Source: BirdLife International Africa (2017). Eco-labelling, certifications Another non-regulatory mechanism that can encourage wetland conservation and wise use is or certification. Consumers that choose to purchase goods with eco-labels or certifications that they have been produced in a sustainable manner create a market incentive for sustainable businesses. In the wetland context, the certification programme for Responsibly Produced Peat, established with financial support of the Dutch government, is based on the principles and criteria of the International Peatland Society’s Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management [ref]. Certified companies commit to maximizing peat production for the professional horticulture and the hobby gardening market from degraded areas, thereby avoiding natural, high-quality peatlands [ref]. Other certification schemes, such as the Roundtable on Responsible Palm Oil, Forest Stewardship Council and others covering beef, soy etc have standards avoiding damage to high conservation value areas, including wetlands (Abell et al. 2015) PULLOUT TEXT: Aichi Biodiversity Target 20 refers specifically to: “the mobilisation of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 from all sources…” (Our emphasis) [381 words] PAGE 61: Removal of perverse incentives Removal of perverse incentives Countries often support agricultural activities through mechanisms such as subsidies and price support. Sometimes these create perverse incentives to convert wetlands for agriculture, or increase wetland degradation through pollution. The Food Security Act of 1985 in the United States illustrates how removing perverse incentives, along with positive incentives from PES, can reduce the rate of wetland loss. Under this law, farmers draining or altering a wetland for agricultural production may be ineligible to receive government benefits such as loans, subsidized insurance, and price and income support. Table # quantifies the positive impact of these policies. Years Average wetland loss or gain 1950s-1970s 161,251.2 ha/year lost Mid-1970s to mid-1980s 63,373.8 ha/year lost 1986-1997 6,155.3 ha/year lost 1998-2004 4,773.3 ha/year gained 2004-2009 8,994.8 ha/year gained
Source: BirdLife International Africa (2017). Eco-labelling, certifications Another non-regulatory mechanism that can encourage wetland conservation and wise use is or certification. Consumers that choose to purchase goods with eco-labels or certifications that they have been produced in a sustainable manner create a market incentive for sustainable businesses. In the wetland context, the certification programme for Responsibly Produced Peat, established with financial support of the Dutch government, is based on the principles and criteria of the International Peatland Society’s Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management [ref]. Certified companies commit to maximizing peat production for the professional horticulture and the hobby gardening market from degraded areas, thereby avoiding natural, high-quality peatlands [ref]. Other certification schemes, such as the Roundtable on Responsible Palm Oil, Forest Stewardship Council and others covering beef, soy etc have standards avoiding damage to high conservation value areas, including wetlands (Abell et al. 2015) PULLOUT TEXT: Aichi Biodiversity Target 20 refers specifically to: “the mobilisation of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 from all sources…” (Our emphasis) [381 words] PAGE 61: Removal of perverse incentives Removal of perverse incentives Countries often support agricultural activities through mechanisms such as subsidies and price support. Sometimes these create perverse incentives to convert wetlands for agriculture, or increase wetland degradation through pollution. The Food Security Act of 1985 in the United States illustrates how removing perverse incentives, along with positive incentives from PES, can reduce the rate of wetland loss. Under this law, farmers draining or altering a wetland for agricultural production may be ineligible to receive government benefits such as loans, subsidized insurance, and price and income support. Table # quantifies the positive impact of these policies. Years Average wetland loss or gain 1950s-1970s 161,251.2 ha/year lost Mid-1970s to mid-1980s 63,373.8 ha/year lost 1986-1997 6,155.3 ha/year lost 1998-2004 4,773.3 ha/year gained 2004-2009 8,994.8 ha/year gained
18.12.2017_strp21-12.4-gwo_-sect_4_responses_sod.docx