The biggest challenge of the 21st century is the preservation of biological diversity. Currently, about 25% of the species on the planet are endangered, which are all part of the ecosystem on which humans quality of life depends. According to the Planetary Boundaries report, we have already surpassed safe limits and urgently need to reverse the current trends to prevent the sixth mass extinction. There is no simple solution to a problem of this magnitude. Everyone needs to get involved.
International agreement which aims to protect the diversity of species on Earth is Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It was initiated and signed in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) by 168 countries and now has been ratified by 195 states and the EU. This means the agreement is legally binding across the globe.
The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community’s growing commitment to sustainable development and has three main goals: conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
Currently, the international community is preparing of a new post-2020 global biodiversity framework, based on negotiations that will take place during the year leading up to the UN Biodiversity Conference #COP15.
On this occasion the international network Friends of the Earth has prepared a short and simple publication about biodiversity, its importance and threats, CBD and how organizations and individuals can get involved and contribute to the future strategy for protection of biodiversity.