Uruguay - Overview

Status and trends of biodiversity, including benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services

Uruguay is located in a biogeographic transition zone in the southern part of the South American continent. The confluence of biogeographic regions gives rise to natural fields interspersed with wetlands, different types of native forests, landscapes and important bodies of water, including coastal lagoons. Noteworthy biodiversity exists at the ecoregional, ecosystem, species and genetic levels... More »

Main pressures on and drivers of change to biodiversity (direct and indirect)

An analysis of sources of pressure highlighted the relationship between development strategies and lack of environmental planning at the territorial level. Another analysis conducted of future scenarios based on trends revealed that intensified production would negatively affect biodiversity.

Sources of pressure include energy and mining production, urban and tourism development (mainly on the coast), invasive alien species, development of transportation and service corridors, forestation, pollution and climate change... More »

Implementation of the NBSAP

The main achievements of Uruguay’s first NBSAP adopted in 1999 include, among others: the adoption of the Law on the National Protected Areas System (2000); preparation of a list of ecosystems and species prioritized for conservation; biodiversity integration in the curricula of primary, secondary and technical (professional) education; development of a regulatory framework for land use planning, including environmental and biodiversity variables... More »

Actions taken to achieve the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Seven eco-regions were defined under the PPR project (Proyecto de Producción Responsable) carried out in 2010 which aimed to develop a responsible production model. Plans for these eco-regions were prepared based on environmental characteristics, assessed conservation values, pressures and threats.

A set of environmental indicators to support environmental management, based on the Pressure-State-Response model, has been developed... More »

Support mechanisms for national implementation (legislation, funding, capacity-building, coordination, mainstreaming, etc.)

Uruguay became a Party to the Nagoya Protocol on ABS on 12 October 2014.

In 2013, Uruguay adopted the Law on Responsible Fisheries and Promotion of Aquaculture, as well as the Law on Mining (Ley de Minería de Gran Porte). Adopted in 2008, the Law on Land Management and Sustainable Development has resulted in the adoption of 9 documents containing guidelines for Departments (Administrative Divisions), with another 10 documents in preparation... More »

Mechanisms for monitoring and reviewing implementation

A comprehensive mechanism for monitoring and reviewing NBSAP implementation does not yet exist however this issue will be addressed in Uruguay’s revised NBSAP.