Nature Based Solutions to Global Challenges: Why Harness Biodiversity?

Transcription

1 Nature Based Solutions to Global Challenges: Why Harness Biodiversity? Hon. Leo Brincat Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment & Climate Change Malta High Level Segment of CBD COP 12- Panel Discussion 3

2 The Current Context Human activity has evolved more rapidly in the past years than ever before. Some Effects Industrialisation Urbanisation Increased population growth Significant economic gains And on ecosystems?

3 Significant economic gains coupled with significant environmental costs. Such as: - Habitat Loss - Fragmentation - Loss of Natural Resources - Introduction of Alien Species - Climate Change

4 Why Should We Be Concerned? Biodiversity - Has intrinsic value. - Provides goods and services necessary for ecosystem maintenance. - Delivers natural capital for basic but essential needs e.g. food, water, energy. It can also be essential for jobs. 35% of jobs in developing countries and 7% of jobs in the European Union are dependent on ecosystem services.

5 Safeguarding biodiversity = Preservation of Natural Heritage + Tackling Environmental Challenges. Action on biodiversity through the implementation of the Aichi Targets serves as a powerful means of achieving sustainable development objectives. Air and water quality. Climate change regulation. Provision of natural resources. Low Carbon + Green Economy. Importance of countries developing biodiversity action plan and strategy & adopting national targets in line with Aichi Target Timelines.

6 Working Hand in Hand with Nature is a Must. Nature-Based solutions are solutions inspired by, use, mimic or are supported by nature.

7 Both Climate Change & Climate Action can jeopardise biodiversity -Disruption of Natural Habitats & Ecosystem Services Biodiversity can also source climate change solutions: Mitigation: Natural habitats such as protected areas provide for storage and sequestration of carbon in vegetation and soils. Adaptation: Maintaining ecosystem integrity and reducing the effects from climate-related events such as sea-level rise and droughts.

8 Nature Based Solutions Provide responses that are adapted to local context. Are resource-efficient. Are cost-effective. Need for a more coherent approach + integration of such solutions into national policies & programmes geared at tackling such challenges. e.g. On Climate Change Strengthening synergies with relevant work under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. Biodiversity related benefits of REDD+ activities should be maximised.

9 The Role of the Private Sector Many businesses depend on ecosystems and related services but can also cause serious biodiversity impacts and ecosystem degradation. Biodiversity can create opportunities for businesses but businesses can also deliver biodiversity benefits: e.g. opportunities for innovation via investing in pro-biodiversity businesses (PPB), making informed choices when choosing raw materials through supply chain, integrating biodiversity considerations in business decision making and greening corporate plans.

10 The Role of the Private Sector Need for increased awareness on the risks that global challenges pose to corporate goals. Encourage businesses to continue to strengthen corporate social responsibility. Mindful of Aichi Target 20 on resource mobilisation Need to ensure increased understanding of benefits derived from direct private investments and private-public partnerships in support of biodiversity and ecosystem services. End Goal: Generating Both Positive Financial And Biodiversity Returns.

11 Recalling the 3 main goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity (1) The conservation of biological diversity; (2) The sustainable use of its components; (3) The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. Nature-based solutions should go hand in hand with technological solutions in combating global challenges.

12 Linking Biodiversity to Sustainable Development Within the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda is Essential. Not only does this ensure that there are Sustainable Development Goals dedicated to biodiversity, but it also helps to mainstream biodiversity in an integrated and horizontal manner across the whole agenda.