UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that biodiversity loss is a global crisis no nation can ignore, calling on countries to have a rethink about their relationship with nature.
This was stated in a message marking International Day for Biological Diversity, where he raised alarm over the “lightning pace” of degradation of the natural world.
“Biodiversity is the bedrock of life and a cornerstone of sustainable development,” Mr. Guterres said.
“Yet humanity is destroying biodiversity at lightening pace, the result of pollution, climate crisis, ecosystem destruction and – ultimately – short-term interests fuelling the unsustainable use of our natural world”, he added.
He further stated that no country, “however rich or powerful,” can address the crisis in isolation, nor thrive without the ecological richness that defines life on Earth.
Mr. Guterres called for urgent implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the landmark agreement adopted to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030.
This includes delivering on national biodiversity action plans, scaling finance for conservation, shifting harmful subsidies, and supporting local communities, Indigenous Peoples, women and youth.
Biological diversity underpins food security, livelihoods, health and climate resilience.
Roughly three billion people eat fish for 20 a per cent of their animal protein intake, and 80 per cent of rural populations in developing countries rely on plant-based medicine.
Yet the destruction of natural habitats is also increasing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, making biodiversity preservation a key factor in global health.
Mr. Guterres echoing this year’s theme, “Together, let us take it”, said, “Living in harmony with nature and sustainable development is humanity’s path to a better world for all,”
