The natural world includes both living and non-living components. The living components are in principle renewable resources that are continually evolving. It is therefore essential to manage these resources through sustainable use, protection and equitable distribution, so that they are not depleted for future generations.
The rate of species extinction worldwide is alarmingly high. In the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005), the rate of loss of biodiversity is estimated to be up to 1000 times the normal level. Species are dying out in Norway as well.
The 2006 Norwegian Red List contains 3 886 species, 285 of which are considered to be critically endangered. Biodiversity loss is essentially irreversible. Important reasons for species extinction include the loss of habitats, anthropogenic climate change, the introduction of alien species that disturb the balance of ecosystems, overexploitation of species and pollution. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment states that over the past 50 years, humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history. This has consequences for the choices available to us today.
Norway’s target, which is in line with the international target, is to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. From a global perspective, the close links between biodiversity and sustainable development are now generally accepted. In autumn 2006, the UN General Assembly decided to include the goal of reducing biodiversity loss as one of the targets under MDG 7. This is a confirmation of the close links between conservation of biodiversity and combating poverty, which are emphasised in the Norwegian action plan for environment in development cooperation. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity is the key international agreement in efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. Determined efforts and extensive cross-sectoral cooperation at both national and international level will be necessary to achieve this target.