Convention on Biological Diversity Urges Action on Water-Related Ecosystems

David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, marked World Water Day 2023 by reminding the world that our lives depend on water, and water depends on biodiversity. 

In a video statement, Mr. Cooper highlighted that rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests, mountains, and other ecosystems play vital roles in the global water cycle and underpin water supply and quality, while guarding against water-related hazards and disasters.

Unfortunately, these ecosystems are among the most threatened in the world due to land-use change, over-exploitation, pollution, and other threats. 

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in December 2022, aims to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity, sustain water-related ecosystem services, and support Sustainable Development Goal 6 and other SDGs. Achieving these targets will facilitate access to clean drinking water, support food security and human health, and help control flooding and extreme events.

Cooper urged all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, indigenous peoples, and local communities, to take action and achieve the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework.