The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted by world leaders at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, is an integral part of the global strategy for sustainable development.  The three main objectives of the Convention include the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of its genetic resources.

In April 2002, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity committed themselves 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, termed the 2010 Target, may be informed by a variety of indicators that quantify the status and trends of biodiversity. As countries will be required to report on their progress towards the 2010 Target, it is important to have country-level biodiversity information. 

National and Regional Red Lists are an especially important tool, as they can help countries to measure their progress towards the 2010 Target. When a National or Regional Red List is conducted repeatedly, it can provide trend information on how the status of biodiversity in a country or region is changing throughout time.  This may then help policy makers, conservationists, and the general public to assess the status of their biodiversity and to achieve their obligations under the Convention.

For more information see

Convention on Biological Diversity

2010 Biodiversity Target

2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership