Biodiversity
Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is most often associated with the earth’s vast variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms, but the term encompasses diversity at all levels—from genes to species to ecosystems to landscapes. Scientists estimate there are approximately 8.7 million species globally, of which approximately 2.2 million are marine. In spite of 250 years of research and over 1.2 million species already identified, it is possible 86% of existing species on Earth and 91% of species in the ocean still await description.
In each ecosystem, including those that occur within or among forests, wetlands, mountains, deserts, and rivers, living creatures interact with each other as well as with the air, water, and soil around them, forming an interconnected community. The ecosystem services provided by biodiversity are estimated to be worth trillions of dollars—double the world’s GDP. Biodiversity also includes genetic differences within species, such as different breeds and varieties, as well as chromosomes, genes, and genetic sequences (DNA). Biodiversity also has human benefits. For example, many new medicines are harvested from nature, such as the rosy periwinkle, which provides two very important cancer-fighting medicines.
Events and Articles
Showing 41 - 50 of 398 results
From the Aichi Targets to the Post-2020 GBF: Expanding Global Partnerships to Recognize the Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ Territories and Areas (ICCAs) for Biodiversity Conservation and Human Well-being
This side event considered hot to expand global partnerships to recognize the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ territories and areas in conserving biodiversity while also promoting human well-being.
ABS Around the World: The Brazilian Law Contrasted with International Legislations
This panel brought together representatives of the governments of Peru and Brazil to exchange experiences on the execution of their Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) legislation.
Climate Action Through Nature: How Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Are Including Nature-based Solutions in their Nationally Determined Contributions to Secure Biodiversity Benefits and Equity
This side event examined how the classification of nature-based solutions for climate action and experiences from partner countries can contribute toward successful implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework
The Role of the MDBs in Taking Forward the Global Biodiversity Framework: Following Up on the Joint MDB Nature Statement
This side event profiled key developments in defining and tracking nature positive investments, assessing nature-related risks, and approaches and opportunities for valuing nature in economic planning and decision-making.
Joint Efforts to Promote Biosafety Through Multi-Country Cooperation
Speakers from Mongolia, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Korea Institute for Promoting Asia Biosafety Cooperation, and UNEP shared how they are jointly strengthening the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
Rio Conventions Pavilion at COP 15
Events at the Pavilion drew out the interlinkages between the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Food Systems Transformation, and the contribution of biodiversity protection to climate objectives.
The Sustainable Ocean Initiative: Learning from the Past to Better Build Capacity to Achieve Global Ocean Goals into the Future
Attendees dove into impact stories from the Sustainable Ocean Initiative, discussions on the role of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework for ocean-related capacity building, and potential future directions for the programme.
Aligning Financial Flows with Nature: Solutions and Tools to Finance a Nature Positive Economy
Speakers explored Concrete solutions are needed for increasing the alignment of public and private financial flows with nature that could be implemented by companies and financial institutions to disclose nature-related risks and opportunities.
Culture First: How Does Support and Funding that Puts Culture at the Front of Conservation Activities Create Enduring Resilient Ecosystems?
This side event shared case studies and lessons on how taking a rights-based, people-centered approach to supporting landscape-scale projects can foster unique interactions between communities, economies, and environments that build enduring conservation outcomes.
Inclusive Wealth As a Measure of Sustainability and Equity
This side event launched UNEP's new Inclusive Wealth Report, which dives into data on assets and production—and the boundaries of produced, human, and natural capital—for 163 countries, as policymakers look for measures of progress that count the value of nature.