Editorial Vol.15.No.4

International Year of Biodiversity 2010

The year 2010 was a deadline to achieve significant reduction in the rate of loss of biodiversity. We are far from reaching this goal, but 2010 is still significant. The aim this year, declared the international Year of Biodiversity, is to reflect on what needs to be done to change this trend.

Sustainability educators have the challenge to enhance understanding about how biodiversity relates to everyone’s daily needs, so that everyone feels responsible for stopping the loss. There is also the challenge to ensure science, policy and politics play an equal role in decision making. It means linking livelihoods, combating poverty, and planning development and new infrastructure sensitively. The 2010 International Year of Biodiversity is a unique opportunity to understand
the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth and to stop this loss.

(Based on content from
http://www.unep.org/iyb/)



The recently conducted public consultation process on the commercial release of Bt Brinjal is one example of how science and politics and concern for livelihoods can be brought together in policy-making, especially in relation to biodiversity. Picture courtsey: CEE Central Photobank