UN chief calls for more efforts to protect biological diversity

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday called for more global efforts to protect biological diversity, saying that "Protecting biodiversity and preventing further losses is an essential investment in our collective future."

In his message to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, which is observed annually on May 22, Ban said, "Biodiversity and the ecosystem services it supports are the foundations for life on Earth and the livelihoods and well-being of people everywhere."

Biodiversity is an important cross-cutting issue in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, approved by world leaders in September 2015 to serve as the blueprint for global development efforts over the next 15 years, Ban noted.

Goal 15 explicitly recognizes the importance of halting biodiversity loss, and other goals recognize the importance of biological diversity for eradicating poverty, providing food and fresh-water, and improving life in cities, he said. "It is critical that we make progress in mainstreaming biodiversity and transforming how societies value and manage it."

"Despite numerous commitments, biodiversity loss continues to accelerate in all regions," Ban said. Only 15 percent of countries are on track to achieve the Aichi Targets on biodiversity by the target date of 2020.

In addition, the anticipated expansion of sectors that both depend on and affect biodiversity -- including agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture -- will pose a significant challenge to halting biodiversity loss in the coming decades.

"Reversing these trends will require action by all sectors and stakeholders, from United Nations member states and agencies to civil society, academia and business," he said.

"We need better research, and we need to act on the evidence that biodiversity is integral to achieving social and economic goals."

"The responsible use of natural resources is essential to sustainable development," said Ban. "Mainstreaming biodiversity will ensure that addressing development needs and protecting the environment are mutually supportive."

"Preserving biological diversity is a vital part of our compact with each other and the planet that nurtures us," the UN chief said.

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, Dec. 29 -- the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity -- was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity.

In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on May 22, 1992.

This was partly done because it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of Dec. 29, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year. Endit