Another COP? Understand the importance of COP15 on biodiversity

Nature is in crisis, this is an undeniable factquestionble. For this reason, over the last three decades, governments have come together to ensure the survival of the species and ecosystems that sustain human civilization. 

The Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 saw the creation of three conventions: on climate change, desertification and biodiversity (*). The objective of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is for countries to conserve the natural world, use it sustainably and share the benefits of their genetic resources.

Every 10 years, governments set new goals for protecting biodiversity. The last round took place in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010. On that occasion, governments agreedpromethey will have to halve the loss of natural habitats and expand natural reserves to 17% of the world's land area by 2020, among other goals. They failed in every aspect.

COP Climate x COP Biodiversity

Why do the two events happen separately?

While the Climate Summit its main focus is to limit the increase in global temperature to 1,5°C, as established in the Paris Agreement, the process of biodiversity The UN does not have an equivalent target.

Governments will sign targets under the CBD's three objectives: biodiversity conservation; sustainable use of biodiversity; and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

It is expected that COP15 give rise to a major defense agreement biodiversity capable of stopping the loss of species, just as the Paris Agreement seeks to face the challenge of the climate emergency.

This is a unique opportunity for the world to adopt a shared global goal that guides and drives action among governments, companies and society to contain the loss of biodiversity and restore nature. Our destiny is at stake.

Read also

• 'Paris Agreement' for nature is imperative at Cop15, say climate deal architects (The Guardian*)

(🚥): may require registration and/or signature 

(🇬🇧): content in English

(*): content in other languages ​​is translated by Google Tradutor