Implementation and Reporting
Indicators exist to monitor and report on genetic diversity “among and within populations” aka “maintain genetic diversity within populations” and “no loss of distinct populations” as well as on monitoring using DNA based studies. Data are available and calculations are feasible (Hoban et al. 2020, Hoban et al 2022). The “Ne indicator” is currently included in the CBD Monitoring Framework as a Headline Indicator (A.0.4) for Goal A, but the “distinct populations” indicator (a.8.1) is not - it should be added as a Headline indicator. Additionally, the “Ne indicator” should be added as an indicator for Target 4, as no genetic diversity indicator is listed under Target 4 (CBD DOC REF).
A valuable component indicator on ‘safeguarding’ - assuming this term means ‘protection’ - is available for measuring in situ protected area coverage and ex situ coverage in seed banks, using geographic area as a genetic diversity proxy; this could serve Target 4 or Target 3, see Table 2 (Khoury et al. 2019, 2020). The ‘genetic scorecard’ indicator is also valuable as a means of summarizing and showcasing the genetic status of high profile species in a manner that is accessible to the public and policy makers; it is also feasible and requires only moderate resources, though it is not as quantitative as the Ne and populations lost indicators (though it could feature these indicators)(Hollingsworth et al. 2020). Lastly, indicators on threatened breeds and the size of seed/ gene banks are still important for tracking genetic diversity for food security and culture (https://www.post-2020indicators.org/), though they may be better suited as indicators for Targets 7 and 10.
Beyond clearly worded, ambitious and quantifiable Goals and Targets for genetic diversity, it will be just as critical that Goals and Targets are consistently translated at the national scale to ensure effective and measurable action. This will require guidance for Parties on National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and sustained technical support for national conservation strategies and deployment of indicators to effectively track progress (Xu et al. 2021).