2021-05-31-可持续发展与国际关系研究所-Supporting_the_Global_Blodiversity_Agenda_42页_3mb

Summary of SUPPORTING THE GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY AGENDA

Core Content

This document outlines a United Nations System Commitment for Action to support Member States in implementing the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It emphasizes the critical role of biodiversity in sustainable development and calls for a unified and transformative approach across the UN system to address biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

Main Points

1. Biodiversity's Role in Sustainable Development

• Biodiversity is essential for human survival, economies, and the enjoyment of human rights.
• It provides food, medicine, genetic resources, and regulates climate, water, and soil systems.
• Biodiversity underpins 14 out of 17 SDGs, including poverty eradication, food security, climate action, and health.
• Over 50% of global GDP is moderately to highly dependent on biodiversity, with agriculture, construction, and food & beverages being the most reliant sectors.
• Biodiversity serves as a safety net for humanity, buffering against climate change impacts and supporting economic stability.

2. Current Challenges and Risks

• Biodiversity loss is accelerating, with over one million species at risk of extinction.
• The cost of inaction is projected to reach $14 trillion by 2050, equivalent to 7% of global GDP.
• $500 billion in harmful subsidies to biodiversity are currently in place, while only $50–80 billion is invested in biodiversity conservation.
• Biodiversity loss disproportionately affects marginalized populations, especially in the context of climate change and pandemics like COVID-19.
• The economic and social costs of biodiversity loss are rising, threatening food security, health, and livelihoods.

3. The Need for Transformative Change

• "Business as usual" is no longer viable to achieve the 2030 Agenda or address biodiversity loss.
• Transformative change is necessary to integrate biodiversity into climate action, sustainable development, and global governance.
• The UN system has a central role in promoting nature-positive actions, cross-sector collaboration, and policy coherence.

4. Four Key Areas of Action

• Support country abilities to halt biodiversity loss and promote sustainable use through policies and programs.
• Establish strong coalitions for biodiversity across the UN system and with external partners.
• Mainstream biodiversity in internal UN operations and programs, ensuring it is integrated with other key areas like human rights and governance.
• Enhance UN-wide coherence and follow-up on biodiversity, including better communication, advocacy, and alignment with global agendas.

Key Information

• The report is based on input from 51 EMG member agencies and highlights the interlinkages between biodiversity and the 2030 Agenda.
• It underscores the importance of cross-agency collaboration and policy integration.
• The UN system is committed to a common approach to biodiversity and sustainable development, including "Greening the Blue" and the UN Sustainability Strategy 2020–2030.
• The Secretary-General has called for a coherent and unified UN narrative on biodiversity and the "One Health" approach to reduce the risk of future pandemics.
• The post-2020 global biodiversity framework is expected to be adopted at the 15th COP to the CBD and considered by the General Assembly in 2021.

Conclusion

The report highlights the urgent need for systemic change to address biodiversity loss and align it with sustainable development goals. It stresses that the UN system must act as a catalyst for transformative action, policy integration, and global cooperation, ensuring that biodiversity is mainstreamed in all aspects of its work. This effort is crucial for securing a sustainable future and protecting the well-being of current and future generations.

References

• IPBES 2019 Global Assessment Report
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C
• European Environment Agency (EEA) Sustainability transitions: policy and practice
• CBD's fifth Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-5)
• UNEP's Global Environment Outlook (GEO)-6
• FAO's report on The State of the World's Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture

Annex

• List of contributors and reviewers of the report is provided in the Annex, including agencies from EMG Secretariat, CBD Secretariat, IDDRI, IFAD, UCTAD, UNDP, UNEP-WCMC, and others.
• The EMG consultative process has been instrumental in shaping the report and providing input on the relevance of biodiversity to the mandates and activities of its member agencies.

Key Figures and Statistics

• 25% of species in assessed animal and plant groups are threatened with extinction.
• $14 trillion in economic costs from biodiversity loss by 2050.
• $500 billion in harmful public subsidies per year.
• $300–400 billion needed annually to safeguard nature.
• 60% of all known diseases and 75% of new infectious diseases are zoonotic.

Call to Action

• The UN system must mainstream biodiversity across all operations and programs.
• Strengthen coalitions and collaboration within and across the UN system.
• Promote awareness and advocacy for biodiversity and sustainable development.
• Ensure a nature-positive UN by aligning with the 2030 Agenda and transformative change.

This report serves as a foundational step in the UN's commitment to supporting Member States in achieving the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and the SDGs, highlighting the interconnectedness of biodiversity, climate, and human well-being.