Latest news with #Kunming-MontrealGlobalBiodiversityFramework
Scoop
22-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Biodiversity Loss Demands Urgent Global Action, Says UN Chief
UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres has called on countries to radically rethink their relationship with nature, warning that biodiversity loss is a global crisis no nation can ignore. In a message marking Thursday's International Day for Biological Diversity, the UN chief raised alarm over the 'lightning pace' of degradation of the natural world. 'Biodiversity is the bedrock of life and a cornerstone of sustainable development,' Mr. Guterres said. 'Yet humanity is destroying biodiversity at lightening pace, the result of pollution, climate crisis, ecosystem destruction and – ultimately – short-term interests fuelling the unsustainable use of our natural world.' He stressed that no country, 'however rich or powerful,' can address the crisis in isolation, nor thrive without the ecological richness that defines life on Earth. Alarm bells ringing The International Day comes amid stark concern for the future: one million species are at risk of extinction, 75 per cent of land ecosystems and two-thirds of marine environments have been significantly altered by human activity. Furthermore, if current trends continue, progress towards eight of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could be jeopardized. Mr. Guterres called for urgent implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the landmark agreement adopted to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. This includes delivering on national biodiversity action plans, scaling finance for conservation, shifting harmful subsidies, and supporting local communities, Indigenous Peoples, women and youth. Live in harmony with nature Biological diversity underpins food security, livelihoods, health and climate resilience. Roughly three billion people eat fish for 20 a per cent of their animal protein intake, and 80 per cent of rural populations in developing countries rely on plant-based medicine. Yet the destruction of natural habitats is also increasing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, making biodiversity preservation a key factor in global health. 'Living in harmony with nature and sustainable development is humanity's path to a better world for all,' Mr. Guterres said, echoing this year's theme. 'Together, let us take it.' The International Day The UN officially designated 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity in 2000 to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Biodiversity Loss Demands Urgent Global Action, Says UN Chief
In a message marking Thursday's International Day for Biological Diversity, the UN chief raised alarm over the 'lightning pace' of degradation of the natural world. 'Biodiversity is the bedrock of life and a cornerstone of sustainable development,' Mr. Guterres said. 'Yet humanity is destroying biodiversity at lightening pace, the result of pollution, climate crisis, ecosystem destruction and – ultimately – short-term interests fuelling the unsustainable use of our natural world.' He stressed that no country, 'however rich or powerful,' can address the crisis in isolation, nor thrive without the ecological richness that defines life on Earth. Alarm bells ringing The International Day comes amid stark concern for the future: one million species are at risk of extinction, 75 per cent of land ecosystems and two-thirds of marine environments have been significantly altered by human activity. Furthermore, if current trends continue, progress towards eight of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could be jeopardized. Mr. Guterres called for urgent implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the landmark agreement adopted to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. This includes delivering on national biodiversity action plans, scaling finance for conservation, shifting harmful subsidies, and supporting local communities, Indigenous Peoples, women and youth. Live in harmony with nature Biological diversity underpins food security, livelihoods, health and climate resilience. Roughly three billion people eat fish for 20 a per cent of their animal protein intake, and 80 per cent of rural populations in developing countries rely on plant-based medicine. Yet the destruction of natural habitats is also increasing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, making biodiversity preservation a key factor in global health. 'Living in harmony with nature and sustainable development is humanity's path to a better world for all,' Mr. Guterres said, echoing this year's theme. 'Together, let us take it.' The International Day The UN officially designated 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity in 2000 to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Development without the savaging of urban biodiversity
Biodiversity, which refers to the variety and the variability of living organisms on this earth — and fundamental to human well-being, a healthy planet, and economic prosperity for all— is under peril. About 25% of species are facing the threat of extinction. The theme for International Day for Biological Diversity this year (observed annually on May 22) is 'Harmony with nature and sustainable development'. The date 'commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on May 22, 1992'. