Nations meet in Montreal to dicuss biodiversity
Despite uncertainty from numerous countries about the success of this meeting, due to differing opinions between rich and developing countries, some progress was made.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) met in Montreal, Canada to discuss the establishment of a deal on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and biodiversity preservation. The meeting follows on from a March meeting in Santiago de Cali, Colombia and precedes the CBD's Tenth Conference of the Parties (COP 10) which will be help in October in Nagoya, Japan when is is hoped a result will be finalized.
Despite uncertainty from numerous countries about the success of this meeting, due to differing opinions between rich and developing countries, some progress was made. Discussions, led by Ms. Veerle Vandeweerd, Director of the UNDP Environment and Energy Group focused on the partnership between both the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. A two-year action plan was agreed on and will be signed in October at the Nagoya meeting. Ms Vandeweerd asserted that:
"We need to work through the Convention on Biological Diversity and harness the momentum of the International Year of Biodiversity to refocus global attention on biodiversity loss as an economic and human development issue. Biodiversity loss, climate change, and poverty are intertwined global crises that must be tackled synergistically."
The action plan will focus aspects such as the Convention's programme on biodiversity for development and the programme of work on protected areas. Developing countries have voiced various concerns regarding the limited benefits they may gain from an agreement including fears that rich nations would 'plunder' their resources. However an agreement has been reached and come October whether the discussions in Montreal have been successful or not will be confirmed.
It is imperative that the milestones that have been reached are followed through in order for the conservation of biodiversity. Despite initial reservations progress has been made and if the plan is signed in October the future of cooperative work on preserving biodiversity looks positive and the Year of Biodiversity will be able to boast some success. Ms Vandeweerd stated:
"This is a critical time to align priorities and identify needed actions to safeguard life on this planet, including for the world's poorest and most vulnerable populations. UNDP is pleased to be working closely with the Convention Secretariat at this critical juncture to undertake strategic planning for post-Nagoya initiatives."
Author: Rachael Bristow | Climate Action
Image: http://www.bluewakiki.com | flickr
