U.S. Edition: Conservation, Investment, adn Policy: Global Developments in Biodiversity
In a significant move, a Colombian environmental standard has launched a public consultation for the first conservation project registered under its biodiversity credit program, with plans to certify it in 2024. This initiative marks a pivotal step in the country’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity.
Meanwhile, New Zealand is urged to establish a biodiversity credit market to scale up investments in nature-based solutions (NbS), according to a leading global consultancy. This suggestion highlights the need for innovative financial mechanisms to support conservation efforts.
in Latin America, a regenerative agriculture fund, which dedicates up to 25% of its land to nature, has set its sights on raising $1.5 billion over a decade, following an initial $350 million fundraise. This aspiring goal underscores the growing interest in sustainable farming practices that benefit both the habitat and local economies.
The UN Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural development (IFAD) have joined forces to launch a program aimed at reducing the impact of agrifood systems on biodiversity and climate. This initiative seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices that protect natural habitats and mitigate climate change.
However, a recent examination by an NGO reveals that ten financial institutions have invested over $1.7 billion between 2021 and 2023 in two meatpacking companies linked to deforestation in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco. This revelation raises concerns about the role of financial institutions in driving environmental degradation.
Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) has recently invited proposals for initiatives worth R$109 million ($18 million) to support forest restoration in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. This move demonstrates Brazil’s commitment to restoring its vital ecosystems.
on the policy front, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has expressed alarm over the rapid increase in land aridification observed in recent decades. As negotiators in Riyadh seek solutions to this pressing issue, the UNCCD calls for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis.
Stay tuned for more updates from around the world,where businesses and governments are taking bold steps to protect and restore our planet’s biodiversity.
Bite-Sized Updates from Around the World
Business & Finance
Biodiversity Fund Takes Root – Privium Fund Management, based in the Netherlands, is set to launch a biodiversity impact fund with a target raise of €500 million in early 2025, according to Impact Investor. The Biodiversity impact Fund will concentrate on regenerative agriculture, sustainable forestry, ocean preservation, and sustainable fishing. Impact Orange partners is collaborating on the strategy, which has already received commitments from Dutch family offices.
Policy
Rewarded for Conservation – Norway will pay Indonesia $60 million following the Southeast Asian nation’s significant reduction in deforestation levels in 2019-20.Under a 2010 bilateral agreement, Norway compensates Indonesia at $5 per tonne of CO2 saved as the country decreases deforestation. Indonesia avoided 237 million tonnes of CO2 over 2019-20, and the payment is for a portion of those reductions, as reported by Carbon Pulse.
Dragonflies and Oysters Flourish – NatureScot, a Scottish government agency, has awarded grants totaling over £1 million to nature recovery projects in the country. The British Dragonfly Society received £225,238 to restore peatlands and bogs, benefiting rare dragonfly species. RSPB Scotland was granted £46,660 to enhance grasslands and hedgerows for house sparrows and blue butterflies. Additionally, Northbay Innovations will receive £63,061 to restore native oyster beds in Orkney.
The sydney Declaration – Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea signed an agreement on Thursday to establish a regional governance framework aimed at safeguarding the biodiversity of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS). This collaborative effort highlights the importance of regional cooperation in protecting marine ecosystems.
Eight Nations Unite to Combat Environmental Impact of Fashion and Construction Industries
Table of Contents
- Eight Nations Unite to Combat Environmental Impact of Fashion and Construction Industries
- Western Balkan Countries Urged to Expand Protected Natural Areas
- Indonesia, Australia, and PNG Sign Sydney Declaration on Marine protection
- UNDP and GEF Support Uzbekistan in Aligning National Biodiversity Strategy
- Shark Populations Decline by Over 50% Due to Overfishing
- Only a Quarter of Tropical Rainforests Remain Intact
- Eight Nations Unite to Combat Environmental Impact of Fashion and Construction Industries
- Western Balkan Countries Urged to Expand Protected Natural Areas
- Indonesia, Australia, and PNG Sign Sydney Declaration on Marine Protection
- UNDP and GEF Support Uzbekistan in aligning national Biodiversity Strategy
In a significant move to address the environmental impact of two of the world’s most chemical-intensive sectors, eight countries have joined a $340 million initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The six-year program aims to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the fashion and construction industries. The participating nations include Cambodia,Costa rica,Ecuador,india,Mongolia,Pakistan,Peru,and Trinidad and Tobago.
