The theme of biodiversity was selected because 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, and from a biodiversity policy perspective, 2010 is an important year as all Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) must report on the progress they have made towards achieving the 2010 biodiversity target which is to significantly reduce biodiversity loss. Discussions will also be had during the CBD Subsidiary body on scientific, technological, and technical advice (SUBSTTA) and Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings on the definition of post 2010 targets, indicators and other activities aimed at improving the protection and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity.

It is anticipated that the programme will be based on variations around the theme of the role of science and technology, and the scientific community, in developing and delivering the (post) 2010 target of reducing biodiversity loss with particular reference to the needs, capabilities and constraints in different countries. The Academies, working together will scope out the scientific support needed to meet global and national needs, and identify mechanisms by which the science-policy interface can be improved.

The objective of the conference is therefore to give the opportunity for science academies to provide input to the CBD negotiations in 2010. Academies have not in the past participated in the CBD discussions and could therefore potentially play an important role in proving independent and scientifically authoritative advice during one of the most important periods of the political negotiations. As the 2010 target has now been incorporated into the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) it also provides an opportunity to influence the MDG process.

A conference steering committee has been established including representatives from Canada, South Africa, China, Chile, France, Australia, Mexico, USA and Ghana. The UK (Professor Georgina Mace FRS) is chairing the committee.