This paper considers a number of related proposals in the broad area of biodiversity and ecosystems policy currently receiving significant attention from national and international policy makers.

This report argues that further expansion of the global network of protected areas will be necessary, but will not be sufficient to attain a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss worldwide. Structural changes in consumption and in the efficiency of production are indispensable.

Biological diversity of the 72% of our planet covered by seawater is crucial to global resource security, ecosystem function and services, and climate dynamics. Current and future trends in marine biodiversity remain an important element to be fully assessed by the international community.

India is known for its rich heritage of biodiversity. In biological diversity parlance, India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the world. With only 2.4% of the world

The Global Expert Workshop on Biodiversity Benefits of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries was held in Nairobi from 20 to 23 September 2010, with the generous financial support from the Government of Germany.

This document is presented as a background document for the Global Expert Workshop on Biodiversity Benefits of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries, taking place from 20-23 September 2010, in Nairobi.