Why attend
Conserving areas of particular importance for biodiversity is a core element of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Several approaches exist for mapping important marine biodiversity areas, each focusing on different biodiversity aspects and using varying criteria. Achieving GBF goals requires understanding these approaches, and how their outputs can guide effective planning.
Session Description
Identifying and conserving areas of particular importance for biodiversity is central to achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and implementing the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction ( BBNJ) agreement. In the marine realm, several standardised approaches for identifying areas of particular importance for biodiversity support these goals: Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs), Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs), Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs), and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), with a standard for Important Marine Turtle Areas (IMTAs) also nearing completion. The session will provide a brief overview of these approaches — highlighting the biodiversity considered, identification process, and outputs. It will also showcase how they can be used to inform GBF planning, guide area-based conservation measures, and support BBNJ implementation, ensuring that species and critical marine habitats receive effective protection.Speaker
Chief Operating Officer, Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources, Inc.
VicepresidenteMarino CMAP UICN y Director Oceana, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas 2021-2025
Independent Research Consultant, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas 2021-2025
