The 2010 target was adopted under the framework of the CBD in 2002. The decision commits the parties to a more effective and coherent implementation of the three objectives of the Convention and "to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth".

The EU has formulated an even more ambitious target of completely halting human-induced biodiversity loss in the EU by 2010. In this connection, it is useful to bear in mind the importance of European law for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity: EU legislation such as the Birds Directive, Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive must be transposed into national law and so plays a growing part in the national legislation of EU member states.