The world’s biodiversity is in steep decline, with thousands of species facing existential threats, dwindling forests, and dying coral reefs hence the urgency for protection and conservation heeded with the launch of Kunming Biodiversity Fund. This crisis puts humanity in jeopardy, as some 1.2 billion people depend on nature to meet their basic needs, and over half the world’s GDP relies on natural resources.
In response, the global community has adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) under the leadership of China. This comprehensive plan aims to protect biodiversity and, in turn, safeguard humanity.
Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), expressed gratitude to China for its leadership and partnership with UNEP in launching the Kunming Biodiversity Fund.
This new fund, co-chaired by China and UNEP, is pivotal for the effective implementation of the GBF. “A plan is only as good as its implementation, and implementation can only happen with sufficient resources,” Andersen emphasized.
The initiative calls for a holistic approach, involving all levels of society and government. Founding UN partners include the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Development Programme.
The fund welcomes all UN agencies to join in supporting developing countries in achieving a sustainable future for both people and nature. As co-chair of the fund, UNEP is working to coordinate efforts across various biodiversity, chemical, and regional seas conventions.
Andersen further stated that to ensure success, it is crucial to involve local communities who interact with and utilize natural resources, guaranteeing they benefit equitably from sustainable use. Key sectors, particularly food, agriculture, and extractive industries, must also take meaningful action. “We all depend on nature, so I invite public and private partners to grow the fund,” Andersen urged.
She further added that investing in nature through the GBF and the Kunming Biodiversity Fund is not only an environmental necessity but also a smart economic decision. Nature acts as the green engine driving global economies. Sustainable and equitable use of natural resources will ensure this engine continues to propel humanity toward a better future.
