A. Plumptre, KBA

KBA Programme

The vision of the KBA Programme is "a comprehensive network of sites that contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity is appropriately identified, correctly documented, effectively managed, sufficiently resourced and adequately safeguarded."

The KBA Partnership is implementing a 7-year strategic plan from 2018-2024. The key goal for this initial plan is "to implement a programme to develop and maintain an up-to-date, fully documented list of sites identified against the KBA Standard, and to communicate, promote and position this information to enable the achievement of the KBA vision."

For more information about the KBA Programme, an information booklet has been developed and a summary of the strategic plan printed.


There are several different groups who work to support the national implementation of the KBA Programme and ensure that the KBA criteria are applied consistently and rigorously. The main structures within the KBA Programme are as follows:


  • The KBA National Coordination Groups are groups of experts representing taxonomic groups and other biodiversity elements for which the KBA criteria may be applied within countries. They coordinate initiatives at the national level to identify KBAs to ensure the development of a single KBA list and to review proposals from individual proposers.

  • The KBA Committee is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the KBA Partnership.

  • The KBA Secretariat coordinates the activities of the KBA Partnership and ensures the delivery and promotion of the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas.

  • The KBA Community provides a platform for collaboration and exchange between experts and organisations involved in KBA identification, review, and monitoring.

  • The Regional Focal Points are individuals or small teams who support the KBA identification process in a particular region, typically employed by KBA Partners.

  • The KBA Consultative Forum comprises end-users, including researchers, governments, and businesses, and is used to inform the development of the initiative to meet the information needs of such end-users,

  • The KBA Standards and Appeals Committee (SAC) is established to ensure the correct application of the Global Standard for the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas.

  • The KBA Technical Working Group (TWG) seeks to ensure that the KBA identification, documentation, and monitoring efforts of the KBA Partners are implemented in a consistent manner.