BioAreas Standard

The BioAreas Standard sets out the management objectives and management system for a registered BioArea.

 1. BioAreas Management Objectives

The management objectives of a BioArea are based on the objectives of the CBD. For each objective, the Standard sets out a set of general criteria and indicators. These will need to be further refined and articulated in light of specific area-based social and environmental challenges and opportunities. Particularly for BioAreas in developing countries, these objectives should be addressed in the context of sustainable development.

 1.1 Conserve Biodiversity

Biodiversity within the area must be conserved and, as needed, restored.

This management objective is derived from the first objective of the CBD which is “the conservation of biological diversity.” Importantly, the  CBD defines ‘in-situ conservation’ – which is the focus of the BioArea approach – as “the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings and, in the case of domesticated or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties.”

General Criteria & Indicators:

  • The conservation of biodiversity must comply with national and international laws and regulations.
    • Document relevant laws and regulations regarding conservation and how these are adhered to in the BioArea.
  • Management impacts within the BioArea must be biodiversity-positive as measured against the baseline assessment.
    • Document conservation actions.
    • Monitor biodiversity outcomes.
  •  Management impacts outside the BioArea must be at least biodiversity-neutral as measured against the baseline assessment.
    • Document assessed impacts.
    • Monitor any required mitigation actions.

1.2 Use Biodiversity Responsibly

Within the BioArea, any use of biodiversity must be responsible, i.e. the use must be ecologically sustainable and not undermine the conservation of biodiversity, and it must be socially equitable and not undermine sustainable development.

This management objective is derived from the second and third objectives of the CBD. The second objective of the CBD is “the sustainable use of its components.” The third objective of the CBD is “the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources.” For the BioAreas Standard, the fair and equitable sharing of benefits refers to the use of all the components of biodiversity and not just genetic resources.

General Criteria & Indictors

  •  The use of biodiversity must comply with national and international laws and regulations.
    • Document relevant laws and regulations regarding use and how these are adhered to in the BioArea.
  •  The use of biodiversity must not lead to the long-term decline of biodiversity and it must ensure social equity for present and future generations.
    • Document possible biodiversity and social impacts.
    • Monitor any required mitigation actions.
  •  As appropriate, the BioArea Management System may incorporate voluntary responsibility schemes for the production of goods or services so long as these do not undermine the conservation of biodiversity or sustainable development.
    • Document the use and impacts of such schemes.
    • Monitor any required mitigation actions.

2. BioAreas Management System

The management system set out in this section of the Standard establishes a common set of transparent and accountable requirements for all registered BioAreas. In this sense, it establishes the core components of a BioAreas Management System. Somewhat akin to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standard for organisations, the BioAreas Standard focuses on the establishment of a management system for environmentally-responsible area management. For registered BioAreas, environmental responsibility refers specifically to the objectives of the CBD as set out above in section 2.1

2.1 Area Location & Its Manager

The precise geographic boundaries of a BioArea and its size must be specified. GIS coordinates and a topological map must be included with a BioArea nomination.

The BioArea must have a responsible management authority with clearly established rights to manage the area. Evidence of the manager’s authority must be included with the nomination or, in exceptional cases, by the time of registration. In cases of uncertainty or dispute, a clarifying letter from the national CBD focal point will be required by the BioAreas Secretariat.

At the time of nomination, the Executive Summary of the application will be must be made publicly available online through the BioAreas Registry.

2.2 Baseline Assessment & Action Plan

A robust Baseline Assessment of a BioArea including stakeholder consultation must be undertaken. Evidence of this assessment must be reflected in the Action Plan which will include a set of biodiversity actions for the 5-year registration period.

The Assessment and the Plan must be submitted to the Registry at the time of registration. Once accepted, it will be made publicly available online.

At the end of the 5-year registration period, to register for a subsequent 5 years, the management authority is required to submit an updated Assessment and Plan incorporating lessons learned and addressing any emerging issues.

2.3 Monitoring & Reporting Procedure

The responsible management authority must also establish a Monitoring & Reporting Procedure with key performance targets and indicators in relation to the Baseline Assessment.

Once a BioArea is registered, annual biodiversity performance reports must be submitted to the Registry. These will be made available to the public online.

Transparency with respect to biodiversity outcomes and also with respect to adaptive management undertaken in response to lessons learned and to emerging environmental, economic and social issues is expected.

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