IUCN

Fewer than 11% of CBD Parties have adopted substantive ABS law, and nearly all of these are developing countries, focusing almost entirely on the ‘access’ side of the equation. Most of the CBD’s specific ABS obligations, however, relate to the other side of the equation – benefit sharing. This book considers the full range of ABS obligations, and how existing tools in user countries’ national law can be used to achieve the CBD’s third objective.

A survey of tourists and tour operators in the Egyptian Red Sea region shows that the industry often misperceives its clients’ environmental sensitivity, putting its own business at risk. Climate change is a growing threat to the tourism industry by making destinations less attractive and jeopardizing major sources of income. The awareness of tourists towards climate change and other environmental issues is likely to be a major driver of their future holiday choices.

The IUCN initiative “Strengthening Voices for Better Choices” (SVBC) is piloting improved forest governance arrangements, among others in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study was conducted in the Equator Province to try to answer questions about good forest governance, accountability arrangements, and the potential of SVBC-established structures to improve forest governance, among others. It also provides recommendations for further action research on accountability arrangements.

The rapid development of biofuels to support greenhouse gas reductions, agricultural development and energy security has often occurred without adequate consideration of the threat of biological invasions. Some biofuel feedstocks and associated pests pose a serious threat of biological invasion, especially when grown beyond their native ranges or in modified settings.

For some time now, the European Union has been committed to conserving the world’s biodiversity. In November 2007 more than 400 leaders from business, governments, the EU and NGOs met in Lisbon to explore how European business could improve performance through biodiversity responsibility. These proceedings provide an overview of the rich array of presentations and discussions that took place.