Government use of KBAs

National governments are among the most important users of KBA data because they are best positioned to implement direct conservation action based on the information. KBA identification can form a core component of any national spatial conservation plan for a country. The KBA criteria helps ensure that all aspects of conservation value are assessed across a country (threatened species, geographically restricted species, ecological integrity, demographic processes and irreplaceability) and encourages the assessment of multiple taxonomic groups so that a wide range of biodiversity elements are represented.

Spatial planning might also include identifying corridors between KBAs as well as identifying sites of national importance such as culturally important sites. Such spatial plans can form the core of all National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and also be mainstreamed across all sectors in government so that development and infrastructure planning aim to minimize impacts on biodiversity. Guidance on how KBAs are useful for NBSAPs and implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework has been developed and is available for download (EN. FR. SP).

Governments may use information on KBAs for protected area management and expansion, land use planning, priority setting exercises, taking KBAs into consideration for development projects and for other purposes. Ideally, representatives of state scientific and conservation institutions should participate in the workings of the KBA National Coordination Groups, where these exist. They can contribute with their data to propose new KBAs or changes to existing KBAs and also review KBA proposals made by others. They can provide funding to the KBA National Coordination Group or other organisations in support of the KBA identification process (e.g., for scientific studies or surveys). Governments may also choose to endorse or publish national KBA lists once all the necessary review and verification procedures have been addressed.