Decision COP XII/15

Recalling paragraph 5 of decision X/17, in which Parties, other Governments, the financial mechanism, and funding organizations were invited to provide adequate, timely and sustainable support to the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 2011-2020, especially to developing country Parties, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing States, as well as Parties with economies in transition,

Also recalling paragraph 6 (a) of decision X/17 in which Parties and other Governments were invited to develop or update national and regional targets, as appropriate, and, where appropriate, to incorporate them into relevant plans, programmes and initiatives, including national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and to align the further implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation with national and/or regional efforts to implement the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020,

1. Welcomes the initial progress made towards the achievement of some of the targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 2011-2020, and recognizes the contribution this makes to the achievement of the corresponding Aichi Biodiversity Targets of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020,  but notes with concern that most of the targets may not be achieved on the basis of current progress, and therefore urges Parties, and invites other Governments and relevant organizations, to undertake actions to enhance the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, especially towards meeting targets for which there is currently more limited progress;

2. Noting the limited progress on Target 15, requests the Executive Secretary, subject to the availability of resources and in collaboration with relevant organizations, to compile relevant information on opportunities to promote capacity-building activities on botany and other related disciplines and activities to support implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and to prepare a synthesis for consideration by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice at a meeting prior to the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties; 

3. Also requests the Executive Secretary, in collaboration with Botanic Gardens Conservation International, members of the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation and other partners, subject to the availability of resources:

4. Acknowledges that a range of approaches might be effective in helping to accelerate progress towards the targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation depending on the stakeholders, dedicated institutions or champions involved as well as national circumstances;

5. Urges Parties and invites other Governments, members of the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation and other stakeholders to enhance their efforts to implement the Strategy by promoting and facilitating communication, coordination and partnerships between all relevant sectors, including through improved use of the clearing-house mechanism, as well as the following:

6. Notes that target 11 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation on flora endangered by international trade is aligned with the objectives and activities of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and therefore encourages Parties, as appropriate, to recognize the Plants Committee of CITES and relevant national CITES authorities as lead entities for the implementation of this target, bearing in mind CITES resolution 16.5;

7. Encourages Parties and invites other Governments to further engage with partner organizations, including members of the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation, and to facilitate and support the development of national plant conservation partnerships with the participation of indigenous and local communities and the widest range of stakeholders, recognizing the important role of women, in order to enhance the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation;

8. Encourages Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations to continue sharing relevant examples and case studies, including those made available by Parties through their fifth national reports, through the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation toolkit (www.plants2020.net) and the clearing-house mechanism of the Convention and to draw on the available tools and guidance when planning and implementing plant conservation, as appropriate.