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Abstract Global changes, from habitat loss and invasive species to anthropogenic climate change, have initiated the sixth great mass extinction event in Earth's history. As species become threatened and vanish, so too do the broader ecosystems and myriad benefits to human well-being that depend upon biodiversity. Bringing an end to global biodiversity loss requires that limited available resources be guided to those regions that need it most. The biodiversity hotspots do this based on the conservation planning principles of irreplaceability and vulnerability. Here, we review the development of the hotspots over the past two decades and present an analysis of their biodiversity, updated to the current set of 35 regions. We then discuss past and future efforts needed to conserve them, sustaining their fundamental role both as the home of a substantial fraction of global biodiversity and as the ultimate source of many ecosystem services upon which humanity depends.

In 2005 the Pacific Leaders endorsed the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change (PIFACC) 2006 to 2015. The Framework’s vision is “Pacific island people, their livelihoods and the environment resilient to the risks and impacts of climate change”. This second edition maintains the vision and goal of PIFACC but considers advances in understanding of climate change issues, developments in the global and regional climate change architecture, and the experiences of Pacific Island Countries and Territories, Pacific Regional Organizations, donors and other development partners, in implementing climate change programs since endorsement of the original edition of this Framework.

To provide an opportunity for PICs and partners to discuss and reach a consensus on common positions x Enhance negotiation skills of country delegates to prepare them for negotiations on priority issues at COP 10 x Develop a Strategy for effective participation and successful attainment of PIC positions at COP 10. x Strengthen negotiating positions. x Apply a One Pacific Voice at COP10 through side events and exhibitions showcasing success stories and sustainable land management (SLM) products from the Pacific and to highlight Pacific challenges and gaps in SLM x Coordinate and deliver joint support from key regional organizations and partners to assist Pacific Island Countries at COP10

This briefing document (the Pacific Island Brief) has been prepared for the Pacific Island Countries that are parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), as requested at the Pacific regional UNCCD COP10 preparatory workshop held at Nadi, Fiji from 29th August to 2nd September 2011. The brief will provide substantive information about the key agenda items for COP10 and propose possible positions for the Pacific Island Countries to take forward to the COP. The positions proposed in the brief are purely recommendations. It is ultimately the parties that decide whether to accept, modify or reject the proposed positions.

Reports from the PACC project