World Wildlife Day: UNDP calls for partnerships to meet GBF 2030 target

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for partnerships that will promote the actualisation of the Global Biodiversity Framework target of 2030.

Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on a statement on Thursday, said it is a privilege to join close partner, CITES, to mark World Wildlife Day and the 50th Anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) coming into being.

He said, “We stand at a pivotal moment for people and planet where we must turn the historic commitments of the new Global Biodiversity Framework into action by 2030.

“Global emissions must be halved this decade to avert the existential threat posed by climate change.

“And we must accelerate on all fronts if we are to achieve the Global Goals.

“Crucially, going far and fast requires extra-ordinary partnerships. Partnerships that embrace different speeds.”

Speaking on wildlife protection, he said, “At UNDP, we know the major inroads that can be made to protect and restore wildlife through cooperation.

“For example, consider Argentina where wild jaguars are returning to habitats where they had been absent for 70 years as a result of efforts by local communities, the Global Environment Facility and UNDP.

“Or look to Ghana where UNDP is working with partners including the government, the Green Climate Fund, and the Global Shea Alliance to restore 500,000 hectares of savannah forest and shea parkland.”

He said, the new UNDP Nature Pledge is the organization’s commitment to support some 140 countries to meet their ambitious targets under the new Global Biodiversity Framework.