Table 1 CBD Recommendation IX/20 Annex I
From: What is an ecologically or biologically significant area?
Criteria | Definition | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
Uniqueness or rarity | Area contains either: (i) unique (‘the only one of its kind’), rare (‘occurs only in few locations’) or endemic species, populations or communities, and/or (ii) unique, rare or distinct, habitats or ecosystems; and/or (iii) unique or unusual geomorphological or oceanographic features | • Irreplaceable • Loss would mean the probable permanent disappearance of diversity or a feature, or reduction of the diversity at any level. |
Special importance for the life-history stages of species | Areas that are required for a population to survive and thrive. | Various biotic and abiotic conditions coupled with species-specific physiological constraints and preferences tend to make some parts of marine regions more suitable to particular life stages and functions than other parts. |
Importance for threatened, endangered or declining species and/or habitats | Area containing habitat for the survival and recovery of endangered, threatened, declining species or an area with significant assemblages of such species. | To ensure the restoration and recovery of such species and habitats. |
Vulnerability, Fragility, Sensitivity, or Slow recovery | Areas that contain a relatively high proportion of sensitive habitats, biotopes or species that are functionally fragile (highly susceptible to degradation or depletion by human activity or by natural events) or with slow recovery. | The criteria indicate the degree of risk that will be incurred if human activities or natural events in the area or component cannot be managed effectively, or are pursued at an unsustainable rate. |
Biological productivity | Area containing species, populations or communities with comparatively higher natural biological productivity. | Important role in fuelling ecosystems and increasing the growth rates of organisms and their capacity for reproduction |
Biological diversity | Area contains a comparatively higher diversity of ecosystems, habitats, communities, or species, or has higher genetic diversity. | Important for evolution and maintaining the resilience of marine species and ecosystems |
Naturalness | Area with a comparatively higher degree of naturalness as a result of the lack of or low level of human-induced disturbance or degradation. | • To protect areas with near-natural structure, processes and functions • To maintain these areas as reference sites • To safeguard and enhance ecosystem resilience |
