UN Regional Commissions Commit to Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Policies and Operations

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) released a statement highlighting the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss, with one million animal and plant species threatened with extinction. The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-15) saw UNECE Executive Secretary Olga Algayerova present a joint statement from the UN regional commissions' executive secretaries, committing to mainstream biodiversity in their policies, programs, and operations. The statement emphasizes the importance of cooperation, coordination, and regional platforms in protecting biodiversity and implementing the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN regional commissions commit to mainstreaming biodiversity in their societies, economies, and institutions, with a focus on securing the right to safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environments.
  • The executive secretaries will develop policy frameworks that address global drivers of biodiversity loss, such as climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources.
  • The regional commissions will foster collaboration and dialogue within and between regions to address biodiversity-related challenges, including the loss of ecosystem services and the decline of species.
  • The executive secretaries will strengthen the capacity of member states to mobilize investments and identify opportunities for internal policy alignment and coherence.
  • The UN regional commissions have a unique convening role, serving as platforms for governments to translate global decisions into practical national actions.
  • Although each region faces unique challenges, the regional commissions can offer foundations for tailor-made solutions to address biodiversity loss.

Statistics:

  • One million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction.
  • Biodiversity and ecosystem services are critical in underpinning the fight against poverty, supporting inclusive sustainable economic growth, ensuring food security and food sovereignty, and supporting implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • The UN regional commissions will prioritize the delivery of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, with an emphasis on regional platforms and convening roles.

Sources:

  • "Climate Change Environment Sustainable Development SDGs 15 December 2022"
  • United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
  • "15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-15)"
  • "Conventions on Biological Diversity"