to provide means so that entrepreneurs can identify local specialists in sustainable use to advise them on how to ensure that the resource can be used sustainably.
3. There is need to provide a facility for involving a broader cross section of those interested in the development of sustainable use indicators in the process that was begun in Cambridge. There is particular need, based on the presentations in the session, for means to collaborate with the indigenous working group established to develop sustainable use indicators related to customary practices as noted in Article 10 (c) of the Convention.
4. We had reached a point where we needed to get on with identifying, testing and applying practical indicators. Such indicators would require use of existing datasets that have temporal, geographic depth on diverse species groups. i.e., IUCN/SSC Redlist data, CITES trade data and FAO data on forest and fisheries status).

The session concluded with a commitment by participants to remain involved and contribute to the process. A copy of the Cambridge Report is to be sent to participants. Funding is being sought to continue the Cambridge process.

May 2006. Steve Edwards is Special Advisor, IUCN – The World Conservation Union (steiucn.org)

Based on Steve Edwards’ notes and input from other participants.

Sustainable, June 2006, contents page