Birds and the Convention on Biological Diversity: can ornithologists and bird conservationists make a difference?

Abstract

Upon its adoption in 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was greeted with enthusiasm by the conservation community including bird conservationists. Nine years after its entry into force in 1993, the CBD still has to live up to the original high expectations if it is to halt, or even slow, the loss of biodiversity at the ecosystem, species and genetic level. Among the reasons for this shortcoming, the rather vague nature of obligations for the 182 governments who have ratified the Convention is probably the most important. National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) form the most significant instrument for the implementation of the CBD. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is supporting the NBSAPs financially, as well as local, national and regional projects, many of which are relevant for bird conservation. Being the best-researched animal taxa, birds could serve relatively easily as indicators for the success of efforts under the Convention. Some cases, where ornithological data are being used within NBSAPs and related processes, are highlighted. From the early stages of planning, bird surveyors should take the potential use of their results by decision-makers into account. For ensuring that survey data are fed into NBSAPs and other similar policy documents, a strong collaboration of ornithologists and birdwatchers with non-governmental conservation organizations is recommended.