An analysis of genetic diversity actions, indicators and targets in 114 National Reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Genetic diversity is critically important for all species-domesticated and wild- to adapt to environmental change, and for ecosystem resilience to extreme events. International agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have committed to conserve and sustainably and equitably use all levels of biodiversity-genes, species and ecosystems-globally. However, assessment and monitoring of genetic diversity are often overlooked, and there are large knowledge and policy gaps regarding genetic diversity conservation. In this study, we present the first quantitative analysis of genetic diversity assessments conducted by Parties to the CBD. We conducted a detailed, systematic analysis of 114 CBD 5th (submitted 2014) and 6th (submitted 2018) National Reports to quantitatively assess actions, progress on targets, values and indicators related to genetic diversity. First, we found that the importance of genetic diversity is recognised by most Parties to the CBD, and that recognition increased over time. However, genetic targets mainly addressed genetic diversity within cultivated plants, farm animals, and crop wild relatives, with little focus on other wild species. Also, actions for conserving genetic diversity primarily concerned ex-situ facilities and policy, rather than monitoring and intervention for maintaining genetic diversity in situ . The most commonly used indicators of genetic diversity status were the number of genetic resources in conservation facilities, number of threatened breeds, and Red List Index, which are not well correlated to genetic erosion in most species -- highlighting that genetic change is poorly monitored by current indicators. Lastly, analyses of genetic data observations, indigenous use and knowledge of genetic diversity, and strategies being developed and implemented to conserve genetic diversity are highly under-reported. We make several recommendations for the post-2020 CBD Biodiversity Framework to improve awareness, assessment, and monitoring, and facilitate consistent and complete reporting of progress of genetic diversity in future National Reports. Article Impact Statement An analysis of genetic diversity in CBD National Reports neglects non-domesticated species and demonstrates need for sufficient indicators. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. * Action : an activity undertaken (or planned to be undertaken) by a country to make progress towards one or more targets (e.g. development of policy; management intervention; training; implementation of a conservation program) Aichi targets : a set of 20 targets agreed by the CBD to be achieved by 2020 CBD : The Convention on Biological Diversity Genetic diversity : inherited genetic and trait differences that vary among individuals and populations within a species Genetic erosion : a loss of genetic diversity Genetic resource : genetic material of actual or potential value. Genetic material is any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity (CBD, Art 2, see also ). Often used to refer to species diversity, e.g. number of plant wild relative species Indicator : a measure used to present a high level summary of biodiversity; we include in our questionnaire official CBD indicators and other indicators National Reports : reports submitted by signatories (countries) to the CBD every 4 years to outline progress towards CBD and national targets: 5th Reports were submitted starting in 2014 and 6th Reports were submitted starting in 2018 National targets : targets that each country sets for themselves: a national-level interpretation of the 20 CBD Aichi targets Progress : an assessment of whether a country considers itself as on track to meet a CBD or national target, for example: “on track to achieve”; “some progress but insufficient”; “moving away” Status : a measure of genetic diversity (or more frequently a proxy assumed to relate to it) at a single time point, e.g., the number of seeds in a seed bank at a given point in time. Threat : a process or driver of change that is, or has potential to be, detrimental to genetic diversity Trend : a measure of change in status over a period of time, i.e. an observation that status has increased, decreased, or has not changed. Value : a perceived utility or benefit from genetic diversity