UN member states pledge to integrate biodiversity, climate change, pollution concerns into all policies in the ministerial statement adopted at the UN Environment Assembly
Photo: @AminaJMohammed/ Twitter
The resumed high-level session of the United Nations Environment Assembly concluded in Nairobi recently, with the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration reflecting concerns of the UN member states on the risk for future pandemics and other health risks, if the destruction of nature continued at an unprecedented rate.
The declaration of environment ministers is titled Strengthening actions for the environment to achieve the SDGs, It was stressed that it was urgent to stop the global decline in biodiversity and fragmentation of habitats.
The ministerial declaration, which was adopted after two years’ of discussions and deliberations acknowledged the crucial role of nature in ensuring sustainable economic, social and environmental development.
In April 2020UN member states were asked for their opinions on the overarching theme of UNEA’s high-level segment. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must strengthen our actions for nature.
A draft document was created based on the views of the member states. zero draftOctober 2020. The 13th of December 2021 is the first full draft ministerial declaration was shared by the United Nations Environmental Programme president with all member states and stakeholders.
This was based on concerns raised by Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services about more than a million threatened or endangered species.
Even as the UN member states voiced these concerns over threat to biodiversity, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also flagged the impact of changing climate on extinction of plants and animal species in its recent report.
Ministerial statement urged for greater protection of wild animals and habitats in light of the possibility of deadly pathogens spreading to humans.
In their statement, the environment ministers called for the integration of ecosystem protection and public health policies.
World-wide, about one-fourth of the total land area has been degraded according to UN estimates. The ministers expressed concern over the effects of land degradation, desertification, and droughts, particularly in the most vulnerable nations, but they also called for the recognition of practices that restore land and soil.
These have the potential for positive socioeconomic change, protection of ecosystems, climate adaptation, and acceleration for several Sustainable Development Goals, according to the ministerial declaration.
On behalf of UN member states, the environment ministers acknowledged that the world had not achieved the 2020 goal for sound chemical management, as agreed under the Strategic Approach To International Chemicals Management.
But the unsound management of chemicals and waste continues to threaten the environment and our health. COVID-19, which addresses the issue of single-use plastics and disinfectant chemical use, added to the problem.
The pandemic has been held responsible for increasing pollution in the environment with harmful effect on human and animal health, According to studies.
There is a need for transformative policy framework to address the environmental, economic and social challenges. According to the statement, it is important to redirect financial flows in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals using innovative, holistic approaches that truly value the environment.
So, UN member countries, including India, are committed to promoting inclusive, sustainable recovery, a fair and just transition. This would help to revitalize the economy, improve livelihoods, and end poverty.
They also agreed to incorporate biodiversity, climate change, and pollution concerns into all policies, tools, and programs.
They agreed to reduce non-carbon greenhouse gas emission and adapt to climate changes in accordance to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The declaration stated that the Sustainable Development Goals will be achieved by promoting and strengthening ecosystem-based strategies and nature-based solutions.
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