International Day for Biological Diversity: 139 countries get head start on efforts to reverse species loss

International Day for Biological Diversity: 139 countries get headstart on efforts to reverse species loss

• 139 countries get funds to take fast action on nature ahead of global agreement on biodiversity.

 • National governments eligible for new grants of $300,000 from the GEF to update and align biodiversity protection plans with expert guidance from UNDP and UNEP.

 • Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework expected to be adopted later in 2022 will aim to halt and reverse biodiversity loss within a decade.

 With global biodiversity loss at dangerous levels, 139 countries have received a lifeline to fast-track efforts to conserve, protect and restore species and ecosystems as soon as a new global accord currently under negotiation is approved.

The new financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), totaling $43 million, will give developing countries the means to quickly put the anticipated Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework into practice and make headway towards the goal of halting and reversing species loss this decade. Supported with technical expertise from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the participating countries will work to analyse and align their national policies, targets, finance and monitoring systems to take effective action on global threats to biodiversity.

“We need to create a planetary safety net by putting nature at the heart of our global, national and local economies and development frameworks. Nature underpins half the world’s jobs and livelihoods, is the foundation for national food and water security, and is essential for tackling our climate crisis. Investing in early actions on nature is a triple win for people and the planet,” stated UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is currently in its final negotiation stages, with the fourth and final meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Framework to be held from 21 to 26 June in Nairobi, Kenya.