“Biodiversity is essential to achieving Sustainable development goalsEnd the existential threat of climate change, prevent land degradation, build food security and support advances in human health,” António Guterres said in a statement.
The UN chief emphasized that biodiversity offers solutions for green and inclusive growth, and that, this year, governments will meet to agree on a global biodiversity framework with clear and measurable goals to put the planet on the path to recovery by 2030.
“The framework must address the causes of biodiversity loss and create the ambitious and transformative change needed to live in harmony with nature by more effectively protecting land, freshwater and the world’s oceans, encouraging sustainable consumption and production, using nature-based solutions to tackle it He stressed: climate change and ending harmful subsidies damage the environment .
UNEP
An orphaned gorilla released into a new habitat, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Healthy gorilla populations are increasingly isolated due to habitat loss and conflict in the area.
Live in harmony with nature
Guterres added that the global agreement also needs to mobilize action and financial resources to promote specific investments that are beneficial to nature, ensuring that we all benefit from the dividends of the partnership. Biodiversity.
“As we accomplish these goals and realize Vision 2050 of ‘living in harmony with nature’, we must act with respect for equity and human rights, especially for many,” he stressed. indigenous populations whose territories contain a great deal of biological diversity”.
The head of the United Nations said that in order to save our planet’s fragile and indispensable natural wealth, everyone needs to be involved, including young people and vulnerable populations. vulnerable, people who rely most on nature for their livelihood.
He concluded: “Today, I call on everyone to take action to build a common future for all.
Building a common future for all life exactly the focus this year for International Day, in line with United Nations Decade of Restoration.
© FAO / Sven Torfinn
Plants provide 98% of the oxygen we breathe and account for 80% of our daily calories.
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity resources are the backbone on which we build civilizations.
Fish provide 20% of animal protein for about 3 billion people; plants provide more than 80% of the human diet; and up to 80% of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant-based medicines for primary health care.
However, about 1 million species of animals and plants are currently threatened with extinction.
Loss of biodiversity threatens everyone, including our health. It has been shown that loss of biodiversity can extend zoonotic diseases to humans – while on the other hand, if we keep biodiversity intact, it will provide excellent tools to against pandemics such as those caused by the coronavirus.
If current negative trends in biodiversity and ecosystems are not addressed soon, they will undermine progress towards achieving 80% of the assessed goals of the 8 Sustainable Development Goals.
