UN summit on biodiversity sets stage for green recovery

Following constant deterioration and degradation of the world’s natural ecosystems, world leaders have called for increased protection of global biodiversity.

About 150 countries and 72 Heads of State and Governments addressed the first summit on biodiversity to build political momentum towards the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, to be adopted at COP15 in Kunming, China next year.

The summit followed the leader’s pledge on Monday, with 74 countries committing to preserving biodiversity and sending “a united signal to step up global ambition for biodiversity and to commit to matching our collective ambition for nature, climate and people with the scale of the crisis at hand.”

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, said biodiversity and ecosystems were essential for human progress and prosperity.

“By living in harmony with nature, we can avert the worst impacts of climate change and recharge biodiversity for the benefit of people and the planet.”

“Degradation of nature is not purely an environmental issue. It spans economics, health, social justice and human rights. Neglecting our precious resources can exacerbate geopolitical tensions and conflicts,” he stated, while UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen, said the summit showed willingness for greater action.