Opening Paragraph:
Recent developments in international environmental policy have forged an exciting way forward, with more than 100 countries unanimously adopting the Kunming Declaration at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in China. This seminal event marks an important milestone towards securing a new global biodiversity agreement.
About the Kunming Declaration:
The Kunming Declaration is a pledge that seeks swift, coordinated action to incorporate biodiversity considerations across all sectors of the global economy. It aims to preserve biodiversity and identifies the crucial role conservation plays in preserving human health. Yet, it does not bind the participating countries legally.
The declaration underscores future commitments for critical issues including funding conservation efforts in developing nations and creating biodiversity-friendly supply chains. The theme encapsulates its essence – “Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.”
Future Outlook:
In adopting the declaration, the nations commit to supporting the capacity building action plan for the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety and developing an efficient post-2020 implementation plan. It asserts that post-pandemic recovery initiatives should contribute to biodiversity’s conservation and sustainable usage, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
The ’30 by 30′ Target:
The declaration outlines a significant target of securing protected status for 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans by 2030, commonly referred to as the ’30 by 30′ target. Issues such as reducing chemical usage in agriculture by half and halting plastic waste generation are under discussion in conjunction with this target.
Kunming Biodiversity Fund:
China pledges to inject a substantial USD 233 million into the newly established Kunming Biodiversity Fund, promoting biodiversity protection in developing nations. Some nations expressed reservations about the fund, citing China’s status as the world’s biggest polluter and the existing United Nations’ Global Environment Facility.
Global Initiatives to Save Biodiversity:
The Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, World Wide Fund for Nature, Global Biodiversity Assessment, and the Man and the Biosphere Program are significant global movements aimed towards biodiversity conservation.
About Climate Financing:
Climate finance encompasses local, national, or transnational funds from various sources that support climate change adaptation and mitigation actions. Several Global Climate Funds, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF), and the Global Environment Fund (GEF), aid in this cause. In addition, special funds like The Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) and the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) have also been initiated and managed by the GEF.
