COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) comes following the
recently concluded Climate Change and Wildlife Trade conferences, which are related
to biodiversity. CoP15.2 is long anticipated given the post-2020 Global
Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was supposed to be actioned between 2021 and 2030
but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This puts implementation of the
global strategy to halt biodiversity loss 2 years behind schedule.
The
African CSOs Biodiversity Alliance, a member of the CBD Alliance is also participating
in COP15. ACBA seeks to rally Africa CSOs to speak with one voice in matters of
Sustainable Use of Nature and also strongly encourage the Global Biodiversity Framework to equally reflect the three objectives of the CBD which are: Conservation
of biological Diversity, Sustainable use of its components and the fair and
equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic
resource.
In the opening plenary of
COP15, through the CBDA intervention, we stressed the need to “shift
towards sustainable food systems,
especially agroecology. We also reject the current agribusiness model that
involves risky biotechnologies, high inputs of pesticides and fertilizers and
threatens livelihoods, pollinators, soil and other fauna.”
We call upon different parties to consider our positions
as it is clear that “people of the world can only live in harmony with nature
if the CBD approves a GBF which is based upon environmental integrity and is
genuinely rights-based, gender-just and equitable.”
To read more about our opening statement please click here