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
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UNEA Flagship Side Events
During the resumed Fifth Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), side events focused on “Strengthening actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
2nd UNEA Cities and Regions Summit
Participants from around the world gathered for the Summit to exchange experiences, which showcase the multiple benefits of nature for cities for tackling the triple planetary crisis. They also focused on key levers to accelerate implementation, ranging from local to global actions, and from policy to finance measures.
UNEA-5.2, OECPR-5.2 and UNEP@50
Member States adopted 14 resolutions, including to negotiate an international treaty to address plastic pollution and establish a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution, while celebrating the 50th birthday of the United Nations Environment Programme.
Barcelona Convention COP 22
As well as the landmark decision on controlling sulphur oxide emissions—which will have major health and environmental benefits for Mediterranean communities—COP 22 adopted several significant plans.
61st Meeting of the GEF Council
The Council approved a Work Program worth more than USD 190 million, directing significant resources to vulnerable countries in Africa and Asia, and across the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
GEF CSO Consultations on Youth-led Advocacy and Solutions
Youth leaders shared the work they are undertaking and learn what can be done to better engage with youth and youth-led civil society organizations (CSOs) moving forward.
Next Steps for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
While a lot of attention has gone to climate talks at the end of 2021, countries are also negotiating biodiversity targets.
UN Biodiversity Conference Part I
Delegates have the task to set the path for a sustainable future by systemizing actions to ensure a transformative change that rebuilds our relationship with nature, and keep momentum alive for adopting an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework when the Conference resumes in 2022.
4th Session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific
The Forum sought seeking to contribute regional perspectives on the pandemic recovery needed and put forward policy priorities for the upcoming resumed session of the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly.
Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management (CPW) Wildlife Forum 2021
With the pandemic putting wildlife management under close scrutiny, key messages emerged on land use, food security, zoonotic disease, trade, and human-wildlife conflict.