“ Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history – and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating “, according to the Summary for Policymakers of the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. The report was approved at the 7th session of the plenary of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-7), which was held from 29 April to 4 May 2019 in Paris, France.
The report was released following a detailed assessment on deteriorating health of ecosystems, instigated by grave concerns about the accelerating extinction of species and the impact on people around the world. The assessment reveals that ecosystems, species, wild populations, local varieties and breeds of domesticated plants and animals are shrinking, deteriorating or vanishing. Taking cognizance of the complex factors surrounding damage to biodiversity, the report underscores the importance of articulating the history of the drivers for change across the globe, including social, demographic and economic factors. Compiled by some 150 expert authors from over 50 countries in the past three years, the assessment was described as the most comprehensive of its kind.
This report presents opportunities for achieving sustainability in areas that include agriculture, forestry, marine systems, freshwater systems, urban areas and energy, highlighting the importance of adopting an integrated approach for effective policies and mechanisms. It further calls for urgent action across the globe to transform and restore nature.
For more details about the report, please click here.
