Nairobi, 3 March 2022 –The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, jointly announced today the establishment of a Multi-Partner Trust Fund on Nature for Health.
Announced on World Wildlife Day, the Fund – through an initial contribution of 50 million Euros from Germany’s International Climate Initiative(IKI) brings together leaders from UN agencies, intergovernmental organisations, and civil society groups working in the area of environment and health. UNEP is the example. SCBDThe UN Development Programme(UNDP), World Health Organization(WHO), World Organization for Animal Health(OIE), International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN and the EcoHealth Alliance. The Fund will then be administered by UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office.
The Fund will assist countries in achieving more holistic policymaking through further evidence of the connections between biodiversity, climate, and health. It will also support decision makers and other relevant actors to take preventative measures to avoid future pandemics. By applying enhanced One HealthApproaches, the Fund aims at improving policies and cross-sector collaboration.
“Above all, the Multi-Partner Trust Fund will focus on implementation. Implementation of preventive One Health policies and actions at the local, regional, and national levels. It is necessary to work together to develop the full potential of biodiversity to contribute to our health and well-being across the planet,” said Steffi Lemke, German Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection.
“The global pandemic has revealed how interconnected nature and human well-being are. We need a true One Health approach to address the triple global crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. This is the only way to secure the health and well-being for current and future generations,” said Inger Andersen, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNEP.
The Fund will help accelerate implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health.
“The post-2020 global biodiversity framework is our prescription for putting nature on a path to recovery. The Multi-Partner Trust Fund will help accelerate the adoption of the CBD draft Global Action Plan for Biodiversity and Health. This will be discussed at COP-15. This is precisely the type of partnerships needed to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity and advance the health of people alongside the health of the planet,” said Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The Fund invites countries, donors, and other interested parties to join this initiative to invest in nature to prevent the next epidemic. To support the Fund, please contact [email protected].
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the United Nations Environment Programme
Since its inception in 1972 the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has been the global leader in setting the environmental agenda and promoting the implementation of sustainable development’s environmental dimension within the United Nations system. It also serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment issues. UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
About the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological DiversityThe Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), was signed at the Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. It entered into force on 29/12/93. It is the first international agreement to address all aspects of biological biodiversity: the conservation and sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing the benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources. The Convention on Biological Diversity’s Secretariat (SCBD) was established in support of its goals. Its primary functions include organizing meetings, preparing reports, assisting member governments in the implementations of the various programmes, coordination with international organizations, and collecting and disseminating information.
About the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, BMUV
The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection(BMUV) is responsible to a variety of government policies, which are reflected in its name. The ministry has been protecting the public from radiation and environmental toxins for over 30 years. It also works to encourage the efficient and wise use of raw materials, advance climate action, and ensure that natural resource are used in a manner that preserves biodiversity and their habitats. The BMUV is responsible for protecting the environment and nature, as well implementing consumer protection policies, since December 2021. The BMUV shapes the future’s core issues that are centered on people and their environments. It drives economic, ecological and social modernisation. Climate action remains a key issue for BMUV, with a focus in natural climate solutions, climate adaptation, and resource policy.
About World Wildlife Day
To celebrate the magnificent array of our world’s flora and fauna, and to raise awareness of the constant threat that our wildlife is under, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 March – the day of the adoption of CITES – as UN World Wildlife Day. Since 2014, this day has been celebrated every year. The theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day is “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration”.
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Keishamaza Rukikaire is Head of News and Media at the United Nations Environment Programme