Objective 4: Ensure and promote sustainable use of components of biodiversity

The sustainable use of biodiversity refers to "the use of components of biodiversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations" (CBD art. 2). This concept is based on the assumption that it is possible to use biodiversity in a manner in which ecological processes, species and genetic variability remain above the thresholds needed for long-term viability, and that therefore all resource managers and users have the responsibility to ensure that that use does not exceed these capacities.

Non-sustainable activities with a negative impact on biodiversity must be identified (see Operational objective 2.1) and options developed in order to minimise these impacts. Synergies between economic growth, social progress and ecological balance in the long run should be created, with quality of life as the central factor. A well-thought equitable and fair management of our natural resources will be a key element for the sustainable use of our biodiversity. It is crucial to ensure that ecosystems are capable of sustaining the ecological services on which both biodiversity and the human population depend.

The Ecological Footprint tries to face this challenge. It measures how much land and water area a human population requires to produce the resources it consumes and to absorb its wastes under prevailing technology, and it enables people to track progress towards sustainability.
Calculated footprints are estimations based on assumptions which are used as a communication tool to help individuals, organisations, and governments formulate policies, set targets and track progress towards sustainability (WWF, 2005).

The Belgian Ecological Footprint is about 4.9 ha per inhabitant (WWF, 2004), when the earth's carrying biocapacity is only 1.8 ha per person. This means that surface used by the average Belgian is over 170% larger than that which the planet can regenerate. This finding indicates that Belgium's ecological stocks are being depleted faster than nature can regenerate them.

* CBD instrument
The Addis Ababa principles and guidelines for the sustainable use of biodiversity were adopted in 2004 (CBD Decision VII/12). The 14 principles and 7 guidelines adopted take into account requirements related to: (1) policies, laws and regulations on biological diversity; (2) adaptive management of biodiversity; (3) socio-economic conditions; and (4) information, research and education.