Take action to preserve biodiversity, urges UN convention [1]
Thursday, June 8, 2017 - 12:37. Updated on Friday, June 9, 2017 - 09:31.
“Biodiversity conservation is a pre-condition for achieving sustainable development,” says Cristiana Pasca Palmer, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The occasion of World Environment Day on 5 June highlights how important biodiversity is to the planet and to humans and the need to balance economic, social and environmental needs now and for future generations. Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life or living organisms in a particular habitat or on earth.
“We know that human health ultimately depends on the ecosystem ... fresh water, food and fuel sources, required for human wellbeing and productive livelihoods.”
“But a healthy biodiversity also provides us with a variety of social benefits, such as tourism and recreation. Thus it is intuitive that biodiversity and human wellbeing should be part of any conceptual framework that informs sustainable development,” she said.
UN resolutions
To achieve this, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted nine consecutive resolutions on Harmony with Nature, the core view being the value of nature and the necessity to promote it.
Ms Palmer says protection of biodiversity ‘hotspots’ areas that are rich in endemic species, “are crucial” to slowing down a decrease in the population and variety of animals and plants, especially those threatened by human activities.
Biodiversity contributes directly to the livelihoods of many of the poorest and most vulnerable people.
"They are also vital to the cultures and livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities."
Take action
Ms Palmer added that all parts of society, from governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector have a role to play and must take action to conserve biodiversity.
“Biodiversity needs to be integrated into all sectors and across sectors and be part of our mainstream political discourse.”
Besides providing humans with essential products and services, nature also acts as a respite from hectic lives and provides humans the chance to enjoy recreational activities to unwind and reenergise.
“Protected areas, such as national parks, nature reserves and marine sanctuaries play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment for both people and nature,” she said.
This year, Canada officially hosted the 2017 World Environment Day celebrations by offering its citizens free access to the country’s 46 national parks for a year, encouraging them to connect with nature.
“Personal connections with the natural world are powerful. And, there are many simple things that we can do to enhance our surroundings and preserve our environment. Regardless of what we do, by exploring our natural environment, we learn to fully appreciate its beauty and the joys of being in contact with it,” said Ms Palmer.