Genetic diversity at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Interested in how and why genetic diversity was included in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)? Leading up to COP-15, we compiled some essential resources for discussions surrounding genetic diversity in Target 4, Goal A and monitoring indicators.
Scroll down to read a Statement from the Coalition, watch short videos and recorded webinars, and check out our list of essential documents and optional additional background material
In a few words
Genetic diversity among and within populations of all species is necessary for people and the planet to survive in a changing world. In the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the commitments to the conservation of genetic diversity have increased in ambition and specificity over the past three years, but remain insufficient.
Our Statement To national focal points
Genetic diversity is a basic pillar of all biodiversity that must be maintained, protected, managed, and monitored to enable populations of all species to adapt to environmental change, ensure resilient ecosystems, support ecosystem function, and benefit humanity. Genetic diversity of populations is also a key barrier against diseases, invasive pests, and climate change. Loss of genetic diversity will reduce adaptation, increase extinctions, destabilize ecosystems, and harm human well-being and economies (see Hoban et al 2021).
We commend the progress made towards conserving the genetic diversity of all species, as reflected in the OEWG4 and October 2022 Informal Group work on Goal A text and Action Target 4. Further, we welcome and strongly support the Headline Indicator (A.5, previously A.0.4):
“The proportion of populations within species with a genetically effective population size (Ne) >500”
and we support the list of other indicators on genetic diversity which are vital (see table below).
However, Goal A and targets require additional clarification, specificity and ambition, and indicators can be strengthened. Based on available, peer reviewed scientific knowledge, we suggest specific changes in the Table below.
You can view the full document, including references, genetic diversity FAQ, and suggested wording for indicators here.
Recommended watching
Learn more about genetic diversity indicators by clicking the links to videos and webinars below.
Recommended Reading
Follow the links below to read three vital publications
We outline the importance of genetic diversity, progress made by countries around the world on reporting on genetic diversity status and trends using simple and affordable indicators, and room for improvement on GBF wording around genetic diversity.
Additional resources
Want to find out more? We’ve compiled some additional resources to help.
This article describes how genetic diversity indicators can be applied in many species, including most trees, and presents a review of the Ne/Nc ratio
This short paper describes concisely why a Goal of 95% of genetic diversity is actually inadequate for species’ survival
This article describes an evaluation of data availability for 22,000 species and the first application of genetic diversity indicators in 79 species in Sweden
