Over 100 countries sign Kunming Declaration on biodiversity conservation

What is the news? 

The “Kunming Declaration” was adopted by over 100 countries in the ongoing virtual 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD). 

The theme of the COP-15 is “Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth”. 

COP15 is being held to review the achievement and delivery of the CBD’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

What are the key points in Kunming Declaration?

It calls upon the parties to “mainstream” biodiversity protection in decision-making and recognise the importance of conservation in protecting human health. 

They should ensure that the post-pandemic recovery plans contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, promoting sustainable and inclusive development. 

The declaration expects signatory nations to synchronize Biodiversity plans with the three UN decades program which are on ‘Sustainable Development’, ‘Ecosystem Restoration’, ‘Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’. 

Note: Conference of Parties (CoP) is the governing body of the Convention, and advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings. 

Source: This post is based on the article “Over 100 countries sign Kunming Declaration on biodiversity conservation” published in “Down To Earth” on 13th October 2021.