How can biodiversity strategy and action plans incorporate genetic diversity concerns, plans, policies, capacity, and commitments?

Globally, national, subnational, and supranational entities are creating Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans, to develop concrete commitments and actions to curb biodiversity loss, meet international obligations and achieve a society in harmony with nature. In light of policy makers' increasing recognition of genetic diversity in helping species and ecosystems adapt and be resilient during environmental change, this article provides an overview of how BSAPs can better incorporate conservation of genetic diversity within species. We focus on three areas: setting targets; committing to actions, policies and programmes; and monitoring and reporting. Examples of policies, knowledge, projects, capacity building, and other endeavors are drawn from 20 recent BSAPs from around the world. We aim to enable and inspire specific and ambitious commitments in BSAPs, so guidance and suggestions are summarized and are portrayed on “the policy cycle.” With this, scientists and policy makers can translate high level commitments like the CBD into concrete nationally-relevant targets, actions and policies, and monitoring and reporting mechanisms.