Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

Mexico is one of the world’s megadiverse countries and centres of domestication and origin of cultivated plants. It was the first megadiverse country to ratify the Nagoya Protocol on ABS in 2012 [ ] 156 A quarter century of knowledge for decision making Today, CONABIO has reached a new stage that includes the generation of intelligence and communication, both collective and individual, for making decisions on the conser- vation and sustainable use of the natural capital of Mexico. It stimu- lates the development and knowledge of natural capital across the country and influences decisions concerning global biodiversity and public policy. In addition, it maintains a presence in social networks, creating aware- ness about the vital importance of Mexico’s natural capital. The Commission is considered an authority in global meetings and organizations dedicated to biodiver- sity. It is also an adviser to national and international institutions and a means of communication among researchers, collectors of informa- tion, decision makers, producers of public policy, environmentalists and the public in general. It has been shaper and trainer of people in terms of awareness of the fundamental value of the country’s natural capital, assisting researchers, politicians, government officials, authorities, students, agricultural producers, fishermen, artisans and others. During the last 25 years, CON- ABIO has developed novel mecha- nisms for scientific research and for the formal development of statistics regarding the natural resources and biodiversity of the nation. It has sought to diversify the forms, media and instruments in which informa- tion is expressed to facilitate under- standing on the part of those who inhabit the ecosystems and manage the natural resources. CONABIO generates information about the three levels of biodiversi- ty: ecosystems, species and genetic resources. The information developed supports the three objectives of the CBD and the Strategic Plan for Biodi- versity 2011–2020, in particular Aichi Biodiversity Target 19. In 2016, within the framework of the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP13), CONABIO pre- sented the National Biodiversity Strat- egy (ENBioMex) and its 2016–2030 Action Plan. EnBioMex establishes 14 guiding principles with six strategic axes, 24 lines of action and more than 160 actions that seek to increase ef- forts to positively impact biodiversity and reduce the direct causes of its loss. W hen the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted, Mexico took a decision to establish a National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) to compile information regarding the knowledge of biodiversity and to promote research, teaching and dissemination of Mexican biodiversity and its sustainable uses. Since its establishment, CONABIO has provided the Government, academia and society in general with scientific information to allow for the conservation and sustainable use of the natural capital of all Mexicans. Over time, it has undergone two main stages of development: compilation of information and analysis and creation of knowledge regarding the natural wealth of Mexico. Marine Turtle Adolfo Felix on Unsplash Mexico