In a significant move for global environmental efforts, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Astrid Schomaker of Germany as the new Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Schomaker’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to addressing biodiversity loss and implementing the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
As the new head of the world’s foremost multilateral environmental agreement on biodiversity, Schomaker is tasked with transforming the ambitious goals of the Biodiversity Plan, adopted in December 2022, into concrete actions. The four pillars of the plan—Protect and Restore, Prosper with Nature, Share Benefits Fairly, and Invest and Collaborate—will guide her priorities in steering global efforts towards a sustainable future.
The upcoming 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP 16), scheduled from October 21 to November 1, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, will be a critical milestone. By then, member countries are expected to submit revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) aligned with the new framework. These strategies are crucial in guiding national policies to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
Closing the biodiversity finance gap remains a pressing challenge. In the lead-up to COP 16, developed nations are anticipated to increase biodiversity-related international financial resources to at least $20 billion per year by 2025. Achieving the targets of the Biodiversity Plan by 2030 requires not only existing funds but also additional investments through mechanisms like the Global Environment Facility and the newly established Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.
David Cooper, who has been serving as the acting Executive Secretary since February 2023, will continue in his role until Schomaker assumes her duties. With Schomaker’s leadership, there is renewed optimism for global collaboration in conserving biodiversity, a mission critical to the health of our planet and future generations.
The Convention on Biological Diversity, opened for signature in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and entering into force in December 1993, is an international treaty aimed at the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. With 196 Parties, it boasts near-universal participation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