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was also developed by the CBD with four goals as well as 23 targets to conserve global biodiversity (conserve and manage 30% of terrestrial and marine biodiversity) by 2030. Target 12 of the GBF lays emphasis on enhancing green and blue spaces in cities and urban planning for human well-being and biodiversity conservation. Goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal also states the importance of making cities and human settlements safe, resilient and sustainable. But, still, urban biodiversity is under great threat with unplanned development and human greed. Green space in urban sprawls Almost half the world's population lives in urban areas, a percentage that is expected to rise to 70% by 2050. City spaces are of premium value and face competing demands. In such a situation, do we have space for greenery? The answer is yes if you consider the range of benefits urban biodiversity offers. First, health benefits. Urban trees provide provisional services such as food, fibre and water, minimise the urban heat island effect (a much discussed topic) and help in flood control. They help in temperature control, pollution abatement, water conservation and carbon sequestration, and keeping carbon dust and suspended particulate matter in check. Tree lines of a 10 metre width can reduce noise pollution by 5 decibels. In Frankfurt, green belts were shown to reduce the temperature by 3.5° C and increase the relative humidity by 5% when compared to the city centre. Green spaces also provide much needed recreational and spiritual services in the form of parks in what would otherwise be concrete jungles. Second, economic benefits. Theodore Endreny, Professor of Water Resources and Ecological Engineering, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry estimated the value of annual services provided by mega city trees to be around $9,67,000 (₹8 crore) per square kilometre of tree cover. Therefore, protecting existing greenery, pursuing the development of parks and new urban green spaces, establishing tree avenues along the roads, and conserving natural rivers and water bodies should be undertaken. The key element of developing green infrastructure is promoting community health and well-being. In its latest report, the Forest Survey of India has estimated the average forest cover in leading urban cities to be only 10.26% of their geographical area (Mumbai 25.43%; New Delhi and Hyderabad 12.6%, Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad 6.85%, 4.66% and 3.27%, respectively). Chennai and Hyderabad have lost 2.6 and 1.6 square kilometres of forest cover between the 2021 and 2023 assessments. The GBF gives a framework to urban planners for biodiversity conservation in cities by protecting blue and green spaces and developing new ones. It suggests enhancing native biodiversity, ecological connectivity and improving human health and well-being. In this context, the UN Habitat's 3-30-300 prescription is relevant. The principle is: Every home, workplace, or school should have a view of at least three established trees. Neighbourhoods should have a minimum of 30% tree canopy cover and a public green space of at least 0.5 to 1.0 hectares, should be accessible within a 300-metre walk or bike ride from every home. City biodiversity index A city biodiversity index is prepared based on the present status of the city in terms of three large parameters — the extent of native biodiversity in the city, ecosystem services provided by them and the level of governance of biodiversity. The International Council for Local Environmental Initiative (ICLEI) Asia has prepared a city biodiversity index using 23 indicators for cities such as Kochi, Gangtok and Nagpur. Once the current biodiversity status of the city is assessed through a survey, a local biodiversity strategy and action plan (LBSAP) is prepared to improve the status of the city in terms of biodiversity conservation and sustainable human welfare. Urban areas have the resilience to support biodiversity if there is an enabling environment. Local biodiversity could be augmented while undertaking plantations in cities. In Chennai, the greening of the Chennai Koyambedu market in 2021 (undertaken by the Care Earth Trust with the financial support of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority) helped in the natural regeneration of 141 species of higher plants belonging to 39 families and 106 genera within two years. The site also attracted 35 bird and 27 butterfly species that are considered bioindicators of biological diversity. The Koyambedu model mimics a three-storied natural forest which would be better than the Miyawaki model to enhance native biodiversity in small parcels of land available in cities. The Care Earth Trust prepared a strategy and action plan in 2018 for the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to plant one million native trees in Chennai city over five years. The sprawling Madras Race Club land at Guindy is being transformed into a lake for augmenting groundwater recharge. However, urban development and encroachment has swallowed up many waterbodies in and around Chennai and Bengaluru. The crucial Pallikaranai marsh in Chennai which was once considered a wasteland and garbage dump has been partly restored and declared as a reserved forest (Ramsar site). Most urban waterbodies are losing their ecological integrity due to garbage and sewage pollution. They must be ecologically restored after preventing garbage dumping and treating sewage through conventional treatment or nature-based solutions. Ensuring legal protection to the remaining lakes and waterbodies in urban areas is a necessity before they are lost. Many independent houses in Chennai have now given way to multi-storeyed flats leading to the disappearance of home garden trees (coconut, mango, jackfruit). This could also be a reason for the reduction in the city's green cover. As a condition to granting planning permission for new structures, the GCC should consider mandating the planting of at least five trees in a plot that measures over 2,400 square feet along the plot boundary. This will help greening the city in a decentralised manner. The horticulture department should also promote roof gardens and kitchen gardens for every household to m cultivate greens and medicinal plants. This will not only help in augmenting city biodiversity but also help in improving the health and well-being of people. Need for collective action City managers need to take stringent action against those who destroy greenery and pollute waterbodies. It is heartening that the Supreme Court of India has been tough on the executive for the mass destruction of trees over acres in the Kancha Gachibowli area in Hyderabad, for the development of IT infrastructure. Development should not lead to the wanton destruction of biodiversity. City managers must mainstream biodiversity considerations in decision making, taking a long-term view to achieve sustainable development. The involvement of all stakeholders such as the resident welfare associations, non-governmental organisations and corporates in city greening and protecting waterbodies from pollution and encroachment is important to make biodiversity conservation a mass movement in cities. S. Balaji, IFS, is presently Co-Chairman, Access and Benefit Sharing Committee of the National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai, and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu. The views expressed are personal