The initiative, which also involves the food and Agriculture Association (FAO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), seeks to implement sustainable practices and reduce the use of harmful chemicals in these industries. This collaborative effort underscores the global commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible industrial practices.
Western Balkan Countries Urged to Expand Protected Natural Areas
Prague-based campaign group CEE Bankwatch has called on Western Balkan governments to expand their national networks of Emerald sites under the Bern Convention. The bern Convention aims to advance biodiversity protection efforts in Europe, with a target of protecting 35% of the species and habitats covered by the convention by 2030. Though, most Western Balkan countries are lagging behind this goal.
According to CEE Bankwatch, Bosnia and Herzegovina has only protected 0.7% of its species and habitats, Serbia has reached 13.5%, North Macedonia has achieved 16%, and Montenegro stands at 16.3%. These figures highlight the urgent need for increased efforts to meet the 2030 target and protect biodiversity in the region.
Indonesia, Australia, and PNG Sign Sydney Declaration on Marine protection
Local media reported that Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed the Sydney Declaration, a strategic action plan aimed at addressing key environmental and fisheries challenges in the Arafura and Timor Seas. The nine-year plan (2024–2033) focuses on combating illegal fishing practices, tackling marine pollution, and promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
The Sydney Declaration represents a significant step towards regional cooperation and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fisheries management.
UNDP and GEF Support Uzbekistan in Aligning National Biodiversity Strategy
the UN development Programme (UNDP) has signed an agreement with the uzbekistan government to help the country align its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project will run until July 2027, according to Uzbekistan Daily.
This initiative aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s efforts in biodiversity conservation and align them with global standards, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.
A recent study published in the journal Science has revealed that overfishing has led to a decline of over 50% in the populations of sharks, rays, and chimaeras since 1970. The analysis, carried out by scientists from the IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group, Simon Fraser University, James Cook University, and the Georgia Aquarium, is based on the first global reassessment of IUCN Red List Status published in 2021.
Researchers developed an aquatic Red List Index (RLI), showing that the risk of extinction for these species has increased by 19%. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for stronger conservation measures to protect these vital marine species.
Only a Quarter of Tropical Rainforests Remain Intact
Only a quarter of the world’s remaining tropical rainforests are of high quality, according to recent reports. These ecosystems, which are crucial for biodiversity and carbon sequestration, face significant threats from deforestation, logging, and other human activities. The loss of these rainforests not only impacts global biodiversity but also contributes to climate change.
Efforts to protect and restore these vital ecosystems are critical for maintaining the health of our planet and ensuring a sustainable future.
U.S. readers, brace yourselves for a groundbreaking revelation in the realm of forest conservation. A recent study, published in the esteemed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has shed light on the critical state of forest-dependent vertebrates’ habitats.Led by researchers at the University of Queensland, the study reveals that while a staggering 90% of forest cover remains within the ranges of these creatures, only a quarter of it is of high quality, a crucial factor in mitigating extinction risks.
james Watson, a professor at the University of Queensland and a co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of high-quality forest habitats. “The quality of the forest is just as important as its presence,” he stated. “High-quality forests provide the necessary resources and shelter for forest-dependent vertebrates, significantly reducing their risk of extinction.”
The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to focus not only on the quantity of forest cover but also on its quality. As climate change and human activities continue to impact natural habitats, ensuring that the remaining forests are healthy and thriving becomes paramount.
For those interested in contributing to the conversation or seeking further insights, feel free to email us. Your feedback and tips are invaluable in our ongoing coverage of environmental issues.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have teamed up to launch a program aimed at reducing the impact of agrifood systems on biodiversity and climate. This initiative seeks to promote enduring agricultural practices that protect natural habitats and mitigate climate change.
Though, a recent examination by an NGO reveals that ten financial institutions have invested over $1.7 billion between 2021 and 2023 in two meatpacking companies linked to deforestation in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco. This revelation raises concerns about the role of financial institutions in driving environmental degradation.
