Biodiversity and Climate Change are Inextricably Linked

On the 9 December 2009, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability hosted an afternoon ‘Biodiversity Session’ in the Local Government LOUNGE, in the Bella Centre in Denmark, during the COP15 climate change talks. The event was facilitated by the ICLEI Africa Secretariat’s Director, Kobie Brand. She announced ICLEI’s intent to launch a new global mobilisation initiative, ‘The Local Government Biodiversity Roadmap’. This initiative will advocate for the adoption of a comprehensive Plan of Action for Local Biodiversity Action at the UN CBD COP10, set to take place in Nagoya, Japan in October 2010.

During a panel discussion, panelists, which included scientists, ICLEI partners and local government representatives, recognised the multiple linkages between environmental issues such as biodiversity protection, climate change, urbanization, and poverty alleviation. They emphasized the need to recognise that earth is not a mechanism; but indeed a very complex system that humans tamper with on a daily basis. Biodiversity and climate change are inextricably linked and this connection need to be reinforced on an international and at local level. Suggested paths for improvement included relevant capacity building, environmental education, community based decision making and direct investment in the environment.

Download the Press Statement for more information on the outcomes of this event.

Presentations are available here:

Kobie Brand - Director, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability - Africa Secretariat

Mr Tim Christophersen - Programme Officer for Forest Biodiversity, SCBD