At CBD COP 13, the progress towards the strategic plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and achievements of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets was discussed. Until Dec 2016, 142 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and 184 National Reports (NR) were submitted by the parties. 

The Conference of Parties (COP) 

1. noted with concern, that Aichi Biodiversity Target 17 was not met by the target date of 2015 and reiterated its great concern that Aichi Biodiversity Target 10 was not achieved by its 2015 target date, and urged Parties to pursue their efforts to achieve these targets as soon as possible

2. encouraged Parties, in the process of updating their NBSAPs, to consider the indicators for the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals;

3. Invited Parties, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, and relevant organizations to submit updated information on progress towards Aichi Biodiversity Target 18 on traditional knowledge and customary sustainable use of biodiversity. 

4. Invited Parties that have not deposited their instrument of ratification to Nagoya Protocol to take steps towards its implementation, including by establishing institutional structures and legislative, administrative or policy measures on access and benefit-sharing, and to make relevant information available to the Access and Benefit-sharing Clearing-House. 

 World Wetland Day 2 Feb 2017 

 2 February each year is the World Wetland Day, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 2071. The Convention was established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity. They are the most productive ecosystems, as they harbor great volumes of food that attract large biodiversity. Wetlands also act as carbon sinks and also helps in shoreline stability. 

Healthy wetlands are affected by climate change and disasters in many ways. Like increase in soil erosion; flood runoff, decrease in the recharge potential of ground water aquifers, damage to coral reefs and mangroves and increased tropical cyclone activity. The theme for World Wetlands Day this year, is “Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction”

It is important to recognize the values and roles played by the wetlands and spread the awareness to safeguard them for our future.