The seventh Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity aimed to provide input to the CBD and its preparations for the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-12). The conference intended to advance a scientifically informed dialogue on critical issues on the agenda of the CBD after the Rio+20 Conference. Particularly, it focused on addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society – Strategic Goal A of the Strategic Plan.

Background papers

1. The role of social sciences in achieving the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Targets

One of the themes of the conference was the role of the social sciences in achieving the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Targets, particularly Aichi Targets 1 to 4 (Goal A). Therefore, a background paper was prepared which demonstrates the relevance of various social science perspectives in achieving the respective targets, building upon the work of TEEB and other relevant initiatives.

The paper will also contribute to the preparation of SBSTTA-17 in line with decision XI/13.

The draft background paper was made available for peer review. The final revised paper is available here.

2. The importance of biodiversity for the development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

Another theme of the conference was the relevance of biodiversity and in particular the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Targets, for the development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As indicated in the UN Rio+20 outcome document "The Future We Want", biodiversity has a critical role to play in maintaining ecosystems that provide essential services, which are the foundations for sustainable development and human well-being.

This paper will also contribute to the work of the secretariat undertaken in response to COP decision XI/22, which further requested the Executive Secretary to collaborate with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the secretariats of the Rio conventions and other multilateral environment agreements, and international organizations and specialized agencies involved in poverty eradication, human health, food security and gender issues in the process of developing SDGs, taking into account the outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference.

The draft paper was made available for peer review. The revised version is available in three parts:key messages, the full background paper, and an annex.

The key messages were further revised after the Trondheim Conference (11 June 2013): revised key messages

Other documents for the Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity are available here.