(Recast) Spotlight: Robust measures needed to boost conservation of biodiversity

There is need for multilateral institutions and national governments to prioritize biodiversity conservation through enactment of policies and legislation alongside public awareness, said Huang Yi, a professor of environmental ecology and biotechnology at China's prestigious Peking University.

During an interview with Xinhua on Sunday as the world marked international day for biodiversity, Huang said conservation of habitats was key to advance the sustainability agenda.

The theme of this year's international day of biodiversity, "mainstreaming biodiversity: sustaining people and their livelihoods," reaffirmed the critical role of natural capital to human survival.

Professor Huang was emphatic that new strategies were required to cushion the world's abundant flora and fauna from depletion linked to human actions and extreme weather events.

"We can reverse biodiversity loss through robust interventions that include enactment of laws and policies. Community involvement in this endeavor is critical," Huang remarked.

Huang is a member of a high level panel of experts tasked by the United Nations Environment Programme to work on the sixth edition of the global environment outlook that will be completed next year.

The Chinese scholar attended the science policy forum held on May 19 to 20 in Nairobi ahead of the United Nations Environment Assembly that kicks off on Monday.

Biodiversity conservation will be accorded significant attention during the five-day global environment assembly.

Huang said China supports domestic and global instruments that advance protection of rare species.

"The Chinese government is committed to protection of biodiversity and ecosystems," said Huang, adding that 2016 marked the 60th anniversary since China established a nature reserve area.

She added that China and the majority of developing countries has grappled with numerous threats to biodiversity that include climate change, invasive species, pollution and over-exploitation by humans.

Countries require vibrant policies and laws to ensure that rapid economic growth does not compromise the health of ecosystems, she said, adding that greater awareness will help communities appreciate the immense value of ecosystem services.

"Poverty is a threat to biodiversity protection but the pursuit of prosperity should not undermine efforts to conserve the world's natural wealth," said Huang, who is also a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services tasked with advancing science-based interventions to strengthen conservation of habitats.

As the largest repositories of biodiversity, China and African countries should share knowledge and expertise to help conserve rare species.

Huang noted that China's strategic interventions to conserve biodiversity that include creation of an estimated 2,700 nature reserve areas alongside stringent regulations could be replicated in Africa.

"We are a biodiversity hotspot and have strict laws to protect natural resources. We can share knowledge and best practices with African countries to promote conservation of biodiversity," said Huang.

She noted that the Chinse-funded Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, established in Nairobi in 2014, will promote sharing of knowledge and expertise on biodiversity protection. Endit