COP10: Intervening on behalf of biodiversity

Here I am, on behalf of the Society for Ecological Restoration, making what is called an ‘intervention’ during the COP10 proceedings. I read the statement below in support of ecological restoration as a viable tool in the fight to save biodiversity.  It was well received.  This is a big deal to have been able to intervene during the proceedings and make a statement like this.  It goes on the record and the delegations from each nation, NGOs and all interested parties (over 250 entities) heard our intervention.  International convention policy in the making.

October 19, 2010
 
COP10 Society for Ecological Restoration
Statement to the Parties
 
Thank you Mr. Chair.  I represent the Society for Ecological Restoration, an NGO Observer.  I will be brief with my comments. We very much welcome the increased emphasis on ecosystem restoration, as stated in Agenda Item 4.3 a(ix), and as just recently noted by both the delegations of Norway and Canada, as an important mechanism for assisting the Parties to achieve the objectives of the Convention.
 
The Society for Ecological Restoration, like the Parties to the Convention, sees ecosystem restoration as a science driven, cost-effective, participatory approach to enhancing biodiversity values, improving the delivery of ecosystem services for sustainable livelihoods, and mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
 
As a network of restoration professionals based in 56 countries throughout the world, the Society for Ecological Restoration provides scientific and technical expertise in the ecological repair and management of ecosystems. The Society brings together academics, researchers, practitioners, legislators and regulators to define and deliver excellence in the field of ecological restoration. Since the Society’s inception over 20 years ago, its workshops, publications, and international collaborative networks have provided leading-edge restoration guidance to individuals and organizations worldwide.
 
The Society looks forward to working with the Secretariat and Parties to the Convention at COP11 on identifying the ways and means to support ecosystem restoration, including the development of practical guidance on restoration and related measures that will enhance the capacity of the Parties to restore degraded ecosystems and achieve the 2020 headline targets.
 
In summary, we encourage countries with capacity, to provide targeted scientific, technical and financial support for ecosystem restoration initiatives in developing countries.  Along with sound science, we also encourage the full integration of traditional ecological knowledge as critical components for restoring ecosystems to protect and enhance biodiversity.
 
Thank you Mr. Chair.