Annual Report 2009

Outlook 2010

International Year of Biodiversity In 2002, recognizing the crucial role that biodiversity plays in supporting every aspect of human life, Parties of the UN Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) set an ambitious goal – to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on Earth. This goal was subsequently endorsed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the United Nations General Assembly. To mark the target year, 2010 has been designated as the “UN International Year of Biodiversity” – an oppor- tunity to reflect on what has been achieved to date. The 10th Conference of Parties of the CBD will gather in October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. One of the tasks will be to establish new targets that will motivate the global society to redouble efforts to ensure that sus- taining biodiversity is a high priority both on the in- ternational agenda, and in the minds and actions of citizens globally. GRID-Arendal will be adding our own voice to motivate and inform our constituents. As an “Impact Monitoring Centre” we will continue to explore how environmental information can lead to more considered decisions. We use the experiences of our work to learn and adapt our products, pushing the boundaries to find new and inno- vative ways to communicate messages that can bring the best available science to decision makers and the

public. To celebrate the International Year of Biodiversi- ty in 2010, we will promote biodiversity issues through our four main areas of work: Polar & Cryosphere, Ma- rine, Communications, and Capacity Building & As- sessments and thereby strengthen our collaboration and synergy with our “sister” organization, the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC). New team structure 2010 is the start of a transition for GRID-Arendal to a new, team-based structure. We believe that working through a number of dynamic and evolving teams will: Increase the incentive for creativity and new ideas; Promote the empowerment of staff and evolution of in-house skills; Increase focus on strategic areas, in particular the thematic areas of the UNEP Programme of Work; and, Foster greater efficiency and flexibility. • • • •

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