Habitat Fragmentation and Degradation
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Aichi Biodiversity Target Five - Habitat Fragmentation and Degradation – focuses on reducing habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. It states: By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced.
Habitat loss, including degradation and fragmentation, is the most important cause of biodiversity loss globally. Reducing the rate of loss, and eventually halting it, is essential for protecting biodiversity and maintaining the ecosystem services that are vital to human wellbeing. This is particularly important for habitats that have been greatly diminished or degraded by human activities, or that face a critical tipping point or threshold. This target applies to all habitats, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal systems, among others. To achieve Aichi Biodiversity Target Five, and effectively reduce habitat fragmentation and degradation, countries will need to assess the status, trends and distribution of key natural habitats; understand the drivers of loss and degradation of these habitats; and take a variety of steps to safeguard against further loss and degradation, including through land-use planning, integration of biodiversity into key production and development sectors, and increased land and water protection.
Target 5 indicators may include status and trends in:
- The extent, condition, and fragmentation of key habitats and ecosystems
- The populations of key species dependent upon these habitats and ecosystems
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