UNEP’s Global Biodiversity Assessment

Abstract

UNEP completed the Global Biodiversity Assessment (GBA) in 1995. Underlying this endeavour was an attempt to mobilise the global scientific community to analyse the present state-of-the-art knowledge and understanding of biodiversity and the nature of our interactions with it. A total of over 400 experts from over 50 countries were formally involved. The GBA was an independent, critical, peer-reviewed scientific analysis of the current issues, theories and views regarding the main aspects of biodiversity. The assessment did not concern itself with the assessment of the state of national or regional biodiversity. Its perspective was global with a focus on general concepts and principles. It drew attention to possible policy implications of its major findings and to existing gaps in knowledge and capacity. The paper discusses the key results of the Global Biodiversity Assessment and its implications to related forestry assessments.