The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the most exhaustive agreement for maintaining the world’s ecological underpinnings. In 2006, the Parties to the CBD agreed to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss. As host of the next Conference of the Parties (COP) in 2008, Germany has a special role to play. As part of this project Ecologic supports and advises the German government in setting the agenda. Key points that need to be tackled in order to reach this goal were discussed at an Expert Workshop from 13-15 December 2006 in Potsdam and summarised in the so called Potsdam recommendations.