Genetic diversity at COP17
Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17)
How can countries report on genetic diversity to accomplish Target 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)? Scroll down to learn more about genetic diversity at CBD negotiations in Armenia, or jump to each section by clicking the buttons below:
Target 4 of the KMGBF calls on CBD Parties to:
“...maintain and restore the genetic diversity within and between populations of native, wild and domesticated species.”
The CCG and member networks are at COP17 to help countries report on genetic diversity indicators
Why do we need to maintain genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, ensuring food security, and supporting society as a whole. Without genetic diversity, ecosystems are less able to adapt to change, which can have widespread effects on agriculture, climate resilience, and biodiversity.
New to genetic diversity? You can learn more about what it is, why it matters, and the global evidence for its loss on our Why genetic diversity matters page.
Meet the team
The CCG delegation includes experts from various networks, partners and projects working on scientific and policy aspects related to genetic diversity and KMGBF Target 4. Click on the delegates below and hover your mouse over the images for more information.
Where to find us at COP17
Experts in conserving and restoring genetic diversity and adaptive potential are attending COP17!
Look for the chameleon! You can find us at The Coalition for Conservation Genetics Exhibition Booth in the Blue Zone.
We will be present at a shared exhibition booth to showcase how conservation genetics can support the implementation of the KMGBF, with a particular focus on genetic diversity indicators and their application in national biodiversity monitoring and reporting.
We will also be a part of the following events:
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Systematic monitoring of agrobiodiversity on farm and in situ – an overview of approaches, tools and prospects
Tuesday 20th Oct, 13:15, Komitas - Business and Industry Organizations Group room - Block 2, 3rd Floor
Hosts: CGIAR | Alliance Bioversity and Ciat/CGIAR
Speaker: Alicia Mastretta Yanes
Learn moreWhat comes after an ABS permit? How research generates lasting benefits for biodiversity and supports the KMGBF
Wednesday 21st Oct, 18:15, Vayk - Side-event Room 3
Hosts: DSMZ | CBD | EC | Brazil | South Africa
Speaker: Eric Bishop von Wettberg
Learn moreMaking Subnational Biodiversity Action Count (TBC)
Thursday 22nd Oct, 16:30 - 18:00, Location TBD
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From data to reporting to action: Implementing the genetic diversity indicators of the KMGBF
Thursday 22nd Oct, 12:00 - 13:00, GEO BON Data to Action Pavilion
Speaker: Alicia Mastretta Yanes and CCG TeamGalaxy Ecology: Boosting indicator production from local to global
Saturday 24th Oct, 18:15, GEO BON Data to Action PavilionGenes from Space at the A&R Hub
Sunday 25th Oct, 14:00, Academia and Research HubGenes from Space
Monday 26th Oct, 18:00, GEO BON Data to Action PavilionFrom Biodiversity Knowledge to Action (TBC)
Wednesday 28th Oct, 09:00 - 10:00, Nature Positive Pavilion, Main RoomTranslating KMGBF genetic diversity commitments into conservation action
Wednesday 28th Oct, 09:00 - 09:45, FPWC Pavilion
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André Rosado will be attending the Biosafety Clearing-House and Risk Assessment Training Workshop
17th-18th October, COP17 Blue ZoneDavid O’Brien and Eric Bishop von Wettberg will be at the Regions4 metric session on 22 October, from 16:30 to 18:00 and at the networking reception in the Blue Zone on 25 October, from 18:00 to 20:00
How do we measure and report on genetic diversity?
Achievable and Affordable Indicators
Measuring genetic diversity is feasible, achievable and affordable, and it does not require DNA data: many countries already hold population data that can be used. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework includes two genetic diversity indicators:
1. Proportion of populations within species with an effective population (Ne) size greater than 500 (Headline indicator A.4).
This tracks whether populations are large enough to keep their genetic diversity and adaptive potential (their ability to adapt to new conditions, climate change and diseases). As a headline indicator, A.4 is part of countries' national reporting.
2. Proportion of populations maintained within a species (complementary indicator).
This tracks whether species keep their distinct populations, and the local adaptations those populations hold, across their range. Reporting on it is optional, but strongly recommended alongside A.4.
Genetic indicators in practice
From planning to reporting: genetic diversity in NBSAPs and 7th National Reports
Countries have now updated their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and submitted their 7th National Reports. Our new policy brief looks at how genetic diversity commitments are being turned into national priorities, action and reporting.
Genetic diversity is a national priority. All 100 NBSAPs reviewed mention genetic diversity, although only 18 mention effective population size.
It is built into national targets. Of 135 National Reports reviewed, 91 include an explicit genetic diversity target and 71 include genetic diversity in other national targets.
Reporting on headline indicator A.4 is underway. 23 Parties reported on A.4, 15 of them using the accepted methodology, and a further 13 said their assessment was in progress.
Lack of data is the main barrier, but it doesn't have to be. Most countries that did not report A.4 said they had no data available. Yet A.4 does not require DNA data: existing population and demographic data can be used.
You can learn more about how countries have approached genetic diversity in their national reports in the policy briefs below:
Countries are already putting this into practice:
South Africa has assessed the genetic indicators for 320 mammal species, and is expanding to amphibians and birds.
France used national biodiversity data portals, IUCN data and threatened-species action plans to report on 70 species in its 7th National Report.
Mexico calculated the indicators for 47 species, including crop wild relatives.
We recommend assessing at least 100 species, ideally 100 per major group such as plants, mammals and birds.
"Working with CCG enabled us to develop simple practical assessments of genetic diversity in the UK. Their help was crucial in gathering data and we valued the two-way process: working together and learning from each other." – David O'Brien, NatureScot
You can read more about these practical examples in the policy briefs below:
Need support with reporting?
Whether you are implementing your NBSAP, preparing your next national report, or calculating A.4 for the first time, we can help. Visit our booth in the Blue Zone or contact one of our COP17 team members. You can also find further guidance in the resources below, and by following this link to our Quickstart Guide on Github.
Tools Available Now
The tools for calculating these genetic diversity indicators are already available and continually improving. This includes a meta-data form for indicator A.4, guideline materials and documentation and integration with resources like BON in a Box, a platform designed to enhance biodiversity observation systems globally.
Flexibility in Implementation
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. While we’ve developed tools and support with our member organizations and through initiatives like GENOA and GINAMO, countries are free to adopt their own methods and do not have to follow the exact same pathway we used.
Our teams are committed to fostering collaboration between scientists and practitioners. We provide opportunities for networking and capacity building to ensure the successful implementation of genetic diversity indicators.
Took part in your country's reporting process?
Take our survey and share your experience by following the link below. The survey is available in English, French and Spanish.
Recommended reading and other resources
Check out other relevant publications here
Participation of several representatives of the CCG team, as well as our booth and catering, is generously supported by the COST Action CA23121 GENOA.