USAID’s Definition of Biodiversity Programs
Biodiversity activities and programs have become more complex and better integrated with other Agency development programs. At the same time, the Agency has been required to program additional funds for biodiversity activities. As a result, a clear definition of what constitutes a biodiversity program has become critical. The Agency’s “Biodiversity Code” guides the Agency in determining what programs are included in the accounting toward the biodiversity earmark. Within the code are four key criteria, all of which must be met to be considered a biodiversity program:
- The program must have an explicit biodiversity objective, it isn’t enough to have biodiversity conservation result as a positive externality from another program;
- Activities must be identified based on an analysis of threats to biodiversity;
- The program must monitor associated indicators for biodiversity conservation;
- Site-based programs must have the intent to positively impact biodiversity in biologically significant areas.
Under the Foreign Assistance Framework, biodiversity is recognized as a “key issue” and reflecting the four criteria above is defined as, “[a]ctivities having biodiversity conservation as an explicit objective in natural and managed terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Activities are identified through an analysis of the threats to biodiversity and have associated indicators for biodiversity conservation. Activities may be site-based or not site specific, such as policy level initiatives. Site-based work is implemented in biologically significant areas. Ex situ conservation of wild species, and their germplasm, may also be included when explicitly linked to biodiversity conservation.”
Previously, biodiversity activities were identified as having a primary or secondary code for biodiversity conservation. This no longer applies. Biodiversity is now identified as a “key issue” instead of by primary or secondary code. Activities with either a primary or a secondary objective for biodiversity conservation may be identified as a biodiversity “key issue” under the new system.
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