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).