Brazil’s national Bank for Economic and social Development (BNDES) has invited proposals for initiatives worth R$109 million ($18 million) to support forest restoration in the Amazon and atlantic Forest.This move demonstrates Brazil’s commitment to restoring its vital ecosystems.
On the policy front, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has expressed alarm over the rapid increase in land aridification observed in recent decades. As negotiators in Riyadh seek solutions to this pressing issue, the UNCCD calls for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis.
Stay tuned for more updates from around the world, were businesses and governments are taking bold steps to protect and restore our planet’s biodiversity.
Bite-Sized Updates from Around the World
Business & Finance
Biodiversity Fund Takes Root – Privium Fund Management, based in the Netherlands, is set to launch a biodiversity impact fund with a target raise of €500 million in early 2025, according to Impact Investor. The biodiversity Impact Fund will concentrate on regenerative agriculture, sustainable forestry, ocean preservation, and sustainable fishing. Impact Orange partners is collaborating on the strategy, which has already received commitments from Dutch family offices.
Policy
Rewarded for Conservation – Norway will pay Indonesia $60 million following the Southeast asian nation’s significant reduction in deforestation levels in 2019-20. Under a 2010 bilateral agreement,Norway compensates Indonesia at $5 per tonne of CO2 saved as the country decreases deforestation. Indonesia avoided 237 million tonnes of CO2 over 2019-20, and the payment is for a portion of those reductions, as reported by Carbon Pulse.
Dragonflies and Oysters Flourish – NatureScot, a Scottish government agency, has awarded grants totaling over £1 million to nature recovery projects in the country. The British Dragonfly Society received £225,238 to restore peatlands and bogs, benefiting rare dragonfly species. RSPB Scotland was granted £46,660 to enhance grasslands and hedgerows for house sparrows and blue butterflies. Additionally, Northbay Innovations will receive £63,061 to restore native oyster beds in Orkney.
The Sydney Declaration – Indonesia, Australia, and papua New Guinea signed an agreement on Thursday to establish a regional governance framework aimed at safeguarding the biodiversity of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS). This collaborative effort highlights the importance of regional cooperation in protecting marine ecosystems.
Eight Nations Unite to Combat Environmental Impact of Fashion and Construction Industries
In a significant move to address the environmental impact of two of the world’s most chemical-intensive sectors, eight countries have joined a $340 million initiative led by the United Nations Habitat Program (UNEP).The six-year program aims to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the fashion and construction industries.The participating nations include Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru, and Trinidad and tobago.
The initiative, which also involves the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), seeks to implement sustainable practices and reduce the use of harmful chemicals in these industries. This collaborative effort underscores the global commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible industrial practices.
Western Balkan Countries Urged to Expand Protected Natural Areas
Prague-based campaign group CEE bankwatch has called on Western Balkan governments to expand their national networks of Emerald sites under the Bern Convention. The Bern Convention aims to advance biodiversity protection efforts in Europe, with a target of protecting 35% of the species and habitats covered by the convention by 2030. However, most Western Balkan countries are lagging behind this goal.
According to CEE Bankwatch,bosnia and Herzegovina has only protected 0.7% of its species and habitats, Serbia has reached 13.5%, North Macedonia has achieved 16%, and Montenegro stands at 16.3%. These figures highlight the urgent need for increased efforts to meet the 2030 target and protect biodiversity in the region.
Indonesia, Australia, and PNG Sign Sydney Declaration on Marine Protection
Local media reported that Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed the Sydney declaration, a strategic action plan aimed at addressing key environmental and fisheries challenges in the Arafura and Timor seas. The nine-year plan (2024–2033) focuses on combating illegal fishing practices, tackling marine pollution, and promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
The Sydney Declaration represents a significant step towards regional cooperation and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fisheries management.
UNDP and GEF Support Uzbekistan in aligning national Biodiversity Strategy
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has signed an agreement with the Uzbekistan government to help the country align its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Funded by the global Environment Facility (GEF), the project will run until July 2027, according to Uzbekistan Daily.
this initiative aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s efforts in biodiversity conservation and align them with global standards, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.