Time of India
18-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
UT climate change action plan gets Centre's nod
1 2 3 4 Chandigarh: The ministry of environment and climate change has given an in-principle nod to the Chandigarh State Action Plan for Climate Change 2.0 (SAPCC 2.0). SAPCC 2.0 outlines two major strategies — adaptation and mitigation. "Adaptation activities focus on water conservation, forest and wildlife protection, and public health," said Saurabh Kumar, chief conservator of forest, and director environment. Last week, a meeting of the UT with the MECC was held in Delhi for the approval of the SAPCC 2.0, wherein the nod was given. Mitigation focuses on reducing emissions through clean power, renewable energy, sustainable transport, energy-efficient buildings, and better waste management. These activities were mapped carefully to match the targets of various national and international climate goals. In 2009, the ministry of environment, forest, and climate change (MOEF&CC) asked all the states and UTs to prepare their SAPCCs for a period covering 2010-2020, in line with the various relevant missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Chandigarh's action plan on climate change was in effect since 2015. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo In 2019, the ministry of environment, forest, and climate change (MOEF&CC) provided a framework for revising the SAPCC 2.0 for a period covering 2020-2030 so that it aligns with the changing national and international action and policy landscape, such as India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient low carbon development pathways. "The updated plan Chandigarh SAPCC 2.0 aligns national climate goals with local actions, ensuring that development in Chandigarh is both sustainable and climate-resilient," said Kumar. In addition to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India's Nationally Determined Contributions, Chandigarh's Revised State Action Plans on Climate Change now also reflect newer initiatives like Mission LiFE, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), among others, making the plan more relevant and at par with global schemes on climate change and resilience. **BOX: SAPCC 2.0** All the developmental and routine infrastructure works aim to minimise their impact on climate change. Different departments will set goals and priorities within their own functional domains. Some departments and examples of some of their goals/priorities include: - Forest department: Plant new saplings every year and save the ones already planted. The quality of forest areas will be improved through the cleaning of check dams in forest areas and new plantations so that wildlife remains better. - CREST: Achieve maximum solar utilisation - Urban planning: Fully implement the concept of green building - Municipal corporation: Stop the use of solid waste, plastic, and polythene, ensuring that only biodegradable polythene is used - Climate change cell: Manage the 'Heat Islands' in the city, taking measures to reduce heat concentration in such identified areas - Transport department: Push toward cleaner fuel vehicles like e-vehicles. Chandigarh is to be made a carbon-neutral city by the year 2030 - UT engineering/MC: Groundwater level recharge and rainwater harvesting. MSID:: 121238474 413 |
The Star
13-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Biodiversity is climate resilience: Malaysia's path to a greener, stronger future
As we mark Earth Day this year, the theme 'Harnessing biodiversity for a climate-resilient future' reminds us of an often-underappreciated truth: the natural world is not just a passive backdrop to our lives but a dynamic system that underpins our economy, health and very survival. In the face of rising global temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and increasing ecological fragility, biodiversity's role in bolstering climate resilience has never been more crucial. In Malaysia, we recognise that our rich natural heritage—spanning lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs and one of the world's most unique ecosystems—is not merely something to be preserved for posterity. It's a frontline defence in the fight against climate change. Aligning national ambitions with global commitments Malaysia is proud to be a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which sets ambitious global targets to address biodiversity loss by 2030 through the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). It provides a clear and comprehensive roadmap to implement transformative actions to achieve the vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. Malaysia is hence, proactively aligning our national strategies with its vision. Our updated National Policy on Biological Diversity (NPBD) 2022-2030 already places strong emphasis on mainstreaming biodiversity across all sectors, from agriculture and urban planning to infrastructure and finance. We are committed to strengthening the implementation of this policy, particularly in expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems and ensuring that biodiversity conservation elements are factored in at every level of decision-making. A new era of monitoring with technology Harnessing the power of technology is