Biodiversity, the living fabric of the Planet — UNESCO

By Abdulrahman Abdullahi

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has commented on the international day for biological diversity, noting that biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet.

The Organization noted that biodiversity underpins human wellbeing in the present and in the future, and its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike.

The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released in 2019 by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) at UNESCO, the main global drivers of biodiversity loss are climate change, invasive species, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution and urbanization.

The Global Report pointed out the responsibility of human activities in the loss of biodiversity, which amounted to 75% for terrestrial ecosystems.

UNESCO disclosed that the assessment also indicated that solutions existed and that it was not too late to act.

Part of the UNESCO statement reads “To halt or reverse this decline it is vital to transform people’s roles, actions and relationships with biodiversity.

“Many solutions exist: UNESCO’s diverse networks, programmes and partners have observed positive and inspiring seeds of change around the world. UNESCO also accompanies Member States and their people in their efforts to halt biodiversity loss by understanding, appreciating, safeguarding and using biodiversity sustainably.”

To this effect, the United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

This International Day is part of the year 2021 defined as a super year for biodiversity with major events planned (and for most postponed to a later date) such as the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity or the UN Biodiversity Forum.