Biodiversity and Climate Change Inextricably Linked

2009/12/11

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 ICLEI Africa Secretariat 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.

For more details, download the press statement.

You can also download the following presentations:

Kobie Brand - Director, ICLEI Africa Secretariat

Mr Tim Christophersen - Programme Officer for Forest Biodiversity, SCBD