Right now we are losing biodiversity from every corner of the globe at an unprecedented speed. If biodiversity loss continues at the current pace, our ecosystems will soon reach tipping points beyond which it can never recover for future generations. I believe that once our collective wisdom as human beings is consolidated, we will be able to overcome the threat of the loss of biodiversity.

The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets, is a new global framework for action by all countries and all stakeholders adopted at the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in October 2010. The Strategic Plan represents a symbol of solidarity among all people who are working towards averting this threat.

Now with the adoption of Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the Parties to the CBD are expected to translate this overarching framework with 20 targets into revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. Japan helps to support this through the Japan Biodiversity Fund. Furthermore, the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity started this year, 2011, to promote the achievement of Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

In order to preserve the bounties of our rich nature for future generations, we are committing ourselves to working with people from around the world to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, to ensure everyone can live in harmony with nature.

Ryu Matsumoto, Minister of Environment, Japan