The United Nations has warned that countries are falling behind on efforts to protect the world’s plants, animals and ecosystems, with fewer than half of national biodiversity targets currently on track.
In a report released on Thursday, October 15, the UN highlighted gaps in global efforts to meet conservation commitments ahead of the COP17 biodiversity conference scheduled to take place in Yerevan, Armenia.
The assessment examines countries’ progress towards protecting biodiversity and implementing commitments under the global framework adopted to address the loss of nature.
The warning comes as governments face growing pressure to strengthen conservation policies and accelerate action to protect ecosystems threatened by human activities.
Biodiversity loss affects the natural systems that support food production, clean water, livelihoods and economic activity. The decline of species and degradation of habitats can also undermine the resilience of communities that depend directly on natural resources.
The UN said the findings highlighted the need for countries to strengthen their national plans and translate existing commitments into concrete action.
The upcoming COP17 conference is expected to provide governments with an opportunity to review progress and discuss the steps needed to advance global biodiversity goals.
The assessment also places renewed attention on the gap between countries’ stated conservation ambitions and the measures being implemented to achieve them.
