What are the Aichi Targets?

Instead of learning another acronym today, we are going to answer the question – what are the Aichi Targets? In 2010, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. Countries agreed to the Strategic Plan because of the urgent need for action in support of biodiversity. It includes 20 ambitious but achievable targets, known as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and fall under five strategic goals:

Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society

Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use

Strategic Goal C: Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity

Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services

Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building

The Strategic Plan and Aichi Targets act as a flexible framework for governments to establish national and regional targets, so that countries can move from words to actions, and from actions to measurable results. Establishing and working towards these targets is a key component in fulfilling the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity.  Want to learn more? Click here to see all 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

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