Conservation

Countdown to 2010

Halting UK biodiversity loss by 2010

RSPB Ynis-hir nature reserve - view of pool from Ynys Eidiol hide

At the Gothenburg Summit in 2001, the UK Government made a commitment to halting the decline of biodiversity by 2010, as a response to the alarming loss of wildlife and habitats.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on the planet. This includes not only birds, but also the plant and animal species that make up our wildlife - and the places or habitats in which they live. 

These pages provide a breakdown of what we believe must be done to stop the loss of biodiversity by 2010. 

Will the Government meet its target? Our 'timeline of action' counting down to 2010 outlines what should be done, and when. The clock is ticking and biodiversity is being lost. The time for action is now. 

There are three key elements to halting biodiversity loss in the UK

  • We need to protect and enhance threatened species and habitats
  • We must protect and manage our finest wildlife sites
  • We have to ‘make space’ for biodiversity. For example, we must make our farmland, forests, rivers and oceans more wildlife friendly places to live and increase access to biodiversity’s quality of life benefits            

Put simply, we must 'stop the rot, protect the best and restore the rest'.          

The Countdown 2010 commitment  

The RSPB is committed to playing a full part in halting the loss of biodiversity in the UK. We will continue to work with and encourage Government to achieve this ambitious target. We work with other organisations in BirdLife International to achieve this target at a European level. 

Click on the link to the right to find out more about '2010 Countdown' and its aim that, by 2010, all European governments, at every level, have taken the necessary action to halt the loss of biodiversity. 

What can I do?

Wildlife and habitats are being lost at an alarming rate in the UK. There are three simple steps the Government can take to protect them. Join our campaign to secure biodiversity now and for future generations.

Help stop the alarming loss of wildlife and habitats

Last modified: 02 October 2006