transforming how we protect biodiversity. AI-enabled camera traps, for example, are being deployed in conservation areas to monitor rare and endangered species with unprecedented efficiency. These innovations allow us to collect real-time data on wildlife movements, population trends, and threats like poaching, helping authorities and researchers respond swiftly and strategically. Satellite tracking also plays a critical role in combating illegal logging and land-use change, offering high-resolution insights into forest cover and biodiversity corridors. Besides improving enforcement and transparency, these tools give policymakers the evidence needed to design smarter, more climate-aligned conservation interventions. Development and conservation can—and must—coexist For far too long, economic development and environmental protection were seen as conflicting goals. But Malaysia is charting a new course—one where infrastructure and biodiversity can be planned in tandem. New projects incorporate wildlife crossings and ecological assessments to minimise its impact on critical habitats. This marks a paradigm shift in our planning philosophy: biodiversity is no longer an afterthought but a foundational element in infrastructure design. Integrating biodiversity into our development strategy is essential for long-term climate resilience. Healthy ecosystems protect against floods, landslides and droughts. Mangroves, for instance, act as natural buffers against storm surges and sequester large amounts of carbon. Conserving these ecosystems is far more cost-effective—and sustainable—than relying solely on man-made defences. Financing biodiversity: A global challenge Despite the central role biodiversity plays in climate action, financing for biodiversity conservation remains woefully inadequate. Developing countries like Malaysia are often asked to do more with less—to protect ecosystems that benefit the entire planet, while grappling with limited fiscal space and competing development priorities. This is where international equity becomes crucial. Malaysia calls for fairer, predictable, adequate and easily accessible global financing mechanisms that recognise the disproportionate burdens borne by biodiversity-rich countries. Instruments like debt-for-nature swaps, biodiversity credits, and results-based climate finance need to be scaled up and better tailored to the realities of countries in the Global South. Malaysia is also exploring innovative domestic financing models, including public-private partnerships and nature-based enterprises, to bridge funding gaps and catalyse community-led conservation. Defending our forests — and our progress One of Malaysia's proudest achievements in recent years is our improved deforestation rate. According to Global Forest Watch, Malaysia has seen a significant reduction in primary forest loss since the mid-2010s. This success reflects strengthened policies, increased enforcement, and closer coordination between federal and state governments. Our forests—home to countless endemic species—are likewise carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of greenhouse gases and playing a key role in climate mitigation. Protecting them is simultaneously a conservation imperative and a climate obligation. Yet, challenges remain. Balancing land-use needs with conservation, curbing encroachments, and addressing community development in forest fringes require holistic, inclusive approaches. That is why the government is working to empower indigenous and local communities as rangers of protected areas, ensuring that conservation delivers both environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Making biodiversity central to the climate narrative Biodiversity often gets sidelined in climate discussions, perceived as secondary to carbon accounting or energy transitions. But this is a false dichotomy. The climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis are deeply intertwined—and we cannot solve one without addressing the other. Ecosystem collapse can trigger feedback loops that accelerate climate change, while climate change can devastate species and habitats. Conversely, thriving ecosystems strengthen resilience, store carbon, regulate water cycles, and support livelihoods. We must change the inherent narrative and reject groupthink. Biodiversity is not a luxury or a niche concern—it is the bedrock of climate resilience. It should be as integral to climate strategies as clean energy and carbon markets. A vision for the future Looking ahead, Malaysia envisions a future where biodiversity is celebrated and integrated into every facet of national development. We aim to expand our network of protected areas, enhance ecological connectivity across state lines, and establish biodiversity-friendly practices in agriculture, forestry, and urban planning. We are working to embed environmental education in our schools, fostering a generation of Malaysians who see biodiversity as their heritage and responsibility. We are investing in research and innovation to improve conservation outcomes and adapting our legal frameworks to respond to emerging challenges such as wildlife trafficking and invasive species. Our vision is ambitious, but it is also achievable: with political will, scientific rigour, community involvement, and international solidarity. The Madani government, through its policies and initiatives, is providing the critical mass to bring all of these things together. Conclusion As Earth Day invites the world to reflect on our planet's future, Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity conservation as a pillar of our climate strategy. We understand that the health of our forests, rivers, oceans and wildlife is inextricably linked to the resilience of our communities and the sustainability of our economy. Nature is not a silent victim of climate change—it is an active ally in our quest to overcome it. Let us work together to harness this power and build a future where biodiversity and humanity thrive side by side. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister
