Talking on the opening of the sixteenth Convention of the Events to the UN Conference on Organic Variety (COP16), he emphasised that “making peace with nature is the defining process of the twenty first century.”
“Nature is life. And but we’re waging a conflict towards it – a conflict by which there will be no winner,” he declared.
“Yearly, we see temperatures climbing larger. Day by day, we lose extra species. Each minute, we dump a rubbish truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes. Make no mistake – that is what an existential disaster seems to be like.”
The theme for the convention in Cali, Colombia, is “la COP de la gente” (a COP of the individuals). It continues till 1 November with discussions centered on biodiversity conservation, environmental justice and the function of indigenous and native communities in shaping sustainable futures.
It’s the first Biodiversity COP because the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal World Biodiversity Framework in December 2022 in Montreal, Canada.
Time for motion
Mr. Guterres highlighted the urgency of the state of affairs with sobering statistics: round 75 per cent of the Earth’s land floor and 66 per cent of its oceans have already been altered by human exercise.
“With every passing day, we’re edging nearer to tipping factors that might gas additional starvation, displacement and armed conflicts.”
He referred to as on international locations to implement the Kunming-Montreal Framework, which goals to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
He pressured the significance of nationwide plans aligned with the framework’s targets, backed by clear monitoring and strong financing, together with at the least $200 billion yearly by 2030.
Flip guarantees into motion
“We should flip these guarantees into motion in 4 very important methods,” Mr. Guterres stated, calling on nations to current “clear, formidable and detailed plans” to align with the Framework’s targets.
Alongside, leaders should agree on strengthening monitoring and transparency. Guarantees for financing should be stored whereas help to creating international locations is accelerated.
“And we should deliver the personal sector on board. These making the most of nature can’t deal with it like a free, infinite useful resource. They have to step up and contribute to its safety and restoration,” he pressured.
Defend environmental defenders
Mr. Guterres additionally highlighted the very important function of Indigenous Peoples and native communities. They’re the “guardians of our nature,” he stated, and their conventional information provides important insights for biodiversity conservation, but they’re too typically marginalized or threatened.
He additionally referred to as for the institution of a everlasting physique inside the Conference on Organic Variety to make sure Indigenous voices are heard all through policy-making processes.
“Peace with nature means peace for individuals who shield it,” he stated.
Individuals take heed to the opening remarks on the COP16 biodiversity convention in Cali, Colombia.
Examples of progress
Regardless of the challenges, Mr. Guterres pointed to promising initiatives, akin to deforestation discount efforts in Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia, and the Congo Basin’s deal with increasing protected areas.
He additionally praised the European Union’s Nature Restoration Regulation, and the historic Settlement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Past Nationwide Jurisdiction.
With one other pivotal treaty negotiation on plastic air pollution scheduled later this yr, Mr. Guterres expressed hope that the identical dedication seen in earlier agreements will encourage motion in Cali.
A selection for the Planet’s survival
In conclusion, Mr. Guterres reminded delegates that humanity stands at a crossroads.
“The survival of our planet – and our personal – is on the road,” he stated.
“Allow us to select correctly. Allow us to select life. Allow us to make peace with nature.”
