Asia-Pacific

Japan holds talks on global biodiversity targets

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-18 11:36

NAGOYA, Japan - Representatives from all corners of the world gathered in the central Japanese city of Nagoya on Monday for the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, known as COP10.

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The talks will be focused on the protection of marine and coastal, inland waters and mountain biodiversity.

The post 2010 target will also be a major topic at the meeting. The 2010 biodiversity target was endorsed in 2002 with the goal of achieving by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national levels to contribute to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth.

Ryu Matsumoto, minister of the Environment of Japan, said at the opening ceremony that the nature was in serious danger and he urged for a new global target, which was ambitious and realistic. The minister, who is also the president of COP10, believed the 2010 goal had not been achieved.

This year marks the international year of biodiversity with a lot of activities going on around the world. The negotiations in Nagoya will last until October 29.

A ministerial meeting in the last three days will be the highlight of the event. Negotiations will be conducted toward the adoption of the "Nagoya Protocol", an international regime on access to genetic resources such as medicinal plants and benefit- sharing for the countries concerned.

But analysts said the talks will not be easy because members of COP10 are divided on issues like the sustainable use of biodiversity and financial support.

The convention boasts more than 190 members. The event in Nagoya is expected to attract about 8,000 people in total, organizers said earlier.